Liberty

"America is not just a country. It’s an idea, isn’t it? It’s a great and powerful idea. The idea that all men are created equal. That “we are endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” These are great lyrics, Mr. Jefferson. Great opening riff. The Declaration of Independence has a great closing line too – “we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.” Well the men who made that, the men who signed that pledge, had a lot to lose by signing - like their lives. So what then about you and me? What are we ready to pledge? What are we ready to pledge ourselves to? Anything? Anything at all?

What about this idea of liberty? Not liberty for its own sake, but liberty for some larger end – not just freedom from oppression, but freedom of expression and worship. Freedom from want, and freedom from fear because when you are trapped by poverty, you are not free. When trade laws prevent you from selling the food you grow, you are not free. When you are dying of a mosquito bite for lack of a bed net, you are not free. When you are hungry in a world of plenty, you are not free. And when you are a monk in Burma this very week, barred from entering a temple because of your gospel of peace, it is an affront to the thug regime, well then none of us are truly free.

My other country, America, I know you’ll not stand for that. So, look I’m not going to stand here, a rock star who just stepped off a private plane, and tell you to put your lives on the line for people you’ve never met or your fortunes – I haven’t. But our sacred honor might just be at stake here. That and a whole lot else. So what, then, are we willing to pledge? How about our science, your technology, your creativity…America has so many great answers to offer. We can’t fix all the world’s problems. But the ones we can, we must.

Enough of my voice. Listen to the voice of young Africa. Good night."

Bono's Liberty Medal Acceptance Speech Transcript

On Facebook, My-space, and "i-Networking"

Today, our self-portraits are democratic and digital; they are crafted from pixels rather than paints. On social networking websites like MySpace and Facebook, our modern self-portraits feature background music, carefully manipulated photographs, stream-of-consciousness musings, and lists of our hobbies and friends...
[from The New Atlantis /via ALD]

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..On the finals..

100 years in an extraordinary moment [On the Cats v Magpies Preliminary Final, The Age]

Footy's Big day [On the AFL Grand Final, The Age]

Some words you just can't say ... [On the NRL Final dilemma, SMH]

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It appears the giggle, was a hit.

Change comes as quick as the cricket [BBC Sport Editor Mihir Bose]

I'm converted [SMH: Roebuck]

Speed Responds... BBC

NZ Top 50 DVDs

While I was NZ, I was picked up Whitcoulls list of the Top 50 DVDs (incl. Franchises), as voted by the public. No prizes for guessing what was number 1. (I suspect that Australia's wouldn't be much different).

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50. The Usual Suspects 49. Gladitor 48. The Queen 47. Gandhi 46. The Fifth Element
45. Out of Africa 44. King Kong 43. Amelie 42. Goodbye Pork Pie 41. Schindler's List

40. Blade Runner 39. Saving Private Ryan 38. Crash 37. Blood Diamond 36. Casablanca
35. Fight Club 34. The Labyrinth 33. The Castle 32. Borat 31. Finding Nemo

30. Serenity 29. Gone With the End 28. Cars 27. Whale Rider 26. The Green Mile
25. Forrest Gump 24. Notting Hill 23. Top Gun 22. Titanic 21. Braveheart

20. Star Wars (Fr.) 19. Grease 18. The Sound of Music 17. Pulp Fiction 16. Pretty Women
15. The Matrix 14. Bridget Jones Diary 13. The Departed 12. Little Miss Sunshine 11. Happy Feet

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10. Casino Royale
9. The World's Fastest Indian
8. Pirates of the Carribbean (Franchise)
7. The Notebook
6. Harry Potter (Franchise)
5. Pride and Prejudice (BBC)
4. Shrek (Franchise)
3. Love Actually
2. The Shawshank Redemption

1. The Lord of the Rings (Franchise)

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While I think I've seen just over half of the top 50 (bolded), only a few would be on my Top 10. (Lord of the Rings, Whale Rider and maybe Amelie). Here's an approximation of my top 10 (films), yes there's 11 there. ;-)

Lord of the Rings (The Two Towers) // Wings of Desire // Whale Rider // Goodbye Lenin // The Shawshank Redemption // Paris, Texas // As it is in Heaven //Mr. Holland's Opus // Turtles Can Fly // Hotel Rwanda // Pan's Labyrinth.

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The end is nigh. Be positive

Fears of an apocalypse are drawing us towards fundamentalism, nihilism and activism. Only the latter offers humankind any hope. [Courtesy Richard Eckersley, 'The Age']

The defining question of our times is this: will we make it? There is a real and increasing possibility that global warming, resource depletion, the growing world population disease pandemics, technological anarchy, and the geopolitical tensions, economic instability and social upheaval they generate, will coalesce to create a nightmare future for humanity this century.

Avoiding this fate will depend critically on the stories we create to make sense of what is happening and to frame our response. A key task is to ensure these stories reflect not the decadence and despair of nihilism or the dogma and rigidity of fundamentalism, but the hope and energy of activism.

Saturday Shorts...

A lovely story from the Rugby World Cup, that you may not have seen:

After the All Blacks beat Portugal 108-13 in the the World Cup. As the two teams hit the showers, the reserves and squad members of both sides went out on to the pitch to go through their separate drills … but in no time at all both groups decided that was altogether too dull. Why not have a game of soccer instead? And so it went.

In no time at all a Portugal v New Zealand soccer match was under way between the 22-metre line and goal-line, and - though the ball skills of both Daniel Carter and Richie McCaw were on display - this time it was the Europeans who triumphed 3-1. After that, the two teams mixed and matched and played a fabulous game of touch rugby, with no one caring what the final score was.
[Courtesy the Fitz Files, SMH]

~~~

Peter Saunders (Centre for Indepedent Studies - not SPRC, yes it is confusing sometimes) wrote an interesting piece in response to Russell Crowe and Peter Holmes a Court proposal to remove Poker Machines from the South Sydney Leagues club; there reasoning being they thought that half of the money lost on the club's pokies came out of welfare payments, and it was inconsistent for the club to sponsor community assistance programs while siphoning money from the very people it was trying to help".

The question Saunders was asking:

Is the problem with the pokies, or with those who play them? Is it the responsibility of clubs to stop tempting us and state governments to limit licenses, or should we be expected to exercise self-control? As adults, shouldn't we accept the responsibility of handling our own money and leading our own lives without needing actors, businessmen or politicians to tell us what to do?

I guess, I'd want to say that both approaches are necessary. While it is true that most may be okay we do need to protect each other, and this courageous decision (hopefully) will be part of this.

(Short) September ... 07

The Swan’s had quite a short September this year; and their season ended while I was enjoying Silverchair a few weekends ago. Perhaps my love of AFL might be a touch strange seeing as I am from a rugby union country (NZ), moved to a rugby league town (Wollongong). But when it comes to sport, my favourite football codes are Rugby Union, AFL, and Football; but I'm not nearly as interested in the NRL.

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I don’t think I really need to say much about Rubgy; I grew up in New Zealand. I remember in 1987 staying at school to watch the All Blacks play Italy in the first world cup. Though I’m not always appreciative of the way its often played (kicking duels), but seeing two teams attack, and counter attack with the ball passing through hands is quite awesome. The games that stand out were NZ’s loss to France in the 1999 World Cup; were France were not intimidated, and the surged over the top of NZ (31-40); and the first Bledisloe Cup test of 2000 at the new Olympic Stadium, NZ led 24-0 before the crowd had settled into their seats; led by 2 at half-time; trailed by 2 during time on, and won as Lomu scored with only tick left on the clock.

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I had never really been exposed to Australian Rules until our family moved to Australia. I gradually saw little bits and pieces, and I think it was one Sunday afternoon in 1995, when Sydney were playing Brisbane; and lost convincingly (about 200pts); I decided that it couldn’t get much worse so I declared allegiance then; they won the next game, and made the Grand Final the following year.

In general, I’m not sure that TV does Aussie Rules any great favors as the camera follows the ball. I’m still trying to get to a game in Melbourne where the atmosphere is something special. But again, I think the appeal of the game is largely dependent on who you see play, as I said, the Swans haven’t really had a good year (with injuries, and poor form).

This season, Geelong have been quite impressive to watch, the intensity with which they tackle; and the speed and incision with which they attack is quite impressive, its great to see them in the Grand Final; were they will play Port Adelaide. The Grand Final should be quite a good game.

Aside from the epic finals games between Sydney and West Coast (four games decided by under 6 points), the game that stands out to me is the Qualification Final between Sydney and Geelong (2005), Sydney looked gone at quarter time, and trailed by about 21 ponts, enter Nick Davis, who kicked four goals in the final quarter including the final one, in the dying seconds; it was very cruel on the Cats, but elation for Sydney.

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It was the Champions League final of 1999 which cemented my love of Football (truly the World Game). Bayern Munich were playing Manchester United in the final; Bayern scored early in the first half, and the score stayed at 1-0 until about the 90th minute, were dramatically United equalized; a minute later, United had a corner and Solskjaer turned the ball into the net, and Manchester were Champions of Europe. (the presentation of the trophy was delayed as the ribbons on the trophy needed to be changed~!)

By the way, none of the above means I support Manchester; in fact, I actually support Arsenal – mainly because of the free-flowing attacking football (which they play under Arsène Wengner) They’ve started quite well this year, given that Thierry Henry moved to Barcelona (another attractive team to watch).

While on the football; hats of to the Matilda’s who drew with Canada 2-2 this week, to make the quarterfinals of the World Cup (they play Brazil).

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But briefly on the NRL, I think Melbourne and Manly will win two quite tough finals. I cheer quietly for Canberra (who while favourites for the wooden spoon for the past three years; have not won it~!!)

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Gospel Growth

With a lot of talk about church growth recently, I've been thinking about implications of growth. One of the implications is we are going to need to raise up more leaders, for both the ordained (or vocational) ministry, and for ministry in general. Leaders who will tend and nurture both the new believers and core members of the church. Other implications might be how growth groups leaders are trained for this dual task; how they are supported and encouraged, how our pastors are encouraged, and protected from burnout.

We do not seek numbers, for the sake of numbers; but growth is so that those who are estranged from God, become believers; those who believe grow to love their saviour, and move to serve him.

Therefore while our focus is on the lost, we also nurture and strengthen our brothers and sisters. Alongside plans for new facilities and ministries, are plans to encourage, and minister to those who minister. Alongside visions for church growth, visions to strengthen and equip congregation members to serve. Alongside prayer for evangelistic hearts, hearts yearning to be more like Christ. Fundamental and foundational to the above, is dynamic, faithful, expectant prayer, and Christ-focused, Cross-centred practical preaching.

Across the Great Divide (Silverchair+Powderfinger)

 Acer Arena September 8, 2007

I've been meaning to write a review of the concert for quite a while, so here goes. I have to admit that I didn’t get into Silverchair or Powderfinger until I saw them perform at WaveAid. I was looking forward to their new albums this year, and wasn’t disappointed. Dream Days… is quite consistent in terms of style and sound, a solid collection of songs. Young Modern is perhaps the more ambitious of the two, and was quite an eclectic mix of songs. My feeling is that Young Modern will be the more enduring of the two albums.

On to the concert, supporting the double act was The Scare, who had a tough spot for a start, but they didn’t make it any easier on themselves.

In general, the concert was quite impressive, both bands played a mix of their classic and new songs, but for me, a lot of the classics were new~! Silverchair played first and impressed with their intensity, though the crowd really only got into Ana’s Song, Straight Lines and Freak. I really also liked Without You. Silverchair did make me think about looking into their back-catalogue. Perhaps unattended; perhaps I’m reading too much into it, but it was quite lovely to see the drummer hold the Australian flag upside-down.

It seemed, however, the majority of people were there to see Powderfinger. Dream Days translated quite well. Their set seemed stronger, but Bernard Fanning seemed to worked the crowd a little better. The highlights were Lost and Running, My Happiness, Black Tears, These Days. 

I was hoping that they would play a song together, and wasn’t disappointed (they said that it was the first time they’ve done it). The played a cover of The Who’s Substitute.

For those who like this sort of thing, my best recollection of the setlist is below.

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Silverchair: Young Modern Station // Israel’s Son // Emotion Sickness // Without You // Reflections of a Sound // The Greatest View // Ana’s Song (Open Fire) // Across the Night // Insomnia // Straight Lines // The Door // Mind Reader //
E:/ / If You Keep Losing Sleep // Freak

Powderfinger: Head up in the Clouds // Waiting for the Sun // Love your way // I Don’t Remember // These Days // Lost and Running // My Happiness // Who Really Cares? // Black Tears // Bless My Soul // Sunsets //
E:// On My Mind

Finale: Substitute⁺
+ Performed by both Silverchair and Powderfinger.

Random Shorts

In my sport post; I forgot the Hit and giggle Cup (yawn!).

There's an article in today's Age about Sporting Tribalism (or, why neutrals will watch Sydney v Collingwood; fans are desperate to see opposing teams they particularly dislike lose).

In interesting piece about the impact of 9-11 on art, music, literature and film, also from The Age:

According to Chris McAuliffe, such work [that is Political Art] has been in the ascendancy this decade, though curiously it has focused not on the big item - September 11 - but on consequent events: Iraq, migration, inhumane acts.

"Events of a world historical scale are beyond us but if we can return it to a human scale we can start chipping away," he says, noting that events such as Abu Ghraib, the children overboard affair and the injustices at detention centres have produced more artwork than September 11 itself, possibly because their scale was more comprehensible, more human.

I recall thinking on September 12, 2001, in some naive fantasy, that perhaps this was a chance for rich, powerful nations to do some fearless self-appraisal: what had caused this shocking thing to happen? Instead there has been arrogance, aggression, greed and truculence.

But it is heartening to know that potent cultural expressions - art, literature, films, the things said to each other - are made by individuals, who are perhaps better at self-appraisal than governments, nations and organisations.

We all make our cultures: what a freedom to have the choice to consciously engage with its positive transformative process, to be empathising creators rather than passive recipients."

The Streets of Sydney...

As I type, various organisations are on the streets of Sydney protesting, and while I am aligned in some of the causes (alleviating poverty; climate change and increasing foreign aid); my fear (perhaps expectation) is that a massive disservice will be done by a few, for many.
Convincing people takes more than witty slogans; and rests in the power of argument, though a peaceful protest will leave an impression. Though this said; it is hard, frustrating, and disenfranchising, when you feel your voice is ignored by those in power.

Anyway, I hope that I'm proved wrong; and that the voices of many are heard, and not distorted by the actions of a few.

Currencies of the Stars

I found it interesting that both the Weekend Australian, and Sun Herald published articles about celebrities who speak out about contemporary social and political issues.

Janet Albrechtsen argued in the Australian 'why would [should] the opinion of many of those who are high school drop outs, who sleep all day, party all night and do drugs in the hours left over, merit attention?'.

The Sun Herald article was perhaps a little more balanced.

I've often heard Bono speak about the 'currency' he has, that is because of his position he is able to speak out about issues he is passionate about, and he does also tend to do his research. In a recent interview Brad Pitt was quoted saying "the world needs more celebrities who put their fame to good use when it comes to facing the globe's problems".

Like any citizen, 'celebrities' have a right to speak on issues they are passionate about, the advantage (for Charity and other NGOs) is that celebrities have a 'louder voice' because of our (and the media's) fascination with them. Which is not to say that their voice is weighter (but it does put pressure on them to know what they are talking about).

When our elected representatives are deaf; and dumb to our arguments, they are another welcome voice.

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Aside: I'm hoping that the 'psuedo-election' campaign (running for all of 2007) is almost over with Howard tipped to call a poll for as early as mid-October.

Bring on September ...

In terms of sport, September is one of the best months for me. September brings with it the Finals in two of Australia's big three 'Football' Codes, AFL and the NRL, and the beginning of the 'best' Football (read Soccer) competition in the world the UEFA Champions League. In the AFL the Swan's have a tough game against Collingwood (who have beaten them twice this year); though its going to be hard for them to get to the Grand Final.

September is extra special this year, with the Rugby World Cup being held in France, and at the same time the Australian (and New Zealand's) Women's football team get a chance at the World Cup in China.

It will be exciting watching it all unfold. We'll find new 'stars'; see big wins, some 'upsets', and some nail-biting finishes; before we crown the champions (and it fades into history as names and numbers).

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Music..

So, given that we're almost three quarters the way through the year, I thought I'd post on some of the standout CDs for the year. I've included some of the CDs I bought in December last year.

1) Miriam Clancy - Lucky One

I owe this CD to reading a review in the local newspaper (Twizel, NZ). Given we were doing a bit of driving, and it got quite a favourable review we decided to buy it, and we were not disappointed.

Fun label: folk-rock (indie)
Favourite Tracks: And so it begins, Dry your eyes.

(2) Brooke Fraser - Albertine

Another one we bought in NZ, and it keeps the New Zealand singer-songwriter theme going. I think this is a much stronger CD than What to Do With Daylight, in terms of the songwriting.

Fun label: folk
Favourite tracks: Albertine, CS Lewis Song, Hosea's Wife, Shadowfeet.

(3) Bright Eyes - Cassadaga

Moving away from female singer-songwriters now. I first came into contact with Bright Eyes when they supported REM (2005). I think I bought I'm Awake before the concert, and was very impressed with both the studio and live performances. Cassadaga, to me, is not as even as I'm Wide Awake, but it has been growing on me.

Fun label: Indie-folk.
Favourite tracks: Lime Tree (one of the saddest songs I've heard), No one would riot for less, and Make a Plan to Love Me.

(4) The Frames - The Cost

I think this came out late 2006. (and may even have made my 2006 list). There is something really special about this Irish band. They have been rated as Ireland best live act (which considering their opposition is no mean feat). Their songs are beautifully crafted, and often go from a quiet start to an intense ending.

Fun label: alternative
Favourite Tracks: Song for Someone, People Get Ready and Bad Bone.

(5) Powderfinger - Dream Days at the Hotel Existence

Great title~! Rapidly growing into one of the better Australian Groups. I really like the sound of the album, and I like it a bit more than their earlier material. Its quite a consistent record. I am really looking forward to hearing the songs live.

Fun label: rock..
Favourite tracks: Drifting Further Away, Wishing on the same moon, Black Tears.

So … its spring, time for a new post

It has been a while since I wrote an update; so I thought that I’d take some time to do let you know what’s been going on.
We began August with a lovely week in Noosa, which was so nice and relaxing. It was great to see parts of Australia that I hadn’t before, and we also had bits of time, to sit and read. We also had a lovely time in Melbourne, to celebrate Fi’s Grandparents 60th Wedding Anniversary.

The following week, we saw The Frames at the Metro. Is it just me, or do all of the best bands come from the UK or Ireland? I'll write more about the concert later.

The Network Weekend Away (Barney’s ‘workers’ ministry) was also in August. It provided me with quite a few challenges in how I think about work - for example, what does it mean to work in my job, as if I was working for the Lord.

Also on church, we now have a few conceptual designs for the ‘new-building’ for the Broadway site. My mind can’t help but wander the book of Haggai, as I think about our plans for a new building.

Since then, we’ve been to Springfield (that is we saw The Simpson’s Movie). Which I thought was funny (in parts), but not brilliant. I think I just felt that I had seen more memorable or better scripted episodes.

On the horizon is Silverfinger (Which I like better than Powderchair). We are quite looking forward to it too.

Anyway, might leave it here for now, but I do hope to post again soon. :-)