2011 - Books

The full list of books I read during 2011 is below. I do think its probable that a few of have been left off. I'll be aiming to break 50 books during 2012. I broke the list down into various categories, and in each grouping I've listed a few of the books which stood out:

Novels:

Victor Hugo's Last Day of the Condemned Man, Gabrielle Ambrosio's Before We Said Goodbye, Yannick Haenel's The Messenger and Tea Obreht's The Tiger's Wife were the standouts.  Not surprisingly, the novels which have stood out to me, are those which have some political historical angle.  Last Day, is an impassioned plea from the 19th Century, for the abolition of the death penalty. Before We Said Goodbye is set on the Gaza, and without taking sides, focuses on a suicide bombing. I found The Tiger's Wife to be a beautiful and original read.

Biography:

The two that really stood out to me, were Malcolm Fraser's Political Memoirs and Goodbye Sarejevo. Prior to reading Malcolm Fraser's book, I hadn't read too much about Australian History, but my respect for Fraser grew through reading the book. Goodbye Sarajevo, is one of those must read books -  set in the middle of the Balkan Conflict, it is a moving and compelling true story of courage,  and hope. 

Political 

One of the highlights, was George Negus' The World From Down Under, which drew on his interviews with a wide range of world leaders. The books by Rebecca Hamilton and Samantha Power were eye openers to America's responses to genocide since the beginning of the 20th Century.

And in the other categories, I found Nicholas Carr's book on how Google is changing the way we think, to largely ring true, as does a bit of Andrew Keen's thesis in The Cult of the Amatuer.

So, I'm looking for more books to read this year, so let me know what you're reading.

Full List:
Novels:
Ernst Hemmingway - Farewell to Arms
Alain Robbe-Gilbert - In the Labyrinth
Mirza Waheed - The Collaborator
Tea Obreht- The Tiger's Wife
Jack Kersh - Hotel Sarajevo
Jessica Rudd - Campaign Ruby
Colm Tobin - Brooklyn
Victor Hugo - Last Day of a Condemned Man
Gabrielle Ambrosio - Before we Said Goodbye
Louis de Bernières - Captian Corelli's Mandolin
Freedom (Collection of Short Stories)
Chimamjanda Ngozi Adichie - The Thing Around my Neck
Phillip Roth - Everyman
Phillip Roth - The American Pastoral
Jonathan Franzen - Freedom
Yannick Haenel - The Messenger: A Novel
Biography / Autobiography
James Hird - Reading the play
Wayne Bennett - The Man in the Mirror
Kevin Sheedy - Stand Your Ground
Michael Chugg - Hey You in the Black Tee-Shirt
Malcolm Fraser - The Political Memiors
Izzeldin Abuelaish - I Shall Not Hate
Peter Fitzsimmons - Beazley
Hana Schofield & Atka Reid - Goodbye Sarajevo
Edward Kennedy - True Compass
Anh Do - The Happiest Refugee
Politics / Sociology / History / Psychology / Religion
Samantha Power - A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide
Rebecca Hamilton - Fighting for Darfur: Public Action and the Struggle to Stop Genocide
Laurie Oakes - On the Record
Dambisa Moyo - Dead Aid
Hugh Mackay - What Makes Us Tick
George Negus - The World From Down Under
Lindsay Tanner - Sideshow
Paul & Tania Roos - Life is Sport & Sport is Life
Andrew Leigh - Disconnected

Ravi Zacharias - Has Christianity Failed You

Kevin Lenman - Have a New You By Friday
Technology
Andrew Keen - The Cult of the Amatuer
Nicholas Carr - The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brain
Humour
Richard Glover - Why Men are Necessary
Sport
Jim Main - Shake Down the Thunder
Duncan Hamilton - The Last Summer

Fresh new music

As I've mentioned, this year I have really got a lot of new music from Noisetrade. A couple of the great discoveries have been All Sons and Daughters, Dan & Lauren Smith and Derek Ellis.  All Sons and Daughters have a beautiful version of the hymn "Come Thou Font".

The Revive Project is a beaut collection of songs, and in Dan's words

"Lauren and I were made to love people and love music. So when we found ourselves in the midst of a dark and broken city – this was all we had to offer in desperate measure – our voice and our song. The Revive Project is a non-profit album project to benefit the poor and needy in the city of Reading, Pa and raise awareness of her struggles and plight."

Their website has a video of the song Awake.

The EP "The Reconstruction" by Derek Ellis is a moving collection of three songs, my favourite of which is 'Nail Scarred Hands".

So, go on, check them out.

Christmas Music

So, now that it is December, its truly time to bring out the Christmas music. Here's a few of my favourite Christmas Albums:

Jars of Clay - Christmas Songs.
One of the few albums which has "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" on it. Along with some lesser known Christmas carols, and songs penned by the band.

Third Day - Christmas -
Mac Powell sings a great version of O Holy Night.

Sarah McLachlan - Wintersong
 I really love Sarah McLachlan singing River, and In the Bleak Midwinter.

On giving and receiving gifts ..

Here's a really timely (and interesting) piece about giving and receiving gifts...  (via The New Zealand Herald).

More on music

In writing the last post, I've realised that I didn't post a top 10 albums from 2010.  So, in a quick reflection, going from the most frequently played album, by a long way, it is Brooke Fraser's 'Flags'. I totally love the album, and Brooke continues to develop and impress with each album. Here's one of my favourite songs from this album - "Who Are We Fooling" 

. 

2011 in Music

With the Annual Australia Music Awards (the ARIAs) held last weekend, though I'm not too sure that many the the albums below will end up on any list at the end of the year.,I thought that I'd take some time to look over some of the music which has been running through my head this year. Being able to listen to new music via NPR; Daytrotter and Noisetrade has been great. I've downloaded some great Christmas songs via Noisetrade to increase my stocks a little.

But, here's a short list of the new music I've heard through 2011 (to date):

• Boy & Bear (Moonfire), 
• Florence + the Machine (Ceremonials), 
• Fleet Foxes (Helplessness Blues), 
• The Hawk in Paris (His & Hers), 
• Hayley Westenra (Paradiso), 
• Switchfoot (Vice Verses, with a great addition being Hello Hurricane - Live), 
• Marketa Irglova (Anar), 
• Lisa Hannigan (Passenger), 
• Laura Marling (A Creature, I Don't Know), 
• Katherine Jenkins (Daydream), 
• Mark Geary (Songs About Love, Songs About Leaving),  
• Rachael Yamagata (Chesapeake), 
• Rebecca St. James (I Will Praise You), 
• Gemma Hayes (Let it Break), 
• Sara Groves (Invisible Empires), 
• Sarah Jarosz (Follow Me Down), 
• The Middle East (I Want That You Are Always Happy), 
• Elizabeth Marvelly (Home), 
• The Civil Wars (Barton Hollow).

The ten which stand out at the moment are: Marketa Irglova, The Civil Wars, Switchfoot, Elizabeth Marvelly, Gemma Hayes, Rebecca St James, Mark Geary, Lisa Hannigan, Fleet Foxes & Sara Groves.

Though it would be remiss of me, not to mention a few albums that I've listened to quite a bit - the bonus material from the Achtung Baby reissue; the album featuring cover versions of each track from Achtung Baby. 2011 has also been the 20 Anniversary of R.E.M's Out of Time, and the 10th Anniversary of the late Mic Christopher's Skylarkin', and The Frames' classic For the Birds.

My favourite new artists for the year at the moment are William Fitzsimmons (I bought Goodnight this year), and the Kiwi singer Elizabeth Marvelly, whose CD Home has become one of my all time favourites, because of the memories it brings up.

At the moment I'm really looking forward to Andrew Osenga's Leonard the Lonely Space Alien, which should be out next year.

Five artists >>>

(via - @strictlyLeisure).
 1. The Frames
 2. U2
3. Brooke Fraser
4. Switchfoot
5. Jars of Clay.

These were the first five which popped into my head, without looking at the questions below

What was the first song you ever heard by 1?
Lay Me Down. (For the Birds)

What is your favorite song of 5?
World's Apart  (Jars of Clay)

What kind of impact has 1 left on your life?
Hard to really say, open got me into more music from Ireland.

What are your favorite lyrics of 5? 

Will you teach us how to love? / To see the things you see / Walk the road you walked / Feel the pain that you feel / At your feet I kneel, / I want to see you shine / See your light not mine / 'Cause light gives heat / Your light gives heat
Light Gives Heat. (from Good Monster)


 How many times have you seen 4 live? 
Once at the Roundhouse, UNSW (2005).

What is your favorite song by 2? 
Bad

Is there any song by 3 that makes you sad? 
Albertine.

What is your favourite song by 1?
What Happens When the Heart Just Stops

When did you first get into 2?
I think it was a combination of hearing 'The Fly' and a road trip to the Bennelong (with Rattle and Hum).

 How did you get into 3? 
I think, reading the lyrics to Lifeline on a blog.

What is your favourite song by 4? 
Currently 'Restless' of Vice Verses.

What is a good memory concerning 1? 
Seeing them live with F. in Australia. Can't get over how good they were. (you can see some of it here).

Is there a song by 2 that makes you sad? 
Kite, Love is Blindness, All I Want is You

What is your favorite song of 3? 
Arithmetic. (which F & I had during the signing of the register at our wedding)

R.E.M. Calls Time

I'm sure "Losing My Religion' was the first R.E.M. song I heard. I was struck by the distinctiveness of Stipe's voice, and the mandolin (with the stunning film clip, see below.

The clip for Everybody Hurts is one of the best I've seen.

This cover version is beautiful too... So naturally I was saddened to hear Adam Spencer (on ABC Radio) say they were calling it quits. The quote, by Warner Brothers Records chairman Rob Cavallo sums it up:

They leave behind a body of work whose breadth, honesty, creativity
and power has not only inspired millions of fans around the world, but
also has influenced — and will continue to influence — generations of
songwriters and performers for years to come.

At least, they have left on their terms doesn't seem like there will be a farewell tour, I'll cherish the two concerts I saw in Sydney during 2005. R.E.M. are one of a kind, and have left a lasting legacy, not only in terms of their own songs and the influence they have been to other musicians.

So thank you again for sharing your music with us.

The problem of genocide

Just finished Samantha Power's A Problem from Hell - America and the Age of Genocide. The book is a detailed analysis of the last century of American Foreign Policy - from President Wilson through to George Bush (Junior).  The book highlights American (and perhaps - the worlds) indifference and courage in the face of genocide. The book clearly establishes, how much was known and when, and how difficult it was of people to believe the stories they have heard.  (Read more about Samantha here)

Power writes that 'no US president has suffered politically for his indifference ... it is thus no coincidence that genocide rages on'.  She talks from the Armenian Genocide of 1915 through to Rwanda and the Balkans. It would be interesting to read her thoughts about Sudan.

I noted down a coupe of thoughts I had flowing from her conclusion.

• Knowledge: we are more aware of what is occurring, as it happens
• Influence: we possibly have more means of influence than ever; (and politician do listen, if enough noise is made (but as per my previous post, politicians should be seeking to lead, or drive public opinion)
• Will: this is perhaps the key - we and our governments lack the will to act (perhaps, at least in part, because we understand the cost of action. 
• Accountability: Given the awareness we have, we are accountable for how we respond. 

In summary, the book is well worth reading, and after reading we are witnesses of history and must be changed. After reading this book, its worth having a look at the material surrounding the 'responsibility to protect'. )

Last Day of a Condemned Man

But public order will not disappear along with the executioner; never believe that. The vault of future society will not collapse for lack of that monstrous keystone. Civilisation is no more than a series of transformations. So what is it you are about to witness? The transformation of the system of punishment. The gentle law of Christ will finally penetrate thee penal code and extend its influence across it. Crime will be seen as a disease, and this disease will have doctors instead of judges, hospitals instead of penal colonies. Liberty and health will be the same thing. Balm and oil will be poured on where once steel and fire were applied. The evil that was treated with charity. It will be simple and sublime. The cross in place of the gallows. That is all.
Preface to Victor Hugo's The Last Day of a Condemned Man.

Just started this today, it is written as a diary of a prisoner preparing for his execution - and a plea for the abolition of the death penalty, equally as relevant today as when it was written - 1829.

Recollections of a bleeding heart...

Tonight I went to hear Don Watson give the 2011 National Biography Award Lecture, about his biography of former Prime Minister Paul Keating "Recollections of a Bleeding Heart", which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. The book is based on diaries kept during Watson's time as Keating's speechwriter and advisor. I haven't read it yet, but after tonight, I'd definitely recommend it.

Some points that I jotted down during his talk.

• Vsion doesn't win elections, the current Australia is one without a vision or narrative,
• Polls tie you to the immediate and the present, not what the future can be,
• With the defeat of Keating, Australian politics lost "language"
• Governing is about leading and changing public opinion, not just listening to polls; we have lost the language of change and leadership
• speech-writers - the work of the author & speaker, the author writes the words and convictions of the speaker (and the speaker brings life to these words)
• speech writing is about the putting people into the story of the nation

Ater tonight, I am missing Keating, would love see more people with his vision in politics; and I'm missing Watson too, would love to have more people like him working and writing for our politicians.

Page turners ..

Fighting for Darfur: By Washington Post reporter Rebecca Hamilton. The book is a detailed account of the public action surrounding Darfur (in Sudan). It provides some compelling insights into both the strengths, weaknesses and limitations of this movement. An important book to read, given the world in which we live.

Goodbye Sarajevo- Atka Reid and Hana Schofield - A moving true story about what happens to one family during the siege of Sarajevo (in the 1990s). Read more one this website. I found it so eye-opening as it brought a human face so the history we've lived through.

Before we Said Goodbye - Gabriella Ambrosio - Based on the true story of a suicide bombing in Jerusalem. The story follows a number of characters in parallel which is at times hard to follow. But what was striking about the book, is that the author did not take sides, she simply presented the story, and presented a human face to what is happening in the Middle East. Perhaps for this reason the book is
endorsed by Amnesty International.

Next on my reading list is Samantha Power's book A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide which was quoted by Bec in her book. I also have The Collaborator on the "to read" pile. Mirza Waheed's The Collaborator is set in Kashmir, you can read more about the book here.

Freedom.

Found a collection of Short Stories celebrating the Declaration of Human Rights (Published by Amnesty International), in the local library, and have been reading it on my way into work over the past few weeks.

Like most collections, its a little bit uneven, but the premise is fantastic, give each author one of the Rights as a base or inspiration for their short story. The collection is quite eclectic due to the diversity of the authors.  You can't help be moved be the stories, as its clear they illuminate the lives of millions. But i think its a great way to get people to look beyond the words of the Declaration as they are illuminated, illustrated, and expanded through the stories.

One paragraph that struck me today was an answer to a question posed about what Education means and the character's response really struck me:

Education, whether brief, or just memories of it, creates the anchors that prevent us from losing our humanity completely, as a society and as individuals .... Education is the most powerful medicine that cures violence. It strengthens the mind to resist violence, to transform the elements of violence, which are fear and loss of self. Of course, one has to have some basic understanding of reality. In general, education can reawaken the mind and spirit after it has been broken.  Ishmael Beah - ABC Antidote

There's more about the anthology here and here.

Sideshow - Lindsay Tanner

Just finished reading Lindsay Tanner's book Sideshow; about the relationship between journalists politicians and the rest of us. To sum up, I don't think that there's anything much in the book that will surprise anyone given then 2010 election campaign; which could be summed up as spin, slogans without substance, remember "moving forward to stop the boats and end the waste".

 Tanner doesn't blame the journalists or absolve the politicians and does also point the finger at us. There is definitely something that resonates when he suggests that facts and figures aren't really the most effective for changing peoples opinions,instead arguments which hit on the emotions are going to be more effective. The book is worth a read if you're keen to explore the relationship between media and politics. We are crying out for politicians who will lead with ideas, not follow the polls or focus groups.

Five books which changed me

One of the meme's doing the rounds is the five books which changed you...

(1) The Bible,  I guess in some ways this is a given, but it is hard to overstate the impact this book has had, and is having, on my life.

(2) Knowing God - J. Packer, One of the first Christian books I read which has really helped me as I have sought to know God better. There is so much depth to what Packer has written, that there is always more to learn.

(3) Les Miserables - Victor Hugo  - I've always loved how the musical brought the story (and characters) to life. But the book, is the inspiration behind the musical,

(4) Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card, Easily the most enjoyable science fiction book I've read, And actually the whole series of books is enjoyable (and thought provoking reading)

(5) And perhaps the series of books which was one of the first books I recall reading, and perhaps gave me the love of reading are Williard Price's series of Adventure books. These books brought a sense of wonder in the natural world. Hard to pick favourites, but the ones I remember the most were Volcano Adventure and Amazon Adventure.

It so great having a great library nearby, as it is enabling me to pick and read books which I may not have read if I needed to pay for them.

Home (Elizabeth Marvelly)

Currently, I'm addicted to the aptly named Home (the new CD by Kiwi artist Elzabeth Marvelly). To be fair that is really what drew me to her album - a glimpse over the track-listing and you see classic songs, classical NZ songs and traditional maori songs (and quite a good mix). As I listened to the album my memories of NZ were rekindled - especially in hearing How Great Thou Art (Whakaaria Mai) and Amazing Grace (Te Atua) (with parts sung in both Maori and English).

A number of other tracks stood out Home (one of her own songs), the Dave Dobbyn song Welcome Home, a beautiful arrangement of Don't Dream its Over (Crowded House), the The Prayer (sung with Paul Potts) and I Vow the Thee My Country. Also included on the album is a wonderful version of "Over the Rainbow / I'm Always Chasing Rainbows", and two traditional (and very catchy) Maori songs E Papa and Tarakihi.

The album reflects on her love of NZ, and provided a tangible reminder of New Zealand to me bringing back to my mind, my experiences in growing up there. Not sure when this will be released in Oz (but if you want, you can buy it from Marbecks - a kiwi music store).

Stories without borders..

This is a powerful and moving piece on the immigration debate  (which we're not having & no-one's leading).

Stories Without Borders (Maria Tumarkin) 

Here is a boat, made of wood, nine metres by two and a half, with forty people (babies too) crammed onto it, that no-one wishes was turned back. Read more  > > > (via Meanjin)

An update

I'm now thinking a little bit more about how I use this blog. Recently, I decided to join the tweet-space, (not sure what the technical term is?). As I often use my blogposts to share what I've been reading online, and twitter seemed like a good (maybe better) way of doing this. So I'm going to tweet regularly, and then every now and again try and write a blog post - though perhaps my frequently than now ;-)

My twitter account is located here.  Stay tuned, as I'm hoping to write a little post about what I'm listening to and reading to shortly.

Stay well~!

Jars of Clay

I recently found that Dan Hasltine, the lead singer of the Christian band, Jars of Clay has been writing a blog, and the last few posts have been on the story behind some of the songs he has written, including Light Gives Heat and Oh My God, both from what I think is my favourite one of their albums, Good Monsters.

And a post about the meaning of songs in general

Page turners

I've finally finished reading the Memoirs of former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser,  I was fascinating by the account of his life, his politics, and how his relationship with the Liberal Party changed. Since then I read Dambisa Moyo's book Dead Aid -which I found to be a well reasoned argument for why western-aid is not only not the solution to Africa's problems, but also part of the problem - I guess the problem is the way we face these problems is that "we are 'westerners' how can we fail to do good'.

At the moment, I've started reading Hugh Mackay's book - What makes us tick - about the 10 major drivers of our behaviour - so far I'm about a third of the way through, and again I don't think there is anything in there that is a shock, but its been an interesting read - especially the way he talks about religion (be it the theist or atheist type). 

And it is lovely to have a five day break, hopefully I'll get a bit more reading down, and also find the time to write a touch. Last weekend we went and saw the Ballet Madam Butterfly, which was really amazing, I can't get over the dancers stamina and grace of equal portions. 

Driven to distraction ..

Fascinating piece in the SMH on Saturday (in the Spectrum), bottom line: We have access to more information than we have ever had, but little knowledge or wisdom as a result because the internet is changing how we think, read and act.

Luck...

Here's an interesting piece on luck, in the HuffPost.

On the reading list

Just finished...

:: Paul Roos and Tania Roos book Sport is Life, Life as Sport  -  the central comment of the book is to talk about life through illustrations from sport. A little side-bar here - its great to see the AFL season start, and I guess a draw was a good result.

:: The Shallows - Nicholas Carr; the often quoted book about how the internet is changing the way we think. He writes about how our brain is changed through how we use it; and how the way we use technology also reshapes the nature of our brain. Its quite a worthwhile read.  Its also worthwhile looking at his blog.

Just started..

Malcolm Fraser's political memoirs. I have to admit that I haven't done a lot of Australian history, so I thought I'd start by reading Malcolm Fraser's memoirs as I found a lot of his comments fascinating (see the University of Melbourne's collection of his papers.

Next on the list are the memiors of John Howard and Peter Costello, and then Peter Fitzsimon's biography of Kim Beazley.

despair for Australian politics ...

Fascinating pieces on the state of Australian politics here and here

more on connecting ...

I looked at Andrew Leigh's book on social capital again this morning, and he makes about trying to increase our social capital are: reclaiming the footpath by saying hello to people as you walk down the street; using your local stores; donating time (and/or money); using social media to supplement (not replace) connections; reviving organisations you are part of; writing to politicians; breaking bread with each other; and to trying new activities.

So, I'm going to try and do some of these; I will try to engage with my State and Federal representative more this year, and when I get back into the habit of walking I'll try and say 'Hello' as I pass people. Given there are a few great shops in this area, I'll try and regularly shop there.

on the internet ...

A couple of interesting pieces about the social side of the internet ...

The value of online friends
The social side of the internet

(re) connecting

I've just finished reading Andrew Leigh's book Disconnected about how "community engagement in Australia has declined. Organisational membership is down. We are less likely to attend church. Political parties and unions are struggling to keep their members. Sporting participation and cultural attendance is down. We have fewer friends and are less connected with our neighbours". In his book he also explores things we can do to reconnect with people. I also found it good to see that in his capacity as Member for Fraser he is seeking to encourage his constituents to reconnect with each other by hosting street parties. There's something there I think .. but I'd find it hard to actually take that step. The book is definitely worth have a look at, his writing is very engaging, and thought provoking. It would definitely be interesting to hear more of his thoughts around religion.

Economic benefit of the churches

Here's a fascinating article about a study trying to understand the economic benefit of the church, from The Inquirer (Philadelphia). I would like to read the full report, if there is one.

Black Swan...

So last week, I went and saw Black Swan. Its one of those films which stay with you as the credits roll up at the end. The highlight of the film along with the soundtrack and cinematography was the acting of Natalie Portman, Natalie's portrayal of the up-and-coming dancer Nina was very believable. The film reminded me of Enduring Love (the adaption of Ian McEwan's novel). There was also something unsettling in watching Natalie's character unravel as she became wrapped up in the demands of her role. Its also impressive that Natalie Portman actually did the dancing herself. Its one of the films which left you with questions about the characters, and events in the film, yet it was so real, I'm not sure I want to see it again.

Yesterday, we had a look at the First Emperor exhibition at the NSW Art Gallery, which was amazing, they had 10 types of the Terracotta Warriors. I found them to be so impressive, given their size, and their unique and detailed faces. Its well worth the visit.

On Serve

Was a little bit sad to see Rafa go out last night, but this comment is the mark of a champion, he was asked about the injury:

RAFAEL NADAL: I can say nothing about the injury. Seriously, I would prefer don't talk a lot about the injury. Tonight, first of all, I don't know nothing. Second thing, for respect to the winner and to a friend, I prefer to talk about the match. I think he played at a very high level. I just congratulate him and wish him all the best for the semifinal. I think he's doing a fantastic tournament. If he keep playing like this, he going to have a good chances. What David told me at the net is for me and that's it. >> Read more

To often, you hear sports people say, I was injured and that's why I lost. Always encouraging to hear players say, I was outplayed, and give the credit to their opponent. Given the two great semi-finals: Djokovic v Federer and Murray v Ferrer coming up the Final will be great.

Musical notes..

I've been meaning to post this for a while; here's to music lists ...

• Australia's top selling CD's for the past decade:
• The US End of Decade charts 
• NPR's list of the most influecial cd's from the last decade.

No surprise guessing what proportion of CDs are on both lists.....

Australia Day

So its Australia Day again, and there's the usual bits and pieces, tennis in Melbourne, a cricket game in Adelaide, talk about a new flag and moving Australia Day - and perhaps one surprise, the Australian of the Year was not a sportsman or women. (Maybe its partly because 2010 wasn't a great year). Aussie cricket fans will be relieved to hear that they have the Ashes back ... the women regained them in Bankstown yesterday.

Was also nice to see that The King's Speech did well in the Oscar nominations (I quite enjoyed the film). I'm hoping to see Black Swan next.

2011: Obscure events ...

Here's a few interesting things happening during the next 12 months ...

Cricket...

Here's an interesting explanation for Australia's declining fortunes in the Cricket ... Aussie Rules. I am sure there is a bit of truth in it.

Compact Discs ...

I read today that HMV is closing a number of stores in the UK, and the article asked whether people still by CDs. Until recently, I would have probably said that I would prefer to buy the CDs, and for some artists, and releases I probably will still, but when you start thinking about storage, there's only so much space. There is something about coming home with a new CD, and looking through the booklet, while listening to some new music.

While I've moved a little on CD's, I just can't see myself moving from books to a kindle (or similar).

more on the books (and the cricket)

A few other books I left off yesterday, fittingly for summer I read The Last Summer (which as a book about the 2009 Cricket season, also reflection on the changes in the game - mostly around 'hit and giggle', I've also got Michael Chugg (the concert promoter's autobiography, and yesterday I added Richard Glover's Why Men are
Necessary to the list.

Briefly, on the cricket, I have said this before, but I would like to receive the technology out of the game, leave the decisions to those on the field. Yes some days the wrong decision will be made, but we're not seeing many howlers overturned when the players review them.

Also, I think the South Africa-India series is showing how good Jacques Kallis, Sachin Tendulker, and Dale Steyn really are.

A New Year

I hope you all had a great Christmas, and all the best for 2011. To begin here's an article about new year's resolutions (or aspirations). In terms of my aspirations for 2011, I have being reading a lot more
over the last 12 months, thanks mainly to a great local library, a generous family, and would like to keep this up.

Over Christmas, I read Wayne Bennett's autobiography, Man in the Mirror, Helen Fielding's book Cause Celeb (a great parody of celebrities being involved in social justice campaigns), Alberto Barrera Tyszka's novel The Sickness, on how two men dealt with their illnesses.

I 'm also intending to read the books I was given for my birthday and Christmas last year -- two of Hugh Mackay's books: What Makes Us Tick, and Advance Australia ... Where?, George Negus's book, The
World From Down Under, Andrew Leigh's book Disconnected and Kevin Leman's book Have a new you by Friday (I've have found a few of his other books helpful), and a one more from my last visit to the library, Reading the play: on life and leadership by one of the great AFL players James Hird.

++

I enjoyed the The Late Session (the new show hosted by Waleed Aly) last night on SBS. A fascinating discussion around storytelling.  It looks like the series will be fascinating with great topics and
interesting guests. Though to think the five who I'd invite an imaginary dinner party, though I'd also pick Waleed to facilitate the conversation.

Here's another article, about a philosophy book which talks highlights the impact of communal experiences.