What I've been in up - May 2016

I've seen a few of these post around the place at the end of each month. So thought that I'd take the time to write on myself.

What I've been watching:
I know I'm late to the party on this one, but I just finished working my way through Friday Night Lights. Just the first season mind you. I haven't quite got the courage for Season two.  I liked the completeness of the story and where things were left.

I've been trying out Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, and have found that to be compelling TV and it stays true to the franchise, but adds the cross-cultural dimension into it.

With catch-up tv I've been watching The Voice. I quite enjoy the blind auditions and the Battle Rounds often throw-up some great performances, but after that it reverts to a typical music show.  Jessie J comes across as a great coach. Will be intrigued to see who wins this year, haven't really heard anyone really stand out yet.

What I've been listening to:
The last month has seen new Swtichfoot tracks, and Radiohead's new album on heavy rotation. Radiohead's new album seems to combine the best bits of In Rainbows with Kid A and creates a brilliant soundscape.  Jon Foreman's songwriting is as brilliant as ever, and I can't wait for the full album to be released next month.

I'm also looking forward to the official release of U2's Paris show from late last year.  In my opinion its the best the band has sounded for sometime.  Still hopeful that Songs of Experience will be released this year...

What I've been reading:
I've been slowly working my way through Madeline Gleeson's book about Australia's Offshore processing of refugees. In all seriousness, the book is a must read for every Australian. It is incredibly difficult to understand what is being done to these people in our names.

Prior to that, I read Stan Grant's 'Talking to my country' - which is another must read for every Australian on the topic of Aboriginal relations.

Page-tuners.

Taking a break from sport & music to write a little about the books on my reading lists.

Just finished: 
Victoria Williamson - You are the music
Great book about how music reveals our humanity. Dr Vicky Williamson's book highlights the power of music through the lifecourse - beginning in-utero.  Apparently listening to Mozart doesn't make you smarter (sorry). The book talks about music and health, music and memory, our old friend the 'ear-worm' aka the 'song stuck in your head', and much more.  Really enjoyable read - her website is great too.

Nick Cater - The Lucky Culture
A fascinating point of view about Australian History & culture.I did find it worthwhile reading though I didn't agree with everything (his view on the ABC; and the environmental movement being two examples).

Reading:
Tara Moss - The Fictional Woman (most of the way through this now, and will write more of my thoughts in a separate post once I've finished).
Phil Rees - Dining with Terrorists

To Read
Kerry-Anne Walsh - The Stalking of Julia Gillard - another take on the PM'ship of Gilliard.
Mark Isaacs - The Undesirables (Inside Nauru) 
Les Murray - The World Game
Jang Jin-Sung - Dear Leader
Fiona Scott-Norman (ed) - Bully for them. (some famous Australians talk about their experiences in school).
Rob Oakeshott - The Independent Member for Lyne

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.