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| From Helen and Dug... |
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Bits and pieces
Just thought that I'd let you know that all is coming together for Saturday :-)
Here are a few things that I've looked at briefly during this week;
Ross Gittins on P-v-y. (more information is here)
The Picture of Spiritual life in Australia
Anyway, I'll get back to these, and some year in review posts in a little while.
Here are a few things that I've looked at briefly during this week;
Ross Gittins on P-v-y. (more information is here)
The Picture of Spiritual life in Australia
Anyway, I'll get back to these, and some year in review posts in a little while.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Make Poverty History
Last year, eight concerts were held around the world with some of the worlds biggest bands and artists, including Pink Floyd, The Who, The Killers, Coldplay and U2. All took to the stage with the same goal – to make poverty history. Friday night in Melbourne a number of Australia’s biggest music artists took to the stage with the same goal to make poverty history. The gig on Friday began with members of U2 and Pearl Jam combining (U-Jam?) on stage to play a powerful, passionate and inspiring cover of Neil Young’s ‘Rocking in the Free World’.
It is a hard road; it began with music, but the music plays second fiddle to action. We have currency; our values, our voice and our vote. We have an argument, and it is with this argument we should lobby our leaders. It is saddening watching the news and coverage focusing on what protesters did and will do rather than hearing about the argument, and the issues.
From stages across the world, over the last eighteen months Bono has spoken passionately and powerfully about our potential to act and to make a difference. In the concerts he doesn’t ask money, he asked for their voice and for action. Action which begins for me, by lobbying our government to increase aid.
We can afford to, it is not about charity; it is about justice. We have been given much, and I believe we therefore should give much.
Darfur
About 13 years ago, a rock band essentially took a TV station out on tour (ZooTV tour, 1992-1993), and in a series of dates hooked up with Sarajevo and drew attention to what was happening. After realising what had happened, the world said never again. After watching the genocide in Rwanda, we said never again.
Our world is looking on a similar crisis in Darfur and is inactive again. Our leaders need currency, and courage to act. We are not helpless and should not simply watch again, we can provide currency by speaking out. Nicholas Kristof from the New York Times speaks about the current situation and gives a few ideas about what could be done. If not now, when?
It is a hard road; it began with music, but the music plays second fiddle to action. We have currency; our values, our voice and our vote. We have an argument, and it is with this argument we should lobby our leaders. It is saddening watching the news and coverage focusing on what protesters did and will do rather than hearing about the argument, and the issues.
From stages across the world, over the last eighteen months Bono has spoken passionately and powerfully about our potential to act and to make a difference. In the concerts he doesn’t ask money, he asked for their voice and for action. Action which begins for me, by lobbying our government to increase aid.
We can afford to, it is not about charity; it is about justice. We have been given much, and I believe we therefore should give much.
Darfur
About 13 years ago, a rock band essentially took a TV station out on tour (ZooTV tour, 1992-1993), and in a series of dates hooked up with Sarajevo and drew attention to what was happening. After realising what had happened, the world said never again. After watching the genocide in Rwanda, we said never again.
Our world is looking on a similar crisis in Darfur and is inactive again. Our leaders need currency, and courage to act. We are not helpless and should not simply watch again, we can provide currency by speaking out. Nicholas Kristof from the New York Times speaks about the current situation and gives a few ideas about what could be done. If not now, when?
... I know that this is not goodbye ...
// U2
// Sydney Nov 11, 2006, Telstra Stadium
// Support: Kanye West
// City of Blinding Lights / Vertigo (She Loves You) / Elevation (Spinning Around) / Until the End of the World / New Year’s Day / Beautiful Day (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Blackbird) / I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (In a Little While) / Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of / Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own / Love and Peace or Else / Sunday Bloody Sunday / Bullet the Blue Sky (Johnny Comes Marching Home-The Hands that Built America) / Miss Sarajevo / Pride (In the Name of Love) / Where the Streets Have No Name (All You Need is Love) / One (My Sweet Lord) ///
// Zoo Station / The Fly / With or Without You (Never Tear Us Apart-Love Will Tear Us Apart) ///
// The Saints are Coming / Desire (Not Fade Away-Gold Digger) / Kite //
It was different experiencing the Vertigo Tour in an outdoor setting. The quality of the sound was not as bad as I had thought it might be, but I guess the sound may be related to where you are. The seats were actually better than I had expected and were a great vantage point from which we saw the band get back into the cars at the end of the concert. I now get goose-bumps every time I hear Wake Up (The Arcade Fire).
The biggest difference for the Pacific Leg of the tour and perhaps no surprise is the number of songs from ‘All that You Can’t Leave Behind’ returning to the set. So far, Kite, Stuck in a Moment, In a Little While (a snippet) and Walk On (sadly not for our show) have been added to the staples Beautiful Day and Elevation), and that they are playing The Saints are Coming (a cover of The Skids song). I found it interesting that there were only four songs played from How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.
One of the highlights of seeing U2 live is hearing how they combine songs (if you’ve seen the bands ZooTV and PopMart videos you’ll know what I mean), and the various snippets of other songs that Bono sings, for example he previously has included Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division) in With or Without You and Amazing Grace (in Running to Stand Still on the Vertigo Tour and previously in The Electric Co.).
A word about Kanye West, I was not that taken with him. Perhaps it was because we came in about half way through his performance, but his mix didn’t really help. Hearing him in a stadium is not the best way to be introduced to his music.
U2 opened the show with City of Blinding Lights; Bono came on stage wrapped in an Australian flag. Vertigo followed next and was an energetic affair concluding with a snippet of the Beatles’ She Loves You. Elevation was a great; from our vantage point it was awesome watching the crowd bounce around, (the song concluded with a bit of Spinning Around).
Following the combination of Until the End of World and New Year’s Day, was a strong version of Beautiful Day, finishing with snippets of Sgt. Peppers’ Lonely Hearts Club Band and Blackbird.
During the introduction to I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, Bono spoke about how all the family was doing very well tonight, and I think he said the Edge’s family was at the concert. After a brief snippet of In A Little While, the band dedicated Stuck in a Moment to Michael Hutchence, and followed that with Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own.
The section from Love and Peace to One; is perhaps the sermon section of the concert. Love and Peace or Else is growing on me. Bono dedicated Sunday Bloody Sunday to those who lost their lives in Bali said his prayer was that we do not to become a monster to defeat the monster. I quite liked the new arrangement of Bullet the Blue Sky. The three songs Love and Peace, Sunday and Bullet flow beautifully into each other, and a stunning Miss Sarajevo tops it off. Miss Sarajevo was dedicated to those Australians serving overseas in Iraq. Every time I hear Bono sing the part usually performed by Pavarotti, I am blown away. I have to admit, this was a song that I thought might have been dropped for our leg of the tour. But as I found in the US, people would talk or talk bathroom breaks during this song. (Note: I think it is worth buying the deluxe version of U2-Eighteen for the DVD containing Miss Sarajevo and Original of the Species alone).
The African trilogy (Pride, Where the Streets Have No Name and One), followed and flowed from the reading of the Declaration of Human rights. Where the Streets Have No Name was fantastic as always. I quite liked the beginning where flags from the African continent scrolled down the screen and ended with the Southern Cross on the screen. The effect of having the mobile phones lit during One is beautiful.
The first encore pairing of Zoo Station and The Fly was amazing (both songs I hadn’t heard last year, but were otherwise played regularly). Like during Zoo TV, words, sentences and ideas flashed on the screen. After seeing those two songs I was reminded how great it would have been to see them during the Zoo TV tour. The first encore concluded with a beautiful version of With or Without You, (though I don’t remember Bono dancing with anyone?)
The second and final encore featured U2’s recent song – The Saints are Coming, (a rough and fun version of) Desire. The concert closed with a stunning version of Kite (dedicated to Cate Blanchett and featuring Tim Moriaity on didgeridoo). Although I knew the band had rehearsed it I was still surprised to hear it closing the concert. Seeing the kite lift off as the band concluded was awesome, (and they did say they’ll be back~!)
Overall, it was an excellent show. I think next time I’ll try and get tickets closer to the stage. I was intrigued that the older songs that got the loudest reactions. Bono did seem a little quieter than usual. Another thing that I quite like about U2 is throughout their career the meanings of their songs continue to evolve and can speak to people in different ways, at different times.
Sydney was the third show on the Vertigo tour I’ve seen. Each of the shows stood out for different reasons. Miami featured an acoustic version of Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses, Miracle Drug, and the most songs from How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (7), Sydney had the least (4), but included Stuck in a Moment (which I had heard acoustically in the two US shows) and The Fly, and Kite. The New York show included a cover of Instant Karma, the beautiful Original of the Species and finished with Bad. But I think push come to shove, the 11.21 show in New York was the strongest and most emotional for me. For those who are interested in set lists:
Miami: 11-13-05
City of Blinding Lights / Vertigo / Elevation / Mysterious Ways / Until the End of the Word / I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – In A Little While / Beautiful Day / Miracle Drug / Sometimes You Can’t Make it on Your Own / Love and Peace or Else / Sunday Bloody Sunday / Bullet the Blue Sky / Miss Sarajevo / Pride (In the Name of Love) / Where the Streets Have No Name / One ///
// Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of / Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses / With or Without You ///
// All Because of You / Yahweh / 40.
New York 11-21-05
City of Blinding Lights / Vertigo / Elevation / I Will Follow / I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – In A Little While / Beautiful Day / Original of the Species / Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own / Love and Peace or Else / Sunday Bloody Sunday / Bullet the Blue Sky / Miss Sarajevo / Pride (in the Name of Love) / Where the Streets Have No Name / One-Ol’ Man River ///
// Until the End of the World / Mysterious Ways / With or Without You-White Flag-Love Will Tear Us Apart ///
// The First Time / Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get out Of / Instant Karma! (w/ Patti Smith) / Bad–People got the Power //
// Sydney Nov 11, 2006, Telstra Stadium
// Support: Kanye West
// City of Blinding Lights / Vertigo (She Loves You) / Elevation (Spinning Around) / Until the End of the World / New Year’s Day / Beautiful Day (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Blackbird) / I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (In a Little While) / Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of / Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own / Love and Peace or Else / Sunday Bloody Sunday / Bullet the Blue Sky (Johnny Comes Marching Home-The Hands that Built America) / Miss Sarajevo / Pride (In the Name of Love) / Where the Streets Have No Name (All You Need is Love) / One (My Sweet Lord) ///
// Zoo Station / The Fly / With or Without You (Never Tear Us Apart-Love Will Tear Us Apart) ///
// The Saints are Coming / Desire (Not Fade Away-Gold Digger) / Kite //
It was different experiencing the Vertigo Tour in an outdoor setting. The quality of the sound was not as bad as I had thought it might be, but I guess the sound may be related to where you are. The seats were actually better than I had expected and were a great vantage point from which we saw the band get back into the cars at the end of the concert. I now get goose-bumps every time I hear Wake Up (The Arcade Fire).
The biggest difference for the Pacific Leg of the tour and perhaps no surprise is the number of songs from ‘All that You Can’t Leave Behind’ returning to the set. So far, Kite, Stuck in a Moment, In a Little While (a snippet) and Walk On (sadly not for our show) have been added to the staples Beautiful Day and Elevation), and that they are playing The Saints are Coming (a cover of The Skids song). I found it interesting that there were only four songs played from How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.
One of the highlights of seeing U2 live is hearing how they combine songs (if you’ve seen the bands ZooTV and PopMart videos you’ll know what I mean), and the various snippets of other songs that Bono sings, for example he previously has included Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division) in With or Without You and Amazing Grace (in Running to Stand Still on the Vertigo Tour and previously in The Electric Co.).
A word about Kanye West, I was not that taken with him. Perhaps it was because we came in about half way through his performance, but his mix didn’t really help. Hearing him in a stadium is not the best way to be introduced to his music.
U2 opened the show with City of Blinding Lights; Bono came on stage wrapped in an Australian flag. Vertigo followed next and was an energetic affair concluding with a snippet of the Beatles’ She Loves You. Elevation was a great; from our vantage point it was awesome watching the crowd bounce around, (the song concluded with a bit of Spinning Around).
Following the combination of Until the End of World and New Year’s Day, was a strong version of Beautiful Day, finishing with snippets of Sgt. Peppers’ Lonely Hearts Club Band and Blackbird.
During the introduction to I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, Bono spoke about how all the family was doing very well tonight, and I think he said the Edge’s family was at the concert. After a brief snippet of In A Little While, the band dedicated Stuck in a Moment to Michael Hutchence, and followed that with Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own.
The section from Love and Peace to One; is perhaps the sermon section of the concert. Love and Peace or Else is growing on me. Bono dedicated Sunday Bloody Sunday to those who lost their lives in Bali said his prayer was that we do not to become a monster to defeat the monster. I quite liked the new arrangement of Bullet the Blue Sky. The three songs Love and Peace, Sunday and Bullet flow beautifully into each other, and a stunning Miss Sarajevo tops it off. Miss Sarajevo was dedicated to those Australians serving overseas in Iraq. Every time I hear Bono sing the part usually performed by Pavarotti, I am blown away. I have to admit, this was a song that I thought might have been dropped for our leg of the tour. But as I found in the US, people would talk or talk bathroom breaks during this song. (Note: I think it is worth buying the deluxe version of U2-Eighteen for the DVD containing Miss Sarajevo and Original of the Species alone).
The African trilogy (Pride, Where the Streets Have No Name and One), followed and flowed from the reading of the Declaration of Human rights. Where the Streets Have No Name was fantastic as always. I quite liked the beginning where flags from the African continent scrolled down the screen and ended with the Southern Cross on the screen. The effect of having the mobile phones lit during One is beautiful.
The first encore pairing of Zoo Station and The Fly was amazing (both songs I hadn’t heard last year, but were otherwise played regularly). Like during Zoo TV, words, sentences and ideas flashed on the screen. After seeing those two songs I was reminded how great it would have been to see them during the Zoo TV tour. The first encore concluded with a beautiful version of With or Without You, (though I don’t remember Bono dancing with anyone?)
The second and final encore featured U2’s recent song – The Saints are Coming, (a rough and fun version of) Desire. The concert closed with a stunning version of Kite (dedicated to Cate Blanchett and featuring Tim Moriaity on didgeridoo). Although I knew the band had rehearsed it I was still surprised to hear it closing the concert. Seeing the kite lift off as the band concluded was awesome, (and they did say they’ll be back~!)
Overall, it was an excellent show. I think next time I’ll try and get tickets closer to the stage. I was intrigued that the older songs that got the loudest reactions. Bono did seem a little quieter than usual. Another thing that I quite like about U2 is throughout their career the meanings of their songs continue to evolve and can speak to people in different ways, at different times.
Sydney was the third show on the Vertigo tour I’ve seen. Each of the shows stood out for different reasons. Miami featured an acoustic version of Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses, Miracle Drug, and the most songs from How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (7), Sydney had the least (4), but included Stuck in a Moment (which I had heard acoustically in the two US shows) and The Fly, and Kite. The New York show included a cover of Instant Karma, the beautiful Original of the Species and finished with Bad. But I think push come to shove, the 11.21 show in New York was the strongest and most emotional for me. For those who are interested in set lists:
Miami: 11-13-05
City of Blinding Lights / Vertigo / Elevation / Mysterious Ways / Until the End of the Word / I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – In A Little While / Beautiful Day / Miracle Drug / Sometimes You Can’t Make it on Your Own / Love and Peace or Else / Sunday Bloody Sunday / Bullet the Blue Sky / Miss Sarajevo / Pride (In the Name of Love) / Where the Streets Have No Name / One ///
// Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of / Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses / With or Without You ///
// All Because of You / Yahweh / 40.
New York 11-21-05
City of Blinding Lights / Vertigo / Elevation / I Will Follow / I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – In A Little While / Beautiful Day / Original of the Species / Sometimes You Can’t Make it On Your Own / Love and Peace or Else / Sunday Bloody Sunday / Bullet the Blue Sky / Miss Sarajevo / Pride (in the Name of Love) / Where the Streets Have No Name / One-Ol’ Man River ///
// Until the End of the World / Mysterious Ways / With or Without You-White Flag-Love Will Tear Us Apart ///
// The First Time / Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get out Of / Instant Karma! (w/ Patti Smith) / Bad–People got the Power //
Friday, November 10, 2006
Music
Inspired by Elsie, here’s a list of the contenders for my ‘Album of the Year’, in no particular order:
Evermore (Real Life); Jewel (Goodbye Alice in Wonderland); Sandi Thom (Smile … it confuses people); The Frames (The Cost); The Whitlams (Little Cloud); Jars of Clay (Good Monsters); Sarah Blasko (What the Sea Wants, the Sea Will Have); Eskimo Joe (Black fingernails, Red wine); Thom Yorke (The Eraser); Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (The Swell Season); Pearl Jam (Pearl Jam); Belle and Sebastian (The Life Pursuit); The Killers (Sam’s Town).
(Perhaps going to show that someone spent too much money on music this year).
Evermore (Real Life); Jewel (Goodbye Alice in Wonderland); Sandi Thom (Smile … it confuses people); The Frames (The Cost); The Whitlams (Little Cloud); Jars of Clay (Good Monsters); Sarah Blasko (What the Sea Wants, the Sea Will Have); Eskimo Joe (Black fingernails, Red wine); Thom Yorke (The Eraser); Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (The Swell Season); Pearl Jam (Pearl Jam); Belle and Sebastian (The Life Pursuit); The Killers (Sam’s Town).
(Perhaps going to show that someone spent too much money on music this year).
30 Years, 11 Albums ... 18 songs
After almost 9 years U2 are back are on our shores with the Vertigo tour, and by now have played their first show (No - I don’t want to know anything about it).
It seems quite amazing that it is almost a year ago that I saw them in Miami and New York. It is going to be interesting seeing how the indoor show is changed for the stadium show on this leg. One things for sure, there will be surprises (and perhaps a few songs from All that You Can't Leave Behind). I am going to post reviews of the three shows (Sydney 11.11; and the two I saw last year).
I’ve found it quite interesting reading about the U2 Definitive collection to be released on Nov 18. Its not likely the tracklist will keep everyone happy, but I am saddened that no songs from October, Zooropa and Pop made it.
For the record, here's a collection of songs that I would use to introduce someone to U2, while staying away from the 'hits'. (Note, the listing probably doesn't flow or fit on a standard cd..)
1. Out of Control
2. Gloria
3. Sunday Bloody Sunday (Acoustic)
4. Drowning Man
5. The Unforgettable Fire
6. Bad
7. One Tree Hill
8. All I Want is You
9. So Cruel
10. Love is Blindness
11. The First Time
12. Miss Sarajevo
13. Please / Where the Streets Have No Name (Live)
14. Staring at the Sun (Live, Acoustic)
15. The Ground Beneath Her Feet
16. When I Look at the World
17. Crumbs From Your Table
It seems quite amazing that it is almost a year ago that I saw them in Miami and New York. It is going to be interesting seeing how the indoor show is changed for the stadium show on this leg. One things for sure, there will be surprises (and perhaps a few songs from All that You Can't Leave Behind). I am going to post reviews of the three shows (Sydney 11.11; and the two I saw last year).
I’ve found it quite interesting reading about the U2 Definitive collection to be released on Nov 18. Its not likely the tracklist will keep everyone happy, but I am saddened that no songs from October, Zooropa and Pop made it.
For the record, here's a collection of songs that I would use to introduce someone to U2, while staying away from the 'hits'. (Note, the listing probably doesn't flow or fit on a standard cd..)
1. Out of Control
2. Gloria
3. Sunday Bloody Sunday (Acoustic)
4. Drowning Man
5. The Unforgettable Fire
6. Bad
7. One Tree Hill
8. All I Want is You
9. So Cruel
10. Love is Blindness
11. The First Time
12. Miss Sarajevo
13. Please / Where the Streets Have No Name (Live)
14. Staring at the Sun (Live, Acoustic)
15. The Ground Beneath Her Feet
16. When I Look at the World
17. Crumbs From Your Table
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Wordplay
Last night we went to see Wordplay. It is a movie about the creation, character, and some of the characters completing the New York Times crossword, and concludes with a look at the characters competing in the Stamford Crossword competition. It is a good length film (about 90mins), and well constructed. I enjoyed the recollections of Bill Clinton, and Bob Dole who both recalled the 1996 election crossword, which was built around a clue 'Tomorrow's headline', which could read "Clinton [or] Bob Dole Elected". Not your typical film, but definitely worth a look.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Kids…
Was down in Wollongong (a while ago now) and my mother drew my attention to an article in the Good Weekend; based on an excerpt from the book Adult themes: rewriting the rules of adulthood (Kate Crawford). The article talked about attitudes to the cultural landscape around us. It was quite a fascinating read, and I am now quite looking forward to reading the book.
Staying on culture a little longer, I am quite fond of the modern adaptions of Shakespeare’s plays, even if they have their flaws. I’m looking forward to watching Shakespeare Retold (Modern interpretations of four Shakespearian plays produced by the BBC). I saw one (Much ado about Nothing) while I was in the UK last year and really enjoyed it. From memory it will be on our ABC this year too, it is worth keeping an eye out for.
Staying on culture a little longer, I am quite fond of the modern adaptions of Shakespeare’s plays, even if they have their flaws. I’m looking forward to watching Shakespeare Retold (Modern interpretations of four Shakespearian plays produced by the BBC). I saw one (Much ado about Nothing) while I was in the UK last year and really enjoyed it. From memory it will be on our ABC this year too, it is worth keeping an eye out for.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
The Swell Season
Glen Hansard (of The Frames) and classical pianist and singer Marketa Irglova's CD The Swell Season was reviewed by Bruce Elder in the SMH today. I can really only echo the words of the review - the interplay of the instruments and the combination of voices creates a cd of real beauty.
The standout tracks for me are: Are You Sleeping?, Falling Slowly and the instrumental The Swell Season.
The standout tracks for me are: Are You Sleeping?, Falling Slowly and the instrumental The Swell Season.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Political correctness in fiction
Last weekend I also caught quite an interesting article in The Australian. Lionel Shriver (author of We Need to talk About Kevin) wrote on some of the feedback she had received about the attitudes and behaviour of characters in her novels. Given the social-political climate she wondered if authors would soon be charged because of the views of their characters.
It was quite interesting reading some people’s responses to her characters, asking why the mother in We Need to talk About Kevin was Armenian; and didn’t attend P&C meetings. She was waiting for the day her narrator would be arrested.
As it seems there is often an enforced silence about issues (note the fuss with Martin Sheen and the Dixie Chicks, when they spoke out about the war with Iraq
I might leave the last word for Shriver:
My characters are full of prejudices. My characters may not like Chinese people. My characters may believe that homosexuality is unnatural. My characters may slander Islam, or belief in crystals, or my father's Presbyterianism. My characters murder schoolchildren, plot to massacre two billion people overnight and hit their husbands over the head. My characters are obnoxious, spiteful, seething, difficult, resentful and inconsistent; and no, my characters will not always take their six-year-old kids to therapists to get help. My characters think abominations. In other words, my characters are the closest approximations I can contrive of real people.
In which the Long Weekend is mentioned.
Fi and I went down to Canberra for the long weekend. Was really quite lovely to get away for a few days, and get to spend a bit of time with her family and our friends.
We all went out to Tidbinbilla for a picnic on Saturday, which was so quiet and peaceful. One of the nice surprises was seeing a couple of Platypuses (some might say Platypi?). I have to admit I would not have known what to look for, but Fi’s dad pointed them out for us. We generally saw the ripples in the water as they came up and then dived back down.
We listened to the last five minutes of the AFL Grand Final as we were driving home. While I was a little disappointed in the loss, the Sydney Swans have had a fantastic year, and they could leave the field with their heads held high, they gave it everything, and came back to one point of the West Coast Eagles (who are worthy winners). West Coast and Sydney played out two of the closest Grand Finals in the last 30 years.
The Grand Final is also the 64th time the Swans have played a match decided by 1 point. I’m already looking forward to the first bounce next season.
Sunday morning we went to St Andrews Presbyterian Church and then Floraide with Deb which was lovely. (Deb has posted some photos on her blog and I’ll post a few later).
Sunday night, we went and saw The Devil Wears Prada. It is quite a feel-good-type-film, and I quite enjoyed it. A couple of scenes stood out, firstly one where Andrea becomes self-aware (in the context of she was made aware of what she did to her colleague by choosing to go to Paris), and secondly a line that was given to Nate (Andrea’s boyfriend), 'the phone calls you always take is the relationship you are in’, and I think this is a helpful reminder for us.
Monday morning we had brunch with Fi’s school friends, then went to do a bit of shopping (mainly clothes shopping) before heading to Manuka for lunch, and back to Floraide before starting the drive back to Sydney. It was a very enjoyable weekend.
We all went out to Tidbinbilla for a picnic on Saturday, which was so quiet and peaceful. One of the nice surprises was seeing a couple of Platypuses (some might say Platypi?). I have to admit I would not have known what to look for, but Fi’s dad pointed them out for us. We generally saw the ripples in the water as they came up and then dived back down.We listened to the last five minutes of the AFL Grand Final as we were driving home. While I was a little disappointed in the loss, the Sydney Swans have had a fantastic year, and they could leave the field with their heads held high, they gave it everything, and came back to one point of the West Coast Eagles (who are worthy winners). West Coast and Sydney played out two of the closest Grand Finals in the last 30 years.
The Grand Final is also the 64th time the Swans have played a match decided by 1 point. I’m already looking forward to the first bounce next season.
Sunday morning we went to St Andrews Presbyterian Church and then Floraide with Deb which was lovely. (Deb has posted some photos on her blog and I’ll post a few later).
Sunday night, we went and saw The Devil Wears Prada. It is quite a feel-good-type-film, and I quite enjoyed it. A couple of scenes stood out, firstly one where Andrea becomes self-aware (in the context of she was made aware of what she did to her colleague by choosing to go to Paris), and secondly a line that was given to Nate (Andrea’s boyfriend), 'the phone calls you always take is the relationship you are in’, and I think this is a helpful reminder for us.
Monday morning we had brunch with Fi’s school friends, then went to do a bit of shopping (mainly clothes shopping) before heading to Manuka for lunch, and back to Floraide before starting the drive back to Sydney. It was a very enjoyable weekend.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
50 Years of TV: Five shows
We recently commemorated fifty years of television. I thought I’d mark it by writing about the five shows that I found memorable. (The order resembles chronology).
Picket Fences (1992-1996) (David E. Kelley) - It is probably the first legal drama that I watched. It dealt with issues in an aptly named American small town “Rome”. I would be quite interested if the series was released onto DVD.
The X-Files (1992-2003) (Chris Carter) - Moving on to the only Sci-fi show on my list. While I quite liked it, I didn’t quite get to watch all of the nine seasons. On the whole I think the first three seasons where the best, but do plan (one-day) to finish watching all nine seasons, and see how the story arc concludes.
The Practice (1997-2004) (David E. Kelley) - Continuing on the legal theme, The Practice was set in a Boston legal practice, it dealt with a large array of contemporary issues in a serious manner. Like Picket Fences, another show I’m looking forward to the DVD box sets to come out.
The West Wing (1999-2006) (Aaron Sorkin) - No secret to anyone regularly reading this blog that The West Wing is my all time favourite TV Show. It is the most even on the list, and had it all in terms of character, dialogue, and plots. It is quite the contradiction, incredibly real in the issues and themes of the stories, and what we would like American to be.
House MD (2004- ???) (David Shore) - I am quite enjoying this medical drama, it is well scripted and acted. The show has just begun its second season - it will be interesting to see the direction the show goes. Along with Bones, it is one of my currently regular TV shows.
The honorable mentions go to Mad About You, Seinfeld, The Simpsons and Bones.
Picket Fences (1992-1996) (David E. Kelley) - It is probably the first legal drama that I watched. It dealt with issues in an aptly named American small town “Rome”. I would be quite interested if the series was released onto DVD.
The X-Files (1992-2003) (Chris Carter) - Moving on to the only Sci-fi show on my list. While I quite liked it, I didn’t quite get to watch all of the nine seasons. On the whole I think the first three seasons where the best, but do plan (one-day) to finish watching all nine seasons, and see how the story arc concludes.
The Practice (1997-2004) (David E. Kelley) - Continuing on the legal theme, The Practice was set in a Boston legal practice, it dealt with a large array of contemporary issues in a serious manner. Like Picket Fences, another show I’m looking forward to the DVD box sets to come out.
The West Wing (1999-2006) (Aaron Sorkin) - No secret to anyone regularly reading this blog that The West Wing is my all time favourite TV Show. It is the most even on the list, and had it all in terms of character, dialogue, and plots. It is quite the contradiction, incredibly real in the issues and themes of the stories, and what we would like American to be.
House MD (2004- ???) (David Shore) - I am quite enjoying this medical drama, it is well scripted and acted. The show has just begun its second season - it will be interesting to see the direction the show goes. Along with Bones, it is one of my currently regular TV shows.
The honorable mentions go to Mad About You, Seinfeld, The Simpsons and Bones.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Musical Murmurings (updated)
I posted a couple of days ago about a forthcoming Brooke Fraser release. I
thought I'd make a post of a few other murmurings that had caught my ear.
Damien Rice - 9 (due November)
The Frames - The Cost (released in Ireland, due out here early 2007)
The Killers - Sams Town (released early October)
Interpol are in studio, release is slated for 2007
+++
Cheer, Cheer the Red and the white ...
I need to say something about Paul Roos. Last night the Swans beat Fremantle to make it into the 2006 Grand Final and they will play West Coast. Fantastic job! He took over the Sydney Swans late 2002, and since then, they were beaten Preliminary finalists (2003), Premiers (2005), and Grand Finalists (2006).
Another great season for the Sydney Swans, and congratulations to Adam Goodes, who won the Brownlow Medal (the Best and Fairest player for the 2006 Season).
+++
thought I'd make a post of a few other murmurings that had caught my ear.
Damien Rice - 9 (due November)
The Frames - The Cost (released in Ireland, due out here early 2007)
The Killers - Sams Town (released early October)
Interpol are in studio, release is slated for 2007
+++
Cheer, Cheer the Red and the white ...
I need to say something about Paul Roos. Last night the Swans beat Fremantle to make it into the 2006 Grand Final and they will play West Coast. Fantastic job! He took over the Sydney Swans late 2002, and since then, they were beaten Preliminary finalists (2003), Premiers (2005), and Grand Finalists (2006).
Another great season for the Sydney Swans, and congratulations to Adam Goodes, who won the Brownlow Medal (the Best and Fairest player for the 2006 Season).
+++
Friday, September 15, 2006
The Twilight of Atheism
I went to the Smith Lecture tonight. The Smith lecture is put on by CBF (with CASE, and The Fifth Estate), and aims to provide an opportunity for a Christian public figure to present his or her perspective on a subject relevant to the life of the city.. Our speaker was Professor Alister McGrath (Professor of Historical Theology at Oxford University), who spoke about the Twilight of Atheism. I quite enjoyed the lecture, so here are some my notes.
McGrath began by detailing three main objections to theistic faiths.
1. Religion leads to evil
2. God is a consoling delusion
3. Science has disproved God
1. Religion leads to Evil
There is a degree of truth to this statement, but question is this capacity different for other world views. It seems that intolerance has come from both theistic views (for example the Spanish Inquisition), and through atheism (Stalinism). So from the same stimulus both good and bad can come.
Freud calls religion a pathological disorder, but there is a (very complex) and tenuous link between religion and well-being. (Of 100 studies, 79 showed at least 1 positive correlation, only 1 showed a negative correlation, and the remaining 20 painted a complex picture).
2. God is just a delusion
Feuerbach (1804-72) argued that God is a projection of human longing – we invent God to fulfill a need, but this is not an argument against theistic views, as the argument works against both the theist and atheist – both the aspiration to believe (or disbelieve) is the fulfillment of a desire. (I found the comment that atheism could be a “wish to escape judgment for their deeds" (Milosz), interesting.
3. Science disproves God
Faith is blind trust, and cannot justify itself by evidence - Anything worth knowing can be proved from science (Dawkins)
Science cannot answer childlike questions of why we are here, and what does it all mean? (Medawar)
The world can be explained in both an theistic and atheistic way, nature doesn’t push either way. Science cannot answer the question of the existence of God. Darwinism is equally compatible with theism and atheism. Science it seems does not push towards atheism.
As there is no position of certainty; each individual looks for the explanation which explains the data best. For example; CS Lewis’ famous quote (paraphrased) that God is "the light by which I see all else" or Dawkins, who states that the world is exactly how we would expect if there was no good, no evil.
Post-modernity
In a sense religion is identity giving, as people begin to seek “spiritual” answers.
Some of the concluding comments, and answers to questions:
Evolution does not provide a basis for morality.
Secularism is position of faith; has no vision, suppresses the vision of others; accepts the fruit (social action, community involvement), but not the roots.
Reason can not take us all the way, we take hold of our “best fit explanation” by trust (faith).
Faith can engage with reality, and hold its own.
Perhaps not surprisingly McGrath did not provide a compelling argument to believe in the Christian God but rather argued that the position of atheism is as much a position of “faith” as Christianity.
All things considered it was quite an interesting lecture, and I’m quite looking forward to reading McGrath’s book. I’ve quite enjoyed the two lectures I’ve been to this week. I've quite enjoyed the intellectual stimulation.
McGrath began by detailing three main objections to theistic faiths.
1. Religion leads to evil
2. God is a consoling delusion
3. Science has disproved God
1. Religion leads to Evil
There is a degree of truth to this statement, but question is this capacity different for other world views. It seems that intolerance has come from both theistic views (for example the Spanish Inquisition), and through atheism (Stalinism). So from the same stimulus both good and bad can come.
Freud calls religion a pathological disorder, but there is a (very complex) and tenuous link between religion and well-being. (Of 100 studies, 79 showed at least 1 positive correlation, only 1 showed a negative correlation, and the remaining 20 painted a complex picture).
2. God is just a delusion
Feuerbach (1804-72) argued that God is a projection of human longing – we invent God to fulfill a need, but this is not an argument against theistic views, as the argument works against both the theist and atheist – both the aspiration to believe (or disbelieve) is the fulfillment of a desire. (I found the comment that atheism could be a “wish to escape judgment for their deeds" (Milosz), interesting.
3. Science disproves God
Faith is blind trust, and cannot justify itself by evidence - Anything worth knowing can be proved from science (Dawkins)
Science cannot answer childlike questions of why we are here, and what does it all mean? (Medawar)
The world can be explained in both an theistic and atheistic way, nature doesn’t push either way. Science cannot answer the question of the existence of God. Darwinism is equally compatible with theism and atheism. Science it seems does not push towards atheism.
As there is no position of certainty; each individual looks for the explanation which explains the data best. For example; CS Lewis’ famous quote (paraphrased) that God is "the light by which I see all else" or Dawkins, who states that the world is exactly how we would expect if there was no good, no evil.
Post-modernity
In a sense religion is identity giving, as people begin to seek “spiritual” answers.
Some of the concluding comments, and answers to questions:
Evolution does not provide a basis for morality.
Secularism is position of faith; has no vision, suppresses the vision of others; accepts the fruit (social action, community involvement), but not the roots.
Reason can not take us all the way, we take hold of our “best fit explanation” by trust (faith).
Faith can engage with reality, and hold its own.
Perhaps not surprisingly McGrath did not provide a compelling argument to believe in the Christian God but rather argued that the position of atheism is as much a position of “faith” as Christianity.
All things considered it was quite an interesting lecture, and I’m quite looking forward to reading McGrath’s book. I’ve quite enjoyed the two lectures I’ve been to this week. I've quite enjoyed the intellectual stimulation.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
... now that i have seen ... I am responsible ... faith without deeds is dead..
Albertine
I'm quite a fan of Brooke Fraser, this song, a preview from her new album due out in December, is beautiful. Her voice combines beautifuly with the rhythm of the music, and the heartfelt lyric, to show the urgency she feels. [Thanks Marty]
I'm quite a fan of Brooke Fraser, this song, a preview from her new album due out in December, is beautiful. Her voice combines beautifuly with the rhythm of the music, and the heartfelt lyric, to show the urgency she feels. [Thanks Marty]
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Sports Shorts
Well its September again, football finals time. The Sydney Swans are into the Preliminary final (against either Fremantle or Melbourne), after another 1 point win. Win or lose Friday week they've had a fantastic year. It was good to see that their form was rewarded in All-Australian selections.
The other excitement this week is the beginning of the UEFA Champions League. Am realling looking forward the seeing the best players on the field again.
The other excitement this week is the beginning of the UEFA Champions League. Am realling looking forward the seeing the best players on the field again.
Another week gone…
* Updated to include link to article on Sydney Anglicans website.
Busy, but lovely weekend – Friday night Fi and I went to King Street, and found a fantastic Vietnamese Resturant, then Saturday, I found a suit, went to the airport and said farewell to Fi’s parents (they are off to Malaysia for a holiday) and had dinner with my parents (celebrating Mum's Birthday and Father's Day), on Sunday, I got my wedding ring. :-)
Last night, I went to the CASE Seminar - Religion, terror; film: reflections on 9/11. It was a fascinating look at the place and role images have taken. Greg Clarke began by looking at the place of images in Christian thought. One of the things I was thinking about, was when Greg asked us what came to mind when he said ‘justice’ all the responses where pictures. I got thinking as Jesus often taught with images, parables. (my mind was drawn to a number of images and the "I am statements" from John’s Gospel (I am the Bread of Life, I am the Light of the World, I am the Good Shepard). Perhaps we do think in pictures?
Justine then gave a fascinating overview of how 9-11 has been seen in popular culture, and spoke particularly about United 93, World Trade Centre, The Falling Man, and the fictional War of the Worlds. Lara has posted her comments here.
Staying on 9-11 for another moment; in terms of cultural responses, I really liked the West Wing episode Isaac and Ishmael (Season 3), and how it attempted to deal with the questions and issues.
Though, I think its the French film 11-09-01 which reasonated the most with me. The film give 11 directors (from 11 nations), 11 minutes and 9 seconds and 1 frame to respond. The highlights for me were the films from France, India, US, UK
UK – centres around a Chilean man based in London penning an open letter (and parts are sung) of ‘solidarity and sympathy’ with Americans in the wake of 11-9. Telling them that September 11 is a date that they both share, as 11-9-02, would be the 30th Anniversary since the overthrow of Allende’s Government in Chile – 11-9-72, and the first since the US’s bloody Tuesday.
France – a relationship breakdown plays out in New York, with the collapse of the towers in the background. The women in the scenes is deaf, so while the TV news show footage of the planes, the women is writing a letter about how she is going to leave her partner, before he leaves here, and in the climax of the scene her partner [who acts as a tour guide for the deaf, and was working near the twin towers] comes in, covered with the dust of the towers.
US – a man, talking with his deceased wife, shows the simple things of life, then at the climax of the piece we the light comes through the window, and the flowers on the mantelpiece are seen to come alive, (at the moment, I assume the tower falls), but he also remembers or realises that his wife is dead
India – The films is centered the true story of a Middle Eastern man, living in New York, and is family. Through the course of the short film the man moves from terrorists to hero. The film highlights the fears that those of Arab descent would be living with in the time immediately after 11-9. By virtue of his appearance neighbours move from feeling sympathetic to suspicious to scared, but in the film the man runs to the scene, to help survivors. And it is with this the film concludes, beautifully spoken in a eulogy. It also highlights a negative aspect of the US.
Of the others, not many of them really stood out to this degree, as I can’t really remember the details as vividly as for the four I’ve mentioned above.
And the final of the eleven pieces is one which I found hard to watch, but it seems to be making the point that War is perhaps to man, what killing is to the snake, it is natural, and instinctive, or in another way – war will always be with us. The film showed us a man who essentially thought he was a snake. I found the film quite difficult to engage with. I really like the idea of the project, its interesting seeing how people respond to the film within the context of their cultures, and it is kind of interesting watching the different ideas used in the creation of these short films.
Busy, but lovely weekend – Friday night Fi and I went to King Street, and found a fantastic Vietnamese Resturant, then Saturday, I found a suit, went to the airport and said farewell to Fi’s parents (they are off to Malaysia for a holiday) and had dinner with my parents (celebrating Mum's Birthday and Father's Day), on Sunday, I got my wedding ring. :-)
Last night, I went to the CASE Seminar - Religion, terror; film: reflections on 9/11. It was a fascinating look at the place and role images have taken. Greg Clarke began by looking at the place of images in Christian thought. One of the things I was thinking about, was when Greg asked us what came to mind when he said ‘justice’ all the responses where pictures. I got thinking as Jesus often taught with images, parables. (my mind was drawn to a number of images and the "I am statements" from John’s Gospel (I am the Bread of Life, I am the Light of the World, I am the Good Shepard). Perhaps we do think in pictures?
Justine then gave a fascinating overview of how 9-11 has been seen in popular culture, and spoke particularly about United 93, World Trade Centre, The Falling Man, and the fictional War of the Worlds. Lara has posted her comments here.
Staying on 9-11 for another moment; in terms of cultural responses, I really liked the West Wing episode Isaac and Ishmael (Season 3), and how it attempted to deal with the questions and issues.
Though, I think its the French film 11-09-01 which reasonated the most with me. The film give 11 directors (from 11 nations), 11 minutes and 9 seconds and 1 frame to respond. The highlights for me were the films from France, India, US, UK
UK – centres around a Chilean man based in London penning an open letter (and parts are sung) of ‘solidarity and sympathy’ with Americans in the wake of 11-9. Telling them that September 11 is a date that they both share, as 11-9-02, would be the 30th Anniversary since the overthrow of Allende’s Government in Chile – 11-9-72, and the first since the US’s bloody Tuesday.
France – a relationship breakdown plays out in New York, with the collapse of the towers in the background. The women in the scenes is deaf, so while the TV news show footage of the planes, the women is writing a letter about how she is going to leave her partner, before he leaves here, and in the climax of the scene her partner [who acts as a tour guide for the deaf, and was working near the twin towers] comes in, covered with the dust of the towers.
US – a man, talking with his deceased wife, shows the simple things of life, then at the climax of the piece we the light comes through the window, and the flowers on the mantelpiece are seen to come alive, (at the moment, I assume the tower falls), but he also remembers or realises that his wife is dead
India – The films is centered the true story of a Middle Eastern man, living in New York, and is family. Through the course of the short film the man moves from terrorists to hero. The film highlights the fears that those of Arab descent would be living with in the time immediately after 11-9. By virtue of his appearance neighbours move from feeling sympathetic to suspicious to scared, but in the film the man runs to the scene, to help survivors. And it is with this the film concludes, beautifully spoken in a eulogy. It also highlights a negative aspect of the US.
Of the others, not many of them really stood out to this degree, as I can’t really remember the details as vividly as for the four I’ve mentioned above.
And the final of the eleven pieces is one which I found hard to watch, but it seems to be making the point that War is perhaps to man, what killing is to the snake, it is natural, and instinctive, or in another way – war will always be with us. The film showed us a man who essentially thought he was a snake. I found the film quite difficult to engage with. I really like the idea of the project, its interesting seeing how people respond to the film within the context of their cultures, and it is kind of interesting watching the different ideas used in the creation of these short films.
Monday, August 28, 2006
… a time to rebuild …
As I am sure most of my readers are aware, in the early hours of May 10 this year, St Barnabas Broadway was gutted by fire, as you may not be aware, our community had what was called a ‘Search Conference’. The conference was an opportunity for our church family to have their thoughts, and feelings heard. It seems a big ask, but it was an amazing two days, both in terms of the process, and the results.
Saturday morning was spent talking about where we came from, the history of the community of believers at Barneys. The afternoon more or less centered on who we are, focusing on our community, our ministry areas, our finances, and our opportunities, and Sunday worked towards presenting a number of briefs that could be given to an architect.
Largely because of my history background, I found the session to be amazing. Especially hearing about the ministry of Barneys, its struggles, its growth, the challenges they faced, the context we now find ourselves, but above all how God has remain constant and faithful in spite of the ebbs and flows of life.
The afternoon session we were taken through an amazing array of information, looking at the demographics of the church, the community, the usage of the building, as we did this our eyes were opened to opportunities we could pursue as we began to understand the area in which our community is located.
It is clear to me that we were blessed on Sunday, as we talked through options, opportunities, and though we came out with different options, the same purpose and principles ran through them all.
Sunday, began where I wish each and every day of my life began, at the God’s feet, in prayer, and worship. We then placed ourselves on a line according to what we thought we should do – from (1) rebuilding the building on its footprint; to (5) significant alternations, and (10) a radically new Barneys, once we had done this, we broke into groups, and spoke about where on this continuum we were, why, and what we would like to do. Each of the groups then reported back on the discussions, and we then had a list of what each point of the continuum looked like, and we could clearly see similarities in viewpoints and where our focus should be.
We had a break here, and then we had to put ourselves on the same continuum again – but while before the people seemed to be spread evenly, we had seemed to gravitate to the upper end of the scale. After this, we created groups of 12, and then worked toward creating a brief (for architects), we got to look at each of these proposals, and vote (not committing ourselves, nor making a firm decision, but an indication to the parish council where the mindset of the group was on that day).
It was a tiring, but fulfilling process, and gave me more to think about than simply what happens to the land where our rain-shelter was, but who we are as a community, and the opportunities we have to serve our God together, and I look forward to seeing where our Awesome God will take us.
Saturday morning was spent talking about where we came from, the history of the community of believers at Barneys. The afternoon more or less centered on who we are, focusing on our community, our ministry areas, our finances, and our opportunities, and Sunday worked towards presenting a number of briefs that could be given to an architect.
Largely because of my history background, I found the session to be amazing. Especially hearing about the ministry of Barneys, its struggles, its growth, the challenges they faced, the context we now find ourselves, but above all how God has remain constant and faithful in spite of the ebbs and flows of life.
The afternoon session we were taken through an amazing array of information, looking at the demographics of the church, the community, the usage of the building, as we did this our eyes were opened to opportunities we could pursue as we began to understand the area in which our community is located.
It is clear to me that we were blessed on Sunday, as we talked through options, opportunities, and though we came out with different options, the same purpose and principles ran through them all.
Sunday, began where I wish each and every day of my life began, at the God’s feet, in prayer, and worship. We then placed ourselves on a line according to what we thought we should do – from (1) rebuilding the building on its footprint; to (5) significant alternations, and (10) a radically new Barneys, once we had done this, we broke into groups, and spoke about where on this continuum we were, why, and what we would like to do. Each of the groups then reported back on the discussions, and we then had a list of what each point of the continuum looked like, and we could clearly see similarities in viewpoints and where our focus should be.
We had a break here, and then we had to put ourselves on the same continuum again – but while before the people seemed to be spread evenly, we had seemed to gravitate to the upper end of the scale. After this, we created groups of 12, and then worked toward creating a brief (for architects), we got to look at each of these proposals, and vote (not committing ourselves, nor making a firm decision, but an indication to the parish council where the mindset of the group was on that day).
It was a tiring, but fulfilling process, and gave me more to think about than simply what happens to the land where our rain-shelter was, but who we are as a community, and the opportunities we have to serve our God together, and I look forward to seeing where our Awesome God will take us.
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