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.

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~!