December 2, 2006

At the beginning of December Fiona and I headed up the mountains to Leura to celebrate our 1st Wedding Anniversary, 2007 has flown by. It was great to be able to head away for a few days in the Blue Mountains.

I can’t say how awesome it is to come home, after work, or seeing a friend and seeing her smiling face (or her cute sleepy stir and murmur hello). I especially love how we have ended each day together in prayer, for each other, and for our church, and for the world.

While we have certainly had our ups and downs, I would not trade them for the world. I am incredibly blessed to have Fi’s unconditional love, encouragement and companionship, and to likewise be able to love, and support her, as we travel through life’s valleys and pastures together.

New Day Dawning

Well it doesn’t seem to long ago that I was sitting in Wollongong writing about 2005, and we have now welcomed in 2007.

2006 was a very memorable year. I started settling in to St Barnabas on Broadway. I have enjoyed working on the Network team (ministering to workers). During May last year Barneys burnt down, and since then we have been meeting in the lecture halls of Moore College. It has been a change for us all, but we are slowly adjusting. The church held a conference to look into options for rebuilding. It has been since decided that we are going to redevelop the site. It will be a great opportunity for us.

The highlight of the year is a little bit of a no-brainer. On December 2^nd this year Fiona and I were married. The eight months of our engagement disappeared quickly. We got married at St Matthias Paddington, and spent three weeks honeymooning in New Zealand.

During the first two weeks, we spent three days in Christchurch, before heading to Aoraki (Mount Cook) and Queenstown. A few highlights of the trip were our time in Aoraki (Cloud-piercer in Maori); our visit to Doubtful Sound (The Maori name Patea means Shadowlands (if you look at our pictures you will know why), jetboating on the Dart River, and a meal we had in Wellington (at Kai in the City – who served what Lonely Planet calls Maori Fusion. Loosely translated the meat was cooked traditionally and made into European styled meals.

The last week in NZ we spent catching up with my extended family; in Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland. It has been quite a busy year for our family – three of my cousins also got married, while we were in NZ we were able to attend Sharyn’s wedding.

Since being back in Australia, we spent one night in our home before having Christmas in Canberra, and we celebrated New Years in Wollongong (before returning to the nasty reality called w—k).

Postscript: Since we have been back, we (read Fiona) has spent a lot of time putting up photos that our family and friends took at our wedding. They can be found here.

Wedding Piccies

From Helen and Dug...

Countdown...

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.

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.

Been a long time..

Sorry, it does seem that activity on this blog has gone close a record low. So, let me quickly let you in on something. Fiona and I have set a date and will be getting married at St. Matthias Anglican Church Paddington on the the 2nd of December. In relation to the Wedding, the details are coming together quite nicely, and relatively stressfree.

Last night Fi and I went to a Music Appreciation night which Karen organised, the details are posted here, and we had a fun evening, and I was quite interested to hear more from some of the artists people chose.

Tonight it is off to the rain-soaked SCG to watch the Swans play the Bombers. It’s only the second game I’ve seen this year, I’m going with N. and my flatmates. It should be a good, even if a little cold and wet, night.

Another of the recent highlights was spending a weekend down in Canberra. I am actually beginning to think that I could quite easily live there – its close enough to Sydney to be able to go for the weekend, and at the same time the pace seems a touch or so slower than Sydney. The other highlight of our time there was the opportunity to catch up with Deb, and Fiona’s family and friends. It was quite a shame the weekend was as short as it was.

August will be quite a busy month for us – we have our church weekend away – we will hear a talks on leadership, which will be quite interesting. In a few weeks our church has a Search Conference, which will discuss our plans for our church. It should be quite an interesting meeting, and one that I am looking forward to.

Finally, I have to admit that I’m quite stoked that I will see U2 on my birthday with Fi and Lynley. :-)

Another Sunny Day..

Well it has been quite a lovely weekend. I have a lovely catch-up and chat with Guan yesterday, and I've spent most of this morning sleeping. It was a busy week though. Tuesday night, I went to the Enmore theatre with Deb, and we saw Belle and Sebastian. It was quite a great gig, the band were up to it, and seemed to be having a lot of fun on stage. At times though the gig didn't seem to flow and there were pauses as they seemed to decide what to play.

The band has a beautifully original songs, at times they remind me of Simon and Garfunkel. I don't have much of their music, I own The Boy with the Arab Strap and The Life Pursuit. They played most of my favourite songs, and others that I loved hearing for the first time.

Also Fi gets back on Wednesday morning (6am-ish), which I'm quite looking forward too. Fiona's paper went really well in Barcelona, and she has been enjoying sightseeing in Barcelona, and more recently London.

++

Sport Aside: The World Cup has been going for a week, Australia scored their first goal and won their first game. Well played. Will be interesting seeing how they go tonight against Brazil. As the cliche goes, on paper they don't have much of a chance, but football is not played on paper.

Still, Argentina are the most impressive team at present, their second goal against Serbia and Montenegro is close to the best goal I've seen - 29 straight passes, and finished beautifully.

News in brief

I had a great Easter weekend, I spent most of it in Wollongong. It was quite lazy, the highlights were a day on the road to Berry, and Berrima. Getting out in the fresh air was really lovely. I spent Saturday with my brother and a couple of our friends playing War Craft. Monday visited the new Sea Cliff Bridge (pictured) on the road to Wollongong, which was great. Matt, Mel and I went and saw V for Vendetta, which I kind of liked.

Last weekend Fi and I went up to Newcastle for A's (Fi’s sister) graduation. We had a great time. It was interesting seeing how the University ran its graduation. The occasional address became a slight rant about the attention (or lack of it) the current Federal Government is paying to higher education (while I agreed with the sentiment, I do not think that a graduation should be made a political event).

The response on the other hand was quite fun and passionate, focusing our attention on how we approach our future. (I like the idea of having a response by one of the graduates, something that didn’t happen at my graduation). It was fantastic to spend some time with Fi’s family as well, getting to know them better. We spent Saturday out and about driving through the Hunter Valley visiting the vineyards, quite a beautiful drive too.

Monday night, we had a coffee and desert night for R. who was in our bible study group last year, and is returning to Scotland next month. It was great to get to know her(and her fiancé), while they were in our neck of the woods.

We're off to Wollongong tomorrow afternoon to celebrate my brother’s birthday.

Sport in Brief

My entries are rarely complete without some sport news... So here goes two quick pieces of news:

J. Gillespie 201 not out; and

Arsenal defeated Villireal to reach the Final of the Champions League, and will play Barcelona (who beat AC Milan) in one of the more promising finals for some time.

Photo: Dad.

Two Seasons a Year – Off and On

I went out to the Open Air Cinema at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for the first time, F and I saw The Perfect Catch (for those familiar with the story – its not about me). I do wonder why they changed the title for Australia.

The film is about a love triangle, where the third party is sport. Though it is not a sports film, it is a film about relationships. While Ben is the sports tragic, Lindsey is career driven making for a very interesting relationship.

The film is inspired by Fever Pitch [Nick Hornby, who also wrote High Fidelity and About a Boy]. The book details Nick’s relationship with Arsenal FC, and is worth a read. Though, the film only draws from an episode from the book. Both the book and the film give an interesting and realistic take on why men become fascinated with sport.

One of the classical conversations is when Lindsey and her girlfriends wonder where he has been; why he was single. Ben’s secret of course that he is a Red-Sox fan (one of God’s more pitiful creations). I don’t really have much doubt that there are people out there as ‘into’ their team as Ben.

I guess it is worth noting the film did not originally end with the Red-Sox winning the World Series, (which makes for a little too perfect ending). Though having said that, the Red Sox did actually win the World Series in 2005 (breaking an 80 year hoodoo)

I think the film is worth having a look at. Leaving the film aside I definitely liked the setting, and would quite happily go to the movies at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair again.

2005: What Made the Year that Was

Well, now that we have got a little more accustomed to 2006, I will post a bit more of some personal reflections of 2005. In summary, after quite a shaky start with work 2005 turned into a great year.

During 2005 I was struck by better nature of humanity – evident in the generosity of people responding to the Tsunami, and before Christmas I was struck by the Herald’s readers who paid for Jess Maulder, another potential, but unlikely, Australian of the Year, to go back to Thailand (where she was last Christmas) for the memorial. The earthquake in Kashmir resulted in Indian and Pakistani cooperation. But at the same time the darkside was all to easy to see.

2005 also reminded us that we are unable to control our world- the Tsunami, the Hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico and the earthquake in Kashmir, being a few examples.

While I was rereading my diary for the year, I came across a list of what I was looking forward to in 2005, on that list (along with a concert or two) was my Gran’s 90th birthday, seeing my sister, and joining Community Bible Church, and no surprise that these were high on the list of highlights for 2005.

It was great to be able to go down to New Zealand and join with my family in celebrating her birthday. I always find these family gatherings quite hard, because we do not see our cousins all that often, but I always enjoy catching up with them, and great seeing how they have grown.

I think it was in March, Lynley and I decided that we would across to the US together, and our holiday was a high point of the year, as was her coming home just before Christmas. Having Christmas together as a family was fantastic.

I had resolved myself during the year to read through the entire bible each year, I did not achieve this. My bible reading has not been great this year, which is one thing that I am seeking to change in 2006.

I found it really great met up with three Korean guys from the morning congregation, we spent our time looking through the book of Philippians, which was quite rewarding for me.

Community Bible Church, was a great group of Godly Christian’s to be involved with, and I found the preaching to be quite challenging and confronting, but at the same time quite comforting, and encouraging. It is with a touch of sadness that I leave Unichurch and move to Barneys on Broadway. (F. and I will definitely miss the Graduate Bible Fellowship – and our bible study group at A+B’s)

The highlight of the year was one that this time last year I hadn’t expected, but the last 9 months or so with F. has been great. It is a blessing being able to spend time with each other and seeing our relationship grow. :)

So what does 2006 hold, I am not one really for resolutions, but I think looking ahead I would like to see my life reflect my faith my clearly, particularly in my relationships, with my family, my flatmates, and Fiona. I am looking forward to getting to know more of my brother’s and sisters at Barney’s and being able to encourage and minister to them, and I would like to read the bible once in the next 18 months, (or twice in three years), and more generally I would like to read and write more often. I intend to speak to people at University about the possibilities for my Masters so watch this space.

In 2006 I also am looking forward to the Australian Open Tennis, the World Cup (Australia’s first in 32 years); a few more concerts, and I am sure there will be other pleasant surprises through the course the year as well.

that's all stuff and nonsense

Yeah, I hate thinking about titles for these posts, so a line from a song will have to do. Anyway, just thought I'd do one of those entries where I actualy speak about what's happening.

It has been a lovely few days, was great to all be together for Christmas. We went to Matt's church on Christmas Eve which was great - the lesson focused on a few of the Old Testament prophecies about the coming Christ. (Hosea 11:1-4, Micah 5:1-5a, Isaiah 7:13-17 and Jeremiah 31:15-17). I've always been amazed (and comforted) about how many Old Testaments prophecies there are about Christ.

Boxing Day we went and saw The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, which we liked to varying degrees. As for me, I quite liked it, and am looking forward to going to seeing it and reading it with Fiona. She came down yesterday(which is great), and is staying with us until I have to go back to work on the 3rd. It will be great just having time to do very little.

I've also decided to start going to Barneys next year, which will be great. Over the past few months I have enjoyed the preaching and look forward to serving our God there.

In Brief

• F and I had a great weekend down in Canberra, visiting her family and friends, catching up with Deb. It has been way to long since I’ve been to Canberra, and it was such a relaxing weekend.

• Friday night F and I went to see Turtles Can Fly. A depressing and uncomfortably real film set in a refugee camp on the Kurdish / Iraqi border. It’s a must see.

• Tuesday Gaz a few friends and I are going to hear Gareth Evans speak at UNSW (What price he gets asked an off topic question about Latham and the Labor Party). Updated link to transcript of lecture.
  

• In just over four weeks I am heading overseas to visit my sister in Dublin and then visit London, Washington, Miami, and New York. While in London I will see Sigur Ros, and the stops in Miami and New York include U2 concerts.

Easy like Sunday morning …

It has been a good weekend. Work hasn’t been too bad, the work flow is more constant, rather than seeming like a dam just burst.

Friday night, F, K, Gary and I went to the Sydney’s home final against Geelong. The atmosphere was electric. It was one of those nights that I will remember for a long while. Sydney were behind for most of the game, and played well below par. But the final quarter the game swung on the boot of Nick Davis, who kicked four last quarter goals (Which was simply stunning as Sydney had until that point kicked three goals in three full quarters). With no more than a few seconds to go, Davis dropped the ball onto this left foot and kicked more from hope than anything else. We paused in hope waiting for the goal umpire to single goal and then for the siren to go. Sydney stole the game 56-53, and now play Saint Kilda in Melbourne on Friday night. I still can't quite believe the Swans won.

Saturday was fun too, my parents came up, and with F, we and saw the new Australian film Little Fish. One thing is for sure, if this is the future of Australian film industry, then the industry has got a bright future. I quite liked the film, found it strikingly sad. I found the construction of the film to be beautiful. Images and words were beautifully melded together to create a story. While it was slow in parts, it is well worth a look. It showed the tragedy of Heroin addiction. The acting the film is excellent, the performances from Cate, and Noni especially. For those interested, this is an excerpt from the Heralds review; Well, Little Fish is about a couple of people still in the gutter, others trying to get in, some who make a living off those who are in, and one trying to keep herself from falling back in.

Little Fish is well worth a look.

Also spent last night at Joe’s 21st, it was a great chance to catch up with people I hadn’t seen in a while, and really enjoyable to celebrate his birthday.

between two worlds...

I found this an insightful piece.

"And there are layers of complexity that add to the confusion. Many young Muslims were born in Australia. Their country demands their loyalty and yet it is involved in a war that, for many, offends their families' religion and culture. International politics, Islam and injustice are regularly discussed in the privacy of their family homes."

"but how can they totally relate to, warmly embrace, or thoroughly respect Western ways when they have grown up being warned, directly or indirectly, against the decadence, the follies and the wantonness of the West?"

I can't imagine it would be easy growing up as a Muslim in Australia. But there was more I took from here. As Christian's perhaps we too should have a similar "identity" crisis as the look at this world - a world that clearly grieves God.

We too should look at the decadance of the west and grieve. (And I think our churches perhaps too often embrace the decadence of the west, rather than flee).

To quote part of an email discussion I was having relating to this –

“I do think, however, that, as Christians, it is something that we need to be aware of and monitor in ourselves. We need to remind ourselves that the way to live and the path to happiness is not through the material but belief in Jesus- a thought that can sometimes be hard to hold onto in today's material world of brands, debt, and the fashionable suburbs etc.” (F)

Which I thought summed it up quite nicely. We can't just let this world and its values wash over us. We need to be shaped by God, (Romans 12:1-2) and stand out from the world within which we are visiting (1 Peter 1-2, Php 2:12ff).

On Marriage ...

Okay, I’ve been reading my brothers blog, and wanted to repost my comments here.

Firstly, I do have to say that I’m not sure that I agree with a number of posters about marriage. (I’ve posted this, which talks about how I see marriage). I also would say here, that the way marriage is enacted in the world does not devalue it. Throughout the Old Testament the Covenant, (read promise) between God and Mankind is illustrated with marriage (read, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, to name a few). Put simply, celebrity x, marrying celebrating y (for a period of z hours) does not devalue the promise on another’s wedding day. Yes, I would love to see my “partner” be “a princess for a day”, (like she isn’t a princess already). But that’s not what marriage is about. That’s the wedding, by way of an analogy, the tip of the iceberg. Yes it is a promise we would be making to each other, witnessed by God, friends and families, but it’s a promise for the future, it is a promise that describes what we feel, but at the same time talks of the commitment we would share through the circumstances of life, for better, worse, sickness, health, poverty and riches. Why wouldn’t you want to make this public?

Like a number of those who have posted I would not live with my partner before marriage, this is a personal decision. I have not found an explicit bible verse that could be used to condemn people living together before they are married. (Mind you, I don’t believe we should condemn those who do. Though I would discourage them from it, for what I can only label personal reasons). To be honest, I am not sure of the arguments relating to “leading others into temptation” actually works. But I will need to think about it.

[Corrected Link]

Der Untergang (Downfall)

Tuesday night F. and I went out and saw the new German film Downfall. In many ways this is the film I love – it makes you a fly on the wall of history. The film thrusts you into the last days of the Third Reich, witnessing the regimes military, psychological and spiritual collapse. The film uses the books Inside Hitler’s Bunker: The Last Ten Days of the Third Reich [Joachim Fest] and Until the Last Hour [Traudl Junge and Melissa Muller] as its source material.

It is all to easy to look at Hitler and see a monster, a madman, or the face of evil, but Hitler in reality is a complex personality, and though he was incredibly brutal, at the same time he was also capable of kindness. To me there is a certain arrogance that we seem to have as we look at the Nazi’s; the unspoken view that it couldn’t happen here; we are different. The naïve idealism that the German’s felt in the 1920s would easily transfer across cultures and history; renewal, and rebirth are themes that appeal universally.

Bruno Ganz (from Wings of Desire, another of my favourite films), was phenomenal as Adolf Hitler, he clearly got into his role, capturing the voice and mannerisms of Hitler. The other characters in the drama were also played beautifully. The film was like my high school Modern History textbook coming to life, albeit with both a touch of humanity, and more chillingly. Chilling as we became witnesses, as Magda Goebells drugged and poisoned her five children, because they were “too good to grow up in a world without National Socialism”; and the “loyalty” of officers who would shoot themselves before being captured, or would burn the bodies of their Fuhrer (and his wife – Eva Braun).

I found it quite interesting as entwined with the military collapse of the German Army, was the collapse of the moral virtue prized by the Nazi state – those in the bunker plunged in decadence as military defeat became inevitable. The decadence and decay of the German society made me think of the fall of the Roman Empire wondering if there were similarities and if the United States is likely to suffer a similar fate.

While it does present Hitler in a slightly different light; the lasting image is not of the kindness or humanity of Hitler, but rather of how Hitler saw himself and the German people, to which Hitler responded – "there are no civilians in war". The film is bookended by a voice-over from Traudl Junge, who speaks of in the beginning of her naivety and curiosity getting the better of her as she accepted the position of Hitler’s secretary, the film then closes with her saying the she was not naïve, she was not an unwilling participant nor could she claim innocence.

In summary, the best film of 2005 to date. (And being honest, I can’t see this changing in the short term at least). It’s filled with what I love about film: I was challenged, it brought history to life, and was filled with great dialogue and in Bruno Ganz one of the more masterful performances from a leading actor. It is a tragedy that this film only has a limited release.

Music will provide the light you cannot resist.. - I'm Gonna DJ.

R.E.M. – Around the Sun Tour
March 31, April 1, Sydney Entertainment Centre

Support: Both nights Little Birdy (Perth, Australia) and Bright Eyes (Omaha, Nebraska), and both were introduced by Michael Stipe.

Little Birdy
They were okay. I thought their mix was akward on the first night, the vocals seemed drowned out, but things did improve for the second night. I am not that familiar with their music, but they did sound like a very tight group. I recognised very few songs, just Beautiful to Me, and also played Excited (a recent release?).

Bright Eyes (These may not be entirely accurate)
March 31:
Everything Must Belong Somewhere / We Are Nowhere Now / Old Soul Song / Landlocked Blues / Another Travelling Song / Blue.
April 1:
Everything Belongs Somewhere / Poison Oak / Old Soul Song / Lua / Road to Joy.

I would definitely pay to see them top a bill. I was impressed with the bands musicianship, and that they played different songs each night. Their performance of Landlocked Blues on the first night was close to the best performed song I’ve heard live, from any band. Bright Eyes are definitely not a band to listen to if you need to be cheered up. Connor was engaging over the two nights, perhaps joking around a little more the second night – he mentioned on the first night how Old Soul Song was written about a protest rally in New York, and Blue, a song written for Sesame Street. All in all, with their honest and at times depressing songwriting, and excellent musicianship, they are a band to watch out for.

R.E.M.
Firstly it was great to be able to talk about the first night with M., and then share the second night with F, and J. I was a touch disappointed in the numbers at both gigs. But it didn’t seem to bother R.E.M. who played two intense, energetic, and memorable gigs. Of course, inspite of the great set (on both nights) I still would have liked to hear a number of older songs (It’s the End of the World … , Country Feedback), but eh, after reading through the setlists below, there is no reason to complain.

March 31
I Took Your Name / Bad Day / Wake-up Bomb / Maps and Legends / The Outsiders / Electron Blue / Electrolite / Strange Currencies / The Great Beyond / I’ve Been High / Leaving New York / Orange Crush / I Wanted To Be Wrong / Final Straw / Imitation of Life / The One I Love / Walk Unafraid / Losing My Religion.
Encore: What’s the Frequency Kenneth? / Everybody Hurts / Drive [Happy Birthday to Bob – a roadie of 14 years] / Animal / I’m Gonna DJ / Man on the Moon.

April 1
Finest Worksong / Bad Day / So Fast, So Numb / Boy in the Well / So Central Rain / Electron Blue / Disturbance at the Heron House / Leaving New York / Seven Chinese Brothers / Animal / The Great Beyond / Orange Crush / I Wanted to be Wrong / Final Straw / Imitation of Life / The One I Love / The Great Beyond / Walk Unafraid / Losing My Religion
Encore: What’s the Frequency Kenneth? / Everybody Hurts / Exhuming McCarthy (Happy Birthday and Cake for Bob) / Sweetness Follows / I’m Gonna DJ / Man on the Moon.

Michael, and band were almost intoxicating on stage, full of energy and life, and the crowd, also were matching it, particularly in the older songs, Orange Crush, The One I Love, Losing My Religion and Man on the Moon. Quite good value for money too, both shows ran for roughly 110 minutes. The lighting and stage set-up was great, the background was create with rods of lights going down and across behind the band, and also a video monitor across the top of the stage.

The new record translated well to the stage. The rap in “The Outsiders” works better with Michael doing it. Electron Blue, introduced as Michael’s favourite song from the new record, was excellent too. “I Wanted to Be Wrong” and “Final Straw”, described as Michael’s message for his nation, gained a new lease of life on stage, the vocals became more emotive, and had an edge which was not necessarily lacking on the record, but was definitely stronger on stage. It was sung in front of Red, White and Blue lights, in a somber and reflective mood. Leaving New York, which opens the record and is one of my favourite newer R.E.M. songs, was performed well, I love Michael and Peter Buck’s vocal harmonies, though perhaps the sound is clearer here on the record.

Michael Stipe during the first night dedicated Strange Currencies (from the Monster album) to a friend, Michael Hutchence. Monster, it must be said is not R.E.M.’s best CDs, but the three songs they played – I Took Your Name, Strange Currencies, and What’s the Frequency Kenneth, sounded great live. I Took Your Name is a great opener.

Both nights Imitation of Life, was introduced with a preface, the bands first number one radio single … in Japan, and one the second night, he proudly claimed to the crowd that he’d nailed the chorus for the first time.

One of the joys of a band playing multiple nights in once city is that chance that they may mix around the setlist. I didn’t go to the second of the Radiohead concerts in Sydney last year, and I missed what was a great second night. Once the second R.E.M. show was announced, I thought that if I could get some friends to go, I would.

The second night was a little bit more punchy than the first, featuring rarities such as Finest Worksong, Boy in the Well (from the new CD), So Central Rain, Disturbance at the Heron House (played for the fourth time, in twelve years), 7 Chinese Brothers, Exhuming McCarthy (a fan request), and Sweetness Follows. The first night had a few surprises too: Maps and Legends, and I’ve Been High.

One of the bands roadies didn’t mention to the band it was his birthday, and consequently the band pulled him on stage during the encore, in order to embarrass him, and to sing Happy Birthday, and on the second night they sang Happy Birthday and gave him a cake.

Michael also asked the audience how many people had seen R.E.M. before, and on both nights, roughly one-third indicated they had, which I guess I found surprising. But then again as Michael Stipe reminded us, it has been 10 years since they were last here for the Monster tour in 1995.

Michael and band, then played I’m Gonna DJ, which is a really catchy tune, and he said it will be on the new record. The concert then concluded with a great version of Man on the Moon. (On the second night, included an Aussie Aussie Aussie, chant.., led by Peter Buck)

Hopefully it won’t be ten years before they are back in Australia. Oh for the time and money, to follow them to Melbourne…

Another slap in the face

In one of my previous blog entries, I made comment that I was looking forward to seeing Hotel Rwanda. (Haoran made mention of it during the last writing group meeting we had).

I went and saw it with F. on Tuesday night last week. We both found it a very confronting film to watch. Perhaps its designed and created to play on our emotions a touch, but given our blindness, I don’t know that I mind.

For mine, there are a couple of scenes that were particularly challenging and confronting, a western journalist shoots pictures of a massacre close to the hotel, and then shows them to the hotel manager Paul, who after watching it is convinced that the West will see these pictures and will be forced to act. The journalist responds by saying “if people see this footage they’ll say ‘that’s terrible’, and they will go on eating their dinners”.

How that accurately defines us.

The New York Times in reviewing the movie [Dec, 22, 2004], spoke about how the violence differed from that in Nazi Germany, if only in the sense that it was carried out with a spirit of mad jubilation, and the understated violence leaves the impression that given the right circumstances similar passionate hate could spring up anywhere.

The film is beautifully done, the characters, and more centrally the violence are not overplayed, but are real, and the softness of the film strengthens the films impact. The film could not detail the total history and events of the Genocide; rather, by focusing on the stories of a number of “real” characters it packs a powerful punch.

I could go on and on, about how we have failed to heed the lessons of Bosnia, and of Rwanda, particularly as we ignore the conflict in the Congo, and Sudan. We are simply not interested in Africa, more cynically we will only act were our interests are at stake. (Iraq and its oil are case and point).

But now I am witness to these things. As I see, or read, it is my duty to stand, and act. For evil is not only in the actions of those who commit atrocities, but also in the failure of others who stand idly by and not call injustice or evil as it is. (I can't quite find Martin Luther King's quote, so I butchered it, sorry).

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:: Answers to Karen's second meme, and reviews of R.E.M's Sydney shows to come.

:: I'm currently at home in Wollongong celebrating Dad's 60th birthday. I think works starting to catch up with me ... I'm think I've been getting a little sick.

:: The week ahead at work will be good - I'm going to be having lunch with my supervisor on Tuesday, which will be great to be able to talk some things out, and also will have lunch with my Dad on Wednesday (something to look forward to).

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Have I Been Awake –It’s Almost April.

Good news on the work front. One of my colleagues returns from maternity leave on Tuesday. I have to say that its great to have her back. And this perhaps will make this week a slightly tougher one as she settles back in … but perhaps there is light, at the end of the tunnel.

Along with work there’s bunches of other excitement this week.

Wednesday night
Bible Study. With B, as our intrepid guide [and the Grandmaster of Choc-Chip Cookies] we will continue our intriguing journey through Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia.

Thursday and Friday:
I’ll be going to see one of my favourite bands of all time R.E.M.; and with Bright Eyes playing support it is even better. I’m Wide Awake Its Morning is a brilliant CD, and would be a shoe-in for album of the year to date. I’m going to the Thursday night concert on my own, and the Friday gig with J. (a school friend), and F. (from my bible study).

Over the weekend, it’s a party; celebrating my Dad’s sixtieth birthday with family, and friends in Wollongong which will be great.

This weekend has been great to catch up on some films that I’ve missed here are some comments in brief.

Big Fish: Quite a good film, about stories, story-telling. Seemed slow in parts, but all things considered worth a go.

The Day After Tomorrow: Not sure about the science, but a typically special effects driven, “light” plot Hollywood film. Did anyone think that the Ice shelf sequence at the beginning just screamed CGI? (The camera work for this sequence was great).

Shrek 2: Puss in Boots [Antonio Banderas], and Far Far Away Idol, alone almost makes the DVD worthwhile. Not sure how many will agree here, but this is better than the original.

Miss Congenitally Two: I feared that this would be the typical sequel. It had a few groan moments, and a few good moments, overall, not too bad.

The Italian Job: Quite a fun heist film, it isn’t really the type of film I’m usually in for, but found this more appealing than Oceans 11, or Oceans 12, and an easy view.

The Bourne Identity: I did read the book when I was 14, so I’m not quite able to compare the book with the film. Much better that the original movie which I found long, boring, and tedious. (cf over 2.5 hrs, with 106 minutes).

The “to see” list:
[Movie]: Enduring Love / Hotel Rwanda / Being Julia / My House in Umbria