2012 Music ...

Now we are almost in December, thought that I'd take the time to write about my favourite music from 2012.    The shortlist for my album of the year is

• Overcome (Lara Landon), 
• Open Your Doors (Jenny & Tyler),  
• Land of the Living (Matthew Perryman Jones), 
• Light for the Lost Boy (Andrew Peterson),  
• Leonard, the Lonely Astronaut (Andrew Osenga),  
• Baby et Lulu (self titled), 
• Rhythm and Repose (Glen Hansard). 
• Blah Blah Love and War (The Rescues)

Looking at the list closely; its clear music in 2012 has been brought to you by the letters L and O.

Earlier in the year I tweeted that the best of these were Overcome, Open Your Doors and Leonard, the Lonely Astronaut, the other albums banging on the door are Glen Hansard's Rhythm and Repose and Matthew Perryman Jones' Land of the Living.  I'll post an order shortly, but those five records are ones which I will hear as fresh in five years as I do now.

As I usually do in my end of year lists I've excluded EPs - otherwise The Longing would be quite high up my list; and as Season One contains music from 2011 this is also excluded from my list.  But all of All Sons and Daughters music is worth buying.  I have also excluded Heavyweight (Rachael Yamagata) which is worth a listen - you can download a sampler of Rachael's music from Noisetrade.

Another album which I have downloaded but haven't listened too properly yet is Derek Webb's CTRL (an acoustic version), which sounds like it will also be pretty good.

Reading..

Been a while since I have posted, so here is a list of the books I have read recently.

• Disordered World: Setting a course for the Twenty First Century - Amin Maalouf
• The Snow Child - Eowyn Ivey (Probably my favourite novel of the year). 
• A Love Letter from a Stray Moon - Jay Griffiths - thanks to Rose Powell.  A pleasure to read.
• The Hunger Games - Trilogy - Suzanne Collins - quite an easy & fun read. Haven't seen the film yet, but the book was a good read. 
• March Was Made of Yarn: Writers Respond to Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami - Various - A collection of stories inspired by the Tsunami in Japan (March 2010).
• Lives Other Than My Own - Emmanuel Carrere
• On Writing - Stephen King - great look at how Stephen King approached writing, and there is some great advice for writing here too. 
• Think - Lisa Bloom - A book specifically for women - but the focus is on getting people to start to 'think' for themselves'

On the go now:
Why TV is Good for Kids - Catharine Lumby & Duncan Fine
Provides a balanced look at the impact TV has, and the moral panic and comes with all of the latest technology.
Never a Gentleman's Game - Malcolm Knox - highlighting the early history of cricket (and how some things have not changed)
Every Good Endeavor - Tim Keller. - On the place of work in the Christian life.

Top TV Shows of the last 25 years

I blogged about this a while ago, but when I caught this article in yesterday's SMH about the top shows of the last 25 years I thought I would look over the list and update it.  Its fairly tough, but I think I'd settle on these. The only one that I think won't change is The West Wing. For me it is miles ahead of the rest.. 

5. Homeland

I really liked the premise of the show (perhaps believable).  The second season will be the real test. However Season Two goes, I'm very intrigued to see the Israeli show it was based on.

4.  Downton Abbey

A great period drama, and I have really got into the characters. The producers haven't been too ambitious with each series (around 7 episodes long). Season Three looks like it could be interesting.

3. Criminal Minds

Criminal Minds is probably my favourite crime show.  One that really does highlight the depths of our potential depravity, it scares me every now and then, but the way the profilers are able to piece together the story amazes me.

2 Picket Fences

I have included this, but I have not been able to locate a copy of the series to buy on DVD. Would love to though, again it dealt with real meaty issues well.

1. The West Wing

Hands down the best written show I have watched on television.  One of the few shows which has regularly dealt with meaty issues. Their episode relating with 9/11 dealt with a touchy topic sensitively. The show is one of the more even shows I have seen across all seven seasons. I do regularly wonder where these characters have got to.  Very easy to watch again & again.

On the articles list, I haven't seen Mad Men. Anyone who has seen it - would you put it at number 1? 

Cassie - Sing about me

Another musical discovery for 2012 is the Finnish band Cassie.  The band is probably classified as ambient rock.  Cassie's debut album is Sing about me.

To my mind there are some similarities to Sigur Ros in the ambient nature of their songs, they also bring Portishead to mind.

What I love about the Cassie at the moment is the purity and expressiveness of their singer's voice, against the expansive nature of the music.

If you're looking for some new music, Cassie is definitely one to listen to. Again, you can download the album via Noisetrade.

This is September ...

September, means the beginning of spring, and September means Footy Finals.  I am quite happy with how the Swans have been going this year.  Given that most suggested that they would make up the numbers in the eight to finish third and secure a double chance is a great effort for the year. 

The reward for finishing third, is a trip to Adelaide to play the Crows. Where the equation is quite simple - win, and they reach the preliminary final; lose and they will host the Cats (in Sydney).  Hopefully, whether its the Prelim Final, or Qualifying Final, someone remembers 2005 - and they play at the SCG.

Even with the last few losses, the Swan's still have the best defense in the competition.  Hopefully, we will see that on display next weekend.  Geelong could well become the first team from outside the top four to win the flag, but I think the favourites would probably be Hawthorn or Adelaide.  (The Hawthorn v Collingwood game is likely to be a cracker..)

Onto the NRL, sadly, the Warriors won't be there this year.  Their season, can be summarised as erratic.  Hopefully 2013 will be a better year. At this point, I suspect one of Manly, Canterbury or Melbourne to win, with Manly probably being the favourites.

+++

In brief.  
Congrats to Andy Roddick on a fantastic career - I will miss you, I always enjoyed watching you play, the heart you poured out on the court. Who could forget that 21-19 set you played at the Australian 

Open.  Would love to see him win the tournament this year.

Sad to see Ratten sacked. Thought he handled it with loads of class expressed through humility and grace.  I'm also feeling a little bit for Deans too..   (via the SMH)

Congrats to the All Blacks, still rusty, but it did the job. One thing which saddens me, is that after the All Blacks play (win or lose), there seems to be an increase in domestic violence.    

Feel Inside - Flight of the Conchords..

Really love this video and song ...  (for a good cause too..)

Heath McNease - The Weight of Glory

I recently downloaded Heath McNease's new album, The Weight of Glory. If the title rings bells with you, you have heard it before. Heath's new album is his reflections on CS Lewis best know books including:

• The Great Divorce, 
• A Grief Observed, 
• Mere Christianity (focusing on the Liar, Lunatic or Lord quote)
• The Problem Of Pain, 
• The Four Loves - poetically he sums up the four loves as the love that made him grow; the love that made him bold, the love that made him whole, the love that saved his soul.
• Screwtape Letters, 
• Edmund (centred on the betrayal of Edmund in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe), 
• Perelandra, 
• Till We Have Faces, 
• Surprised By Joy, 
• The World's Last Night, and 
• Weight Of Glory.

His lyrics beautifully capture the essence of these books (and is a great intro to his writings.  The music covers a broad range of genre's mostly folk, rock and blues, with some spoken word or rap in Mere Christianity. 

Mostly because of the intelligent lyrics and how easy it is to listen to I definitely recommend the album.

Hear the Sound - All Sons & Daughters

Quite like this new song - and am looking forward to the new EP due out later this year.

Back to New York

We had decided to finish our trip where we started, and spend the last four nights in New York.  I think breaking it up worked nicely for us, as we had a better gauge of how to get around, and what to expect while we were there. On the list the second time where, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, doing the High Line Walk and wondering around the city. 

Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty

Given that we'd picked Memorial Day for this, I was a little bit nervous that we'd be able to get on the boats. I needn't have worried, we pre-booked the tickets, and virtually walked right through security and onto the boat without much waiting time.  It was a great day to be out on the river, and the Statue of Liberty is such an impressive sight. The crown was closed, so we didn't get up to the top.  I also quite liked visiting Ellis Island, where the first immigrants to the US were processed.  

Brooklyn Bridge

Really enjoyed this, we caught the subway out to Brooklyn, and then had a leisurely stroll back to Manhattan. Given it was a really nice day, we had a fair bit of company. You do get quite an impressive view of the Manhattan Skyline along the way which is quite nice.  If I went back to New York, I would like to explore Brooklyn a little bit more.

Highline Walk

One of the things we'd seen a little bit about before we left was the High-Line Park. The High Line is a public park built on an historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side.  There are some classic street stalls, and contemporary art along the way. Its quite impressive to walk along.

We went and saw another Broadway show. After 25 years Phantom is the longest running show on Broadway, so we thought that we'd take the opportunity to see it, I had seen it before, but it was such a long time ago, and it was great  to see it again.  

We enjoyed walking around the city, and did do a little bit of shopping. We visited FAO Schwarz,.  Such an amazing store - really enjoyed looking around. One of the highlights on the way home, was flying on the A380. I really liked the tail camera, so you could watch the plane leave LA, and land in Sydney. You did have a little bit more room, which is always nice.   In summary, we had an amazing time away, and I could definitely go back to the US in a heartbeat..

View from inside the Time Warner Building

Mid year music thoughts

Now that we've entered the second half 2012, here is a list of the albums which have stood out so far this year.

>> Glen Hansard - Rhythm and Repose
Beautifully written and performed songs.  Glen has an amazing voice, and it is such a shame more people don't get to hear it.

>> Lara Landon - Overcome
Chrisitan singer-songwriter, whose songs reflect the reality of the Christian experience, through trial to glory.

>> Jenny & Tyler - Open Your Doors
I've posted enough on this duo.  But just love this duo and this album.

>> Paul Baloche - The Same Love  
Great worship CD.  Features a  variety of other artists. He includes Oh Our Lord (written by All Sons & Daughters, and another track with Kari Jobe. The words point you to Christ (the King of Heaven), which is what you the songs to do.

>> for KING and COUNTRY - Crave
The first full-length album from Luke & Joel (who are Rebecca St James brothers). One of my favourite tracks Love's to Blame was also co-written by RSJ.

>> Andrew Osenga - Leonard the Lonely Space Astronaut
Really love this concept album. Andrew describes the record as telling the story of a man named Leonard Belle.

He lives 300 years from now and loses his wife in a sudden accident while their divorce is being finalized. In his rage and grief he takes a gig driving a long-distance space freighter for a year. (Due to relativity, by the time he returns to Earth everyone he knows will be old or dead.) He decides to bring along some antique instruments and recording equipment (just like the stuff I have!) and will make a record.

Here's a review; which says it better than I can. 

>> Sigur Ros - Valtari
Really stunning atmospheric music. Yes, you are never sure what he is singing, but just stunning. 

>> Once: A new Musical
I really loved the film, so when in New York, it made sense to try and see the musical.  The songs are pretty well the same, but it is just a beaut story, and the performers (who sang, and played the music) were great. I really hope it comes to Australia, but don't really see it happening.

>> U2 - U22 (Songs from the U2360 Tour)

I didn't actually see any concert of the last tour live, so this is an excellent document from the tour. 

The book has Adam talk through the tracklisting and some pretty awesome photos.  On the track-list side of things, while it is a little light on the songs from the No Line.. album, it more than makes up for this by including some of the surprises from the tour Love Rescue Me, One Tree Hill, 'The Unforgettable Fire', and Zooropa.  The version of 'I Still Haven't Found' with a flugelhorn is beautiful. I can't wait for the next album, and maybe I'll try and see them again. Stay tuned for a post about my 15 favourite U2 songs.

Toronto - Canada

After our time in Boston, we flew up to Toronto, mostly to catch up with our friend Alida, who had been in Australia for a couple of years. It was really wonderful to catch up and be shown around Toronto.  It was definitely a highlight of our trip.

Niagara  Falls

Niagara Falls

Falls Ave, Niagara

The other huge highlight was the day we spent driving to Niagara. The falls were absolutely beautiful. Once we looked at the falls we then walked up the main street of the town which was quite touristy & tacky. We drive along the river, stopping a the whirlpools and the floral clock, before heading to the township of Niagara by the Lake (which is less touristy, and similar to some of the towns you would find the the Australian Wine regions. 

We did some wine-tasting in the region which was really lovely; the pick of the wineries we went to was Colaneri (and we also tasted a bit of Ice Wine, which was quite enjoyable).  

Toronto

Toronto

I didn't know before I left that Toronto has an island just off the coast. Was lovely, to walk around a peaceful island, so close to the city.  After the left the island we went to see an episode of Strombo be filmed. Strombo is a show of interviews, while we were there  George Strombopolous interviewed Olympia Dukakis and Enrico Colantoni. He was an excellent interview, and following the show he did a Q&A, and said one of the key things about interviewing, is listening to the answers so you can ask meaningful follow-up questions.  One of the interviews I would have like to have seen live was this one with Nazanin Afshin-Jam - an Iranian, living in Canada

Museum Station,
Toronto

Rogers Centre,
Toronto

We then went up the CN Tower, and had some wonderful views over the city and surrounding region.  The Glass Elevator, and Glass floor were quite cool.  :)

On the following day, we flew back down to New York for the final few days of our trip.  Toronto Airport, has a terminal where the flights to the USA depart from, and you actually clear customs & enter the US before getting on the plane. Perhaps there is something here for flights between Australia & New Zealand. Not sure I'd hold my breath though. 

I really loved Canada, and hope to get back some-day soon. 

New Hampshire / Boston

Back to our trip. We said good bye to New York for a spell and had a great little train ride up to Boston. It was quite beautiful country, but quite built up in places. We were met at South Station and driven up into the beautiful New Hampshire countryside by one of my mother-in-law's school friends, and it was a nice change for us to have a tour guide taking us around there home. We had a good drive along the NH coastline, and one of the old settlements.

Harvard & MIT

MIT, from the Prudential Center.

On our last day with Ag & Paul, we went and explored Harvard, which was busy preparing for graduations. Paul showed us around Harvard (and as he is an Alum, we were able to go into the main library, and saw one of the first Gutenberg Bibles which was quite a treat). After that we walked around MIT, which has one of the more interesting buildings you will see. We also enjoyed having a walk around their Museum just before it closed.  Boston has a large number of Universities, and many of them had graduations while we were there. 

Another couple of random experiences we had, was going to the studio Click & Clack (a car radio show) is broadcast from at Cambridge and having a photo with Barack Obama (at least a cardboard cutout). We also had lunch in a Pizza restaurant in Portsmouth which has drawings from its guests in their menus. So, if you do go Portsmouth, and see a drawing from a Sydney-sider - that may be me.

Boston

Boston

We really loved Boston, it is just a beautiful city. Walking through the city, you walk through the history of America. Very different to New York, with all of its tall skyscrapers. Boston has so many smaller red brick buildings. We walked the freedom trail while we were there, learnt that the American's didn't win their independence because of their superior tactics, or because the British Soldiers wore Red Coats.  We walked past the balcony where MLK gave one of his key speeches and the balcony where the American Declaration of Independence was read out. Apparently Ho Chi Minh worked in one of Boston's hotels; wonder how different history would have been if he had stayed there.  We had an retired history teacher as a guide, which made me pause to think about what my next career could be.

Fenway Park

The other highlight was a visit to Fenway Park. While I couldn't do a tour (all booked out), it was worth walking around the ball-park. The slight error we made in planning the trip is that while we were in New York, the Yankees (and Mets) weren't, while we were in Boston, the Red Sox weren't, and yes, you guessed it, the Blue Jay's were in New York while we were in Toronto. 

One of the other tours you can do in Boston is in an old WWII amphibious landing vehicle, which travels on the road & on the river. The guide was seeking to bring the sixties back and filled his talk with dry humour. The brochure we got from Duck Tours is a hoot, they have an excellent range of guides all with really distinctive (quirky) personalities. 

Prudential Center

During our stay in Boston we went up the Prudential Center, which is the tallest building in Boston, which gave us opportunities to see the distinctive buildings from above, and it was also a great way to see the layout of the city. Boston is a strikingly beautiful town. The photo's of the city in this post, were taken from this building.

Salem

"I am innocent, I am wronged"
Salem Witch Trial Memorial

Salem Witch Museum

We finished our time in Boston by taking the train up to Salem. The town originally one of the key ports of the state, but made (in)famous through the Witch Trials of 1692 (and in a few episodes of Bewitched I hear).  Really enjoyed our visit to the Salem Witch Museum. There are not too may papers from the trials so the "exhibits" are an audio account of the trial, and then a guide speaks about the history of witches since then. Making the point that witches are misunderstood. Additionally making the link between fear leading the scapegoating. A really worthwhile museum. The staff of the museum are planning to put on The Crucible later this year, which reminded me I definitely need to see it.

After Boston, we headed up to Toronto, but more about that later.

New York, New York

We recently returned from a three week break in the USA and Canada, spending time in New York, Boston, Toronto (with a couple of nights in New Hampshire). We'd broken the trip up, beginning and finishing in NY, and  hitting New Hamsphire, Boston, and Toronto in the middle. the first New York section is the subject of this post.

How much has airline travel and inflight entertainment changed. Gone are the days of one screen displaying movies on a cycle, now you can chose watch you watch, and can select from new releases; Oscar winners, old favourites and 'world-movies'. The stand out two on the flight over were Hugo and the new Australian film "Any Questions for Ben?". 

It really does hit you how far away Australia is; 14 hours to LA, then another 4 to NY. Can't fault the Qantas ground-staff in LA, they really made the process of making the connecting flight seamless. Sure it took two hours to get through immigration, deal with the luggage and get to the gate, but we would have had to tried pretty hard to miss the plane.

One thing I'd love Qantas to do, is give you the opportunity to listen to the pliots speak with the Control Towers (and other planes). Fascinating.  I enjoyed "SkyCam" on the flight home, but that's getting ahead of myself.

Overall impression.. 

Filming on 50th Street.

I have now been to New York three times, and each time I have enjoyed the visit more. The first impression you get is the size of the city, and it hits all your senses, the distinctive smells, noise of the traffic, and scale of the buildings. It is true that they are filming something in New York every day, and streets will be closed. While not doing any specific tour, we ate the Soba Nippon, which is apparently one of the characters in SITC had their first date.  

The MET

The Met, NY

The highlight of the first section was going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The scale of the Museum is stunning. You will see art & displays of art from almost every continent & period of history. Even if you spend a week there, I doubt you would see everything. We saw Arms & Armour from medieval Europe, Feudal Japan & the Islamic World, visited some American Houses, glimpsed more varieties of musical instruments than you can imagine. (I almost wanted to take the Pipe organ home for Barneys).

United Nations

I also went to the UN the last time I was there. We were both struck, by the disconnect between the ideals of the UN, the Declaration of Human Rights and the Millennium Development Goals and how you see them in the real world.  The UN displays gifts the member countries give them. The exhibit pictured, was from Colombia, where confiscated firearms have been modified into guitars.

Once

I am a huge fan of Glen Hansard, so the opportunity to see the musical version was too good to pass up.  The musical was held in the Jacobs Theatre. One of the highlights was the bar was on the stage (the bar is part of the set, but was operational too.. so yes, you did go up on stage to get your drinks).

What was really cool about the show was while people were getting their drinks, the cast came out on stage and started playing songs. All of the cast not only sang, but played an instrument.  It really captured the feel of busking. The musical captured the film quite well. If you have seen the film you'll know most of the songs. The cast do an a-capella version of  'Gold' which is beaut.  Cristin Milioti & Steve Kazee where great as the guy & the girl.  Once deserves to do well in the Tony Awards (held Sunday in the US). I do hope that Australia gets to see Once

Empire State Building

Looking Downtown from the ESB

I think to really see New York you have to get to the top of the Empire State Building. We went up a dusk, and basically went straight up to the top.  Such a magical view.

Greenwich 

Another of the highlights was doing one of the Food Tours (by Foods of NY), where we got the eat some of the real great NY food - original NY Pizza, a variety of cheeses, some beaut Arancini. We also got to taste some awesome Olive Oil. The tour guide also talked a little bit of the history of New York and the area which was great. Adding to the feeling that you were walking through a movie set, we saw the apartment building used for the external shots in FRIENDS.

That, I think, sums up the first few days in NY.

The Voice..

Like a majority of Australia, I have been taken with the Australian version of The Voice.  The blind auditions were initially what really grabbed me. The singer would walk up onto stage, the music would play, they would start singing. Then the judges would turn around (or not), and the contestants would be faced with a choice of whose team they would be on.  There was something in the fact the the singer would solely be judged on their voice (and I guess whether they connected with the audience).

I suspect they also try and listen for a voice which they can work with. Would also be interesting to look at the number of male/female voices in the two teams, and the number of singers in different genres who get through

It then started to intrigue me; if you were to look through your music collection, and put you favorite bands singers into the context of the game show. Who would make the judges spin around. Putting it another way, when you listen to your i-Pod on random, what artists and songs make you stop what your are doing and pay attention.  

When I was listening to a CD this morning, the voice which made me stop was Andrew Bird (and the song Lusitania), you can watch him sing here.

On another note with i-tunes and i-pods it seems that the days of albums are numbered. Yet, Leonard, the Lonely Astronaut, is a classic concept album and tells a wonderful story through really great songs.  Read an interview with Andrew Osenga on the Rabbit Room Website.

A review of the album is here. Unfortunately, you now have to wait until our Spring to buy it.

the "church"

Recently I have been reading a number of posts on why they left the church (see these two - by Rachel Held Evans & Kim Van Brunt).

I have been struck by these posts, as my experience of church has been different. I suspect that it is the community which has made my experience different. A community of people who are walking the same journey, who are sharing life's joys and struggles, and who are willing to wrestle with you to understand what God's word means for us and our world. 

It is a shame but this is not everyone's experience and we need to listen to those who leave 'the church' and find out what we can learn from their experience, recognising that they are not necessarily going to walk back through the door, as the 'damage has been done'. 

I think there is also something in the claim that the church is more concerned about what happens in our bedrooms; than who is living on our streets. In the political sphere, there also appears to be an unwritten rule that Christians should vote Liberal, not Labour (and definitely not Green - which I do kind of understand). It has certainly given me pause to reconsider my politics. As an aside, I am also disappointed with Federal Labour. (Aside: I think we also need to learn how to disagree with each other & make our case to the world)

A few other good books to read to explore why people leave church (and some of the lessons we should take) are:

• A churchless faith: faith journeys beyond Evangelical, Pentecostal & charismatic churches - Alan Jamieson (mainly looks at NZ)
• The Market Driven Church - Udo Middelmann (on how the church is adapting some behaviours of the market & popular culture).
• Quitting church: why the faithful are fleeing and what to do about it - Julia Dunn (from the US).

And one I haven't read which sounds good is You Lost Me: Young Christians are leaving Church and Rethinking faith. There are some stats about Australia's churched and unchurched here. I am also excited by the prospect of reading some of Rachel's thoughts if she decides to write a book on this topic. 

March / April Readings

Here's a short list of what I have read during March/April.

• Suzanne Collins - The Hunger Games - Found it an easy to read & well paced. Looking forward to the next two books.

• Teju Cole - Open City - Like Teju's style of writing. The story is around the reflections of an African man in New York. Its rally quite well done, I love the description of Maher's 9th Symphony, how he describes New York & her people.

• Rachel Held Evans - Evolving in Monkey town (reviewed in a separate post)

• Amin Maalouf - Disordered world - just started this - and a key point the author makes is - how both [the Arab world & the west] have both reached the limits of what they could achieve as separate civilisations ... what I resented most about the Arab world was its lack of moral conscience, and what I resented most about the west was its propensity to turn its moral conscience into an instrument of domination".

Sport in brief

Haven't written too much recently, but now that we are two rounds in the AFL Season, a few reflections:

• Round 1 was a fantastic advertisement for the game; and though I didn't see it, today's game also was a corker.
• It will be a tough year for GWS & Gold Coast. They both may win games, but it will be a few years more before they challenge for the Top 8. Comparing the game between Hawthorn and Geelong today & the games the Giants and Suns played yesterday highlights that point.
• I'm not changing my allegiances to GWS but I'm glad we have a second team in Sydney.  So I do hope they go alright this year & into the future. Sheedy is a great asset there.
• So far so good for the Swans, though I'm a little bit concerned they don't seem to be able to put teams away. 

Three other points:

• I'm enjoying the performances of the Hurricanes so far this year. They are an unpredictable team, but so far, so good. 
• And on the NRL, I'm not sure where last years Warrior's went, but hope they show up soon. 
• Good luck to the Breakers too, attempting to go back-to-back in the Basketball Finals.

Marking time on the long weekend

It has been a great long weekend. Spent time catching up with family, friends (both old & new) and taking some time reflection on the meaning of Easter, that God became Man, and that man not only died,
but returned from the grave, that we may be reconciled with our Creator.

We took a trip into Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art today. The two exhibitions featured at the moment are Christian Marclay's: The Clock and Marking Time.

The Museum's website describes Marclay's work:

The Clock comprises several thousand short extracts from cinema history, each suggesting a particular time of day or referencing a specific moment, often through the appearance of a watch or clock-face. Marclay has stitched these extracts together to form a continuous visual sequence synchronised with the real time of your visit – if it is noon you'll be watching a scene referencing noon. Even more impressively, the scenes suggest countless interlocking narratives despite the constant changes in genres, eras, locations and plotlines.

Its staggering thinking about the time put into this work. Would love to sit down and watch all twenty-four hours of his film.

Marking time, as the name plays on the theme of how we mark time. A couple of the works which
stood out for me, was one by Elisa Sighicelli, in which we see fireworks contract back to their beginnings. It was quite mesmerising to watch. In another room, visitors would lie on the floor, looking up to see the movement of clouds displayed through polystyrene-balls blown around by fans.

The exhibition is well worth the visit.

Easter Sunday - reflections

So they went out and started running from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them. And they said nothing to anyone, since they were afraid.

Mark 16:8

Then He told them, "These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled." Then He opened

their minds to understand the Scriptures. He also said to them, "This is what is written: The Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day, and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And look, I am sending you what My Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high."

Lule 24:25-31

Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.

Acts 2:43-47

He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. This has now been made

evident through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

2 Tim: 1:9-10

Good Friday - reflections..

"...Finally, he sent his son to them. 'They will respect my son,' he said. "But when the tenant farmers saw the son, they said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill him and take his inheritance!' So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him."  

Matthew 21:37-39

From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken[abandoned] Me?" Matthew 27:45-47; Psalm 22. 

"But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds" Isa 53:5

(All quotations from Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Faint Not - Jenny & Tyler (Review)

If you've been reading my tweets, you'll know that one of the artists on heavy rotation at the moment is Jenny & Tyler. Jenny & Tyler are a classic duo (husband & wife) and have been compared to She & Him, The Civil Wars, and The Swell Season. To me these all hold true.  Faint Not is their fourth album. and is currently available via i-tunes or Noisetrade. In summary, the real attractiveness is the sincere, honest, and challenging lyrics.

The highlight of the record for me is Carry Me (which features Third Day singer Mac Powell). Mac Powell in this song, acts as the voice of God:

"when I first met you I drew you in close to me , your weaknesses covered with strength and security, I've never left you, nor will I ever leave, child believe, child believe",

As Jenny sings of her need for God to carry her. The song's structure heighten its impact.

I also really like the honesty of these lines, the first in Faint Not,  a song speaking of the poverty some experience in our world - "we quit because it's not an easy fix and then forget that they are even there // we forget to care".

and, Through your Eyes, where she sings of her longing to herself  through your (God's) eyes, which I find very easy to relate to.

Song for you, seems to be a love song from God to us:

"I have done for you everything my love, hear My song for you, I will not hold my tongue, open your heart, open your heart, for I have loved you, open your heart, open your heart, for I have loved you from the start.

Holding on to hope, is about the hope we hold onto as we walk through the storms of life. In Dreaming of Peace, she sings of her reflections as she drives past a protest.

It is fitting the albums ends reminding that we are anchored in the love of God. He will sustain and protect us. no matter what storms life throws at us. Such a beautiful promise.

Jenny & Tyler's new album Open Your Doors will be released this coming week. You can have a listen to a preview here. If you are looking for an album with a great sound, refreshingly honest and challenging lyrics, then both these albums are totally for you.

As an aside, Jenny & Tyler have also recorded a beautiful version of Simon & Garfunkel's "The Sound Of Silence", and it seems this money from the sale of this song is going to the work of one global organisation seeking to secure rescue for victims of slavery & other violent forms of oppression. That's a double win there.

Evolving in Monkey Town - Review

I was pleasantly surprised recently, when I got an email from the local library, telling me I had a book waiting for me. The book was Rachel Held Evan's Evolving in Monkey Town: How a Girl Who Knew All the Answers Learned to Ask the Questions. I was surprised as I only recently asked the library to think about buying it. Not only did they buy it, but they also placed a hold on it, for me.

The book is the story of Rachel's faith journey, from certainty through doubt to faith, and in that sense, the book is exactly what I expected. At the same time though, there are confronting truths in there. I have always valued certainty, knowing what I believe, knowing why I believe it, and knowing how to talk to others about it. The book reminded me that it is not that simple. It reminded me & challenged me, that we need to find a place in our churches for questions, for growth, and not see the person who does not know, or who has questions as having a crisis.  Another interesting point is that doubt (leading to thoughtful questions) is the mechanism by which faith grows.

I can promise you, that while you may not agree with some of the answers to the questions Rachel has, there are lessons you can take from her journey, approach, and attitude. The book ends which a great account of why kids ask questions - it is not because they want _the answer_ its because they want the relationship - (Alan Greene).

Held Evan's book is well worth reading and pondering (I know I'm going to read it again before I return it).

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As an aside, I have to admit, I have really enjoyed reading her blog (I'm not sure I agree with everything there, but the posts always give me food for thought.

Born not to get bullied

I read the latest Nick Kristof column today it was centered around a discussion he had with Lady Gaga at the launch of her Foundation. Say what you like about her music. She's on the money with bullying, with the experience to back it up.  In the interview she highlighted how you can be a squillionaire, but you bruise and scare like the rest.

Here's the two points which struck me:
Bullying and teenage cruelty are human rights abuses that need to be higher on our agenda.
Two key studies about bullying, show how when the school has a climate of bullying, the entire school suffers academically, it is an impediment to learning.

Which highlights that we need to do something more, to empower the students to get more out of school, and deal with bullying. Read the full article here.

By the way of an aside, I am totally for celebrities pointing a spotlight in issues which diminish us as a society.

Note: Lady Gaga has set up the Born This Way Foundation, which is not solely about bullying, but also about empowering kids and nurturing a more congenial environment in and out of schools.

February Reads

February has been a quiet month for reading to date I've read the below two books..

Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English: A Novel - Natasha Solomons
Don't actually remember too much of this one. I enjoyed the characters, and the manner in which Jack and Rose's relationship was described. Guess I'd describe it as a light and fun read.

The Hare with Amber Eyes: A Hidden Inheritance - Edmund de Waal
Really enjoyed it. It is exactly my type of book. The story of his family is told through the what happens to the netsuke. Brings quite a bit of European and Japanesse history to life, and a very interesting and original way to tell the history of your family.

Next on the to read list:
Teju Cole - Open City
Jack Kerouac - The sea is my brother : the lost novel

February music

Thought I'd take some time, to write about a few CD's  I have been listening to during 2012. All of these are available via i-tunes. Alternatively you can download a sample from Noisetrade, for a tip, like or tweet.

The City I Long For - The City I Long For

A wonderful, but short (five songs), EP. Features great versions of two of my favourite hymns; Come Thou Font' and It is Well with My Soul. It is characterised by the harmonies of the singers.  Wouldn't mind trying to sing these hymns, with the new arrangements.

Of the other songs We Will Rise is a beautiful song reminding us that, we will rise with Christ. Now's Not the Time brought to mind how this world is harassed and helpless like sheep without the Shepherd.


Overall a beautiful collection of songs both in terms of the music and words.

Stop the Noise - Carisa Turner 

The lyrics are what I'm drawn too when I listen to new music, and what strikes me from her EP is how she writes about her experiences of life, and how easily I could relate to these.

Pocket of the World reminds me of our thoughts on the weekend mornings.  I love the encouraging declarations in We Declare. Her personal declaration in My King, and honesty in asking What Would I do in response to Jesus' call to 'come and follow'. Lost at Sea capturing the all too familiar feeling of  when the wider world, and our personal worlds seem out of control.


Perhaps fittingly, the EP ends by her telling of her longing (and one we can all relate to), for stillness to hear the voice of the Lord. .

Hello Stranger - Nick Flora


While listening to this, on the bus, I felt like I was listening to Nick tell me his story, with the stranger in the title being the listener. The highlight of the album, was how the album unpacked through a few songs the nature of relationship. The song which best showed this was Tired of Me (w/ Stacy Lantz) . Which is written like a couple having a discussion about their relationship, I've built these walls to protect my fragile heart, moving to how 'love without risks holds no reward, and ending with how they: See the world through each others eyes'.



Flora also often uses a "tongue-in-cheek" perspective one example being Presence of Greatness. The album was produced by Andrew Osenga. As an aside, Andrew Osenga's music is definitely worth checking out.

Beloved, Look Up - Lara Landon

Lara has a new album due out in May
and The River will be on that album.

When I listened to her album for this first time her voice stuck with me. The album is a collection of worship songs, and the tone of the lyrics as like an older sister sharing her experiences and journeys with you. The title track 'Beloved', take the listener to Romans 8 (how nothing can seperate us from the love of God) and perhaps also Ezkl 16 (which paints a vivid picture of God's love toward a faithless bride).

While writing about Lara Landon, it's hard not to mention Look up. The song Look Up is available as a single track (w/ proceeds going to an appeal for Haiti), very moving song, about the strength shown through trials and an encouragement to persevere.

The full lyrics of the song are:

"You're amazing. With a year like yours, I'm not sure I'd be standing
My inspiration. Seen you face each blow with strength I can't imagine.
But it seems lately you're at the very end.
I search for words to help you keep on going...

Look Up. Never turn back.
The last step that takes all your strength may be your new beginning.
There's no shame in being afraid.
Just keep the faith, keep believing.
Look up.

Between two mountains and it seems each day they keep on getting bigger
we pray together but I don't know what to do to make it better, no.
Look Up. Never turn back.
The last step that takes all your strength may be your new beginning.
There's no shame in being afraid.
Just keep the faith, keep believing.
Look up.

This life is worth the fight I know you'll win.
Jesus sees us and He knows how hard you're trying.
He knows you're trying..

Look Up. Never turn back.
The last step that takes all your strength may be your new beginning.
There's no shame in being afraid.
Just keep the faith, keep believing.
Look up."

Chasing Summer - Chasing Summer

Chasing Summer best fit in the same niche as The Civil Wars & The Swell Season. The band Chasing Summer is Tammy Rochelle and Joseph Bamber. One of the highlights for me is the medley of Amazing Grace' & 'Swing low Sweet Chariot'.

Really enjoy both The Darkest Night & There for Me. These songs feature Joseph singing. In The Darkest Night he sings over the top of a single acoustic guitar. Both these songs highlight how God will never let us go, holding us by His love.

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All things considered, these five albums are all worth checking out. I'm looking forward to the new album by  Andrew Osenga and All Sons and Daughters, both of which should be out in the first half of 2012.  I'm also going to write about another duo which I'm listening to quite a bit Jenny & Tyler.

Australian Open

So, Victoria Azarenka  is the new Australian Open champion. Its fascinating to note too, that now the four grand slams are held by players, who have just won their first grand slam tournament. Victoria Azarenka (Australian Open), and during 2011, Li, Na (French Open), Petra Kitrova (Wimbledon), and Sam Stosur (US Open)

Compare this to the men; where if you run the list back from here to 2004, there are only 6 names: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Juan Martin Del Potro (US Open 2009), Marat Safin (Aus Open 2005), and Gastón Gaudio (French Open 2004).

Will be interesting to see how the Bryan's go, if they win tonight, I think they will equal the 12 titles won by the Woodies. 

Summer of Cricket

Now the "real cricket" (editors note: test cricket)  has finished until the Kiwi's play South Africa (late March), and the Australia's travel to the West Indies (April-May), its time to collect a few thoughts.

Aside 1: we have a couple of hit and giggle matches, the return of a one-day series, but these are not really real cricket.

• Very impressed with Clarke as captain, a touch more aggressive than Ponting was, and less willing to let the game drag. Whatever his winning percentage, I think he'll be a better captain. The captaincy  also seems to have done wonders with his batting (150+ versus South Africa, the 329* and 210 versus India). 
• Great to see Ponting back in form, and I think there's perhaps a lesson there for the Indian's - both Hussey and Ponting were under pressure, but performed when they needed too, so maybe they should hold-off dropping Dravid, Laxman and Shewag .. 
• The Australian bowling stocks, while needing to be well treated gently are looking good, Siddle's leading the attack well, Pattinson and Cummins look great (and will be fun when they can operate together) as does Harris. It is nice to see Hifly doing well. 
• DRS - I'm on the Indian's side with this one, the technology isn't perfect, so leave it all on the field.
• On paper, it looked like a tight series, but doesn't seem like the Indian batsman have the temperament for Australia, and the bowlers didn't really seem to have the discipline. 
• It will be interesting watching this side build up to the Ashes.
• And in light of the above, the Black-cap's drawn series is looking better and better  ;-)

Aside 2: Love this comment, "adults take their kids to Test Cricket; and kids take their parents to the 20-20". 

Aside 3:  Good luck to the NZ Women, who play for the Rose Bowl trophy against Australia tomorrow. 

Australian Open

Nadal celebrates after beating Lopez

 Thought that I'd post about Melbourne.  We caught some of the fourth  round tennis last weekend -  Victoria Azarenka v Iveta Benesova; Rafael Nadal v Feliciano Lopez, and the pick Li, Na playing Kim Clijsters. 

While both Nadal and Azareka won in straight sets,  Li Na held four match points (during a tie-break) against Clijsters, yet lost that tiebreak, 8-6 and then lost the final set 6-4 (Clijsters held a 4 love lead, so Li Na worked her way back into the match. 

Can't help but feel a touch sad that Clijsters didn't make the final, especially given this is likely to be her last Australian Open.  The final Will be tight tonight, but I do favour Sharapova slightly, given her experience.

 

Melbourne, from our hotel room.

Was glad to see Murray play so well against Djokovic, especially given the Final last year. Murray seems a lot tougher mentally, and had his opportunities to win, even after going down 2-5 in the fifth set.  

From the Australian point of view, while we may have put Stosur under way too much pressure, both Hewitt and Tomic had great tournaments, and are set up beautifully for the year. 

On the Men's side of the tournament, have to say, I'm disappointed Federer didn't make the Final. Although the rivalry the top three players have is  fascinating -- Nadal has an ominous record against Federer; who has an excellent record against Djokovic. Though Nadal leads the head-to-head, Djokovic has beaten Nadal the last 6 times they played; including both the Wimbledon & US Open Finals last year.

In that light, the final is shaping to be a classic.  I also have to say, and surprisingly to me, I'm really enjoying Hewitt in the commentary box, he's a got a great understanding of the players, the game and its history. 

To finish with a brief aside, the Black Caps had there biggest ever test win today!  I'm not sure how many times, one team has lost 20 wickets in one day's play??

Sense and sensibility - library and kindles.

Adele Horin's piece in today's SMH describes a lttle bit of how I feel. I'm not yet ready to give way to the Kindle.  I love going to the library and there's not an equivalent experience in the kindle world. But even as I say that, there are only so many shelves in each bookcase, only so many walls in a room, and only so many rooms in a house, so the day is coming, where the addiction to buying books will stop because there is a limit to the amount of books one can have in one's house.

Yet, in playing with the Kindle, so far, I'm not convinced that its for me. However, while I love the experience of reading a physical book, and the sensations which come with it, a tipping point will come for me when e-books as well as being  lighter, they will also be cheaper and equally accessible. Sense won out with CD's, though I still by the occasional physical CD (special versions, and some which are unavailable),  I'm now buying almost all of my CD's through both i-tunes and the artists website. 

Reading - 2012

Each year, I decide that I'm going to spend more time reading especially this year, since it's National Year of Reading, and my aim this year is to read over 50 books. In January so far, I've read -

O - A Presidential Novel - Anonymous

A little obvious who its about, but was a shame the book didn't reveal more. If you are interested in US politics then rather than reading this book take a few months and work your way through The West Wing. 

The Help - Kathryn Stockett

A historical novel, set during the 60s, about the hired help  - these are my type of novels - historical fiction. 

The Sorrows of an American - Siri Hustvedt

The core of this novel is a letter discovered after the death of the narrator's mother, and the quest to find out their identity.

The Corrections - Jonathan Franzen

Franzen's book is well written, but at the same time, I found very little to like about any of the main characters.

Bruar's Rest - Jes Smith

Didn't really remember too much about this one, it's a story of a women, who is searching for her husband who was missing in action during WWI.

The World Game: The Story of How Football Went Global - Les Murray

Les Murray's love for football is so wonderfully put across in this book. Murray writes about the history of the game, the great teams, his favourite players, and the history of the game in Australia. It rekindled my love of Football. 

Separate kingdoms : stories   Valerie Laken

A series of short stories about human relationships in the US and Russia, the few that stood out was one about a women with a disability, a couple flying to Russia to adopt a child, and a story told from two perspectives, which was quite interesting to read - do you read one at a time, or try and read them in tandem. 

The River

I was listening to some of my older CD's recently, and I was struck by the song - The River by Michael Sweet (formerly the lead singer of Stryper).  It's one of my all-time favourite Christian songs.

If you're hurting, I'll take your pain

If your life is dry and weary, I'll bring the rain

If you're searching, then search no more

If you're drifting on an ocean, I'll be the shore

I see the scars that you hide

I've kept the tears that you've cried, they were not in vain

And every prayer that you've prayed

I have treasured and saved, my love will never change

If you're looking for the river

That runs with healing water

Bring yourself to me

And I will wash you in an endless peace

I'm your Saviour,And I'll save you Tonight

If you're blinded by The darkness, I'll be the light

If you're hopeless, I'll be your faith

If you're lost, I'll Lead the way

from Real, 1998.

2011 in Sport

Couple more highlights from 2011:

The New Zealand Breakers were the first NZ team to win an Australian competition, and in the NRL - the Warriors made their second grand final. 

Via the NZ Herald, here are the must see sports events for 2012, Not surprisingly a few Olympic Events appear.

more on 2011

A couple of standout memories during 2011 from the sports field.  Can't really go passed the Rugby World Cup Final, and the All Blacks 8-7 win against France as the highlight of the year. You also would have to acknowledge the great season of the Queensland Reds too, from last to first.

But, a couple of other standout performances which should be mentioned are:

• Barcelona are the best team watch playing football, and their 3-1 win over Manchester United in the final was something special.  
• Cadel Evans winning the Tour de France. I can take or leave cycling, but Cadel's performance was amazing. 
• Novak Djokovic - his 2011 record ended up about 70-6, and he holds three of the four grand slam trophys, beating Rafa Nadal in two finals, and Andy Murray in the third.
• And on the Cricket Pitch, NZ's two best performances were the win against South Africa in the World Cup Quarter Final, and the victory in Hobart. 
• AFL: I'd give the Sydney Swans a pass mark for the year,  for finishing in the top 6.   Looking forward to next year and seeing how the Suns and Giants do in their second and first years respectively. 

Music 2011...

Taking the time to reconsider the music I've been listening to during the year, and give the top 5 for 2011. A couple which were up there, but can't be included are:

• Sigur Ros - Inni (Live CD + DVD).
• U2 - Achtung Baby (Kindergarden version and the B-Sides Disc, from the 20th Anniversary Edition).
• Derek Ellis - The Reconstruction (EP) - His "Nail-Scarred Hand" is one of my favourite tracks of the year. 
• Andrew Osenga's - Leonard the Lonely Astronaut - Acoustic Session at Sputnik (EP). The short EP previews songs from his new Album, which should be out later this year.
• All Sons & Daughters - Brokenness Aside (EP) and Prone to Wander (EP), they will release a new EP next week, and a full album in March. Both of which I am looking forward too. 
• The Civil Wars - Live @ Eddie's Attic.
• Sleeping at Last are another band which I have been listening to quite a bit (especially their Christmas Collection, which has a beaut version of "Christmas is All Around". The song made famous in Love Actually. Noisetrade now have a sampler available from there website which has songs from their previous albums. The songs, are mostly him singing with a background of  piano & strings.

The 2011 Top 5.
5.  Lisa Hannigan - Passenger 

I think Lisa Hannigan first came to attention through on Damien Rice's album 'O'. Passenger is her second solo album. I'd describe the album as folk. Its easy to listen to. One of my favourite songs on the record is O Sleep, which is a lovely duet. The selling point of the album is Lisa voice. It seems a stronger album that her first record See Saw.

4. Gemma Hayes - Let it Break

There's just something about her music which grabs me. It's such a shame that she doesn't get much airplay. She has a beaut and pure voice, and her lyrics have more depth than what else is out there. Another singer that I'm hoping takes a trip down under. Favourite songs - Shock to the System & Waiting for You (which is on the Janie Jones Soundtrack)

3. Switchfoot - Vice Verses

What is the highlight of this record is hearing Jon Foreman doing different things, rapping on"Selling the News" and "The War Inside" Jon Foreman seeks to capture the polarity of the human experience, and the desire to seize the opportunities life has to offer (see Restless, Afterlife). Looking forward to more from Switchfoot,. Jon Foreman, is one of the best lyricists out there at the moment.

2.  Dan & Lauren Smith - The Revive Project

Written quite a bit about this recently, so the only thing I'll add here is how encouraging the lyrics of the CD are. 

1. Marketa Irglova - Anar

Marketa also was part of the duet The Swell Season, with Glen Hansard, and this is her first solo album. Given that she mostly played second fiddlle to Glen on the Swell Season records, it was great to see her put out her own album. I think what I really love about this CD is the honesty in the lyrics. And hopefully she'll come to Australia to play these songs. But if you need some more, see played a Tiny Desk Concert for NPR, and recorded a session with Daytrotter.