Clouds and Memories

New blog

2008-01-07T09:05:00.000+11:00

Moving across to wordpress as I am not a huge fan of blogger. Check out the new blog at:
http://otgl.wordpress.com/

It is not yet in the shape I want nor have I imported posts but this will occur gradually, especially if I continue to be unemployed :)

Environment and the election - how do the parties rate?

2007-10-17T22:02:00.001+10:00

I saw a survey come out from ACF rating the major political parties on their environment commitment and thought it would be a useful thing for everyone to look at. There is so much rhetoric over the environment that I believe its useful to see the opinion of a respected environmental NGO.

See: http://www.acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=1439

Two remarks:

1. Given that climate change and related environmental issues are the greatest challenge that our generation faces the current rating of the major parties is pathetic. Where is the vision, where is the will that is needed? It will be interesting to see how the ratings evolve over the campaign.

2. It is good to see that the Democrats are given the recognition they deserve as a pro-environment party (90/100). A lot of people don't realise that the Democrats have been and continue to be very strong on environmental issues.

Feel free to challenge me on any of the above points, always happy to argue.

My poor basil

2007-10-17T09:38:00.000+10:00

Look what happened when TR left!*

* if more than 4 people understand this I will be amazed

With the right to cycle comes a responsibility

2007-10-16T23:30:00.000+10:00

Swanston st, trams, people getting on trams, me getting on tram.

Idiot cyclist.

I was walking across from the pavement towards the door and there is a cyclist trying to wend his way through about 20 - 30 people so he could be on his way. He needed to put the brakes on so he didn't crash straight into me and gave me a glare. I yelled at him (in my very well adjusted and non-agressive fashion) that he needed to stop at a tram. His response over his shoulder 'I'm a cyclist!'

Reponses like that infuriate me. I yelled something back at him but he was already off . If we, as cyclists, expect respect on the roads at the same level as vehicles (which we are by law) then we need to obey the same rules. Of course many rules can be bent, everyone does it. But blatantly trying to sneak past a tram on the left, slightly after peak hour with a large amount of people trying to get off isn't one of them! I have no issue with people gently coasting past the tram so they can get ready for the green light, but wait until the doors are closed or people seem to have finished boarding.

Things like this just give cyclists a bad name and are plain wrong. Its just as dangerous as a car doing it, worse in some senses as you expect there to be some sort of acknowledgment between pedestrians and cyclists that they are both fairly exposed to moving vehicles.

End rant.

The 11th Hour - some thoughts

2007-10-09T23:06:00.001+10:00

I was at a movie fundraiser tonight to see 'The 11th Hour' narrated by Leonardo Di Caprio.

I won't do a full review suffice to say EVERYONE MUST SEE THIS MOVIE.

Sure its not brilliant, it can be a bit preachy, there are lots of talking heads but despite this it outlines the problem of climate change and some solutions. Even if you know the problems watch it again to be reminded why we need to stand up and try and make a difference. If you don't know much about climate change then watch it to get an idea then go and do some research yourself.

The most powerful message is that it falls to us, the generations alive now, to make the changes necessary, to meet the problem. Again I challenge each and every one of you to spread the word and try and make a difference, in whichever way that you best can. There is no second chance (not for humanity anyway).

Politics and 'new media'

2007-08-12T20:47:00.000+10:00

Well we are moving onwards to the federal election although no-one has an exact idea of when it is. There are a lot of good reasons for a reform of parts of our electoral system and fixed terms are definitely one of them. It is just another benefit to the incumbent which democracy could do without. For everyone's information technically we could have an election as late as January.

Anyway, onto the bulk of the post. There has been a lot said in the 'old media' recently about new media and how the major parties are jumping on board. What all of these reporters have ignored is the fact that other parties also use these channels but as always it seems that they are so focused on the big 2 or extremist minors that they propagate the adversarial 2 party system. So, if you want to check out what the party I support is doing check-out:

Blogs
http://www.lynallison.blogspot.com/
http://andrewbartlett.com/blog/ (Highly recommended)

Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/lynallison

YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/lynallison
http://www.youtube.com/user/australiandemocrats

You can even sign up to updates on Democrat's campaigns and what is going on in the Senate through the main website at www.democrats.org.au or check out the state sites. I'd recommend it so you can see the legislation that seems to slip through with very little fanfare, I hope everyone knows that we pretty much have new anti-terrorism laws...

If you like what you read in any of the above you should comment, rate the video's or forward the links onto your friends. The more knowledge any of us has the better.

Comment on Photos

2007-07-22T12:17:00.000+10:00

As you can probably tell I really enjoyed New Zealand.

Having a bit of difficulty posting photos well as Blogger is a little clumsy so I think at the moment this is the best I can do. I have over 300 other photos so I guess the real message is if you want to see the rest you'll have to visit!!

Wellington

2007-07-22T12:16:00.000+10:00

Taupo - Taupo Bungy, Orakei Korako, Craters of the Moon

2007-07-22T12:12:00.000+10:00

Rotorua & Taupo

2007-07-22T12:10:00.000+10:00

Sky Tower - Auckland

2007-07-22T12:06:00.000+10:00

Auckland

2007-07-04T17:44:00.000+10:00

View from Rangitoto Summit

Skytower Floor

Devonport

Old job-searches

2007-06-09T12:17:00.000+10:00

I was just tidying up various paperwork because I've finished exams for this semester (woo-hoo!!) and came across a whole lot of old resumes and letters from when I was searching for jobs about 3-4 years ago. I guess it fades with time how difficult it was to get jobs back at home over summer breaks, from memory I was never successful. Looking at all the checklists and resumes I wonder if I would do any better now...

I guess I have graduated now and have a lot more experience but its weird looking at how much effort I put into trying to get a summer job, especially in the area I was trained in.

Nostalgia. Guess it just proves that I keep far too many records. :)

carbon offsetting

2007-06-07T23:42:00.000+10:00

I booked a flight today and thought I would look at offsetting the emissions. Very easy to do, there is a link straight off the travel agent I used to a company (www.cleanerclimate.com) that will offset the emissions for you. I'm assuming they are reputable if a major travel agency is advertising them. Interestingly the carbon offset has nothing to do with planting trees, instead it looks like they sponsor renewable energy projects and energy efficiency measures in developing countries subject to the relevant UN and international guidelines. Intriguing and I guess better in a lot of ways as planting trees doesn't immediately offset carbon, instead slowly taking it up over time.

Worth a look if you are planning to fly anywhere, my flight isn't far away so the offset doesn't really cost much at all. To head off any arguments about why we might offset emissions from flight rather than our other everyday travel I guess it is because flight generates so many emissions compared to other things we do (although I am too lazy to look up any stats). Its also a more unusual activity that we don't undertake regularly so a lot easier to offset than emissions from our lifestyle which we also have other ways to manage.

The difficulty of getting live soccer scores

2007-06-02T20:17:00.001+10:00

I don't know if anyone else cares but the Socceroos are playing Uruguay tonight in Sydney, just a friendly but its only showing on Fox (disgraceful, who has fox aside from pubs?). I can't find a radio broadcast so I thought at the very least I could monitor the scores on Football Federation Australia's 'live' page. Aside from crashing every couple of minutes it still says that kick-off is only a few minutes away...seems fair enough until you realise kick-off was meant to be 20 minutes ago. Arghh!!!! Although to be fair maybe all communications to Sydney have been jammed, it could happen...

Update 10.36PM - well, the 'live' score updates didn't seem to eventuate all night, think there would be quite a few annoyed people out there. The site did seem to go down quite a lot.

Interesting Slogan

2007-05-31T10:49:00.000+10:00

Not sure if I saw this on another blog a while ago but I was just working on an assignment and happen to be at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (formerly DIMIA) and noticed the slogan on the bottom left corner of the website. The slogan is 'people our business'.

Interesting slogan for a government department, reducing people to merely a business, trading them to the US for some others etc... It just seems so dehumanising to me. Anyone else have any thoughts?

2007-05-22T17:33:00.001+10:00

Room in transition.

Easter Holiday photos

2007-04-16T18:35:00.000+10:00

I went down to the beach over Easter and thought I would share some of the photos with you all, enjoy!!

Sunset at Venus Bay

Glance toward the Sea - Walkerville

Striving - Walkerville

L'il Jellies

Cape Liptrap

Sorry about the horrible presentation, it looked much better when I was setting it up.

Big Day Out and the Australian Flag

2007-01-22T08:03:00.000+11:00

I got up this morning and this 'issue' was all over the news. Talkback radio was busy on the topic, there are pieces in the paper, I've heard quotes from various prominent politicians. So I checked out the Big Day Out website and all I can say is How is this news or an issue? I mean it is January but still....

Look at the politicians trying to score cheap political points off the backs of music lovers!!! I mean I'm not surprised, cynically our leaders love to grab points off pretty much anything populist. Based on the BDO website ' We are not banning the Australian flag but are simply discouraging its use for anti-social purposes at the Big Day Out.'

I can see how the Australian Flag can be thrust in peoples faces or used in an aggressive nationalistic fashion (especially by people who have had a day of loud music, high temperatures and a few drinks). Isn't this kind of alienation and aggression something we should discourage? But I guess Australia Day is close and thus criticising the country is definitely off limits.

Climate Change Protests

2006-11-05T10:54:00.000+11:00

I attended the Walk against Warming yesterday and it was inspirational seeing so many people give up their afternoons to demonstrate on this issue. The message was similar to that which we have been hearing for years, we need to do something and we need to do it now. The government cannot remain deaf forever, and whether they act or not we too need to act in our own lives.

So, on that note I thought I'd suggest several things we can do in our own lives in relation to this issue (hopefully providing some momentum):

1. Change to Green Power - no more guilt about using all those technological devices in your home, it also encourages you to conserve more power as the price of power increases and you can change over without even leaving your house. Plus, most providers have differing levels of green power depending on your budget, the lowest levels are only marginal increases in your power bill.

2. Improve energy efficiency and conservation in your home - lights, stand-by and all those usual methods.

3. Public Transport and cycling - Especially in Melbourne, lots of bike tracks.

4. Spread the word - family, friends, local members etc.

Also, check out various websites and get educated, for more info check out the Australian Conservation Foundations website, they have a free climate change kit that they will send out to you if you are interested. Also, a lot of other environmental groups have large amounts of information on this issue, ie: WWF-Australia as well as various political parties, ie: Australian Democrats or the Australian Greens.

Apologies about being preachy but I think a threat like this requires it, good luck.

Cairns Holiday

2006-09-16T02:03:00.000+10:00

As I can't sleep at the moment I thought I would post several photos from my recent family holiday up to sunny Queensland. Obviously I should probably investigate a better way of showing these photos than just through a basic blog but feeling lazy so this is all you get at the moment.

Daintree Rainforest

Mossman Gorge - Daintree

A Flower - guess where...

Taken at one of the stops on the Kuranda Scenic Railroad.

Another shot taken in the Daintree

I think that's about it for now due to my adherence to my usual policy of not using photos with people in them.

Take care everyone.

Climate Change doco on Four Corners

2006-08-28T21:27:00.000+10:00

I just watched a documentary on Four Corners on the ABC (it will be up online from tomorrow morning apparently, definitely worth a watch) and it actually did kind of ease my fears about climate change a little bit. It is still an enormous worry to our world but there are a lot of options been investigated. The biggest fear is that Australia really lacks leadership. We should invest heavily in these technologies and become a world leader in them. That would provide us with a high-tech export, to go with the moral obligations that go with exporting such a polluting material as coal. Yet, our leaders in Canberra won't take a principled stand, too busy protecting their own vote. It seems like they are willing to make the next generation pay for their inaction, their lack of vision.

I am so fed up with it. Just watching our leader engage in political speak to deny everything when business is crying out for leadership makes me want to scream. Just take a stand and put real money into the issue. We may be a bit player but that doesn't mean we have to become international pariahs.

Hmmm...getting too polemical but sometimes the whole thing just makes me frustrated and pissed off. What can we do, is it a bottom-up or a top-down approach that is needed, or do we need a mix of both.

D

The World

2006-08-05T22:25:00.000+10:00

It seems the world is both so much larger and so much smaller than I ever imagined. So much to learn and comprehend. Exciting and worrying.

Knowledge, learning and stalemate

2006-07-31T21:55:00.000+10:00

What is the point of knowledge and ideas? It seems that as I am exposed to more knowledge and ideas that it just seems to open more doors and pathways. It's exciting, but also scary, how can anyone every truly understand our world/life/the universe? There is too much to know.

Given this, is knowledge a positive or negative force? Does knowing too much effectively stymie our options?

Case in point: The world has serious issues. I want to do something about it. What? Learning just seems to cause more questions to form? Macro, micro? Country, state, local level? Whose argument do I accept? What are the causes? What cascading effects will this cause? Can we change things or is it human nature to make a mess of the world? What is the point of the world anyway?

What is the point of helping our local community? Is that just self-interest, should we look beyond this?

Questions, questions, questions. This is what going back to university is doing to me. It's exciting but in some ways I think it can lead us to stalemating ourselves. Sometimes it seems as if a black and white world would be much simpler.

Time passes

2006-06-27T22:32:00.000+10:00

It just struck me the other day that I am getting older. So, at these points I guess it makes sense to ask ourselves, are we happy where we are? Do we feel like we've missed opportunities and chances that we should have taken? If we haven't been through the same experiences everyone else does this makes us unique or just weird?

Questions, questions, questions as usual.

Acceptance

2006-04-10T19:23:00.000+10:00

If we grow fed up with the world and accept it as it is does it mean that we are opting out? That we accept the world with all of its problems and issues. That we accept that we as individuals are powerless, that we have no influence?

If everyone does this how do we progress as a society, who does anything?

Personally I think when we accept we are voiceless we sell ourselves far to short and devalue ourselves. Obviously we can't be involved or passionate about everything, but just as self-evidently we can choose not to accept something...and realise that we as individuals always have choice and may make a difference. We can challenge.

Just idle ramblings as usual, must be the effects of returning to uni...and realising that there is so much of everything.

Politics

2006-03-19T12:00:00.000+11:00

As always long gaps in my entries, it seems whenever I have something to say I just never get round to posting it. But I think this issue is very important.

So, politics and political parties. I won't preach or rant and rave (at least not too much), but I think every single one of us has responsibilities in being part of a democratic society. If we want all the rights we are granted in our lucky country we have got to take an interest in the world around us, in our government, and its very sad that people seem to get so disillusioned and want to opt out of argument and debate. Sad that people feel so strongly but think that they can do nothing. Sad that they accept that the government does a lousy job and will get away with it.

My personal opinion, if you care enough or are frustrated, angry, passionate enough then you have to make a stand for something, in one way or another. You can't assume someone else will always stand in your place, or that they will know what you stand for. So the challenge to everyone is to question, to think and to act. To investigate how you can have a say. I challenge you to think about joining a political party and adding your voice to the chorus or to find your own way to interact.

so many things to say

2006-02-17T20:00:00.000+11:00

But too tired to write long passages of prose (probably even using the wrong words), so I will go with the paragraph bite.

1. Rent is awesome - no, not the movie (although I am sure that will be good too). But the stage production in St Kilda at the moment. If you are in Melbourne I urge you to go and support an 'amateur' theatre company performing a very moving and somewhat confronting rock musical.

2. Communication - the most important part in all of our relationships in everything we ever do.

3. Responsibility in government, is there such a thing? Furthermore, do we trust our government or are they just covering their own arses no matter the cost to us as a society and world? aka. the apparent gagging of the CSIRO and the revelations in four corners on industry lobbyists. I point no fingers and make no claims, I am limited to what I read and what I hear. But, how much do you trust them for our future?

Confusing phone companies

2006-02-02T21:12:00.000+11:00

Does anyone else think that telecommunications companies make it as hard as humanly possible to work out what they charge, what deals they have, whether you should go with them etc? I mean, what other companies try so hard to put off potential customers???

Granted, I am only looking at their websites, but that is the main point of call these days. Idiots.

Return to student-hood

2006-01-22T22:04:00.000+11:00

So it looks like I'm going back to university to do another undergraduate degree. Crazy huh, I already have a perfectly good degree from the same university.

But, I guess we make decisions for a reason and we can never tell where they will lead us. Where this degree goes I have no idea but I intend to at least peer down the path and have a look, the first steps so far have been promising.....so we shall see.

Recommended Book

2006-01-15T20:44:00.000+11:00

Highly recommended book:
Bill Bryson's - A short history of nearly everything

Very, very good read, it makes science kind of interesting and does cover briefly lots of things.

Everyone should read it.

Happy New Year

2006-01-02T08:57:00.000+11:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE.

So, I guess it is traditional at these times to write up our new years resolutions. It seems very cliched and all that but I did think of one serious one for myself:

Achieve my P Plates, I know, I don’t have them. Sad isn’t it. I have all sorts of excuses but it basically it boils down to me being lazy...oh well.

Another resolution is just something that I think might relate to everyone, well at least potentially:

To not live in regret, to enjoy every moment for what it is, not judging it by other peoples perspectives/experiences. Otherwise, we will never enjoy our own lives for what they are. Being completely honest, which of us can say we follow this...

Keep thinking everyone...and take time out for yourself...hard to do huh?

A Pause

2005-12-28T09:43:00.000+11:00

So I wrote this last night, as the day cooled down just enough for me to sit outside on the balcony, pen in hand with a breeze managing to move some of the hot Melbourne air, just pausing for a while.

The traffic slowly drives past, destination unknown. For me though it is the holidays, its funny working for the first time and coming to so many realisations. It actually does take time to wind down, and while you are working it is very hard to look up and see the real world, not to let human self-interest and work blind us. I ramble, but I am allowed, there are few lists and no deadlines at this present moment. These pauses are so necessary, in this crazy, busy, tortured world, to stop it all from being so overwhelming.

So, if you feel overwhelmed, pause and reflect. Feel the world around you, with you in it. Is there something beyond ourselves or are we each separate individuals, cut off from everything else? I don't know but its worth thinking...about this and so many other things.

Finally, enjoy any time off you may have, if you're feeling down or depressed for what it's worth I admire and respect you and I am sure many others do too. Every person teaches us something, to live is to learn, even if we are unaware of it.

excuses and holidays

2005-12-23T17:41:00.001+11:00

Ok so I haven't posted for ages. What with moving house and dial-up, plus the business of this time of year I have just have not gotten round to it. I did even write down a post the other day, I just didn't transcribe it when I was next on the internet. Oh well...

It's really too hot to think of much to say, except, to everyone have a very happy and pleasant holiday!!!!!

Hopefully I will see most of you within the next couple of weeks and if I don't enjoy the summer.

2005-11-06T20:44:00.000+11:00

Royal Exhibition Building

2005-11-06T17:20:00.000+11:00

A beautiful day, remember to relax

Anti-Terror Laws

2005-11-02T21:06:00.000+11:00

So, I never had a real idea about what I would put on this blog. For some reason it spans a whole range of areas...I didn't think I would mention politics and law having very little background in them (but I do like arguing the point).

But, the new anti-terror laws being rushed into Australian Law. I'm gonna say, 'very interesting', but this isn't going to be a rant, just some questions:

- How much will new laws actually stop terrorist attacks?
- How much will new laws actually stop this 'imminent' terrorist attack?
- How frequently will be they used?
- How many of our freedoms are being given up?
- How much debate has gone on?
- Is there a sunset clause?
- Who has overall power?
- Does the government actually see these laws ever been used?
- How do these laws correspond to other countries and what have their experiences been?
- Does the government have a clear mandate for making these decisions?
- How much do we trust Howard?

I mean, personally I am against these new laws in many senses, but in other ways they make sense. The real challenge to us is to never just ignore these things but to always question and think about them. Its part of living in a democracy. It would help if we trusted our government but....well...we will say Mr Howard is a political survivor and in the current fearful state of Australia he knows which levers to pull. It would be nice to see some real vision and inspiration in our leaders.

I know a bit of a cynic, but I'm still young enough to think of the future, and on so many levels I don't like what I see...but we will do our best.

Climate Change - Read this NOW!!!!

2005-10-24T18:41:00.000+10:00

I'm only halfway through reading this book but I feel moved to recommend it to absolutely everyone to read right now!!!

The Weather Makers - Tim Flannery

If any of this is true (and I think we can safely assume that at least some of it is) then we as a race need to move now. This is no time to think that the world's problems are so big that we can't do anything, or to assume someone else will take care of the problem for us. Each of us has a responsibility to spread the word, and to change our habits as best we can, ie: turn off lights, take public transport/ride, subscribe to green power, etc.

It would be sad if we drove ourselves extinct. and also rather humorous, from the perspective of someone on the outside.

2005-10-17T21:26:00.000+10:00

Melbourne

Decision-making

2005-09-11T09:10:00.000+10:00

At what point in our life do we stop making the hard decisions? Or is this something that we continue to do our whole life and the fact that other people seem to be happy and focussed is the result of their difficult decisions?

Is it that we just never see the choices they make because everyone only has a few trusted people who see the depth of the anguish and doubt that besets them. Something to think about.

I think these are the decisions that define us and that we should take the time to think about them and never be loath to make them. I regret not thinking about some of my choices about my future in the past, but that has led me to where I am today, where I am in a position to make the choices I need to. So, I guess everything happens for a reason.
For friends reading this I am not in crisis, I am just thoughtful and excited about what the future holds, something I never thought I would admit.

General comment on life

2005-09-04T13:34:00.000+10:00

I was just thinking of where I was in my life. I suddenly realise that I am content and happy at the moment. I mean, obviously not completely happy or content, but enough. I don't think we should ever be completely anything, life would be so boring.

But, somehow in the midst of all the angst and worry I have somehow made it to a point outside. I know at so many times you wonder where you are going, or wonder if you could have another shot at life. Should I have made this decision, should I have taken that path, where am I going, I'm useless, I've wasted my life?

Somehow, take a chance, take a step and see what happens. If you had of asked me in about March if I thought I would be happy like this or have grown into who I am now I would have said no, I have no idea where I am going, I have no idea if I will even make it. But somehow it happened. So, keep looking for that light at the end of the tunnel, and take a break for a while before continuing your journey. But, to be more realistic, tunnels are dark, maybe you should more imagine a campsite/inn along a long winding path in the gentle sunshine with storms occasionally raging around.

Look Both Ways

2005-09-04T13:30:00.000+10:00

As usual I seem to have left quite a large gap in my entries, oh well, life happens.

I just wanted to recommend a film that I saw last night down at Cinema Nova.

Look Both Ways.

I highly recommend the film to anyone that has ever wondered about death, or thought about how they would deal with it (or have dealt with it), so pretty much everyone. It was slightly uncomfortable sitting through the film, probably because I got so drawn into the lives of the characters. But, I guess that is the hallmark of quality movies, they make you feel uncomfortable and think about issues that you normally let your mind skirt.

So, a good thought-provoking Aussie film. Go see it.

The Bar at Buena Vista and Kung Fu Hustle

2005-08-21T10:04:00.000+10:00

Firstly, I highly recommend Kung Fu Hustle, it's fantastic, go see it.

But, to the real reason for this post, went and saw the Bar at Buena Vista last night. I'm not sure how I can describe it or do justice to it. Suffice to say, that their Diva was a real Diva, talk about stage presence. Also, their dancers were unbelievable, I'm sure humans weren't meant to move like that. Finally, I want to age like a Cuban musician with a lifetime of music behind me.

It's one of the best shows I've ever seen, they are all true performers and had the crowd laughing, screaming and clapping constantly. The music was great, pity we couldn't understand what they were saying, but it was still brilliant. And the old musicians cracking jokes that I'm sure weren't translated...again one of the best performances I have ever seen.

Graduation

2005-08-13T17:20:00.000+10:00

I never thought this day would come, its not something you really think about, at least I never did. I didn't take the idea of graduation very seriously until I actually went through it, and then it really did hit me so I thought I'd note down my random thoughts, as usual.

It's funny how you never realise exactly how crucial and pivotal this moment is for so many people. It's the end of the university career for many, I didn't expect it to affect me, but it did. Sitting there, in the hall with 300 odd other graduates you get kind of reflective. This moment in time, although just a moment like any other is a formal closing of one chapter of your life so to speak. Or, for some people maybe its almost like finishing a book and wondering where the next one in the series is. It actually feels quite bizaare.

The moment when you stride across the stage to accept your degree passes so quickly and then it is just sitting and reflecting whilst the eyes focus on the seemingly endless stream of other graduands crossing the stage. Questions float through, Where do I go from here? What do I do now? What is my goal now? It feels quite strange. Exciting in a way though, in that I guess your whole life is in front of you, and you have a degree behind you. I feel that I never realised that this is actually a big achievement, possibly a personal failing, I never feel like things I have accomplished are worth enough. I assume that is what makes us all continue to strive for more.

Anyway, I digress. Its a funny feeling, it has to be experienced. But I also wanted to pass comment on the speech made by the economist receiving an honorary doctorate. I think he made an excellent speech, especially after you worked out what he was talking about. Despite telling us all that he does not give advice he did actually give really good advice. Essentially what he said was that we are special people, lets not fool ourselves. We were born special and were pushed by other special people and our degrees essentially ensure us a successful economic life. However, what we need to be wary of is just hanging out with other people like ourselves, we need to talk to other people, to see the whole of Australian society. As well as this our degrees put us in the group of people who hold a disproportionate amount of power to their numbers. This gives us a real responsibility to be leaders in our community, to do more than just act in our own self interest. To make sure that we give back to the community and use our influence in a positive way, because we are lucky to have these degrees and opportunities. Something to think about and something that I really agree with, there is no point been too humble about it, this degree is very highly respected and does give us an amount of responsibility. So, I guess we keep striving.
Post comments of your thoughts as usual (but no-one ever does)

New Guitar

2005-08-06T18:36:00.000+10:00

Just bought my first real guitar of my own. A Maton 'Joey'. Fantastic...I might even put a review and picture in later on. It's smaller than a regular guitar which suits me just fine and still sounds great.

Also a plug for anyone looking for a guitar, The Acoustic Centre in Fitzroy is really good.

Photographs

2005-07-30T15:35:00.000+10:00

Its amazing what the human mind can remember. Just looking at a photograph and closing your eyes can draw you back to that place, that instant when it was taken. It feels so real, as if it was yesterday. Amazing, try it next time you look at a photo that really moves you.

Good week

2005-07-29T23:06:00.000+10:00

I think the subject says it all. Not enough sleep, too much guitar, talking to lots of friends, work, baking, people getting back to Melbourne... A good week.

Friends

2005-07-17T21:18:00.000+10:00

The thought just struck me. I have friends. I know it seems like something completely obvious but think a minute longer...It is something we just take for granted, its normal, its human. But, to have people that like us for who and what we are, that want to talk to us, that care for us, that look out for us, that give us a push forward, or a helping hand up, that we respond in kind to...that is a truly special thing.

So, to all my friends, a heartfelt

thank you

for everything

Growing up

2005-07-15T22:48:00.000+10:00

I guess it happens to everyone, but it still feels weird stepping back and realising that you are growing up and you never notice it whilst it occurs. You have let go of many of your fears, and found new ones, moved out of home, and no longer cling to all of your old beliefs and goals. Guess its just part of life, looking in the mirror, and wondering who is looking out at you.

But, a facet of this is drifting from your friends. It is so hard to stay in contact with everyone, people drift apart I guess. What did we ever do without the internet?

The wave of life

2005-07-05T21:14:00.000+10:00

As usual any comments or thoughts here are my personal opinions. I'm not egotistical enough to believe these are new thoughts or concepts but all I can do is write them down, just trying to work out my own life. Just like everyone else.

So, I'm just noticing that life seems to move in waves, like a sin curve (there's high school maths for you). It seems like you have your good days and great times, but all too soon life drops down again. It becomes monotonous and you wonder, is there anything better out there? Is there magic, is there purpose?

My life seems to float along like this, sometimes it seems good, other times it just seems to come down and I doubt what I am doing. I doubt that I enjoy what I do, I doubt that I know what I want to do with my life.

Then, along comes some form of stimulii, a song, movie, talk with a friend, and I seem to re-engage with myself, rebecome myself. It kind of sounds stupid but I feel like when it comes to life our own worst enemies are ourselves. Instead of having our conscious and unconscious selves (inside and outside selves, physical and spiritual, call it what you will) working in tandem, supporting each other. It kind of feels like they are indifferent to each other most of the time, or even acting as a mirror image, pushing against each other. I guess what I am trying to say is that we get stuck in a rut so easily and believe there is nothing else, till something manages to shake us out of it, and just for a moment in time, we align ourselves in unison and try and live life.

Or I could just be writing this down in the complete wrong manner.

I wish that I could try and enjoy life all the time, try to strive all the time, to make the most of it. But who judges whether you are making the most of it or not, other peoples lives always seem so much more perfect, exciting, meaningful than ours, but are they really?

When will we ever side with ourselves?

2005-06-26T19:18:00.000+10:00

Another shot of Mt Buller

2005-06-26T19:17:00.000+10:00

Mt Buller - Too tired to write an entry

Tapdogs!!!

2005-06-19T22:52:00.000+10:00

Finally saw Tapdogs, their 10th anniversary tour, out at the Comedy Theatre with Sim and Liz. Absolutely fantastic, a very enjoyable show, lots of attitude, tapping and clever set design. They really had the audience in the palm of their hands. Highly recommended.

I still can't believe they did everything that they did, although I seem to be saying this for a lot of show's these days. I guess the magic is still out there.

A Poem

2005-06-14T22:21:00.000+10:00

As usual I have left a bit of a space between entries, oh well. I have been too caught up in the mundane. So here is a silly paragraph of thoughts inspired by the carlton gardens on a beautiful winters day.

Peace without silence

Metal and Oil, humming, turning,

But overlaid, water droplets splashing

Wind gusting, leaves drifting on their lonely flight from the trees

Dull light, serenity, trees reaching out to the sky...

roots clutching deeply into the Earth

Their gnarled tops forming seats like from a poem.

Peace

Then sunlight pulses through

Breath catches. Gleaming light, off the water, off the grass, through the leaves.

We live too long without taking time to look up, to smell the wind.

Take the time, who knows how much there is.

Trains

2005-05-31T19:07:00.000+10:00

Yeah so for some crazy reason I thought public transport was great. People always seem to be complaining about over-crowding on morning trains but somehow I was lucky my first couple of times. But, now all of a sudden our number of carriages has halved. I believe the word sardines sums it up nicely. Good thing its only a short trip. I wonder why though, is there some fickle god of trains that suddenly decides that it is a good idea to roll the dice for the number of carriages, or is there a good reason?

Free time and Work

2005-05-21T11:17:00.000+10:00

It's strange, you tell people that you have all this free time and they think it is such a great thing. But what I have come to realise is that there is such a thing as too much free time, motivation is sapped if you have no purpose to your days for too long. It's good to finally have something to do, no more marking time. Free time is now actually enjoyable.

2005-05-14T17:53:00.000+10:00

REB

2005-05-14T17:52:00.000+10:00

Carlton Gardens

Drifting

2005-05-10T22:12:00.000+10:00

So at the moment the days seem to blend together and time just keeps slipping away. Is this because at the moment I can't see a real purpose. Am I just marking time till I begin work?

But then, given this, does working then mask a lack of purpose? Is the whole point of working (apart from the obvious economic benefit) a way of giving ourselves a purpose in our life? Is everyone that works missing out on finding a real purpose to life. To go to another level, is there any purpose that we should actually have in our lives?

I obviously have way too much time on my hands. But if you have thoughts post a comment.

Fed Square and Music

2005-05-08T16:56:00.000+10:00

Was just down at Fed Square seeing some acts in the Umbria Jazz Festival, for free. Having free concerts to go to is so cool, just saw Funk Off who were amazingly energetic and also Dr Bobby Jones and the Nashville Super Choir. They were interesting, I haven't heard much gospel music before nor really seen much live. But it was all good. For any Melbournites that might read this blog there is free gigs down at Fed Square all this week so check it out.
http://www.ujm05.org/index.php

2005-05-03T10:45:00.000+10:00

A single leaf

Decisions

2005-04-28T10:23:00.000+10:00

I guess I write about decisions an awful lot on this blog. Though I guess it scarcely matters, to my count there are less than 6 people that know this address so hopefully they don't get too bored. But, decisions I guess are what defines us, what leads us down whichever path we are going to take.

To a degree, we have to live with our decisions, follow that path for a while to see what happens. I don't know if I believe in God, karma or some form of divine intervention but to some extent I believe that whatever path we go down we were meant to go down...So we will see what happens next. It's just like a story, except you can't skip to the ending and see what happens to the tragic hero (I always thought doing that was stupid anyway).

2005-04-24T01:30:00.000+10:00

Empty seat on a fine Autumn day

Quidam

2005-04-21T18:08:00.000+10:00

Finally saw a production by Cirque Du Soleil after hearing for years how awesome they were. I can now honestly answer the question, "Are they as good as everyone says they are??"

The answer is a very definitive YES!!!!!!

It was so spectacular, the perfect blend of theatre, comedy, music and circus. I could not believe it, some of the stunts they were performing were mind-boggling and there was always so much going on at once.

So, to try and rein back my uncharacteristic enthusiasm, good points were:
- Death-defying tricks
- Perfectly choreographed acts
- Fantastic comedic routines
- The costumes and facial expressions.
- Awesome music, it always created beautiful moods, as well as this a live band is cool.
- Good use of props.

So basically I am just saying if you ever get a chance to see a performance, take it. It's so good because it all fits together so well, mmm, listening to soundtrack and imagining I'm watching it again.

Decisions again.

2005-04-12T20:08:00.000+10:00

Second-guessing yourself is a terrible thing. We should be happy with the decisions we make and not beat ourselves up about them too much. There is always another chance, another minute, another year.

Cycling and Photography

2005-04-11T18:38:00.001+10:00

Something I love about Melbourne is how even after a short ride you can end up in all sorts of native parks. Just take a couple of turns here and there and enjoy the journey (just remember how you got there). Following are a couple of pics...

2005-04-11T18:38:00.000+10:00

Reflections - not as good as I'd hoped

2005-04-11T18:36:00.001+10:00

Peaceful

2005-04-11T18:36:00.000+10:00

Merri Creek

2005-04-11T09:55:00.000+10:00

Typical Melbourne

Insert Photo Here

2005-04-10T21:00:00.000+10:00

There would be a photo here right now...except the problem with having a spare set of rechargables for your camera is that they actually need to be charged. Oops.

2005-04-09T18:58:00.000+10:00

Its been more than a week and it still feels kind of weird no longer being a student. I guess people get used to it eventually, yet I still seem to find ways to waste large parts of days even without study. Guess I should try and find a job...

2005-04-05T13:07:00.000+10:00

Random photo of a moth...enjoy

Decisions

2005-04-05T13:04:00.000+10:00

I guess the most important decisions in our life are also the hardest, turning aside from any path is difficult. But, I guess that we really have to be happy about the decisions that we make and stop trying to second-guess ourselves.

Question

2005-03-29T22:45:00.000+10:00

Do you ever get the feeling that you are out of your league??

Do you ever wonder how you got to be somewhere?

Do you ever think there must have been some kind of mistake somewhere along the line?

No answers, just questions.

Recommended Band

2005-03-24T17:09:00.000+11:00

If you are interested in buying a cd you should check out The Polyphonic Spree. Happy Music with heaps of instruments. Plus you can't go past a band which wears brightly coloured gowns.

An observation

2005-03-18T17:45:00.000+11:00

I just worked out what I missed so much, group meals...It's so weird eating by yourself after three years of group meals.

Tai-Chi

2005-03-18T11:57:00.000+11:00

I have finally taken tai-chi up again after a year and a half break and its fantastic. If you ever have problems with stress, anxiety take up tai-chi. It is incredibly relaxing and is a good way to focus your mind...just remember that it is a martial art, all those pretty little hand movements do have a purpose.

Happiness

2005-03-13T20:51:00.000+11:00

For some reason or another I feel happy, despite being behind in my work due to the weekend. Which leads to the question, why does happiness always seem to sneak into our minds? It's like this small swell in the ocean, its subtle, you don't notice it. Then all of a sudden it hits you, you are at peace. Then as suddenly as it arrives it will depart, but until that time enjoy it...and wait for the next wave.

Following on from the last question...

2005-03-09T10:43:00.000+11:00

Last Saturday - weather within 1.5 hours

2005-03-08T18:01:00.000+11:00

Question - How closely are people's mood related to the weather??

Because living in Melbourne if there's any link it could explain a lot.

Opera

2005-03-05T23:13:00.000+11:00

Just saw my first opera 'Cosi Fan Tutte'. I have to say I always thought of opera as boring but this was a welcome surprise. It was actually hilarious and even though much is sung in a different language just listening to the harmonies and voices is fantastic.
It was a small production so small venue, orchestra etc. but it worked perfectly.

So if someone invites you to see an opera, go have a look, you might be surprised.

Doubts and Belief

2005-03-02T21:26:00.000+11:00

Just an observation, it is very hard to study something where you are not 100%, or even 75% sure that you are doing what you want to do.

Imagine a world/area of study/place where you believed fully in what you were doing, never doubting yourself for a moment, what would such a place be like?

Would life be easier?

Or is this complete belief in yourself, your vision, that leads to so many problems in the world today. Is this why leaders lead and don't seem to listen to other people, do they have complete self-belief?

Is constant doubt in ourself a good motivator, is it what leads us to actually listen to other people?

Just random thoughts as usual.

An Observation

2005-03-01T20:12:00.000+11:00

When they say an honours year is research focused, they mean it.

Just a thought

2005-02-27T18:20:00.000+11:00

Surviving is never enough in whatever you do. Always remember to take a step back and try to thrive and enjoy what you are doing. Every experience is worth something and life seems to pass so quickly we may never encounter the same experience again.

This year

2005-02-25T17:43:00.000+11:00

Apologies in advance to any of my friends that read this blog if I am stressed, short-tempered etc this year. Judging by my info session today, its gonna be a long year...

Life

2005-02-23T02:06:00.000+11:00

Sometimes I wonder if we are ever destined to grow as people. It seems at least to me that we are always held back by our own insecurities and doubts about ourselves. No matter how well things are going or how many things you have to be proud of you seem to always have the ball and chain dragging at your feet. Do I look like a loser to an outsider? Are people talking to me because they are my friends or just because I look alone and they are nice people? Are we forever bound by ourselves?

People ask ‘Are you having a good time?’, ‘Yeah’ you reply. But are you really having a good time? By your standards probably yes, talking to people, catching up, observing, watching people enjoy themselves in their own way. But, by the majority view it appears you are not, you aren’t acting crazy, getting smashed. But is this majority really what it seems? Are they all having fun or are some just so blind they can no longer tell and are others just faking. It must be kept in mind as well that those that don’t really enjoy these kinds of things have a habit of just not showing up...so maybe it is not the real majority at all.

Maybe, we just care too much what other people think of us and judge ourselves by their standards too readily, when we should judge ourselves by our own. Or maybe I’m just getting stressed already about uni coming up and should get some sleep.

I’ll probably just take this post down after I read it in a normal frame of mind.

2005-02-22T09:50:00.000+11:00

Cloudy Horizons

Photos

2005-02-21T22:33:00.000+11:00

I've just discovered getting digital photos printed by Big W. Its so much easier and cheaper than printing them yourself!!!

Be Yourself

2005-02-19T22:03:00.000+11:00

I know it gets said all the time but it still is a very important sentiment.

Be Yourself!!! No-one else will be.

2005-02-17T16:25:00.000+11:00

Merri Creek - Post storm damage

2005-02-17T16:24:00.000+11:00

Random Cloud shot 1

Biscuit recipes

2005-02-17T16:18:00.000+11:00

Isn't it weird how a very basic biscuit recipe works fine one day and not the next day. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that we don't actually have scales...

New Blog

2005-02-16T23:27:00.000+11:00

Well, it looks like I've finally gotten round to starting a blog, now I actually have to put something in it...Stay tuned.