More Thanh Words

All Laid Bare

2009-09-12T01:06:00.002+10:00

Firstly, how long has it been since my last post? It sure has been a while. I haven't really felt the urge to write. I guess being busy at work and also going quite consistently to the gym has meant a lack of time and energy to sit down and write. Oh well, this blog was always meant to be a way to say what I wanted to say when I wanted to say it, so here goes.

The interesting topic of privacy and how the Internet has changed people's privacies forever is currently on my mind. Unless you're living under a rock, it's hard not to have some Internet prescence whether you like it or not. I'm sure we've all Googled ourselves, and seen what comes up. The fact that one's life can be viewed by everyone can be problematic. Actions that seem like good ideas at the time (Paris Hilton and "that night vision video") can be available for anyone to see. Unlike a hard copy of something, once out in cyberspace, it's hard to ever completely remove.

The growth of social media like Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Friendster etc has meant that more and more of our private information is floating out there. And the ironic part is that most of the time, we put it up myself. I must admit that I have quite a lot of information floating out there about me. I have a Facebook account, I blog about my thoughts, I'm on forums. The problem is that although technology has advanced, society is still yet to catch up with it in terms of our behaviour. Just like the medical field which has advanced to cloning animals, the ethics and people's attitude towards it is still in chase mode. The same exists for online expression about oneself. We do it without thinking about all the possible ramifications and how the information can be used, or sometimes misused.

Only slowly are people starting to realise that an online image can affect one's real life image and life. Numerous news reports have surfaced about people getting fired from their jobs after posting Facebook messages about their work. Relationships have been broken up due to one partner seeing photos of their significant other with a third party. For some reason, our minds have not yet come round to the fact that whatever we do online is there for all to see, and the consequences may come a long time after we've acted.

This whole situation has piqued my interest because of a work mate, who I've gotten to know lately. His interest (as he calls it) in all aspects of other people's lives troubles me slightly. It just seems unnatural to be so interested in other people's lives. I call it nosy, but he disagrees. We may both be right, as I'm projecting my views on his actions according to my own feelings. But recently, he's started reading my blog, and that's brought to my attention how figuratively bare I am as I've written a lot about myself on this blog. So while he will know a lot about me, I won't know much about him. That somehow makes me feel vulnerable. I guess it comes back to our primeval instincts as the more you know about someone, the more advantage you have over them and hence can win any battles.

In modern society, battles could take the form of creating bias between friends, gaining the upper hand in office politics, bullying others online or any other number of advantages. I'm not saying that he would do that, but his increased knowledge of me does give him an upper hand should he choose to. Why this troubles me now as opposed to previously when other friends read this blog as well puzzles me. Whatever I've written isn't exactly state secrets and I was happy for people to read previously, but yet now I feel uneasy about this particular work mate reading it. I think it's because my biased view that no one can genuinely be so interested in other people's actions without some alterior motive is clouding my judgement. The fact that we've also gone from not talking to each other to "best-friends" (as we both jokingly state all the time) in a month means that I don't really know whether I can trust him yet, while at the same time we are expecting each other to answer questions truthfully on a variety of topics. Therefore, I see his increased knowledge of me as something that I should fear.

It would seem the easy solution to protect oneself is just not to divulge information online. But that too contradicts with human emotions. Naturally, most people crave attention, and like being talked about by others. The way to do that is to talk (or write) about oneself and let others know. Most status updates on Facebook are self ego stroking displays. The more cryptic the message, the more people will inquire about it as human curiosity kicks in. That is exactly the outcome that people want, so to gain attention, you have to lay a bit of yourself bare (figuratively) for others to see. This act is regularly brought up by musicians, who say that a song they write exposes themselves and it's a very scary thing. If people hate it, it's a part of you that they're hating. Hence, there is a fine balancing act between giving out enough information to gain attention, and yet witholding some that you don't feel comfortable with people knowing. Knowing where that line is is the difficult part.

Gaining Wisdom With Age

2009-05-09T09:41:00.002+10:00

I thought that the older you get, the more wise and assured you're suppose to be. But I think people forget to tell you that is a huge gap in the middle where you're more confused than ever.

When we're little kids in primary school, we are so sure of ourselves. We think that we're invincible and can one day do anything. Only as you get older do you realise all the limitations that society put on you. From a young age you are taught about what you can't do, as opposed to what you can do. Those with motivation and drive will break through those barriers and achieve greatness. If Barack Obama believed what he was taught and that a black man can never ascend to presidency, we wouldn't be where we are now.

Once again, another birthday has created more doubts in me that I care to have. It's strange as when I was in primary school, I believed that I could do anything and that I wouldn't have to work by the time I was about 35. That's still a number of years away, but now I realise that dream will most likely not come true.

My latest depressive sojourn was set off by my own good intentions. A friend of mine was really depressed as many things in his personal and professional life are going wrong right now. My intentions to cheer him up ended up not working and me getting depressed about the direction that my own life is heading.

I'm someone who tends to focus on the now and current. That, supposedly, is a good way of living as you focus on the good and tend not to mull in the what if problems of the future. However, that means I lack a general overall plan of where I want my life to go. I've started to wonder what legacy I would leave behind. The ego in me can't help but centre everything around myself, no matter how insignificant it is in the scope of the wide world. My friend John says that it doesn't matter as we will all die eventually and it won't matter what legacy we leave as we won't be here to know it. That is very true and logical, but at the same time, our human ego can't help but want our life to mean something and influence that of others.

People that have kids leave their kids behind. At least they've made an impact on one person's life in a very dramatic way. But what if you don't want kids? Can you leave behind a buildings, a company, a piece of art, what do you have?

This brings me back to now, confused still. This feeling will pass as usual, but it seems that with each year, I'm slightly more confused that wise. Is it because I'm asking more questions that I'm getting more confused? Is that wisdom? Hopefully I'll know the answer in 30 years time.

So You Think You Can Dance Season 2 Finale

2009-04-26T10:09:00.002+10:00

I had all intentions to blog about each episode of SYTYCD S2, and haven't done the first review I had all intentions to keep going. However, as with all good intentions, they don't always turn out the way you want. A work trip to Brisbane meant I missed two weeks of the show, and from that point on, I just didn't feel like writing about it anymore.

I still watched the show religiously though. My early favourites were Penny and Charlie. I kept supporting them every week. But when Penny got injured, something changed. The magic was lost and Charlie wasn't the same without Penny. The two of them were greater together than the sum of the parts.

Now, tonight is the finale already. Time has just flown by. Amid much dancing, I think the four best dancers have made it to the final. Ben and Amy have never really captured my attention. Previously I would have said Charlie was a certainty to win, but Talia has just timed her performances so well that she is vying for top spot.

What's my prediction. I would like to say Talia as I think her technique is superior to all of them, and also her emotions in portraying each story of the dance in the past few weeks have been the best all season. However, being a reality TV show watched mainly by young teenage girls, the old adage that girls don't vote for girls will probably hold true and Charlie should win. Whoever wins, it's been another great season of dance and I hope they have more in future.

So You Think You Can Dance Season 2 - Top 20

2009-02-15T22:39:00.004+11:00

It's back. After my obsession last session with the show, I've decided to continue writing about each episode and giving my opinions. Feel free to disagree and add any discussions or correct my errors.

Pania and Ben
Style: Contemporary
Song: Talk Like That by The Presets
Choreographer: Marko (from Season 1)

Pania and Ben are a couple that I've taken a liking to already. They both seem genuine (as much as I can tell from watching them on TV anyway). Their contemporary routine was performed quite well and I was surprised how well Pania adapted to the style with her Hip Hop background. I really like this Presets song so I was bopping along to the routine the whole time.

Talia and Emmanuel
Style: Cha Cha
Song: Hound Dog by Smokey Joe's Cafe
Choreographer: Jason Gilkison

Well, Jason Gilkison's routines were a highlight last season. He did some amazing stuff. This routine would have been very good if performed by two techically better Ballroom dancers. However, Emmanuel's technique was a bit lacking I thought. I did like his charm throughout the routine. Thalia had good extensions but again, I didn't really think so got the steps all correct.

Lamb and Timomatic
Style: Lyrical
Song: Rainbow by Elisa
Choreographer: Travers Ross

This routine was as the judges said quite hip hop like. I thought they both did a good job and I'm a fan of Lamb's. They both hit the steps quite sharply and I really liked this song. I thought the routine was good, but the judges didn't seem completely won over by it.

Amy and Damien
Style: Broadway
Song: Puttin' On The Ritz by Rufus Wainwright
Choreographer: Adam Williams

I thought that Amy and Damien would tear this routine up but it didn't really work. The start was bit slow with all that stuff on the stairs. I was waiting for them to get into it. When they did, I thought that some of Amy's moves were quite awkward actually and disagreed with the judges. On the ballroom type moves, Damien was good, but other parts he was a bit lacking.

Ash-Leigh and Stephen
Style: Rumba
Song: My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion
Choreographer: Sandro Catalano

Sandro, who partnered Patty Newton on Dancing With The Stars choreographed this Rumba. I have to say that the choreography wasn't fantastic and the dancing was even more woeful. It all felt so fake. I haven't really warmed to Ash-Leigh at all as she doesn't seem to posess much personality. And I hate Stephen. He seems like a bit of a smart alec. And the song, hmmm, didn't work. Whereas Jason Gilkison used a Celine song last season in his Waltz that Jemma and Rhys did so great in, this song sucked the life out of the routine as the dancers couldn't lift up to the notes.

Penny and Charlie
Style: Hip Hop
Song: Single Ladies by Beyonce
Choreographer: Tiana Joubert

Before they even stepped onto the floor, I was already smiling. There is just something so endearing about both Penny and Charlie. They were my favourite guy and girl after the audition stage and they've been paired together. I've taken an instant liking to them, like I did with Demi and Jack last season. And its' weird, but once you pick a favourite, it's hard to get swayed away from it. So probably all my assessment of them will be very biased, but that's what opinions are about. Having said all that, I thought their routine rocked. They hit it hard and worked really well as a pair together. This was my favourite routine of the night, and the Beyonce song is just so damn catchy.

Kat and Danny
Style: Lyrical
Song: Liorindo (Crying) by Angelo Badalementi
Choreographer: Debbie Ellis

Kat reminds me a lot of Rhiannon from last season, but not as fake. She and Danny did a very good emotional routine. I really liked it and the song really soared with the dancing. This song complimented the routine rather than overpowered it.

Max and Jesse
Style: Contemporary
Song: Kids by MGMT
Choreographer: Shaun Parker

If the crowds reaction is anything to go by, these two will definitely be in the bottom three. I haven't really warmed to either of them at all. Max got heaps of coverage during the audition phases but she grates on me, I just don't like her. Their routine lacked any pizzaz and they don't really seem to like each other either.

Gianne and B.J
Style: Quickstep
Song: Sparkling Diamonds by Moulin Rouge Cast
Choreographer: Leanne Bampton

Leanne Bampton of Dancing With The Stars fame (I couldn't believe last year when Jason Coleman goes "I've never heard of Leanne", did he miss the whole Dancing With The Stars phenomenon or wasn't he allowed to say) choreographed a very fun routine again. Gianne and B.J also have a huge likeability factor. They both did a good job although B.J's footwork was a tad messy at times I thought. But the fun of it all help mask the errors.

Chanelle and Loredo
Style: Jazz
Song: Poker Face by Lady Gaga
Choreographer: Project Moda

The routine was quite a smart routine by Project Moda. It was also executed quite well, with both of them hitting it quite hard. However, I haven't really formed an opinion either way about both of them yet.

It was a great first show and most couples did really good. My favourite was definitely Penny and Charlie's routine. That was closely followed by Kat and Danny's emotional piece. Bottom Three Predictions: *Ash-Leigh and Stephen *Max and Jesse *Chanelle and Loredo

Of Christmas, New Year, Concerts, Gym, Facebook and Fires

2009-02-15T18:04:00.002+11:00

It's been over two months since my last post. That is definitely the longest period I've had not posting since I started blogging. It's not that I've lost the mojo for blogging, just that time is just such a commodity now. Many a times when I read, see, hear, realise, think of something, I say to myself "I should blog that". I even start writing the blog in my head but just never get round to writing it and then I can't be bothered anymore. I guess another reason is that although I write this blog to please myself and gather together my thoughts, I do want feedback and discussion on some topics and with such a small audience on this blog, I'm just not getting that, so have been less inclined to post. Anyway, enough of the excuses, here's a summary of some thoughts and events that have occurred in the last couple of months.

Obviously the Christmas and New Year period was extremely hectic. Lots of BBQs and dinners to enjoy, mixed in with shopping pre and post Christmas. With the country in the grip of a financial crisis, Christmas shopping did seem quieter and less hectic than previous years. I picked up a few work shirts, jeans and t-shirts.

During the Christmas period I also went to a coupld of concerts. Alicia Keys was amazing, a true musical genius and entertainer. Her concert was a non stop party basically. She was well supported by Jordin Sparks. I also went, and feel free to make fun of me here, to see Delta Goodrem. Yes yes, soppy soppy. I didn't intend to go, but a friend had a ticket to offload when someone else pulled out. We struck a deal which involved a discount and Seinfeld DVDs thrown in and thus I went. The show was better than I thought and Delta really does have a fantastic voice. She was also surprising funny and interacted well with the crowd.

I also joined the gym in the month of December. I finally just dropped into my local one day and joined up, after saying I would do so for years. I hated the first couple of weeks, as I knew I would. But as time has progressed, I've become really focused at the gym and work out really hard. The first couple of weeks, I was only doing everything half hearted and kept whinging and laughing. But now, I'm getting quite hard core, and am reading fitness magazines. The gut is still present but I am definitely aerobically fitter and anerobically stronger. Now I just need to lose the fat around the muscle.

Another thing that I finally joined was Facebook. After much nagging from many friends, I caved in and joined the masses. The first couple of days I went and added heaps of people. Although I still didn't add people I knew but disliked. I don't find Facebook that particularly addictive. The good part is that I have reconnected with some friends that I would like to see more of from now on.

Finally, I couldn't finish this post without talking about the tragic fires that have devastated Victoria. This is the worst fire in history, but people are banding together to help out. At times, humans can sicken me, but with tragedy usually brings out bravery and commraderie, which makes me think that humanity has a chance. Please donate what you can to the Red Cross to help out others in need.

Of Obama, Mumbai, Guitars, Reunion, Financial Crisis and Christmas

2008-12-07T21:52:00.003+11:00

My posting on this blog has become less and less. I'm not even sure anyone regularly reads this blog anymore. Anyway, here goes some meek wrap up of my thoughts (that I can remember off the top of my head now) for the last month.

Firstly, the election of Barack Obama as American president brings new hope to a country that is slightly losing it's gloss. I was happy when Obama was elected as I think America, and the free nations of the world need some change.

The terrorist attacks in Mumbai once again reminded the world that it's innocence was lost on September 11th 2001. Nowadays, the way to get a message across is to hurt many innocent people and make as big an impact as you can. It's such a shame that these extremists think they only way to get their message across is through terrorism. These attacks also highlighted how the coverage of them has shifted. With the rise of social networking sites and the access to Internet, these new dramas are being broadcast to the world almost instantly by netizens posting on their own blogs and networking sites. It gives us, the voyeur and observers, such a closer sense of reality.

On a lighter note, I recently bought Guitar Heroes world tour. This game is so much fun. I'm getting better at playing the guitar but still am awful with the drums. I just don't have the co-ordination to keep separte rhythms with different hands and also my feet. I am really loving all the rock songs and can't believe I haven't listened to more rock in the past.

Speaking of the past, I went to my 10 year high school reunion. I was a bit nervous about going, fearing that no one would turn up or everyone would have changed a lot. But my fears were alleviated when I turned up and a lot of others were also there. Almost everyone was still recognisable and hadn't changed much in personality. It was comforting to know that as much as things change, people are still pretty much the same as they were back then. A good time was had by all reminiscing about our past and catching up on what was currently happening. And as usual, everyone promised to keep in touch. But I know that we won't. As we all said, if we were all still friends, we would have stayed in touch. But at least with sites like Facebook now, people can keep in some form of contact.

With the reunion, there were lots of questions about what jobs we were all doing and whether the financial crisis had affected it. Fortunately, everyone was still employed, despite this impending crisis. Things have changed so much financially this year and it would be scary times for many. Jobs, mortgages, savings and investments are all under threat. With so many companies crashing, it's a more subdued time leading up to Christmas this year.

Despite the financial crisis, we should all spend for Christmas as spending is what will stop this crisis. I've gone and been ultra prepared and bought all my presents already. I'm doing my bit to help the financial crisis, I hope Santa gets me an Iphone in return. :-)

I shall try to update this blog more, that's if anyone is reading. If not, it'll be a good record for myself when I look back in the future.

Managing Expecations

2008-11-09T14:52:00.002+11:00

When I saw this article in the paper about companies cancelling Christmas, or at least Christmas parties, it made me think of how our expectations drive our perception of how good or bad something is.

Companies don't need to provide a Christmas party, but they do to reward employees and thank them for a year of work. But really, we all get a salary already and the Christmas party is a bonus that a company gives as a sign of goodwill. Goodwill is an intangible assest but can really make or break a company. A good reputation is worth a lot in life and business.

so because we all expect a Christmas party, even though it's not guaranteed, when it gets cancelled, we feel ripped off. Yet, if we were to not expect a Christmas party, and we get one, we're excited. And if we don't get one, we don't feel disappointed.

There's a saying that if you never expect anything, you will never be disappointed. But that in itself is a rather pessimistic way to live life. Life is all about expectations and what opportunities will come our way. Without expectation, human endeavour would be stifled. Without expecting more, we would not strive for more.

Sure, having expectations means you sometimes get disappointed, but when you're expectations are met or exceeded, there is an ever greater thrill. I'm was absolutely thrilled when I recently got some money back from my tax return. Sure, I could reason that it was my money to begin with, but as far as I knew, that money was gone, and now all of a sudden I'm getting some of it back. My expectations was that I wouldn't get any money back, but my expectations were exceeded and now I'm very happy.

Indoor Rock Climbing

2008-10-26T17:51:00.003+11:00

We had been hearing Phuong talk about her rock climbing for a while so finally we all got together one weekend and went to see what all the fuss was about. We went to the Nunawading branch of the Hard Rock franchise. After learning the safety procedures on how to properly clip in when climbing and belaying (the person with the hold of the rope at the bottom to catch a climber that falls), we went off to the smaller walls to practise what we had learnt. We were all a bit hesitant at first but once we got going, it was so much fun. When we had mastered the small walls, off we went to tackle the big ones, probably a good 10 metres high at least. There were varying degrees of difficulty, with some walls that really hung out so far only the advanced climbers could do them. After a few tiring but fun hours, we had managed to really test ourselves and everyone vowed to get fitter so we could do the harder walls.

Travel Abroad - Britt Lapthorne's Tragedy

2008-10-11T13:33:00.003+11:00

Travel abroad, especially alone, is many young person's dream. It's the chance to learn things by yourself and have new adventures. However, Britt's Lapthorne's tragedy is a sobering reminder that travellingn overseas is not always fun and games.

With new places obviously comes new dangers. Everything is unknown. Here you are, all alone, usually with a very bad grasp of the language and culture. You may offend someone without even knowing it, and you can never guess how other people will react. An account by Tracee Hutchinson of her own travels paints a scary picture for a lone traveller. At one stage, Tracee had guns pointed at her for wandering down the wrong street. If she was unlucky, who knows what may have happened.

It hasn't been confirmed that Britt's death is due to suspicious circumstances yet, but I think it would be unlikely that she would go travelling only to commit suicide. Her story is the classic nightmare of a young person travelling overseas who may have been the victim of some pychopath. Movies like Hostel and especially Wolf Creek play on this fear within all of us about encountering trouble abroad. Wolf Creek scared the heck out of me because it was so chillingly real. It was based on a real life story and the fact that I knew it could happen really sent chills down my spine.

I hope they find out who, if anyone, killed Britt and give them the appropriate punishment. It would be sad to think that we can't travel to foreign lands to explore and not feel safe.

Hawthorn Premiers 2008

2008-09-28T21:08:00.003+10:00

Hawthorn are Premiers of the 2008 AFL footy season. The Hawks definitely were not the best team during the season. Anyone who half followed the season would have seen that Geelong were the most dominate team, having easy wins and only losing one game. However, the youthful Hawks team stood up when it mattered most. While Geelong were making uncharacteristic mistakes and missing many goal opportunities, Hawthorn took all their chances and broke the game apart in the championship third quarter. It was a fairytale ending for the Hawks, winning their first premiership in 17 years. All the tough decisions made by the club to appoint Alastair Clarkson and to recruit young players and mould them has worked out better than they anticipated. With the current team, I think the Hawks will be strong contenders for the Premiership for the next few years.

Taken Out By A Hole In The Wall

2008-09-21T21:53:00.002+10:00

It's debatable which show on Australian TV is currently the dumbest show. But I would like to present two leading candidates. Watching these shows could seriously induce a coma. There's more life in road kill than these shows.

So the two shows I nominated are Taken Out and Hole In The Wall. Taken Out is a reality dating game where one guy stands on a platform and is judged by 30 girls. The girls get to see about 2 minutes worth of videos all up about the guy and decide whether he is the "one". Hole in the wall is even simpler. Contestants try to squeeze themselves through a foam cutout wall that is moving towards them while wearing skin tight full length silver suits. If they should happen to not fit through the hole in the wall, they get dumped into a swimming pool filled with ice. Talk about TV being the idiot box.

I have watched at least one episode of these two shows, so I feel I have earnt the right to bag them big time. Which studio exec thinks that these two shows can actually entertain audiences. Taken Out makes Perfect Match look like a love story between Romeo and Juliet, while Hole In The Wall makes It's A Knockout look like The Battle of Gettysburg.

Suffice it to say that I am no fan of these shows. I'm just trying to determine which show is dumber. What show do you think is dumber? Discuss.

From Best Man To No Man

2008-09-21T21:44:00.003+10:00

*** All names have been changed. ***

My friend Joshua was telling me a funny story about his friends wedding. Joshua was asked to be best man at his friend's Mike's wedding. He had gone to get fitted for his suit and asked to organise the Buck's party. Mike's fiancee, Renee, had talked to Joshua and told him to organise a really wild Buck's party for Mike initially. Then a few weeks later, she rings Joshua and tells him that the Buck's should be the night before the wedding.

Joshua was starting to get confused. If you have the Buck's before the wedding, you can't really do much and get drunk all night. Finally, Renee asks Joshua to organise something small and not too crazy as she doesn't want the groom to be drunk on the wedding day. So Joshua said that he considered organising a poker night at Crown and then maybe lawn bowls the next day.

One day, out of the blue, Mike rings Joshua and tells him that Renee would rather have no Best man, and that Mike would take care of the Buck's party arrangement himself. In the weeks that follow, Joshua finds out that another person was asked to be Best man, then dropped, then another asked, who refused, and finally, a ring-in during the last week was asked.

What a crazy situation that was. Joshua went from being Best man, to not being in the bridal party, to being asked "So, are you still coming to the wedding". All this and he still doesn't know what he did wrong.

There are theories aplenty. Most of them involve Renee, who seems a bit like a control freak. Upon my only meeting of Renee, I already said that she will have Mike by the balls when they get married. Little would I know how soon it would all show. Mike was apologetic to Joshua at the wedding, but Joshua didn't avoided Renee so doesn't know what she thinks.

This whole series of events was rather strange and funny. What was Renee trying to achieve by first telling Joshua to get Mike drunk and to party hard at the Buck's party, and then telling him not to get Mike drunk and to take it easy. What was Joshua's fatal mistake in all this when dealing with Renee. Was Renee clearly just indecisive, or did she not get the response she wanted when she first told Joshua to organise a crazy Buck's party. Was she using reverse psychology and wanting him to say that he would organise a small party? All is still unknown to today, except the fact that Joshua and Mike's good friendship is now pretty much ruined. And all thanks to a jealous/controlling/vindictive(???) wife?

Wicked - Australian Production

2008-09-21T21:42:00.002+10:00

I first heard about Wicked on Ugly Betty. Betty mentioned how she really loved the show over a few episodes and it was a common interest between her and the guy she couldn’t have, Henry. Finally, they got tickets to go watch the musical and end up being in it. At first, I have to say that I thought the story looked a bit strange from the few minutes that I saw on Ugly Betty. I mean, who wants to know more about the Wicked Witch of the West. She used to scare me when I first watched Wizard of Oz as a small child.

Anyway, I decided to give it a go and went and got the Broadway recording of the musical. I thought it was a bit strange at first and really didn’t like it that much. But as I listened to it more and more, it really got me hooked. I was still a bit confused to the whole story, but the songs were good.

When I heard that Wicked was coming to Australia, I thought I should go and see what it’s like. I’m glad I went as it’s a fantastic stage show with humour, romance, action and lots of singing and dancing obviously. Basically, the story centres on the relationship between Elphaba, the Wicked witch, and Glinda, the Good witch. It precedes the Wizard of Oz story. To find out more, read the Wikipedia Wicked article. It explains the story and everything related to it in much more detail than I ever could. I’m going to discuss my experience and thoughts about the show instead.

Let me start with the actors. All of them do a great job and were excellent throughout the show. Most were equal to, or possibly even better than the Broadway cast recording. Amanda Harrision, as Elphaba does a absolutely amazing job playing the role and living up to the high standards set by Idina Menzel from the original version. Menzel did win a Tony for her performance so Harrison had very big pointed shoes to fill. In a couple of numbers where Harrison really hit the high notes as in No Good Deed and especially in Defying Gravity, the crowd was rapturous and applauded with ferocity. Not to be outdone though, Lucy Durack as Galinda, and later Glinda was also outstanding. Durack’s vocals aren’t as strong, but her comedic timing and phrasing was perfect. She had about 90% of all the funny lines in the show, and the lines were very funny. The two leading ladies were definitely the stars of the show. The story centred around them and they definitely delighted. I loved the interaction between them and it is a great pairing.

An all star support cast that includes The Phantom himself, Rob Guest, and Idol contestants in Rob Mills and Anthony Callea also helped to lift the show even further. I was surprised that I wasn’t repulsed by Rob Mills as Fiyero at all. He was actually very good. His voice lacked a bit compared to the Broadway version by Norbert Leo Butz. The highs that Butz’s achieved in numbers like Dancing Through Life and As Long As You’re Mine wasn’t quite reached by Mills. Mills voiced even cracked during one high note in As Long As You’re Mine, but that was a very small problem. His acting was actually good and carried the story along.

Rob Guest was excellent as The Wizard, bringing a sense of kindness and evil. At times I didn’t know whether to sympathise with him for wanting a daughter or hate him for manipulating everyone. Anthony Callea was a funny Boq. Callea’s excellent voice meant that he was probably the only character, vocally anyway, that exceeded the Broadway recording that I had been listening to a lot.

After seeing the live show, the recording now makes complete sense. Having the songs put into context and the story weaved around it, I can now fully appreciate the story. The end is a small surprise, although I did see it coming. I guess it was the ending that everyone would have wanted. But the journey to that ending is rewarding as it is essentially about friendship and true friendship can overcome many obstacles.

I recommend that you go and see it and discover how all the characters in The Wizard of Oz came to be what they are. It gives a new, fresh, nice spin to a well known and loved story.

Motivation Gone Missing?

2008-09-21T21:35:00.002+10:00

Well, it's been a month or so since my last post. No, I haven't gone on holidays or been without Internet. I've just been busy and lazy and have not posted. It's strange because I keep saying to people in real life that I should blog about this or that but never get round to it. I'm not sure what the exact reason it.

I think one reason could be post Olympic syndrome. The Olympics was like a drug that I was hooked on (watching day and night since I recorded all the day sessions on my hard drive and watched them at night) the Olympics. I'm recovering from the lack of sleep physically, but also recovering mentally.

The Olympics is the epitome of human sporting endeavour, and with it carries so many feel good, as well as heartbreak stories. We, the viewer are taken on many emotional journeys and I think it takes it out of you a little. I was so impressed by some of the stories and so inspired at the determination of some athletes. This in term made me motivated for the two weeks that the Olympics ran for. However, once it was finished, I felt a little empty. This emotional fuel that I had been running on was gone. It made me reflect on what I am striving to achieve, and it made me feel little. I haven't sacrificed like these people. I haven't done the hard yards. I'm just lazy.

The realisation that I hadn't really pursed my dreams made me demotivated, and hence even more unwilling to do anything. Well, I'm getting over that and life has resumed. But damm those athletes. Their brilliance is addictive and makes us all feel so much inferior. I applaud them for their determination and just wish I had a quarter of what they have. Is there a miracle drug for that?

Beijing Olympics - Opening Ceremony

2008-08-09T17:28:00.002+10:00

I am a huge TV couch potato sports fan. So the Beijing Olympics 2008 is my ultimate indulgence. I will just sit in front of the TV for as many hours as possible in a day and watch every sport imaginable. I'll even watch the Equestrian dressage and Air Rifle shooting. Those aren't exactly the most high profile sports, but I only ever watch them four years.

For me, the Olympics are the epitome of sports. They may not be as pure as how they started out in Greece all those hundreds of years ago, but they still hold something magical for me. The endeavours of elite athletes working towards this ultimate goal is to be celebrated and enjoyed. There are always so many feel good stories that come out of the Olympics. Heroic stories of people's battle against the odds to pursue their dreams.

This year, 2008, the Olympics is being held in China. After so many years of shutting themselves from the rest of the world, these Olympics is likes China's debutant ball, annoucing themselves to a global audience of billions. There could be no larger debutant ball. No expenses have been spared in orgainising this massive party. China have gone all out to show their best face to the world. Planning for the stadiums finished before schedule, the city of Beijing was cleared of cars, smog, spitting, beggars etc.

The theme of grandeur of this whole Olympics was amazingly highlighted in the opening ceremony. No one watching the opening ceremony would have any doubts about the intentions of China in making this the biggest Olympics ever.

So on to the opening ceremony itself. I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it, and there were so many moments where I just had to say "Wow". I would say that it is one of the best opening ceremonies ever, if not the best. The history of China was presented through the dynasties with spectacular visual dance routines.

Everything about the whole ceremony was massive, mirroring the current political, and economical situation that China is currently in. I think the fact that George Bush, the first American president to visit an Olympics outside of their own country in 30 years, proves the might that China now holds.

The ceremony kicked off in a dramatic countdown, using thousands of drummers performing in military precision. That military precision would be evident all night, with dancers portraying scholars, rural minorities, opera actors, kings and queens. At one stage, a large ancient Chinese typewriter device was bobbing up and down to create these wonderful patterns had me thinking a massive machine was being driven by a computer. Only when the dancers underneath it emerged did I realise it was all being done by man power. Again, this parallels with China current industrial boom, where almost all the worlds consumer devices are being made by millions of hands in Chinese factories.

The theme of using a paper scroll that kept being added to throughout the dynasties was a clever idea. The scroll sat within in the largest LCD screen I have ever seen. The LCD screen covered nearly the whole length of the field, a good 100 metres long. It showed beautiful images of paintings and Chinese art through the ages.

Needless to say, the fireworks display was beyond imagination. China does produce most of the worlds fireworks, so organising fireworks was surely the least of their worries. The firework was cleverly used in the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. A man did a horizontal walk across the whole lip of the stadium, which was used as a backdrop for the torch relay images. I don't know if the images were projected onto the stadium or if it was another huge LCD screen, but whatever the case, it was stunning. The man finally lit the tip of a firecracker, which blazed in a huge flame and went on to light the cauldron. Spectacular and so fundamentally Chinese. I'm sure every Chinese child has at one stage lit a firecracker and could totally relate to it.

Overall, it was a really great opening ceremony and I'm hoping for two weeks of great sport, mixed in with emotions of joy, laughter, sadness, anger, disappointment and love. Human kind will be on show for all the world to see.

One World, One Dream.

Movie Review - The Dark Knight

2008-07-21T23:10:00.004+10:00

*** WARNING, MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS ***

There was a lot of hype surrounding The Dark Knight due to the untimely death of one of Hollywood's rising stars, Australia's own Heath Ledger. All that hype has translated into box office success, with The Dark Knight gaining the highest opening weekend box office revenue in the US. I'm glad to say though, not only is the film a financial success, it's also a critical success.

All the reviews I had read before seeing the film all praised how good a film it was. Most had claimed that this film is probably the best film of this superhero genre. I would have to agree. The story and acting made this film a delight to watch, even at a lengthy two and half hours.

This film picks off where Batman Begins had ended. Gotham city has been cleaned of many criminals, but that has meant that the mafia have all joined forces and are working together to terrorise Gotham city. Batman (Christian Bale) is still in the picture, but he is torn between what to do. This uncertainty in Batman's own action is constant throughout most of the film. Batman is struggling with what he thinks is helping the city, but also being judged unfairly by the citizens as a vigilante. He, like us mere mortals, does not liking being wrongly accused and hated.

Hence, Batman sees the new district attorney, Harvey Dent (Aaron Echkart) as the saviour for Gotham city. He is the white knight to his dark knight. Dent can show his face in public and be the saviour and moral compass that the citizens can rely on.

And this is where the story becomes interesting for me. The new villian, The Joker (Heath Ledger) is hired by the mafia to stop Batman and basically run amuck in the city. However, The Joker is not driven by greed, he is driven by his own quest to prove that humanity is flawed and that any man can be turned from good to bad and do unthinkable evils. At every stage, The Joker tests Batman and the citizens and tries to make them turn on each other. Ultimately though, he wants to turn Dent from a saviour to a killer.

The constant psychological mind games is what makes this movie great for me. We, the audience are unsure whether to feel sorry for The Joker or hate him. His past is a blur of many lies and a truth hidden somewhere in between. His efforts to turn Dent into evil is a journey that takes the audience into many dark places.

The supporting cast all do a good job. Michael Caine is the dependable Alfred again, with some of the funnier lines in the movie. Morgan Freeman reprises his role as Lucius Fox and also does a solid job. Gary Oldman's James Gordon is now a lieutenant and again plays a prominent role in trying to catch The Joker. Maggie Gyllenhaal replaces Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes. Maggie's Rachel seems to lack the fight that Katie Holmes brought to the role. Aaron Eckhart does a great job in portraying both sides to Harvey Dent. Christian Bale has again embodied Batman well, although his prescence in this film is less than in Batman Begins I feel. However, the movie definitely belongs to Heath Ledger. It's no wonder the critics are raving about a possible oscar for him. His portrayal is so astounding. There were so many moements during the film that I was totally captivated and just forgot it was Heath Ledger behind that make up. The vocalisation, body movement and facial expressions from Ledger just made The Joker so multi-dimensional, it was amazing. This may be remembered for Ledgers final and best role.

The interplay between Batman, Harvey Dent and The Joker with its dark tones makes this one of the best superhero movies. The constant pyschological warfare being wagered amongst the main protagonists is a delight to watch. The audience is left guessing as to what the final fate for each character is. The ending is not as you expect. It shows that humans are fallable and that even the best of us can be made weak.

Rating: ****/5. A dark movie with great characters.

Secrets And Lies

2008-07-15T21:49:00.003+10:00

"Happiness lies in your own hand, It took me much too long to understand, How it could be, Until you shared your secret with me" Madonna - Secret

"Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies" Fleetwood Mac - Little Lies

Two flaws of human nature is that we tend to keep secrets and tell lies. These two traits both play their roles, but can also cause a lot of problems when things get uncovered. Lets explore how each of these affect us, and how they both combine to bring out the worse outcome.

Secrets, we all have them. I defy anyone (who doesn't have a mental disability) to say that they don't have secrets. If anyone said that, I would say that they are lying. Unless you have a very bad mental disability that stops your brain from functioning "normally", you will have secrets.

Each person is an individual and we have things that we wish to keep to ourselves or only share with selected people. A secret in itself is not harmful, it's only when that secret gets exposed. And exposed it usually gets. The problem with humans keeping secrets is that we're not good at it. We want to share the secret, share the joy or share the burden. It's hard to keep a secret as it's a big weight to hold up. The burden of knowing something that affects others, or affects others judgement of you is not an easy thing to carry.

This is where lying comes into it. Usually, to cover up secrets, we tell lies. The lies could be small, or white lies as people call it, or it could be something huge such as "Brad, you're actually adopted". If you've seen Liar Liar starring Jim Carrey, telling the truth all the time also is not a good strategy. This is because humans are emotional and will take offence to things that are not favourable to us. And the truth tends to be less than favourable. So lying has it's place. But you have to pick and choose when to lie and how servere the lie is. People tend to tell the truth to others that they trust. It's a sign of respect and a way to bond closer. However, when lies are caught out, the consequences are usually not good. People can get hurt or into trouble. Relationships can break down and all parties involved may not trust each other again.

When you combine both secrets and lies in the workplace, well you have a volatile mix that can explode in everyone's faces. The fact that we spend so much time with our work mates, we may think that we can trust them. But really, you are only seeing people from one perspective. To really see what someone is like, you need to see them in their natural environment. It's like David Attenborough watching the real way lions interact in the jungle as opposed to watching caged lions in a zoo. So we're often lured into a false sense of trust and share secrets with work mates, that can then lead to lying, which can then turn around to bite us. We have to keep in mind that our work mates can also be our competitors, each striving to move up in the corporate ladder, and some willing to use secret information to their advantage.

In summary, I think we need to be wary of what secrets we share with others at work. You have to be definite that whoever you are sharing the secret with is someone you can trust. It's always easy to spill a secret than keep one. It's the human nature in us that makes us feel superior to share something unknown to someone else. I admit that I do it too, but you have to know where the line is between things that you can share and things that you can't. It's better not to tell than to risk it exploding in your face. Lying is something that should be treated with even more care. A small lie is probably ok, but trying to be someone you're not can only ever end in disaster. People can see through bullshit very quickly and you will lose the respect of others very fast.

Blogging To Happiness

2008-07-10T22:04:00.003+10:00

I had written in the past about how blogging is very therapeutic for me. I've long said that the mere act of composing the thoughts and committing them to paper just seems to lighten the burden and worry. Well, there was an article in The Age that there has been a university study that showed that blogging does make you happier.

Blogs, instead of being an anti-social tool where individuals are isolated, are actually a tool for making connections. I find that my blog is a great avenue to make connections with others both in the virtual world and the real world. I'm able to write about varied topics and occasionally someone else will also be interested and discussions will occur. As we all tend to have a limited number of friends who may not necessarily enjoy everything we do, a blog enables me to reach a much wider audience and anyone who chooses to enter the discussion without me forcing it on them.

So I plan to keep blogging so that I can discuss interesting topics with others, remove stress by writing about things that worry me, and give me opinions on various topics.

Tour de France 2008

2008-07-09T21:55:00.002+10:00

I never thought I would like watching cycling, but this year, I've found myself watching the Tour de France virtually every night. I love seeing the French countryside as I dream of going to France one day. The support from the public is also amazing, with the streets lined from start to finish with supportive people. I have to say, it's also very exciting. Stage 3, from Saint-Malo to Nantes was ultra exciting. A breakaway group of 4 had led bascially from kilometer 1 of the 208 kilometer race. And the commentators kept saying how the main group will probably catch up. But as it got closer and closer to the end, it became apparent that the four breakaway riders would win. As the commentators said, this is a dream for any rider, to be involved in a breakaway and maintain that to win.

Cycling, and especially the tour de france is an extremely strange sport. I don't mean it's strange in terms of what they have to do. In fact, cycling is probably one of the easiest and oldest sports. What I mean is the dynamics that occur in the tour de france. Even though an individual wins the overall race, no individual can win the race. Every single winner in the history of the race has had to rely on their team. And this is what I find so interesting.

In any other individual sports, all competitors enter a race wanting to win. However, in this race, the role of every single rider in a team is to support their number one rider. This means sacrificing themselves and giving protection to their main man and supporting him in any way they can. So you enter a race clearly knowing that you won't win, or have little intention of winning. This race is probably one of the hardest in the world, and to work your body to the extremes to help someone else in an "individual" race is very honourable. I'm sure they get paid well, but it's not easy to ride for a "team" when one man then gets all the glory.

This race also highlights comraderie in sport. Just due to the extreme nature of the sport and how much time the riders spend together, they do develop a mutual respect for each other. They will give their drink to another man who hasn't got one, one teams repair car team will help another teams man who has broken down, the riders won't attack when a rider has fallen etc. It's a uniting experience to undergo something so stressful on your body. I can't even imagine driving my car a few hundred kilometers each day, let alone sit on a tiny uncomfortable seat and peddling my guts out. These athletes are truly gutsy. As to how "clean" they are in terms of drugs, only they will know.

Still Alive

2008-07-01T19:56:00.002+10:00

Wow, it's been over two weeks since my last post. I don't think there are any regular readers of this blog. But if there is, I'm still alive. Just been having too much fun and therefore no time to blog.

Here's a quick note on some things.

* Indiana Jones and The Whatever is very boring. I slept through some of it.
* Get Smart was better than I expected. It was quite funny and true to the style of the original series.
* Flight of the Conchords is the funniest show on TV at the moment.
* Go Hawks, we finally have a chance to win the flag.
* I really like macarons now. They're not so hard to make after all.
* I hope I get a pay rise during this coming work performance review. I'm not sure where my career is headed. I don't know what I want to do?
* The Amazing Race is back on. I really want to go on a holiday, but don't have enough money. Paris (the city, not the person), I will see you one day soon.
* Saving money is so hard. I've tried to be frugal this month, but have already spent nearly $800 in half a month.
* Tax time is coming up. I'm not looking forward to doing my personal and business tax at all. I might need an accountant this time. I'm also going to have to pay heaps of tax, damn.
* I went on a couple of training courses at AIM on Fitzroy Street. Their lunches are really good. The training was ok too. I'm now more assertive and can speak in public better.
* The Euro Championships was quite good. I stayed up to watch quite a few games. Guus Hiddink is a genius.
* Wimbledon is on. I hope Federer wins again. He's looking a bit shaky but he's still in it. A Englishman might also win the cup in a long time in Andy Murray. There's been heaps of massive shock exits from the top players this year. It makes things interesting.
* Currently I'm listening to Jordin Sparks, the youngest American Idol winner. I also like listening to Sam Sparro, an up and coming Aussie artist. Black and Gold is the catchiest song at the moment.
* Finally, I'm getting quite fat now. I really need to exercise and eat less.

The Benefits of Failure

2008-06-11T22:52:00.002+10:00

I read a transcript of J.K Rowling's speech to this years Harvard graduates. I must admit that I haven't read any of her books or am a fan. But I have to say that her speech was very inspiring.

I've heard bits and pieces about her life and how she was divorced and raising a child alone previously. In her speech, tells of the extreme low in her life where her marriage had just failed, she was a single mother without any money or job. That low though, helped to make her stronger. I know it's a cliche, but unless we are in that situation, we'll never really know what its like. We can only empathise, as J.K describes, which is an invaluable skill that humans have.

J.K talks about how being at her lowest meant that she lost all her fear. There was nothing else more to lose. It made her see the essential things in her life. It also helped to weed out her real friends from those who were trying to gain from her. I guess this is the classic movie plot. She has lived it. She was at her lowest, and then makes it good by hard work, a bit of luck, and having determination.

For most of us, myself included, life isn't too bad. We drift from day to day, doing what is expected of us and what is easy. How many of us can really say that we strive for our goals and really do what we are passionate about. I know that I constantly say how I want to be involved in food and the food industry in one form or another. But apart from a food blog and lots of eating, what have I really done to achieve those dreams.

I think one aspect that is stopping me is fear. It's much easy to drift along as an engineer and make fairly decent money. If I really wanted to pursue a career in food, I've been told by others already doing it that it isn't easy. There isn't a lot of money to be made and breaking through is a lot of work. That hurdle has already scared me off it. That's what separates 99% of people from the ones who "make it". The definition of making it can vary for everyone, but lets assume that it involves doing what you enjoy and also being comfortable financially so that you have options, then very few people have the drive to make it. Those people, some maybe like J.K, may have experienced failure many times, making them strong each time and more determined. So maybe we should all try and take some more risks. Whether those risks work or not, you will still benefit for the next time.

Clothes Maketh The Man

2008-06-11T22:34:00.002+10:00

Clothes maketh the man is a common espression about how appearances count for a lot. We dress up differently for different occasions and situations. Unless you are a very confident person and feel ok to wear anything, most of us will dress "appropriately" for the situation. The level of appropriateness will still vary according to the individual.

Today, I had to go into the city for a meeting. I was dressed in my wool black suit and looked quite sharp I thought. It was a strange feeling, both negative and positive. On the one hand, I rarely need to wear a suit, so was slightly uncomfortable since it is something foreign. I'm an engineer so can get away with just wearing a button up shirt to work. The suits at the company are the sales and marketing guys, always dressed up to the max to impress clients.

So putting on the suit meant I was slightly uncomfortable since I rarely have to wear one. It was made a bit worse when I was on the train as I really stood out from the rest of the non-peak hour crowd. But after a short period of time, I relaxed and felt really good in my suit. Clothes really do maketh the man. What we wear can really affect our own confidence. When I am wearing something that I think makes me look smarter, more authoritative, thinner, more attractive, I definitely act differently to when I am uncomfortable with what I wear.

I tend to be very casual with my clothes and wear jeans and t-shirts most of the time. I know that when I'm in my work clothes, I feel more confident even when I drop by the supermarket afterwards. I think it's the feeling that I am dressed for success already makes me think more highly of myself. So when I was in my suit today, I walked with an air of confidence after my initial awkwardness.

It's a pity in a sense that modern society with has become so relaxed with attire. We rarely get the chance to dress up and boost our own sense of self slightly. I've started to wear a nice shirt to restaurants as it feels good to wear good clothes. I'm still not at the stage where I want to prance around in a suit unless it is necessary. And as much as people may argue about how you shouldn't be defined by how you look externally, it is still a vital part in many situations. You might not be able to change your face structure, but you can change your clothes. We all get judged on first impressions and conveying the right message through our clothes is vital.

Eurovision Song Contest 2008

2008-05-25T21:38:00.004+10:00

What do you get when you combine the following things:

Laser show, smoke machine, wind machine, fireworks, flames, terrible costumes, costume changes, fake tan, fake breasts, bottle blondes, bad facial hair, bad hair cuts, jumpsuits, angel wings, brides, pirates, synchronised dancing and finally singing.

A fantasy porn film I hear you say. Well, not quite, but close. You get this years Eurovision Song Contest. This contest has been going on for more than 50 years so it definitely has staying power. I love it. It's become a cult show in Australia. I don't know whether the Europeans, contestants and audiences, take the show seriously. Whether they do or not, it doesn't make it any less funny. The commentator, Terry Wogan, definitely takes it as a bit of fun. His commentary is so funny. He just says it how he sees it, which is to be a bit sarcastic.

This year's contest has been run and won. We've got a delayed telecast in Australia so I've avoided finding out the winners. I've just watched the singing part of the show and here are some of my thoughts and awards.

Best Use of the Wind Machine: There were a lot of acts that tried to utilise the wind machine, but no one could compare to Germany. The four girls with their flowing wings sang through their whole song without missing a beat, despite a gale force wind blowing at them.

Best Use of Fireworks: Many groups used fireworks to highlight their routines. But the clear winner was Finland who had fireworks going the whole time, and even the sound of the fireworks was incorporated into their song.

Best Use of Lasers: Strangely, only a couple of routines used lasers. Maybe lasers are new and some artists aren't up with the dramatic effect of them yet. Sweden were the only country to utilise green lasers to their fullest, with the lasers fanning across the stage for the end part of the song.

'Best' Hair Cut: There were many many shockers here. But I can't go past the Armenia dancer guy with his horrific mullet, despite Iceland putting up a strong fight with the guys looking like they were Vulcans from Star Trek with their awful long hair.

'Best' Costume: The competition for best costume was extremely fierce. Bosnia and Herzegovina did their best with the lead singer in a crazy apple encrusted skirt and the backup singers in bridal dresses. Finland tried too, with the guys in tight leather pants with the zips showing. Azerbaijan were really dramatic in their angel wings and devils costumes. But the prize has to go to Latvia for being so dedicated that everyone was in pirate costumes.

Best Falsetto: Strangely, it was all the guys that were using the falsetto. The Israeli guy tried his best, sounding like a girl, but his falsetto wasn't that strong. Finland, Russia and Denmark all tried their best. But the undeniable winner was the Azerbaijan angel guy, whose falsetto was so powerful that I'm sure he could crack glasses with it.

Best Display of Breasts: The category was hotly contested too. There were breasts, some most likely fake, on display wherever you looked. The German girls were out there. Poland was really out there. But the Spanish dancers were the outright winner, with all 6 of them displaying their best assets.

Best Costume Change Mid Song: There were a few costume changes, mainly the women singers ripping off their outer dresses to show a skimpier inner dress. But Georgia took it a step further. When a large piece of material was pulled over the whole group, they all managed to change from black costumes to white ones.

Best Transvestite Looking Singer: This category was an easy one. There were a few possible contenders, but hands down winner was Sweden. She looked really scary.

Weirdest Act: This was a tough tough choice. There was some truly awful strange acts. In the end, I had to go with France, with the guy singing this ultra strange song and at one stage inhaling helium from a balloon to get his chipmunk voice.

Best Synchronised Dancing: Virtually every act had some form or other of synchronised dancing. My favourite though was definitely Ukraine. The four male dancers worked well with the leading female singers. Their unison was spot on and was very good.

Best Act: Finally, we come to the all important best act category. And by best, I really mean best this time. Romania gets an honourable mention. Their song was enjoyable and the guy's voice was opera quality. However, the girl singing with him ruined the song. The Finnish group with their hard rock song was actually good too. It was an enjoyable song and the lead singer can really sing. Portugal was good too. The only large girl on stage the whole night was a really good singer. My three favourite acts were Denmark, Ukraine, Russia and Norway. Denmark, Russia and Norway were good pop songs sung by artists who actually emoted during the song. The Ukraine song was a very good dance song.

If I had to pick a winner purely from the performances, I would probably go with Denmark. However, the Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most politically affected voting systems of any contest. Countries that have strong ties vote for each other as regularly as your bills arrive. However, does anyone really care who wins. I for one don't. It's all just a bit of camp fun for me.

Ok, I'm going to check out who won now. Well, I just read the telegraph report and Russia won. But the most interesting part from that report is that Terry Wogan, Mr Sarcastic himself, is disappointed that the show is so clearly biased and not fair. I thought that Terry, with his own sarcastic commentary would take the show with a grain of salt and just enjoy it for the fun that it is. It's not a competition, it's a musical stage show. A competition implies fairness, and we know this show is anything but fair. Hopefully Terry won't stop commentating on this show though, his commentary is a part of the fun of the whole thing.

Core Personality

2008-05-24T21:33:00.002+10:00

We say we are changing constantly as we get older. This is true, but at the same time, we really don't change that much. We have a core personality that really doesn't change too much for most people. You can mold that personality to fit into different situations, but when it comes down to it, you will resort to what is comfortable for you.

For example, I will never ever be an ultra confident extrovert no matter what I do. But that doesn't mean have to be a shy quiet wall flower. At work, I have learnt to push myself to speak out and give my opinion. I've also learnt to stand up for myself and back my own judgement. All these things come with learning and experience. Having encouragement from people has also helped me greatly. I'm very lucky at have some great friends and work mates.

Similarly, I've also taken that work confidence and applied it out of work too. I am much more confident when I interact with people who are not my friends. I will never be able to just dominate a conversation with unknown people, but I will put in my opinion occasionally. But at the core, I am who I am, which is a fairly introverted person.

It was interesting to see that the core personality traits of some friends from high school who I hadn't seen in a while were still there. Regardless of how much their lives have changed, I could still pick out the people who I knew all those years ago. Only now do I see those traits much more clearly.

I guess it's only through experience that you can pick people's personalities more clearly. The friends that you have kept in touch with over the years, and who you will keep in touch with in the future, are clearly people with personalities that you like. When I was younger, I thought everyone was a friend. It wasn't until I got older that I started to see very clearly that some people are just rotten and have really bad personality traits. I no longer feel the need to try and be friends with those people and don't bother wasting my time. With age really does come wisdom, or at least a bit more clarity in ones judgement and ability to not be afraid to be disliked.

Old School Days

2008-05-15T22:26:00.002+10:00

I've been chatting, or more accurately emailing with an old friend from high school and uni days. It's amzing how much things change, and yet also how little things change. This person used to be one my good friends, but yet we sort of drifted apart during uni and eventually even lost touch. But as fate would have it, we've once again met up.

I'm going to meet this friend soon for dinner just to catch up. But from our email chats, it's like no time has passed in one sense, and also like a lot of time has passed in another. A lot has also change in terms of our lives, but there are still some constants, which are the shared memories that we have of our old school days. We both reminisce about the good old days (we must be getting old) and how much fun it used to be. We discussed why we sort of drifted apart and it's just due to people moving on. But now that we've met up again, I think this time we will keep in touch for sure.

Back when you're at school, you get thrown together with other kids that are your age. You will be friends with some just because you are constantly in the same environment. It's after you leave school that your friendships get tested. Once you change geographical locations and also meet other people in the big wide world, it's when you really know who you friends are. Having said that, sometimes you stay in touch with people who really aren't your friends, but that is extremely rare. I, for one, would not actively seek to communicate with people just for the sake of it. Why waste time on people you don't care about when you can use that time for people you do care about.

But sometimes, like in this instance, we just drifted apart without realising it. Only after you realise the lost do you fully understand what you let go. However, the lesson is to not let it happen again.

One funny thing that has come out of our email conversations is gossip about our old school friends. It turns out that a lot of people didn't get along. It's strange how the bleeding obvious is so hard to pick at the time. The saying about how it's so much clearer when you're not involved in something is so true. Now that we are wiser, we can look back and really see who the real friends were. The others just happened to be there due to circumstance. Apparently, there was a lot of fighting and bitching that went on that I didn't know about. It happened less with us guys than the girls, but it didn't mean we were all friends. I haven't kept in touch with all my old high school and uni friends because I've realised that a lot of them never were my friends. I actually find some of them to my disliking as I've gotten older and seen them for what they are.

I've carried my slightly tougher stance of people at work. I can't even be bothered wasting my time talking to fake people at work. I don't need them to like me. I will be civil to them and work with them, but apart from that, we just happened to be chucked together for a moment in time doing a common task for money. There are some people at work though that I do feel are real friends and who I will give my attention to. So far, I've gotten to know quite a few of them for a number of years now and I still like them, so that's a good sign that they are friends. Whether I will still keep in touch with them when I leave this job is unknown. I suspect I will keep in touch with a few of them.

Familiarity Breeds Contempt

2008-05-15T22:13:00.003+10:00

With So You Think You Can Dance Australia finishing, I can now concentrate on writing others things on this blog. As regular readers would know (I actually don't think there are many regualar readers besides a few friends, such as Anonymous but I'll just write it assuming some of you are secret stalking readers), I love analysing people and social behaviours of people. I think I'm a fairly observant person and hence can pick up little things that people do off guard that really shows their true self.

One of my favourite blogs is PsyBlog. I've been catching up on many of the articles and there a quite a few I want to discuss. I'll start off with the article that Familiarity Breeds Contempt.

Basically, the study shows that the more we know about people, the more we tend to dislike them. When given only a few details about a blind date for instance, we will like them as we can imagine they are a million things. But the more we know about them, we may find personality traits that we just dislike about them.

As we tend to dislike many more people that we meet throughout our lives than like people, what makes people continue to try and build relationships. Well, its because those relationships that do work are worth so much and we hold very dear. When you do find friends and loved interests who have traits that you really like, you can gain so much from those relationships.

Good friends are hard to come by. It is by chance that you will meet people, and there is an even smaller chance that you will like them. Even when you like them, there is again a smaller fraction that you will really get along with. Hence, with really good friends, I tend to have high expectations of them. I expect them to act and carry themselves how I would act. But that isn't how everyone works. Which means at times that I will be disappointed. I have to learn that everyone is different and I can't put my own expectations onto them. It is hard to accept but there is a reason that particular people are my friends, and it's not all because they are exactly like me. That would be boring. It's the fact that others are different and bring something else that I like that I am friends with them.

As I have written previously, you may not be friends with people forever, but for that moment in time, you're both travelling in the same direction and share something. Just make the most of that and be happy while it lasts.

Movie Review - Iron Man

2008-05-03T10:16:00.004+10:00

****** MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS ************

Iron Man is the latest movie from Marvel Comic, following in the illustrious footsteps of Spiderman, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Daredevil etc. This film is a blockbuster in the same vein as the other films. It has big stars and lots of effects. Like most of Marvels films though, it still retains a good story line that manages to make the film more than just an action film.

Iron Man is about a superhero who slowly discovers his own humanity after a life changing event and decides that he needs to give back to society and help out where he can. Iron Man is actually billionaire Tony Start (played brilliantly by Robert Downey Jr), whose company makes industrial weapons for the military. He is your typicial playboy who is also a genius. His revolutionary weapons is what has helped the US win the war, or so we are led to believe at the start.

On a trip to Afghanistan to explain about his latest missile, Tony is captured by a terrorist group, who obviously are meant to be portraying Al-Qaeda. Tony wakes up to find that his heart is now this metal pacemaker type thing. His fellow inmate Dr Yinsen, who was the one who saved Tony with this electromagnet pacemaker that keeps the shrapnel from perforating his heart, are told to make the missile by this terrorist group. The first thing that Tony builds is an arc reactor to power his pacemaker and hence dispense with the heavy battery. Tony devises a plan to build a suit of armour, which will be powered by the arc reactor. Using the powerful armour, he can escape. His plan works out and he manages to escape. However, the initial plan to leave with Dr Yinsen didn't work out. Yinsen sacrificed his own life to save that of Tony's. This act makes Tony realise that he needs to do more to help others.

After Tony returns to the US, his first act was to call a press conference and state that his company would no longer make weapons. This sends his company's stock tumbling, as well as infuriating his company partner Obadiah Stane (played by a very old looking Jeff Bridges). The company puts a freeze on Tony from wokring. During his time off work, Tony starts to investigate building a better version of the suit. There is a lot of hilarity when Tony is experimenting with the suits. There is even a side gag with one of robots that go throughout the film. Tony starts to build a better and better suit, finally settling on the final version after much testing.

Tony asks his assistant Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow in an unsual supporting role) to find out where his company's weapons are going to. He learns that they are actually being sold to the terrorists. So Tony dons the suits and goes and destroys the terrorist.

The story starts to unravel about now and we learn about the link between the terrorists and Tony's company. We also learn about why Tony was captured. Needless to say, the story ends in a good versus evil battle. I won't spoil it by telling what happens. But let's just say that it isn't exactly a twist and is fairly obvious who the bad guy is. But this doesn't detract from the movie. The movie as a whole is very well done. The story has got a lot of gaping errors that we have to just believe or it won't work. But if you can let the story slide a bit, you will really enjoy this film. It is a mix of action, comedy and some drama.

I think the actors all did a good job. Robert Downey Jr is really charismatic and carries the film really well. He can do the dramatic as well possessing great comedic timing. Jeff Bridges does a solid job. Even Gwyneth Paltrow is quite good as the timid asisstant. The love interest in the movie is between Downey's Stark and Paltrows Potts. There is a on/off thing going between them during the whole feel, and it works well. Even right at the end, we're not sure if they will get together. Overall, this is a good film, up there with the other Marvel movies. The effects in this film is fantastic. The robotic effects were so intriuging for me. It tooks the Transformers robotics effectst to yet another level as there were lots of close up shots of how the suit interacts. The flight sequences were also very entertaining.

Rating: ****/5

Movie Review - U23D

2008-05-03T09:56:00.003+10:00

I've only really started to listen to U2 in the past year and a half after a friend introduced me to them. They're his favourite band, and now U2 are also my favourite band. I knew a lot of U2 songs already, but to discover all their gems has been a fantastic experience. They have been the only artist that has remained on my Ipod throughout. I keep going back to their classics time and time again when I just want to hear some good music.

I first saw a trailer for U23D while watch Beowulf (also a 3D film) at IMAX. At the time I remembered saying how I wished I could see the U2 film. The trailer didn't have a date for the film. Finally, I happened to chance on a Wikipedia entry about U2 recently and it showed that their 3D film was already broadcasting in the US. A quick check of the IMAX website showed there were limited sessions on. I was so disappointed when I missed U2 live in Melbourne a couple of years ago. This 3D film was going to be the closest I could get to seeing them live.

I asked my U2 loving friend to go and we went to one of the sessions. The film is about U2's Vertigo tour. It was filmed over about 9 concerts I think in South America. They needed to get various camera shots to be able to compile the 3D effect.

I already own the Vertigo tour DVD and have watched it many times on my 42" LCD TV. However, to see the 3D version in the ultra massive screens at IMAX, I was blown away. The realism was amazing. Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullens Jr loooked so close and the emotions on their faces were so clear. The crowd was absolutely pumping and I was getting right into it. I was tapping my feet and singing along. I was totally absorbed in the experience. It's not quite virtual reality, but it was fairly realistic. You feel like you're part of the crowd, but with prime seating. You could see hands wave virtually in front of you. When Bono lent over and sang, he was right in your face and was singing just to you it seems.

The movie covers most of the concert, minus the talking parts. U2 performed all their hits, each song being performed brilliantly. There were so many recognisable guitar riffs. As the songs would start, I would already know which song it was. They are truely a brilliant band. And for most of us, we won't be able to see them live. So this 3D film is the next best experience. The IMAX sessions are over now, but the film is still being shown in some cinemas. If you are a fan, you will love it. If you aren't a fan, you'll still recognise a lot of the songs and enjoy it.

Rating: *****/5

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - And The Winner Is...

2008-04-27T23:05:00.004+10:00

Tonight was the finale of a great first up season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia. Not all things were perfect, but on the whole it was good.

Previous posts about the shows are here
Top 10 Live Show
Top 10 Verdict Show

Top 9 Live Show
Top 9 Verdict Show

Top 8 Live Show
Top 8 Verdict Show

Top 7 Live Show
Top 7 Verdict Show

Top 6 Live Show
Top 6 Verdict Show

Top 5 Live Show
Top 5 Verdict Show

Top 4 Live Show
Top 4 Verdict Show

Top 3 Live Show
Top 3 Verdict Show

Top 4 Individual Dancers

The show started off with a huge dance number choreographed by Matt Lee. It involved many many different styles and even the judges made an appearance. Bonnie did a ballroom dance with Jason Gilkison, while Matt and Jason did some jazz style dance with Kelly Abbey. It was a great energetic start to the show and got everyone fired up. It was fun to see the judges, who we all know have a lot of credentials in dance, actually show what they could do. And they were good.

Dean Perry's tap dogs then took over. It was fairly entertaining but felt a bit out of place. I was waiting to see the contestants. Maybe this could have been slotted in a bit later in the show. Also, usually the tap dogs utilise so many props and it's a huge spectacle, but this was a smaller set and it was quite good but not their best. The little "Tap Puppies" were very cute.

So I'm waiting and waiting for the contestants to get into their partner dancing, but instead we have another act that felt out of place. There was a hip hop routine choreographed by Project Moda for Khaly. It was performed to "Around The World" by Daft Punk. It wasn't a totally entertaining routine and was just a bit weird that it was at the start of the show. Also, as you will later see, why was Khaly doing a solo performance when everyone else did paired ones.

Still I'm waiting for the main show to kick into gear. And instead of seeing all 20 dancers, we next have the kids from the current Billy Elliot stage production. They were ok, but not great. The Billy Elliot kids did a much better routine on last season's Dancing With The Stars. This routine was a mish mash of things from the stage show I guess and didn't really have a story through it.

Finally, we got to see the Top 20 dancers. Instead of like the American versions, where all the choreographers from the season chose their favourite dances and those were performed, the Australian version had everyone doing a routine. I actually preferred the American way so that you get to relive all the best dances, even if that means some people do 3-4 dances because they were involved in the best ones. But I guess that doesn't reward everyone else who was also on the show by giving them a chance to perform. Anyway, they Top 10 performed a group routine by Nacho Pop and Juliette "Jet" Verne to "I Got Rythm". It was quite a strange routine and a bit stop start for me. It didn't really work.

The show started to kick into second gear when the Top 4, Kate, Demi, Rhys and Jack did a group routine. This time, it was a Kelly Abbey jazz routine performed to Christina Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man". I loved this routine and it was a very high energy piece. Jack was again the stand out for me, with his smooth moves and great turns on display. Demi made a small slip up again but overall the routine was full of fun.

Next it was the first announcement of who would leave. Predictably, it was Demi. She has been great all season and was very honest and funny in her farewell speech where she joked with her sister Lorraine.

Next up were the Top 20 doing their best routines during the season. It wasn't the best best routines. Because if that were the case, people like Jack, Rhys and Kate would be doing 3-4 routines each. Instead, it was a selection of routines from the season so that everyone got to dance.

First up were Stephanie and Marko doing their Jason Gilkison Jive to The Veronica's "Untouched". They did this routine better than the first time they performed it. It was more controlled and in sync, but still I didn't really like it. It was one of a few of Jason's routines that wasn't fantastic. His skill was definitely on display tonight with so many of his routines being performed.

Camilla and Sermsah then reprised their Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon theme martial arts performance by Project Moda. They performed this better as well this time, with timing better and the moves sharper. I guess when you have more time to practise, you can definitely improve. Sermsah also made the lift this time.

Laura and Anthony's best dance was definitely their disco routine by Aleeta Blackburn to "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind and Fire. I enjoyed this routine a lot the first time round, but their reprisal was actually worse than their initial routine. Anthony lost his balance a few times, the lifts were much worse and Laura's spins were pretty bad.

Jemma and Rhys waltz by Jason Gilkison to Celine Dion's "A New Day Has Come" was still as wonderful as the first time. In fact, it was almost perfect the first time but I think it was even better this time.

Rhiannon and JD got to retry their infamous Tango routine where JD forgot the steps. Their Fabio Robles choreographed Tango turned out to be really really excellent. All the intricate steps that they missed the first time were very good. JD was ecstatic that he nailed the routine this time.

Kate and Hilton did the only dance they performed together, a Foxtrot by Jason Gilkison. The Kylie Minogue "Two Hearts" song they performed the Foxtrot too worked quite well to bring out the little bit of cheekiness in the routine.

Kassie and Graeme did their Sarah Boulter contemporary routine to "Yesterday". This version of the song wasn't by the Beatles, but instead a cover by someone. Their routine this time round was much better than their first try. They were much more convincing emotionally I thought and the lifts were even more spectacular.

Finally, Vanessa and Henry redid their Jason Gilkison Samba. They were equally fierce in this routine as they were the first time. Vanessa's moves were even sharper this time and all the lifts were excuted perfectly, especially the final death drop where Vanessa's head was even closer to the ground this time.

Strangely, Jack and Demi didn't do any routines. Unless I missed it while I walked away during the ad breaks. But I'm pretty sure they didn't do anything. Also, strangely missing was Courtney, who got eliminated the first week. Khaly got to do a solo but Courtney was nowhere to be seen.

Next up, Damien Leith did a cover of Gary Jules "Mad World", which Gary had covered from Tears For Fears. Gary Jules cover of Mad World is one time when the cover is so different from the original, and even better. Damien did a good job and was helped by Jacob, the 15 year old dancer who auditioned. He is truly an amazing talent. If he was in the show this year, I think he would have gone far. He got a scholarship to train at the Sydney Dance Company.

The next elimination saw Kate get eliminated. It was expected as the two boys were the standout all season. I think Kate's experience and professionalism really shone through in her speech. Whereas other people's speeches were all over the place, Kate speech was consise, eloquent and yet still contained emotion. She is truly a class act.

Leona Lewis then performed her worldwide smash hit "Bleeding Love". Leona is really beautiful. Grainy Youtube videos don't do her justice. I watched all her X-factor performances on Youtube and she has definitely become a much more confident performer and was working the crowd really well. Her blue eyes were so engaging.

The last performance of the night before the announcement of the winner was from Jack and Rhys. They did a medley of ballroom dances choreographed by Jason Gilkison. I managed to spot some jive, samba, cha cha and foxtrot in there. The song sounds like a song by The Cat Empire. I'm not sure. Maybe someone knows?

Then it was down to the announcement. Both Jack and Rhys reaction was of pure anticipation and excitement. And the winner is...Jack. The crowd erupted. The judges were standing up. Applause all round for both contestants. Glitter streamed all over the place. The other contestants rushed the stage and congratulated both guys. Nat gave a final farewell whilst everyone was on stage hugging everyone else.

And that was the first season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and it has lived up to the American version that I have been comparing it to. The dancers were just as good. Some of the routines were outstanding. Others were a bit hit and miss. The emotions of the contestants really captured the nation I think. But in the end, it was about dance. And the best dancer in Jack, won. He was also the most loved dancer too, so I think the public, myself included, got it totally correct to vote Jack the winner. Here's hoping to bigger and better things for all the contestants. Now bring on season 2.

Indian Premier League - Twenty 20 Tournament

2008-04-24T20:26:00.002+10:00

I used to be one of the critics saying that Twenty 20 was all gimmick and no substance. But ever since the Twenty 20 World Cup, I've thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle that Twenty 20 is. With the current Indian Premier League, the spectacle has been turned up from a 10 to an 11. The tournament is day after day of frenetic cricket.

The league is a multi billion dollar franchise where rich businessmen, Bollywood movie stars and celebrities auctioned for players to be in their team. There are eight teams and they play each other before a final. In the scheme of International cricket, I don't think it means too much to players. The players treat the games seriously enough, but I don't know how much they care should they not win the trophy at the end. A lot has been said of how much the players are getting paid and that it's all a bit of a grab for cash. I don't have anything against players trying to make a living. But if this league starts to conflict with other cricketing schedules, then you have to worry about the state of cricket in the end.

This league is a good enough idea and India, with its huge cricket loving population, can definitely sustain this format. But if players starting retiring or choosing this league over other forms of the game, you would have to wonder whether cricket will destroy itself in the quick grab for cash. Will audiences start to lose interest in Twenty 20 when it becomes common fare.

I for one, have started to wane off it just slightly. The first match in the tournament started on such a pulsating high, that every match since hasn't really matched it. The first match between the Bangalore Royal Challengers and the Kolkata Knight Riders had such a raucous crowd that it just drew me in. Brendon Mcallum came to the party and gave what the crowded wanted, ferocious hitting. He made over 150 runs and hit 13 sixes. The energy was just so high. But such is the case with Twenty 20, the matches can be so lopsided. The Royal Challengers got nowhere near the target when they chased and just collapsed. Yet the match was still a massive success due to one sides batting.

For the moment, I'll just keeping enjoying the fast paced nature of the league and we'll see soon whether crowds continue to enjoy this form of the game. I suspect all three forms of the game, Test, One Dayers and Twenty 20 need to coexist to make cricket a bigger and better sport. If any one of those forms is lost, players will start losing their skills and cricket may as well be baseball if Twenty 20 is the only form left. The skills will be so tailored to swing and miss batting and bowling defensively rather than trying to play different strokes and work the ball around and bowling to take wickets.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 4 Individual Dancers

2008-04-20T20:44:00.002+10:00

So we are down to the top 4 individual dancers. They each did a routine with each other and also a group dance tonght.

Previous posts about the shows are here
Top 10 Live Show
Top 10 Verdict Show

Top 9 Live Show
Top 9 Verdict Show

Top 8 Live Show
Top 8 Verdict Show

Top 7 Live Show
Top 7 Verdict Show

Top 6 Live Show
Top 6 Verdict Show

Top 5 Live Show
Top 5 Verdict Show

Top 4 Live Show
Top 4 Verdict Show

Top 3 Live Show
Top 3 Verdict Show

Demi and Jack
The familiar couple of Demi and Jack opened the show to a Jason Gilkison Cha Cha routine. Their Cha Cha routine was so much fun. It reminded me of their Samba routine in the Top 9 couples show where I really started to like both of them. Ever since then, I've been following these two, along with Rhys and Vanessa the closest. Again, the fun and energy between them was fantastic. I think out of all the couples in the show, these two have become the closest. Demi has really improved so much and was great in this Cha Cha. But once again, she was outshone by Jack, who seems to be able to do anything. His hip turns were like those of a professional ballroom dancer.

Demi: 4.5/5
Jack: 5/5

Kate and Rhys
The show has brought out all stops to get the best routines on this show. All of the really great choreographers were brought back. Kate and Rhys did a Supple routine. Two of Supple's other routines (performed by Kate and Rhys and Kate and Jack previously) have been among my favourite routines for the whole season, along with Jason Gilkison's ballroom routines. However, tonight both Supple's routines fell a bit short for me. Kate and Rhys were good as toy soldiers, but they needed more time to perfect the total unison that this routine required. With such understated movements, the sometimes synchronisation issues made the routine less effective

Kate: 4/5
Rhys: 4/5

Demi and Rhys
Demi and Rhys did a Debbie Ellis Contemporary routine. Demi has improved out of sight. Previously, her contemporary routines lacked that smooth flow and extensions. But she has improved greatly. Rhys was fantastic in the routine, showing his great extensions. There was also a lot of joy in the routine, which I don't usually associate with Rhys' routine.

Demi: 4.5/5
Rhys: 4.5/5

Kate and Jack
Kate and Jack did a Juliette "Jet" Verne Lyrical Jazz routine. Since they are both jazz dancers, the expectations were high. But they nailed the routine and was my favourite routine so far, until I saw what Jack and Rhys did later. Anyway, back to this routine. Kate and Jack hit their turns and moves so in sync and just work together so well. I think that in terms of a male/female partnering, these two are the ideal match. They just complement each other so well.

Kate: 5/5
Jack: 5/5

Demi and Kate
Demi and Kate did a Supple routine that was a bit Hip Hop and a bit Broadway. The routine didn't really lift off for me in the first half. Like the crowd, I was sitting there silent just sort of in anticipation. In the second half, I started to smile and get into it. They both did a good job, but the routine didn't help to highlight them.

Demi: 4/5
Kate: 4/5

Jack and Rhys
They saved the best for last. I was really excited to see what Jack and Rhys would do as they have been the most best during the whole series in my mind. They did a Adam Williams Broadway routine. Unlike the group routine they did last week, this routine was a way to compare them as they were doing pretty much the same moves. As I was watching and scribbling down notes, I wrote exactly what Jason said. Although they were both unbelievable, I felt that Jack's moves were just that bit smoother, a bit more extension, a bit more expressive. I thought it was just my bias, but when Jason said it too, it confirmed that my amateur judgement wasn't way off. But how good was the routine. I've watched it a few times now and they are both sensational dancers.

Jack: 5/5
Rhys: 5/5

Group Routine
The group routine was a Hip Hop routine, choreographed by Tiamo Juber I think. I didn't catch the name properly and hadn't seen any other routines by him/her all season. It was a very fun routine, with them all sort of battling it out. Everyone was great, with the only mistakes was when Demi lost the choreography a few times during the routine.

Demi: 4.5/5
Kate: 5/5

Jack: 5/5

Rhys: 5/5

Final Summary
Here is the final scores tallied up for the night as well as my opinion on who should win.

Demi: 17.5/20
Kate: 18/20

Jack: 20/20

Rhys: 18.5/20

I think the clear winner should be Jack. Although Rhys has very good technique and has done a lot of great routines, I think Jack has done more. Whereas Rhys has been in some ordinary routines, Jack hasn't made any faults in my mind. Somehow, Jack is able to bring out the best in whoever he dances with. He seems to have this ability to draw out more from his partners and support them. His solo routine during the episode when they all did solos was also the standout. Jack also seems to have more joy in his dancing, which I love. Tonight's direct routine with Rhys has shown that he is the superior dancer to Rhys in technique as well.

The girls, Demi and Kate are great dancers, but I don't think either of them has done as well all season as Jack and Rhys have. Demi's journey has been the greatest, overcoming so many obstacles to be an untrained dancer in the final four. Kate has shown that true talent will eventually shine through. She didn't capture the audience right from the start, but her great dancing has made people take notice.

In the end, any of the four is a deserving winner. They have all worked so hard and deserve whatever accolades come their way. But for me, I think Jack has been the best dancer as well as my favourite dancer. So I'll be sending a few votes his way and hopes that he wins.

Now I can't wait for the finale where all the other dancers come back and reprise some of the best routines of the season. I'm sure some Jason Gilkison and Supple routines will feature in that line up.

Matchbox Twenty Exile In Australia Tour

2008-04-19T21:10:00.002+10:00

I've never been the biggest Matchbox Twenty fan, but after seeing their concert, I'm going to go and get their other albums. The only album of theirs that I own is their greatest hits/new songs album, Exile In Mainstream. This latest concert of theirs in Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena is the Exile tour, hence they did a lot of their greatest hits. I was surprised at how many songs I was able to sing along to. I must have only listened to the album 10 times, but a lot of their hits I have heard many times on the radio I guess.

The support act for Matchbox Twenty was the extremely talented Thirsty Merc. I've been a fan of Thirsty Merc since their first album so this was a real bonus. I knew all of the Mercs songs and sang along. Thirsty Merc were really great and did a great job warming up the crowd. Usually the crowd don't really get into the support act, but they managed to get everyone singing along and clapping. They were awesome and I would go to their concert if they were the main act.

So after about 40 minutes by the Merc, the crowd was all ready for Matchbox Twenty. They came out thumping with their latest hit "How Far We've Come" and blew the crowd away immediately. Lights were flashing all over the place as people (myself included) took photos of them.

I read a review of the concert in The Age after I had been to the concert already. In that review, the reviewer said that the concert didn't have much momentum and didn't rock out. I would have to totally disagree. I was hooked to the whole show. And some songs I didn't even know. Yet I listened fully engaged. Not all concerts have to be high energy the whole time. You do need a balance of some softer songs where the crowd can get into the groove.

I thought that Rob Thomas was a really great frontman. I never thought he had the greatest voice, but he does use his voice to full effects. I liked how he worked the stage and got everyone involved. People seemed to know the lyrics to a lot of the songs. I really liked "All Your Reasons", "Push", "If You're Gone", "Bright Lights" etc etc. I could keep going on. But I think the biggest highlight of the night was when they did a cover. They said they had only rehearsed this song during their warm up. When they started playing the first few chords, the whole crowd knew what it was. They were covering INXS "Need You Tonight". The crowd sang along to the whole song and filled on the chorus when needed.

Matchbox Twenty played for nearly two hours and I loved every moment of it. There was high energy and full on lights and instruments going everywhere, to lighter moments with Rob and a piano. The concert was lots of fun and well worth the money. Thirsty Merc were a great support act and entertained as much as Matchbox Twenty.

Here is a clip I took of Matchbox Twenty singing "Need You Tonight".

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 3 Verdict Show

2008-04-14T21:53:00.002+10:00

The top four that I wanted and predicted has eventuated. I think all the dancers that are left have shown how versatile they are and also they are really likeable. It will be extremely interesting to see who wins. I think that decision will pretty much come down to the dances they do next week as I think the popularity is very close.

Tonights results show showcased the latest Cirque du Soleil act. They were so amazing. It was a mixture of dance, art and gymnastics. It was entrancing watching the two dancers with their intricate and very athletic routine.

The dancers that followed almost looked second rate. However, I quickly forgot about that and just enjoyed what the last six had to produce. They have all improved so much that their solos are much more about dancing and expressing their feelings rather than cramming in as many tricks as possible. I still thought Jack's solo was the best.

Graeme and Vanessa have had a great journey and it was nice to see how far they've come from their auditions. The fact that Vanessa did an African type tribal dance for her solo shows what new technical skills she has learnt as well as a new confidence. The farewell speeches from everyone has been so great. The comraderie that the dancers exhibit is a total contrast to many other reality shows. Graeme's speech was excellent. It was a mixture of emotion, gratefulness and pure childness enjoyment. I'm sure he and Vanessa will do well from this experience.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 3 Live Show

2008-04-14T18:22:00.002+10:00

I'm glad they got rid of the solo performances and have gone back to the tried and true formula of partner dancing. Instead of swapping partners for each of the two dances tonight, the pairs stayed together.
Previous posts about the shows are here
Top 10 Live Show
Top 10 Verdict Show

Top 9 Live Show
Top 9 Verdict Show

Top 8 Live Show
Top 8 Verdict Show

Top 7 Live Show
Top 7 Verdict Show

Top 6 Live Show
Top 6 Verdict Show

Top 5 Live Show
Top 5 Verdict Show

Top 4 Live Show
Top 4 Verdict Show

Kate
Kate started off with a Rumba paired with Rhys. It was a Jason Gilkison routine so the expectations from me were so high. I'm glad to say the routine lived up to my expectations. Jason Gilkison really is a genius in dance and his routines are top notch. The routine was so sensual and had all the stop start needed from a rumba. The song choice of "Message To My Girl" from Split Enz helped to make the routine even better, especially the end part.

Kate's second routine was a trio with Vanessa and Demi. Their routine was a Nacho Pop Hip Hop routine. The routine fell really flat for me. I didn't really get it or feel really entertained. Kate was hitting it hard in the routine and I can't fault her for her efforts. But I can't rate it too highly as it just wasn't entertaining.
Partner Routine 1: 4.5/5
Trio Routine 2: 3.5/5
Likeability: 4.5/5
Overall: 12.5/15

Rhys
Rhys partnered Kate for the Rumba. His dancing was equally good and he supported Kate throughout. That back piroette turn thing was amazing. He has really shown how versatile a dancer he is, adapting to hip hop as easily as ballroom.

Rhys second routine was a group one with Jack and Graeme. They were doing a routine from Supple. Like all Jason Gilkison routines, I know also have such high expectations from routines by Supple. Supple has choreographed my two favourite routines from the season so far. The routine was so different but fantastic. The strange moves and interaction between the three was great. Rhys was really good in it and it was hard to separate the three guys.
Partner Routine 1: 4.5/5
Trio Routine 2: 5/5
Likeability: 4.5/5
Overall: 14/15

Demi
Demi was partnered with her long time partner Jack for a Garry Stewart Contemporary routine. Demi, as the judges have said, has done many many contemporary routines. Not all have been so good. But this robotic routine suited her so well. The routine just kept reminding me of something from Mortal Kombat. The way Demi was dressed just reminds me of one of the characters.

Demi did well in the trio routine but like Kate, the routine really didn't help any of them. The moves were quite bad and boring. It didn't help to showcase how good they all are. But that's not Demi's fault, she did the most she could with it.
Partner Routine 1: 4/5
Trio Routine 2: 3.5/5
Likeability: 4.5/5
Overall: 12/15

Jack
Jack is now my clear favourite for the title. His work in the contemporary routine with Demi was amazing. Even though Demi is the hip hop dancer and this contemporary contained a lot of sharp moves seen in hip hop, Jack outshone Demi I thought. If you look closely, he does small things to accentuate each movement. A kick might have a pointed toe that makes it look better. An arm flick has an extra wrist movement and improves it. He has not done a thing wrong all season in my opinion.

Jack's second trio routine was really good. His Meercat type moves were great. Even though all the guys were great, again, I thought Jack shone just a bit brighter. It's his attention to detail in each movement that makes him a bit better I think.
Partner Routine 1: 4.5/5
Trio Routine 2: 5/5
Likeability: 5/5
Overall: 14.5/15

Vanessa
Vanessa and Graeme did a Broadway routine by Adam Williams. The routine was good in parts, but also a bit slow in others. Generally you expect Broadway routines to be full of energy and not have lulls. But this routine had a few lulls for me. Vanessa was very good and executed the complex moves well. I agree with the judges and think that she did need to accentuate some moves with slightly sharper actions.

Vanessa's group routine was rather strange. When she first took off her glasses and was trying to act "sexy", the ways she rolled her eyes, I thought she was going into an asthmatic fit or something. She didn't pull off the sexy very well at all.
Partner Routine 1: 4/5
Trio Routine 2: 3/5
Likeability: 4/5
Overall: 11/15

Graeme
Graeme did the Broadway number with Vanessa. Graeme was very good in the routine and had the right mixture of technique and comedy. Graeme has also shown himself to be very versatile. But unfortunately for him, everything he can do, both Jack and Rhys do better.

Graeme's work in the trio routine was again great. His insect thing was done well. But seeing him side by side with Jack and Rhys showed that he lacks a little bit more needed to be up there with the other two.
Partner Routine 1: 4.5/5
Trio Routine 2: 4.5/5
Likeability: 3.5/5
Overall: 12.5/15

My clear favourite in terms of likeability as well as technique is Jack. I think he hasn't put a step wrong and deserves to be in the final four. Rhys has been a close second and also deserves to be in the top four. For the girls, Kate has really grown on me. She wasn't anywhere near one of my favourites at the start of the season. But her exceptional work each week has really grown on me. If she were to win the whole thing, I think that would be a great result as well. Demi has been the heart warming story. We've all seen her grow each week and she is just so likeable.

Therefore, I think Graeme and Vanessa should be eliminated tonight. Vanessa has been one of my favourites from the start, but her dancing has let her down a bit at times. Her lines are beautiful and she has excelled when she does things like that. But whenever she needs to do stronger sharper moves, she has struggled a bit. Graeme has never really grown on me all season. He is good technically but hasn't done a knock out routine. He has been sitting in the shadow of Jack and Rhys and I think his time is up.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 4 Verdict Show

2008-04-07T22:57:00.002+10:00

Well, my pick for the Top 4 individual dancers that I want to see at the end is still in the running. The audience, like myself, have clearly shown their favourites. The automatically safe contestants tonight were Jack, Rhys, Kate and Demi. That was my pick for the final 4 as they are the best dancers and also the most loved dancers.

I think it will probably come down to a fight between the two guys as to who will win the title. They have both been outstanding but I would still put my money, and support, behind Jack.

The bottom two in the girls tonight between Rhiannon and Vanessa was a fair enough decision by the viewers. Rhiannon has been languishing near the bottom few couples each week and hasn't really captured the hearts of the nation. I think her immaturity has shown through at times and that has not endeared her to the viewers. Vanessa has been a surprise for me. I've liked her from the start but I thought a lot of people might find her too annoying in terms of her cuteness and high pitched voice. If she were in Big Brother, I can guarantee that she would have been the first voted off. But this is a different kettle of fish. People watching this dance show are enjoying her honesty and humility and just appreciating that she is giving it her all.

When Rhiannon left, you could really see how crushed she was. She was fighting back the tears so hard. I thought she would crack, but she held on and gave a great speech at the end.

Between the guys, I really wasn't sure who would go between Henry and Graeme. Wind back a month and Henry was clearly a favourite. He breezed past the audition rounds and was my pick to make it to the last four. But although he has been good at times, he hasn't been as versatile as Jack or Rhys and done exceptional dances each week. Graeme on the other hand, has had the opposite journey. He was near the bottom end to start off with, but has gained more and more strength and support as the show has gone on. I have seen the improvement in him. And who knew he could sing. He sounded pretty good when he sang those few words.

So with Henry announced as the next contestant to go, we are down to only six left. It's going to be tough to see anyone leave. They really are all such great dancers. But ultimately, there has to be one winner. Hopefully, they will all gain employment from this reality TV show rather than just 15 minutes of fame and are another tool in the reality TV juggernaut.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 4 Live Show

2008-04-06T22:18:00.002+10:00

Top 9 Live Show
Top 9 Verdict Show

Top 8 Live Show
Top 8 Verdict Show

Top 7 Live Show
Top 7 Verdict Show

Top 6 Live Show
Top 6 Verdict Show

Top 5 Live Show
Top 5 Verdict Show

Vanessa and Rhys
Vanessa and Rhys kicked off the show with a Hip Hop piece by Supple. I had really high hopes about this routine as Kate and Rhys did a routine by Supple last week that I thought was the best routine of the whole series so far. Vanessa and Rhys did a good job dancing to "Tambourine" by Eve. I love that song by the way. I first heard it on the American SYTYCD and it is so catchy.

The second dance they did was a broadway number. I haven't seen West Side Story so don't really know what it should look like. The only thing close to it was when Kate Cebrano did he final Dancing With The Stars freestyle routine to the same song from West Side Story. I have to say, Kate's routine in Dancing With The Stars was better than tonights one.

Vanessa
Vanessa wasn't strong enough in her first hip hop routine. She tried hard but the moves just weren't sharp enough. In the second broadway routine, I thought she did a better job at acting it out, but as the judges said, that character is supposed to be much tougher and less girly.
Routine 1: 3/5
Routine 2: 3/5
Likeability: 4/5
Overall: 10/15

Rhys

Rhys was pretty good in the hip hop. His moves were sharper than Vanessa but still not quite sharp enough. He did shine in the broadway number. His pop style really suits broadway and the exaggerated emotions on his face works for this style.
Routine 1: 4/5
Routine 2: 4/5
Likeability: 4.5/5
Overall: 12.5/15

Kate and Jack
Kate and Jack did a Quickstep first up to a very catchy version of "Spiderman" by Michael Buble. The routine was choreographed by Leanne Bampton. Although Jason said he didn't know who she was, I think he must have been bending the truth a bit. Maybe he couldn't mention that she was on a whole series of Dancing With The Stars, taking Ian "Dicko" Dickson to the last three or four contestants. Jack and Kate did the wonderful routine so spectacularly. I loved the quick steps across the floor and the mid air splits was a highlight.

I didn't think Kate and Jack could outdo their first routine, but they did. Again, Supple choreographed a hip hop routine to "Singing In The Rain" of all songs. The remixed version of singing in the rain was used to full effect by Supple. The whole routine was perfect. From the old Hollywood feel start, to the middle fast/slow parts, to the perfect ending. I now have to say that this is the best hip hop routine of the series so far. I'm really liking what Supple is doing. And when it's performed by great dancers such as Kate and Jack, it is magical.

Kate
Kate was great in the Quickstep with her nice turns and partner work. In the hip hop, she was sharp when she needed to be, and smooth when required. Her timing with Jack was unbelievable. I'm really starting to like Kate more and more.
Routine 1: 5/5
Routine 2: 5/5
Likeability: 4.5/5
Overall: 14.5/15

Jack

For me, Jack has been the perfect dancer so far. He hasn't put a foot wrong regardless of who he has worked with. He has brought out the best in everyone he's partnered. And only his solo was good enough for me. His quickstep and particularly his hip hop were top notch. When he did the bounce off the floor move in the hip hop, it showed how versatile and great he is.
Routine 1: 5/5
Routine 2: 5/5
Likeability: 5/5
Overall: 15/15

Demi and Henry
Demi and Henry started with a House routine. The routine was a bit of a mess since they both weren't in time and it just felt weird. Learning that Demi missed some steps probably explained the messy feel of the routine. It lacked the energy required.

Demi and Henry did a contemporary routine to a nice song that I don't know who sang. It might have been Simple Plan or Good Charlotte or one of those soft rock bands. The routine was ok, but when its not really memorable, it means it didn't really hit the right notes. They both tried hard but their lack of technique brought the routine down a bit.

Demi
I expected Demi to be better at House, but she was hesitant and unsure instead. She did bounce back to do a good Contemporary routine with great emotion. There was a lot of joy in her dance and face during the contemporary routine.
Routine 1: 3/5
Routine 2: 4/5
Likeability: 4.5/5
Overall: 11.5/15

Henry

Henry was also rather messy in the House routine. He too bounced back in the contemporary routine and did a great job in emoting joy to the audience.
Routine 1: 3/5
Routine 2: 4/5
Likeability: 3.5/5
Overall: 10.5/15

Rhiannon and Graeme
Rhiannon and Graeme did a Burlesque routine to "Sweet Dreams". The song was covered by a band in a rock style rather than the original version by the Eurythmics. I always thought Burlesque was the Moulin Rouge type thing, but apparently it is a style. The routine was ok. I liked the intricate moves but didn't really feel the two dancers.

Their Jazz routine was performed to Madonna's newest song with Justin Timberlake "Four Minutes". The routine was sharp and played well to the song. They both did great with the dancing but the routine lacked a little choreography wise to be a fantastic routine

Rhiannon
I wrote from the start of the series that Rhiannon exuded sensuality. Well she showed it tonight in the Burlesque routine. In the Jazz routine, she was good but her over the top style is too much sometimes.
Routine 1: 4/5
Routine 2: 3.5/5
Likeability: 2.5/5
Overall: 10/15

Graeme

Graeme was ok in the Burlesque but didn't quite exude that sensuality required. He was much better in the Jazz where he could use his technique to good use.
Routine 1: 3.5/5
Routine 2: 4/5
Likeability: 3.5/5
Overall: 11/15

As it currently stands, if I were to pick a Top 4 individual for the finals in terms of dancing, I would choose Jack, Rhys, Kate and Rhiannon. But if I chose dancers in terms of who I wanted to be in the final, I would choose Jack, Rhys, Kate and Demi. I think that Demi has improved so much and deserves to be there. My pick for a winner currently would be Jack. Unless his performances start to drop off badly or someone else starts producing amazing stuff, I think Jack has proven himself to be the best and most loved dancer and would be a deserving winner. So I'm going to lay it on the line and pick Jack to be the eventual winner now.

Maroon 5 Melbourne Concert 2008

2008-04-06T16:23:00.002+10:00

I was really excited to go and see Maroon 5 in concert. I loved their first album, Songs About Jane. I listened to that album so many times. Their latest album, It Won't Be Long Soon, hasn't been as good as the first, but still some good songs.

The concert turned out to be good, and bad. It started right on time at Rod Laver Arena, where Brandi Carlile began to entertain the crowd. I had never heard of Brandi but I think we'll be hearing more of her soon. She was really good, with some enjoyable songs and very strong vocals. Her version of Hellelujah, most famously covered by Jeff Buckley, was very good indeed. However, she was still the support act and the audience was only half full and people were watching it like they were watching lawn bowls, politely.

After a 30 minute break, One Republic came on. The crowd was much bigger by this stage and a larger cheer went up. One Republic went through some of their ablum songs, which probably some people didn't know too well. I have listened to their album so many times that I knew all the words even. When they sang "Stop and Stare" people joined in the singing. Finally, when they sang "Apologize", a mass of mobile cameras went up and everyone was filming it, myself included hehe. The crowd sang along to this song and then it was over after about 30 minutes. One Republic left the stage and again we waited another 30 minutes.

Finally, the main act came on. Maroon 5 started off full of energy and went from song to song. I have to say that they're an even better band live than on their albums. Adam Levine was working the crowd and everyone was playing really hard. I loved the songs from their first album, such as "Harder to Breathe" which they remixed and many many other songs. Their high energy songs really worked and all of us on the floor were up and dancing. A guy two seats down from me was singing so loud I could hear him all night. Maroon 5 played some slower songs that didn't work as well. Their cover of Phil Collins "One More Night" was so bad, it was worse than at karaoke. Otherwise, the crowd was pumping all night and they were great.

However, before we knew it after an hour, they said good night and that was it. It was all over, in a mere one hour. I know that they didn't have many stops (one brief one), but one hour is a bit too less singing when people have paid $99 for tickets. After 3.5 hours at Rod Laver Arena, we had only seen 2 hours of show, and one hour of that was support acts. As good as the support acts were, people were there to see the main act, Maroon 5. I think Brandi Carlile best summed it up when she said "I used to go to concerts and never pay attention to the support act, until I became a support act". The crowd didn't get into it until Maroon 5 were on stage. As good as the concert was, I felt short changed. I would have gladly had no support act for Maroon 5 to do a 90 minute set. Lets hope the next time they come back, they do a bit more work and entertain the crowd to their money's worth.

One Republic

Maroon 5

Eason Chan Moving On Melbourne Concert 2008

2008-04-06T16:10:00.002+10:00

A group of friends and I went to watch Eason Chan in concert at the Arts centre. The arts centre seems a strange place to have a pop concert. I guess the acoustics would be great, but it's a bit small for a full blown concert. Also, the way the seats are, it's a bit tame as well.

It turned out that the acoustics were good as I suspected, but the concert was very disappointing. It hardly got out of first gear. Eason was late to start with and things never really got better. He is not my favourite artist as I find his vocals to be a bit one dimensional and monotonal. In the first few songs, when he was doing his low register, I couldn't even work out what he was singing. When he hits his higher register, its definitely much better but it doesn't lift me off.

There were dancers accompanying him for some of his time onstage, and I have to say, at times it was more interesting watching them than him. There were some songs that I knew but even then I didn't really join in the singing. The whole night just didn't have the right feel. He didn't really engage the audience. It wasn't until right at the very end did the audience start to get into it, by which stage he was done and ran off. Cheers for an encore were met with a repeat announcement that the concert was over. A truly disappointing concert and it cost $89 too. Jacky Cheung's concert at Vodafone was only $59 and so entertaining. He really knew how to work the crowd and people were singing and dancing for 3.5 hours, not this pathetic 90 minutes from Eason where he changed clothes every few songs. Jacky kept coming back for encore after encore and invited the audience to request songs. Now that is how you run an enjoyable concert.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 5 Verdict Show

2008-03-31T22:34:00.003+11:00

Without the judges involvement this week, it was purely up to the audience's vote to see which conetestant go. From memory, I think this is different to the American version. In that version, they went down to the last four before the audience decided who wins.

Giving the audience the ultimate power is good in one way since ultimately this is a reality show about audience participation. What's the use of giving people power but then not letting them have the final say. In another way, the audience may have made their decision but not necessarily keep the best dancers. For good tv, you do need a mix of actual talent and characters. So the way the Australian version has done it is pretty good.

As for who went tonight, I was sad to see both Jemma and Anthony leave. Jemma and Anthony both seem like such genuine nice people and it was sad to see them leave. I think it was a fair enough decision as Anthony hasn't really wowed us with a particular routine yet and it was a close call between Rhiannon and Jemma. However, I'm sure both Jemma and Anthony will go on to bigger and better things. I'm not sure what it is but I like most of the contestants, unlike Australian Idol where usually I only like one or two people and want the rest to leave. Maybe dance does bring out the love in people hahaha.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 5 Live Show

2008-03-31T17:33:00.002+11:00

After last weeks break, I couldn't wait for this weeks show. This week, instead of doing two routines like the American series, the dancers did one routine with a randomly chosen partner and a solo routine. The solo routine is good and bad. The good part is that they get to shine and not blame anyone else for their failing. The bad part is that the solo routines aren't as exciting as a partner routine. You just simply cannot do as many moves by yourself.

When Natalie told the contestants they would be doing solos, she said they could choose their own song from a movie soundtrack. Also, they would have the choice of three choreographers, Nacho Pop (Hip Hop), Paul Green (Ballroom) and Kelly Akyres (Jazz). I thought the choreographers would be choreographing the whole routines. But looking at the quality of the routines and the comments the judges made, it appears more that the contestants did their own choreography with some help from the experts. That's what I think anyway, because Jason was saying how he liked the way Jack decided to do a theme and stick with it and how Graeme decided to add a lot of tricks into his routine.

I'm going to adjust my scoring system slightly to rate both routines. I will rate each routine out of 5, and give a likeability out of 5 too, giving a total of 15.
Previous posts about the shows are here
Top 10 Live Show
Top 10 Verdict Show

Top 9 Live Show
Top 9 Verdict Show

Top 8 Live Show
Top 8 Verdict Show

Top 7 Live Show
Top 7 Verdict Show

Top 6 Live Show
Top 6 Verdict Show

Vanessa and Jack
Vanessa chose Jack randomly out of a hat this week. The routine they got was a contemporary routine, with a lyrical emphasis. I really enjoyed the routine and thought they were a great pairing. They are both great technicians and excuted the kicks and moves really well. I liked the fire between them as well.

Vanessa

For her solo, Vanessa picked the soppy ballad "How Can I Live", the Trisha Yearwood version rather than the Leanne Rimes version. As an aside, despite Trisha's version having way more success, I actually prefer Leanne's version, which is a bit edgier and less soppy. Vanessa's routine was ok, with a lot of her nice extensions throughout the routine, but it didn't really catch me.
Partner Routine: 4.5/5
Solo Routine: 3/5
Likeability: 4/5
Overall: 11.5/15

Jack

Jack's solo routine was performed to the "Mission Impossible" theme. His solo was one of two that I thought was good and entertaining. All the others I was a bit ho hum about. I didn't really like the rest or hate them. Jack's solo was dynamic and truly entertained. He kept the spy theme throughout the routine and I was engrossed in it for the whole minute.
Partner Routine: 4.5/5
Solo Routine: 4.5/5
Likeability: 5/5
Overall: 14/15

Kate and Rhys
Kate and Rhys performed the best routine of the night for me. I know that the judges thought Rhiannon and Henry's routine was the best, which I thought was really good, but I thought this was better. It's easy to think the other routine is better because the dancers were crying at the end and emotional sad pieces tend to catch the audience more. However, for me, joyous routines can be great too. Kate and Rhy's hip hop routine by a British choreographer called "Supple" is probably the best hip hop routine of the whole series. It was smooth at times, intricate and also sharp when needed. Kate and Rhy were dynamic in it.

Kate

Kate's solo to Whitney Houstons "Queen of The Night" was good in part and ok for most of it. Her kicks were good, but there were an awful lot of them and at times it just seemed to be an exercise in how many kicks she could fit into the routine.
Partner Routine: 5/5
Solo Routine: 3.5/5
Likeability: 3.5/5
Overall: 12/15

Rhys

Rhys performed his solo to "Born Slippy" by Underworld from the Trainspotting soundtrack. His solo was the other one that caught my attention. It was a very strong performance indeed and suited the song I thought.
Partner Routine: 5/5
Solo Routine: 4/5
Likeability: 4.5/5
Overall: 13.5/15

Demi and Graeme
Demi and Graeme did a really interesting contemporary routine. I thought it was so funny when they chose contemporary from the hat and Graeme breaks out in tears because he's worried the audience will pigeon hole him since he has done so many contemporary routines. If I were him, I would be ecstatic becuase you get to do something you are strong in and show your best each week. Their routine of insect movements was very dramatic and their moves really were out of this world. Demi was so good and showed how she can learn new things. I guess this style is new to Graeme too and he did great also.

Demi

Demi's solo to "Sex Machine" by the father of soul himself James Brown started off good, but then sort of just went into a typical break dancing routine. It started off so well with Demi doing this cheeky/sexy bend to pick up the hat and then she launched into all her tricks, without really linking it all together.
Partner Routine: 4.5/5
Solo Routine: 3/5
Likeability: 4.5/5
Overall: 12/15

Graeme

Graeme did his solo to "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen. I thought this song would provide heaps of material to work with but his routine was another solo from the night that I don't really remember. It lacked any real highlight.
Partner Routine: 4.5/5
Solo Routine: 3/5
Likeability: 3.5/5
Overall: 11/15

Jemma and Anthony
Jemma and Anthony did a Cha Cha for their routine. Jemma actually did this after her solo and she was much better in this. Obviously as the judges said, this is her field and they expected more. She was good but not great. Being partnered with Anthony hasn't brought out the best in her. She must trust Rhys more and that connection was lacking. Anthony did a good job in the cha cha but again, no real highlight.

Jemma

Jemma performed her ballroom solo to "Shake a Tail Feather" by the Blues Brothers. It looked like a really lame jive. All her kicks lacked vigour and energy. It must be strange doing a solo as ballroom dancers always work in pairs, but this routine was really bad. She was on the verge of tears when the judges were criticising her. I've been a massive fan of Jemma's the whole series and its such a shame both her routines were bad.
Partner Routine: 3.5/5
Solo Routine: 2.5/5
Likeability: 4.5/5
Overall: 10.5/15

Anthony

Anthony performed his solo to "The Blower's Daughter" by Damien Rice. It's one of my favourite songs and I thought since the song is already so emotional, his contemporary routine would be great. It was pretty good but lacked the absolute smooth flow of an emotional contemporary routine.
Partner Routine: 3.5/5
Solo Routine: 3.5/5
Likeability: 3.5/5
Overall: 10.5/15

Rhiannon and Henry
Rhiannon and Henry did a jazz piece by Kelly Akyres. Kelly choreographed the piece about her own personal loss of a soul mate. When a choreographer does that, it tends to bring out a lot of emotions from the dancers. When Mia Michaels choreographed a piece about her own father who passed away in the American series, that brought out so much emotion from everyone. So it was fairly safe to assume that this routine would be good. It did turn out to be good and both Rhiannon and Henry were either in tears or near tears at the end. Rhiannon was great for me, more subdued compared to normal. Henry was also really good, bringing both the technical and emotional side to the routine.

Rhiannon

Rhiannon's solo to Amerie's "One Thing" was fun but a lot like the stuff she normally does in her dance for your life part. She's really good at that type of dancing but we haven't seen her do other things in her solos.
Partner Routine: 5/5
Solo Routine: 3/5
Likeability: 2.5/5
Overall: 10.5/15

Henry

Henry did a pose doble type dance to the theme from the movie "300". It was strong but seemed too rushed and a bit messy. He tried to cram too much in and instead of seeing the strong moves from the softer moves, it was a bit of a blur.
Partner Routine: 5/5
Solo Routine: 3.5/5
Likeability: 3.5/5
Overall: 12/15

It will be sad to see any of the dancers leave as they are all so great. But I hope my favourites of Jack, Demi, Rhys, Vaness and Jemma stay in the competition.

World's Greatest Shave - The Aftermath

2008-03-22T13:28:00.002+11:00

Well here are the results after the World's Greatest Shave. I managed to raise over $200 so thank you to everyone that sponsored me. It's still not too late to put in a sponsorship. If you want to donate some money to the Leukaemia Foundation, follow the link.

Donate Money To Leukaemia Foundation

So here I am with a full head of hair.

And then there was none.

And in between I had this happening mohawk.

Golf - Driving Range

2008-03-22T13:17:00.002+11:00

You must learn to walk before you run. So when we were talking about a playing golf, Adrian asked if we had ever played before. Both Justin and I hadn't. So Adrian suggested we go hit some balls at the driving range instead.

Luckily we did that, otherwise we could still be trying to finish one hole after 3 hours. I've always golf was for rich old people. And I still think that. Adrian's Mitsubishi 1980s wagon looked so out of place in the car part amongst the BMW's and Mercedes. But I have to give credit to people who play golf, it's not as easy as it looks.

We got 200 balls between the three of us. We were thinking that might not be enough, but after we finished, we agreed it was definitely enough. You see, the problem is that when you are crap, like we are, you tend to mishit the ball a lot. This sends a huge shock through your hands and arms and it's very tiring. Occasionally when we hit a good shot, it felt effortless and the club was doing all the work. We tried the woods and various irons that Adrian had brought. It was amazing how many shots we managed to skew, miss completely, hit the roof with, hit the side boards and even backwards. Ok technically Justin didn't hit it backwards. He had a few balls lined up and when he went to backswing for the first one, he hit one of the other balls on the ground and it went backwards.

It was a fun day and I'm going to go to the driving range more so that I can improve my swing. I like the challenge of hitting a good shot.

Do you like my style? Shocking swing isn't it?

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 6 Verdict Show

2008-03-18T19:46:00.002+11:00

It really is getting harder and harder to watch someone get elminated each week. It seems that I'm even more deeply immersed in the stories of the dancers than the contestants of Australian Idol. Somehow dance just seems to be linked to a lot more struggle.

This week, again the audience more or less got it right. It always depends on who you like but I think the right choices were made. The clear favourites as I have said from about week 2 have been Demi and Jack and Jemma and Rhys. Jemma and Rhys have really been the surprise package for me. I didn't think Jemma would be so versatile and I thought Rhys would be a bit too camp. But that has not been the case and they have proven themselves to be the most consistent.

The third automatic safe spot was a toss up between Vanessa and Henry and Kate and Graeme. Support for Vanessa and Henry and Kate and Graeme have changed from week to week. I guess it must be really close between them.

With the girls "Dance For Your Life" or "Dance For Yourself" as Jason said, I really felt Kate's routine. You know you get into a routine when it feels way too short. Rhiannon's routine seemed all over the place. Equally, Camilla's routine was full of as many high kicks as she could manage. I thought Rhiannon might go as Camilla still had more to give I thought. But to be fair, Rhiannon has been dancing at a slightly higher level than Camilla so it was fair enough that Camilla went.

With the guys dance, I also agreed with the judges and felt Graeme should be safe. As for the choice between JD and Anthony, it could have gone either way for me. Anthony's solo probably saved him. JD's solos are just a tad too relaxed and need slightly more energy.

Both JD and Camilla gave amazing farewell speeches. They were so heartfelt and emotional. Had me slightly misty eyed. They both commented on how great it was that dance was in the limelight for once and I totally agree. Dance is the poor cousin to singing. Dance is the ugly sisters to singing's Cinderella. It's hard to showcase dance because there aren't as many opportunities to show it. We hear music everywhere and anyone can quickly sing a song. But to actually do a dance takes more skill to show the different emotions.

I'm torn between supporting quite a few couples and don't really want to see any of them go. Unlike Australian Idol where there is usually one clear favourite and people are passionate about that person, I think with this show, everyone is supporting everyone. This show is much more celebratory and less about a winner. They are all winners.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 6 Live Show

2008-03-16T22:13:00.002+11:00

This weeks show really hotted up, both in terms of the dance routines and the interaction between the couples. There was so much stroking, touching and suggestive actions in the routines this week. I stand by my summation last week that some clear favourites are emerging. Demi and Jack are neck and neck with Rhys and Jemma for me at the moment. Those two couples have been consistently good in every routine they have done.
Previous posts about the shows are here
Top 10 Live Show
Top 10 Verdict Show

Top 9 Live Show
Top 9 Verdict Show

Top 8 Live Show
Top 8 Verdict Show

Top 7 Live Show
Top 7 Verdict Show

Kate and Graeme
Suprise Challenge
Kate and Graeme's self choreographed dance to Pump It by the Black Eyed Peas was very high energy and entertaining. I actually thought this dance was better than the one they were given.

Kate and Graeme did a jazz routine, which is in Kate's field. In terms of the dancing, I thought it was good. To find out that the live dance was the first time Kate had done that routine fully was amazing. It shows how good she is technically as a dancer. As for the whole dance, I didn't really understand it. The costume and song and moves didn't work that well together for me.
Routine: 3.5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 2.5/3
Overall: 7.5/10

Vanessa and Henry
Suprise Challenge
For the suprise challenge, Vaness and Henry chose Black and White from Michael Jackson. Their dance didn't reflect the lyrics but I don't a routine always has to reflect what the lyrics are saying. They had a story in their routine and the music was there to support that other story. I thought they did really great.

Vanessa and Henry did capoeira this week. I've seen this type of "dancing" before and it can be good. But it tends to be a bit stop start and is usually accompanied by drums and shakers rather than music. I think Vanessa and Henry did a good job in terms of performing the routine but I didn't really like the routine either. It didn't flow too well but that isn't their fault. The backwards lift was very spectacular.
Routine: 3/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 7.5/10

Camilla and Anthony
Surprise Challenge
The new pairing of Camilla and Anthony did a boxing dance routine to Kanye West's Stronger. I think the idea was good and most of the execution was good. But there were a bit of dead spots in the routine.

Camilla and Anthony were doing a lambada this week. The routine was fun enough and would have been great if it was a samba. The technique was ok, but I agree with Jason and was asking myself the same thing about the dance throughout, where is the sex. The lambada is suppose to be the dance of love and this dance just didn't have that feel.
Routine: 3.5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 2/3
Overall: 7/10

Jemma and Rhys
Surprise Challenge
Jemma and Rhys did a routine to Pony by Ginuwine. The were like horses and I really liked it. It was fun and entertaining. These two have not put a step wrong all competition.

Jemma and Rhys did a musical theatre number for their main routine. I think this dance was the best of the night. They were thoroughly entertaining and worked the crowd well with their theatricality. Rhys showed great technique and Jemma has shown how well she is adapting. I think they are the clear favourites in the show now, such is their high standards.
Routine: 4.5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 9/10

Rhiannon and JD
Surprise Challenge
Rhiannon and JDs routine to Big Girls by Mika was very obvious. The idea of having Rhiannon in a fat suit didn't work for me.

Rhiannon and JDs hip hop routine was understated like the judges said. I think it work fairly well, but either needed to be a bit stronger or have a few more big moments for it to translate through to us watching at home. I liked JDs laid back style in this.
Routine: 3.5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 1.5/3
Overall: 6.5/10

Demi and Jack
Surprise Challenge
Demi and Jack's routine to Crazy In Love by Beyonce was entertaining but needed a bit more. Beyonce has such a stage presence when she sings this song and just exudes attitude. They needed a bit more attitude to have made the song work.

Demi and Jack's contemporary routine was not the usual soft emotion charged routine. Theirs was like a normal contemporary routine on drugs. It was hardcore and fulls of lifts and flips. I think they both handled themselves really well and put everything into it.
Routine: 3.5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 8/10

Unlike last week, there wasn't any truly excellent routine. However, having the contestants choreographed their own routine has been interesting. Although the show is not about who is the best choreographer, it does show which of them could keep evolving and one day choreograph their own routines. As I said, I think Jemma and Rhys musical theatre routine was the best of the night.

World's Greatest Shave - Sponsor Me

2008-03-11T21:20:00.003+11:00

I will be taking part in the World's Greatest Shave again this year. The World's Greatest Shave is run by the Leukaemia Foundation and all money raised goes towards research into and helping out patients with cancer and their families.

So if you feel like sponsoring me to shave my head, please folllow the link below and make a donation. Any donations over $2 is tax deductible.

CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR THANH DO TO SHAVE HIS HEAD

The Power Of Alcohol

2008-03-10T22:28:00.002+11:00

It's amazing what effect alcohol can have on a person. Alcohol doesn't have to be a bad thing, if enjoyed in moderation. But once you have it in excess and lose control, it can totally destroy your life physically and mentally.

I have to say that this post isn't about me preaching that you shouldn't drink and how its bad for you. In fact, I enjoy a drink occasionally myself. I rarely drink on weekdays and only do so if I've had an extremely bad day and need to relax or I've gone out for dinner with friends. Otherwise, I enjoy a wine or spirit on a weekend.

I will usually have a wine with my meals out in the company of friends. There is nothing better than enjoying a good wine with good food and good company. The wine just helps to give that extra kick and makes everyone more relaxed. And when people are relaxed, they open up more and you find out a lot more about them as a person. People will reveal a lot about themselves that they may normally be hesitant to tell. But with less inhibitions, you get to really learn what another person is like.

I also enjoying having some quiet drinks with friends where we just relax and not much needs to be said. You know you're in the presence of good friends when you can keep silent. It's actually very uncomfortable to be silent with people you don't know well and don't trust. But when you can keep silent and only talk when there is something to say, then you know the company is good.

But like I said earlier, if you overdo it with the alcohol, you can also see the very ugly side of people. I think most people realise the point when they start to get drunk a little. That point is actually very enjoyable. But if you take it further and keep drinking, you will so regret it later. Some people turn into monsters when they are drunk. Some become very funny. And others like me, become all introspective and quiet. Whatever the reaction, it may not always be good. There's also that massive splitting headache and possibly some violent visits to the toilet. So keep your drinking in moderation and enjoy yourself. Ask some probing questions next time and find out even more about your good friends. You'll feel even closer to them due to it.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 7 Verdict Show

2008-03-10T22:07:00.002+11:00

I think the audience are voting for the best dancers each week now as we clearly saw the weakest couples for the weeks show in the bottom three.

With the girls solos, Camilla's solo wasn't particularly strong. There were some good parts but also some bad transitions from one thing to another. Laura's solo was even weaker for me. She looks to be in slow motion sometimes. I thought Rhiannon's solo was really strong and didn't agree with the judges that she overdanced. It was a slightly angry song and she showed it. I think the deicsion to get rid of Laura was the right one. She had been underperforming in all her routines and was clearly surrounded by better dancers.

With the guys, I have to agree with the judges and say they were all repeating solos they had done before. Sermsah's solo may have been set to dance music, but it was the same thing he did at his audition but lacking that emotional content. Anthony has done the near exact solo before as well. JD's solo looked a lot like his previous weeks too. I don't understand what the judges are seeing in JD. Personally I would have let him go and given Sermsah one more chance. But it was still a fair enough decision to let go of Sermsah. It has been a good journey that we the audience has had with Sermsah. His swearing at the end was hilarious as well. He is just a genuine person.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 7 Live Show

2008-03-10T15:12:00.002+11:00

Top 9 Live Show
Top 9 Verdict Show

Top 8 Live Show
Top 8 Verdict Show

Jemma and Rhys
Finally, Rhys and Jemma have been able to prove themselves in a genre other than ballroom. I really thought Jemma was going to struggle a bit in their hip hop routine, but I was so glad to be proven wrong. They started the show with such a high energy hip hop routine. There moves were sharp and strong, and as usual, their interaction was fantastic. Jemma, like Stephanie is a ballroom dancer at heart. But not only is Jemma a much better ballroom dancer than Stephanie, she has proven that she is so versatile as well. There isn't any excuses, just genuine emotions. I'm really warming to Jemma and her gentle spirit. Rhys has excelled at everything he has done, and he was excellent in this hip hop routine. When they both did the splits was my favourite moment of the night.
Routine: 4.5/5
Technique: 2/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 9.5/10

Demi and Jack
Demi has shown how versatile she has been too. She out of everyone, has surprised me the most, just purely because she is a break dancer and you wouldn't have expected her to do half the things she has done. Demi and Jack's Rumba routine was half there. They had the emotional side going, but it lacked the full effect as their body movements were silky enough I thought. It didn't have the usual slow curvy rumba lines that just exudes sensuality and lust. It was hilarious though when Demi surrendered herself in by saying that not wearing heels was her idea rather than letting Paul the choreography take the blame. She is definitely very genuine and I like that.
Routine: 3/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 7.5/10

Laura and Anthony Again, Laura and Anthony had a totally forgettable routine. They either are really unlucky or just haven't made enough of their routines. Either way, I can only seriously remember their disco routine. Everything else they have done has been extremely boring and underwhelming. This weeks Contemporary routine didn't really feel like a contemporary routine. I didn't understand the story at all. I think Laura's lack of versatility is really starting to show. She was again very average for me. I still am undecided about Anthony. Her has all the technique and strength to do a lot, but hasn't been given the right choreography yet. He is extremely likeable though, and what he said about making the most of the choreography at the end was spot on.
Routine: 1.5/5
Technique: 1/2
Likeability: 2/3
Overall: 4.5/10

Camilla and Sermsah
At the start, I was really drawn towards Sermsah in this partnership. But of late, my allegiance has been shifting to Camilla more and more. She is clearly the better dancer in this pairing so far. Sermsah hasn't been able to recapture those fantastic emotional dances that he did during the Top 100 auditions. Again this week, he was found lacking in the hip hop and Jason gave him some good tips about how to change that. Hopefully he will improve as I like him.
Routine: 3/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 2.5/3
Overall: 7/10

Vanessa and Henry
Last week I said that Vanessa and Henry hadn't had a breakthrough dance yet. Well this week, I can now change that. Their Jason Gilkison choreographed Samba was probably the best dance this season so far. If not, it would be a close call with Jason's other choreographed Waltz for Jemma and Rhys. These two dances have moved me the most so far. Vanessa was excellent in this dance. Her beautiful lines and extensions were used to their fullest in the dance. But like the judges said, it was the way she attacked the dance and that fire in her eyes and movement that made it exceptional. Henry was in his element but still managed to draw attention his way. The sharp hair cut and shaved chest probably helped.
Routine: 5/5
Technique: 2/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 10/10

Kate and Graeme
Like I said last week, I'm really starting to like Kate more. She did herself no harm this week by performing a fantastic Contemporary routine. What a difference in this contemporary routine than that which Laura and Anthony did. It really is the luck of the draw sometimes and which choreographer and which routine they give you. This routine was very moving and Graeme was so good in all the lifts. Kate's usual brilliant lines were there for all to see. The judges thought it was the best contemporary routine they have seen all season. I don't disagree with that, but it wasn't totally perfect for me. I have seen better contemporary routines from Mia Michaels in the US series so I can't mark this full marks.
Routine: 4.5/5
Technique: 2/2
Likeability: 2.5/3
Overall: 9/10

Rhiannon and JD
After last weeks disastrous Tango, Rhiannon and JD have bounced back well this week. Their jazz routine was full of energy and very clever with how the hats were worked throughout the routine. However, good was not good enough this night. With three other spectacular routines from Jemma and Rhys, Vanessa and Henry, Kate and Graeme, this routine was lost a bit at the end. JD did a lot better this week but I still spotted quite a few technicial errors from him.
Routine: 3.5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 1.5/3
Overall: 6.5/10

Quality wise, this episode has clearly been the best so far. There were so many highlights throughout the night. From what I have seen so far, I think that Laura and Anthony are the only definites that should be in the bottom three. All the others are up in the air and it really depends who the audience votes for.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 8 Verdict Show

2008-03-04T20:51:00.002+11:00

I wasn't completely surprised at the bottom three couples, as two of them were in my bottom three in terms of scores. I thought that Rhiannon and JD would be there since they messed up their routine. But they must have got a lot of sympathy votes, or they just have a lot of fans.

For the solo "dance for your life" routine, I actually thought Marko's routine was the best. Shows what I know about dance eh? I really thought his solo was really entertaining and disagreed with Jason that all the couples really connected with the solos this week. I thought they had all done better solos. Vanessa's solo last week was way better, as was Henry's.

I think the judges definitely got it right by sending Stephanie home. I had been saying for weeks that her dancing isn't that strong. Her solo Samba was really messy. I've watched enough dance shows to see that the "twisty" move part of her samba where she is putting one leg behind the other was really bad. She lost it in the middle part of that. I also had enough of all her excuses.

With the guys, I thought it was a really tough choice. Henry has been good, and Anthony has so many spectacular moves and is so likeable. In the end, I guess Marko just wasn't as versatile as the others.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 8 Live Show

2008-03-02T22:27:00.002+11:00

After three live shows, you can really start to get a feel for who the favourites are. In terms of dancing ability and likeability of contestants, I think some clear favourites are starting to emerge.
Previous posts about the shows are here
Top 10 Live Show
Top 10 Verdict Show

Top 9 Live Show
Top 9 Verdict Show

Demi and Jack
Demi and Jack opened the show with a fantastic and energetic jazz routine. They were good this week but the routine did lack that extra little bit of spark from Demi. Jack was really good and all his moves were strong. Some of Demi's moves lacked that extra punch. But overall it was still a good routine and they are still so likeable.
Routine: 4/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 8.5/10

Vanessa and Henry
I still like Vanessa and Henry but think they haven't really had a breakthrough performance yet. This has affected their likeability in my eyes as they really haven't impressed yet. Their contemporary disco routine was rather strange. I didn't really get it either. I thought Vanessa's dancing was excellent and she shone more than Henry this week.
Routine: 3/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 2/3
Overall: 6.5/10

Camilla and Sermsah
Finally, Sermsah has arrived at this competition. Camilla has been dancing well already, but Sermsah matched her this week. Their contemporary routine was excellent. The opening lift and slow drop really caught me. The middle section was good, but since I have watched so many Chinese action flicks, I found the martial arts bit a little weak. The story through the routine was good.
Routine: 4/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 2.5/3
Overall: 8/10

Jemma and Rhys
Jemma and Rhys have gone from strength to strength each week. It has helped that they have been given good choreography, but they have been shown themselves to be versatile dancers. Rhys in particular has really impressed. In both their standout performances, Week 1's Waltz, and this weeks Paso Doble, Rhys has shown how well he has adapted to ballroom. Their paso was so powerful and really really had me hooked.
Routine: 5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 9.5/10

Stephanie and Marko
If I had my way, Stephanie would be gone from this competition. I think that dancing wise, she really has shown that she is not that good. Also, I just don't like her. She is constantly giving excuses. And I think I'm not the only one that doesn't like her. In Marko's pre dance interview, he was saying how its really hard to work with the same person and keep pulling them up each week. You would think that working with the same person each week would be a benefit as you start to develop trust and understanding. Again, Marko was good in their krump and Stephanie terrible. The routine itself wasn't great and was rather disjointed.
Routine: 2/5
Technique: 1/2
Likeability: 1/3
Overall: 4/10

Laura and Anthony Their Soul Swing routine this week did nothing for me. I wasn't really laughing or swinging along at any stage. I still like Anthony's enthusiasm in each routine, but he needs to be given more complicated routines as he is capable of so much more. Laura has long limbs but yet her lines are nowhere near as elegant as Kate or Jemma's.
Routine: 2/5
Technique: 1/2
Likeability: 2/3
Overall: 5/10

Rhiannon and JD
Rhiannon and JD's Tango routine started off so great. I really thought they were doing a great job and I was involved. Then I wondered what happened as the routine was really bad in the middle. JD was looking downwards and his shoulders were slumped. I thought that the choreography was awful. It was only when the judges pointed out that they had lost the routine did my untrained ballroom mind finally click. The first half of the routine was strong and showed so much, but the end half undid all that. Rhiannon was still fantastic and her leg work was so strong. JD needs to lift his game or he will be going home soon.
Routine: 2/5
Technique: 1/2
Likeability: 1.5/3
Overall: 4.5/10

Kate and Graeme
I'm really starting to like Kate more and more. Despite her being in the bottom three each week so far, I think she is actually one of the best dancers in the competition. Her Bollywood routine this week with new partner Graeme was very entertaining for me. I was bouncing along with them the whole way. I thought her partnering with Graeme this week has been the best so far from her. Graeme has also increased his likeability from me more.
Routine: 4/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 2/3
Overall: 7.5/10

As I wrote in the intro, I think there are now some clear favourites in this competition, well for me anyway, I don't know what the rest of Australia think. I think that Demi and Jack are clear crowd favourites. Their fun personalities and great dancing so far has endeared them to me. A surprise for me has been Jemma and Rhys. I always thought Jemma is a great ballroom dancer with fantastic lines but she has shown she can do other things too. Rhys has surprised me the most as I didn't really rate him highly during the auditions. But he has won me over with his strong dancing. Another crowd favourite is Camilla and Sermsah I think. Sermsah probably had most of the audience during his audition stages with his emotional story. And finally with tonights good performance, he has proven to be a worthy contender.

You're The Voice

2008-02-27T21:07:00.002+11:00

"You're the voice, try and understand it
Make a noise and make it clear" John Farnham's You're The Voice

I have currently lost my voice. So for the past few days, the only way I can talk is to whisper. This is a problem as it's hard for people to hear you. Everyone at work has been mocking me and pretending not to hear. I've seen the doctor and got some antibiotics. Hopefully this will help my vocal chords and I can talk again.

Being voiceless had shown me how important each and every one of our senses are. I've had to ask people to help me make the doctor's appointment and buy things on my behalf. It was so funny today when I went to buy some sushi. The waitress could not understand me at all since it was fairly noisy in the restaurant. She ended up saying if I could point to the display board what I wanted. It was so funny. The same thing happened at the post office. The lady laughed when I tried to squeak out my request.

Since I usually do quite a lot of talking, I've found it quite hard to adjust. I've had to use a minimal of words and even resort to writing out things. This means I have listened more to what people have said, before interrupting them as I sometimes do. So although it is really uncomfortable not to be able to express what I want, it's also been beneficial as I have to listen more closely to what is said and then respond with a minimal of words.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 9 Verdict Show

2008-02-27T20:54:00.002+11:00

From my summation of the Top 9 Live Show, I expected Kate and Hilton to be in the bottom three as well as Kassy and Graeme. I also expected Stephanie and Marko to be there, but instead it was Rhiannon and JD.

With the girls, I think the judges made the right decision to save Kate and Rhiannon. Kate's solo was the best of the three. It had emotion and captured me. Rhiannon, I have always thought to be a great dancer and her solo was entertaining too. Kassy's solo was all over the place. It didn't flow and was just her as many moves as she knew.

As for the guys, again I agreed with the judges and thought Hilton should go. He is supposed to be a trained contemporary dancer. However, a lot of his moves look athletic but are really poorly executed. He loses his balance in spins, doesn't extend in jumps and does the same body shake thing with the hands. I thought JD's solo routine was the best. It didn't contain as many athletic moves but flowed so smoothly. Graeme's solo was average, with a few good tricks thrown in.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 9 Live Show

2008-02-26T22:41:00.002+11:00

I've been away on holiday so have just watched the show and this is my assessment before seeing the verdict show.
Previous posts about the shows are here
Top 10 Live Show
Top 10 Verdict Show

Kate and Hilton
After losing their respective partners last week, Kate and Hilton teamed up to do the Foxtrot. The actual dance was entertaining and I liked it, but I didn't think there was much foxtrot in it. I think they got it easier as there were a lot of posing type moves. Kate's extension on each move was amazing, and to be honest, I hardly even saw what Hilton did. I have not warmed to him at all and I'm not sure why.
Routine: 3/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 1.5/3
Overall: 6/10

Camilla and Sermsah
Sermsah is one of my favourites in this competition. However, for two weeks now, I don't think he has done that great in the dancing department. Camilla and Sermsah's hip hop routine was rather forgettable tonight. There wasn't anything exciting about it.
Routine: 1.5/5
Technique: 1/2
Likeability: 2/3
Overall: 4.5/10

Kassy and Graeme
This week's routine was in their field as they were doing contemporary lyrical. The routine was smooth enough and had the required lifts, but I didn't really believe them again.
Routine: 3.5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 1.5/3
Overall: 6.5/10

Stephanie and Marko
The swing/hip hop style sounded really interesting. I was expecting something like the swing routines on the American version of the show, highly entertaining. However, this routine wasn't that great. Stephanie is really struggling in my opinion. She didn't seem committed to the moves. Marko is doing good, but I think he has timing problems quite often.
Routine: 2/5
Technique: 1/2
Likeability: 1/3
Overall: 4/10

Laura and Anthony I really liked their disco routine this week. Both of them were great. I was smiling and grooving along with them the whole way. Anthony's moves were so funky and his tricks worked in this routine. Laura surprised me as I thought she didn't move that well last week. But she grooved it and was great this week.
Routine: 4/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 2.5/3
Overall: 8/10

Rhiannon and JD
I said Rhiannon exuded sensualness last week and she did it again this week. She just seems to be able to make every move look sexy just through the looks on her face. Her contemporary jazz routine with JD was enjoyable. JD struggled a bit with his technique. His lack of technique was most noticeable in his poor execution of spins.
Routine: 3/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 1.5/3
Overall: 6/10

Demi and Jack
I already said how much I love Demi and Jack last week. Well this week, they have firmly cemented themselves as my favourite couple. The energy between them is infectious. We, or at least I, as the audience are going on the ride with them. Their samba was so contagious. Again, the connection between them could be felt. That slight cheekiness between them worked so well for this routine. And how sexy did Demi dance. A total contrast to her normal break dancing style.
Routine: 5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 9.5/10

Jemma and Rhys
Jemma and Rhy's waltz was the best routine last week. They have followed it up this week with a good jazz routine. Jemma proved that she can do more than just ballroom. And Rhys was fantastic in this routine as well. His core technique should carry him far in this competition.
Routine: 3.5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 2.5/3
Overall: 7.5/10

Vanessa and Henry
Despite what I thought was a great salsa routine last week, Vanessa and Henry were in the bottom three. This week's animation hip hop should hopefully keep them out of the bottom three. I thought they did the routine great. Obviously, they both didn't lock each move hard enough, but they were entertaining still. I watche Vanessa closely as she was really worried about this routine. She did a great job and some of the moves were so smooth.
Routine: 3.5/5
Technique: 1/2
Likeability: 2.5/3
Overall: 7/10

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 10 Verdict Show

2008-02-18T20:47:00.003+11:00

My summation of the Top 10 live show wasn't totally wrong. I scored Courtney and Hilton the lowest and they were in the bottom three. Kate and Khaly I scored the third lowest and they were also in the botttom three. I thought Stephanie and Marko would have been there instead of Vanessa and Henry.

I thought that Courtney definitely was the weakess dancer yesterday and also in her "Dance For Your Life" solo. And like I said in my live show summation, I don't think she is genuine. I think she showed that again tonight when after Jason said that she was dancing in her style and didn't shine, she argue that the jazz lyrical wasn't exactly her style. That has been her story the whole way. She is always giving excuses and saying that she can do it, but in the end, it was just talk.

In terms of the guys, I thought that Hilton should have gone too. Khaly was so entertaining and I think he had potential to do a lot more. But maybe the judges thought that his hip hop/breaking style was just too restricted and that he couldn't do much more.

I think the most interesting part about tonight's verdict show was the interactions between the contestants. When the girls were waiting for their verdict, Kate and Vanessa were looking at each other while Courtney was looking elsewhere. Then when Kate got through, Vanessa gave her a massive hug and they congratulated each other. With only Courtney and Vanessa on stage, they didn't hold hands until Courtney sunddenly awkwardly went over and grabbed Vanessa. From this alone, you can see that Courtney was not the most liked by the other contestants. They too must have been sick of her endless excuses.

The popularity of Khaly on the other hand, was at the total opposite. When he was announced as the one to leave, most of the other dancers were crying. When they rushed up on stage, nearly everyone went over and embraced Khaly for ages. Only a couple of people like Graeme and J.D went over and embraced Courtney. Even Courtney's own partner, usually the first to embrace the team mate who is leaving, went to Khaly first and then after went to her. It shows that people take to genuine people and the Australian audience are the same. We aren't fools and do not like fake people. Hence that is why I think people like Demi, Jack, Vanessa, Sermsah, Rhys, Jemma and Anthony will go far. They are true to themselves and give genuine emotions in their performances, which the audience will pick up on.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia - Top 10 Live Show

2008-02-17T22:34:00.002+11:00

The first episode of the live dance performances for So You Think You Can Dance Australia has just finished. I thought I would track the whole season of this show and give my opinions on each live show. I probably won't be so meticulous in giving the nuts and bolts of what dance they did but rather just what I felt about them. I will rate each couple out of 10, taking into account the overall routine and whether it caught my attention (out of 5), their dance technique (out of 2) and finally, the important likeability factor (out of 3).

Rhiannon and J.D
Rhiannon may be young but I think she exudes a sensualness way beyond her years. Her moves in the hip hop was sharp and very strong. J.D on the other hand, exudes a calm relaxed feeling in everything he does. He was much smoother in his hip hop style. I don't know if I fully believe the chemistry between them yet but it was a good start.
Routine: 3.5/5
Technique: 1/2
Likeability: 1.5/3
Overall: 6/10

Courtney and Hilton
I must be missing the judges are seeing. To me, I don't see Courtney as the best dancer. So far, nothing she has done has really caught me. Her whole crying episode didn't move me either. I just don't think she is that genuine. It's strange why I think that, but it's just my gut reaction. Similarly with Hilton, his story is very dramatic with his parents working at the dance studio to help fund his dancing, but it too hasn't caught me. Hence, I watched their routine with biased views already. I can't help that, it's just how I felt. Hilton's technique was very good throughout the routine and I think he shone more than Courtney.
Routine: 1.5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 1/3
Overall: 4/10

Vanessa and Jack
Vanessa and Jack are already one of my favourite couples. Call me Asian but I can't help liking Vanessa's shy little girl personality. Henry I've also liked from the audition stage because he is really strong in his dancing. The Salsa they did was full of tricks and highly entertaining. Vanessa did really well in adapting to the style but I agreed with the judges that she could have been a bit sharper and stronger.
Routine: 4/5
Technique: 1/2
Likeability: 2/3
Overall: 7/10

Camilla and Sermsah
Sermsah is one of my favourite dancers in this series. His humility is just hard to dislike. Camilla, I haven't really warmed to, but after tonight, I do like her more. Her encouraging words about fully trusting Sermsah shows she is a great team player. Their jazz piece was entertaining but obviously, Sermsah's technique wasn't perfect. He also missed a big lift, which spoilt the routine a bit.
Routine: 2.5/5
Technique: 1/2
Likeability: 2/3
Overall: 5.5/10

Jemma and Rhys
The surprise packet of the night for me was Rhys and Jemma. We've seen a lot about Rhys during the audition stages, but not much about Jemma. Tonight, she proved what a great dancer she is. Their routine was the best of the night for me. It was such a graceful and emotive Waltz. Rhys showed that he could dance smooth and strong and not camp things up when needed. Jemma flowed like water across the stage.
Routine: 4.5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 2.5/3
Overall: 8.5/10

Laura and Anthony
Anothony is a very likeable person. He seems ultra genuine and a bit of a geek actually. When he found out he got into the Top 20, you could see the childish excitement in him. Laura, I haven't formed an opinion on so far. Their routine tonight was a bit disjointed. I didn't really think they danced together. The tricks from Anthony were strong, but I did feel they connected.
Routine: 3/5
Technique: 1/2
Likeability: 1.5/3
Overall: 5.5/10

Stephanie and Marko
Something about Stephanie just rubs me the wrong way. I think she is fairly arrogant. When she first auditioned with Henry and he got in and she didn't, outside in the interview area, she wasn't gracious at all. The judges thought that Marko was one of the best male dancers in the show. I don't agree with them and thought their jive was all over the place. Marko's kicks were weak and they definitely had synchronisation issues. Even my untrained eyes spotted that during the routine.
Routine: 2/5
Technique: 1/2
Likeability: 1/3
Overall: 4/10

Kate and Khaly
Kate's probably been one of the least featured dancers on the show. Her story though is just as inspiring as any of the other dancers. I thought her routine with Khaly was slightly muted. Despite Khaly's tricks, they didn't really gel together and it made the performance a bit lacking for me. I do agree with the judges that Kate's technique is wonderful.
Routine: 2.5/5
Technique: 1/2
Likeability: 2/3
Overall: 5.5/10

Demi and Jack
My favourite couple currently on the show is definitely Demi and Jack. They both exude so much joy and fun it's so contagious. Demi is just so down to Earth and humble. Her comments when Bonnie addressed her was so funny because it was so natural and innocent. Combined with the equally relaxed and funny Jack, they are just pure entertainment. Their bogaloo (or however that is spelt) routine was so funky that I was right into it. The judges were spot on about the chemistry between them. You could definitely see them laughing and smiling at each other and they makes the routine so much better.
Routine: 4/5
Technique: 2/2
Likeability: 3/3
Overall: 9/10

Kassy and Graeme
Kassy definitely has a lot of dance experience and it showed in her routine with Graeme. However, I haven't warmed to her at all. Graeme seems like a nice guy but again, I haven't warmed to him either. Their routine was good, but I think Kassy clearly outshone Graeme. Graeme's facial expression seemed over the top. Also, his technique was not as good as Kassy's. Her lines were flowing and each moved was finished right to the fingertips. I might not like her as much as some of the other dancers, but I definitely respect how good a dancer she is.
Routine: 3.5/5
Technique: 1.5/2
Likeability: 1.5/3
Overall: 6.5/10

So, these are my biased couch coach opinions of how each couple went. Obviously, likeability is something that will be hard for the couples to change for me, but it can happen. The dance routines will vary so much week to week depending on what styles they get. However, the cream will rise to the top and the good couples will consistently perform any style better.

So You Think You Can Dance Australia

2008-02-11T21:28:00.000+11:00

I loved the American versions of So You Think You Dance. I've taped the whole last season rewatched that so many times. I'm just so fascinated by how good the contestants are and they way they can really make me feel something through their dance. When I heard that Australia was having their own So You Think You Can Dance, I couldn't wait.

Finally the show has arrived and as good as the auditions were, now we're into the serious business. There were some bad auditions, but on the whole, the show has shown the good dancers and their stories. And some stories there are. Stories of adoption, poverty, hardship, cancer, death etc. I thought Australian Idol was dramatic with all their back stories. But it seems dance elicits even more passion. A lot of people turn to dance when there are hardships. It's just a way to express yourself. I think less people turn to music as it's much harder to write a song than just move your body according to how you feel.

In the last two episodes so far where the Top 20 have been selected, I can't believe how much crying there has been. There have been so many emotional stories and pure emotion on display, by women and men. I too have had some teary eyes listening to the story. I think the physical nature of the auditions and lack of sleep help bring out some of those emotions, as the shows producers would have wanted. But dance clearly does elicit emotion from people.

I already have some favourite dancers so early into the show. I love Demi as her story about immigrating to Australia from the Phillipines and supporting her siblings and deaf sister is so inspiring. Her dancing is also so joyful that it really captures me. Another I love is Vanessa. Her dancing is so technically beautiful that I can't help but admire it. Lastly, I have grown to love Sermsah as well. He is an Aboriginal man whose story I have really started to feel for. Initially, I thought he would be cocky but he has turned out to be so genuine and unsure of himself. His dancing has so far been the highlight as I just watch in awe at the expressiveness of it all.

I can't wait for more episodes. I can tell I'll be hooked and watching the show again and again.

World Cup Qualifier - Australia vs Qatar

2008-02-10T12:03:00.000+11:00

Australia are now in the Asian world cup qualifying region. They are in the same group as Qatar, Iraq and China. Each match will be a challenge and no easy ride. Their group has been named the group of death. Iraq are current Asian champions, China is an emerging power and Qatar are a handy team.

I wanted to go see Australia play Qatar at Telstra Dome for the first match. Unfortunately, tickets were sold out. But as luck would have it, Kin got a free ticket from work. And being the Aussie sport hater that he is, refused to go. Hence, I told him to give me the ticket, which he generously did. He even made a side trip to give me the ticket after work.

Having got the ticket with an hour to match kick off, I drove myself quickly to Telstra Dome. I decided to park at the Dome seeing as I was really late. I didn't expect the parking fee to be $23 though. Gee, how steep is that. I thought they would discount the usual parking fees because this was a sporting event. It was only $10 for the World Cup Rugby last time.

I took my seat up in the nose bleed section, happy to be at the game though. I sand the anthem and then waited for the match to start. The first half was electric. I had goosebumps during the three goals from Josh Kennedy, Tim Cahill and Marco Bresciano. It was fantastic and the noise was unbelievable. The overseas Australian players made Qatar look second rate. Qatar didn't have a serious shot on goal for the first half.

I think Pim Verbeek made the right decision to play the overseas players instead of the A-league players. It's probably easy to say in hindsight, but I thought that the whole time. No offence to the A-league players but I think you have to field your best team when you are unsure. No one knew how good Qatar would play and you want to get off to a good start in these qualifying games. The overseas players are professional and can adapt quickly and overcome the jet lag, as they showed.

The second half fizzled out as the overseas players started to tire. There was still a lot of shot on goal and if they had a bit of luck, they might have been another three more goals up. Overall, it was a great night and I can't wait for Australia's next qualifying games.

Cloverfield - Movie Review

2008-02-05T22:16:00.000+11:00

***** MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS *******

My first bit of advice. If you suffer motion sickness, like myself, don't eat too much before going to see the film, and be prepared to be in a bit of discomfort. If you don't already know, Cloverfield is shot in the style of a hand held camera, like Blair Witch project. This means there is sometimes a lot of jerky video, which can cause people like me to feel quite ill. I ate way too much before the film and that didn't help with my nauseousness. I found I had to start closing my eyes at the 30 minutes mark, when the action starts. I was getting so dizzy. Throughout the film, I had to occasionally close my eyes to stop myself from throwing up.

The movie itself is based around a group of friends and one particularly eventful day in their lives. The main protagonist in the film is Rob. We get to see him and his friend, Beth, in an apartment. They look totally in love and are talking about going to Coney Island. The film then shifts to Jason (Rob's brother) and Lily (Jason's girlfriend) buying supplies for a surprise party for Rob. Rob is going to Japan for his job. Only when Beth arrives with another guy do we know they are not together.

The party, and hence the film, is being shot by Hud, Rob's best friend. He is shooting the whole party to get guests messages for Rob. He also tries to get the attention of Marlena, a girl at the party.

Basically, a Gozilla style monster terrorises the city. You only occasionally get to see glimpses of it. The group of friends try to flee the city and escape. Along the way, all sorts of obstacles come to their path. All the while, Hud is still shooting footage of everything on the camera.

The effect of this hand held style of filming is quite powerful. It makes you really feel like you're right in the middle of the action. I think one of the most powerful scenes is when we see these dazed people stumble around, all covered in dust. This instantly reminded me of the images of September 11. I'm sure it was no coincidence as the writers are trying to elicit as much emotion from the audience as possible. There is even a mention of terrorist attacks during the film.

I felt that I did start to care for the characters and hoped they would make it. Seeing and hearing their every experience as if you are part of the group makes the connection so much stronger. I too was running away from the monster. In that sense, the film works well. In terms of a great blockbuster, it isn't really. I think its more a love story between Rob and Beth. The film intertwines between their story, as there is existing footage of their time together on the tape in the camera, and the current situation where they are separated.

As with all good horror films, some protagonists do not survive. It keeps the audience on their toes and never to feel completely safe. The movie has an ambiguous ending, which I like. It completes two stories while also leaving it ambiguous on one story.

Apart from the nausea, I did like the film and found it was done well. I will need to rewatch it to get more of it as I had my eyes closed during some of the sections of the film.

Overall Rating: ***1/2

How a Rear Projection TV Works

2008-02-05T21:48:00.000+11:00

This isn't really a guide on how a rear projection TV works. I just wanted to post a cool photo of the inside of a rear projection TV. Out of all the different types of TV, I think the rear projection is probably the easiest to explain. It's just three colours that get broadcast and combine to create the images. There's no scanning cathode ray tube involved or liquid crystals getting sent electrical signals.

As you can see, there is a huge mirror inside, which reflects the images to the viewer. The mirror was so clean, obviously, as you don't often open a TV. The three coloured light were really bright. Even standing from a distance and reflected off the mirror, the signal was bright. Kin and I had a fiddle around but couldn't really spot any obvious faults that would be causing the images to not align. Hence we put it together again for a real expert to fix.

Twenty20 - Australia vs India

2008-02-05T21:29:00.000+11:00

I went to the highly anticipated Twenty20 match between Australia and India at the MCG. With all the controversy surrounding the Indian tour, there was an expected sell out for the match. As it turns out, it wasn't a sell out but a huge crowd of over 84,000 turned up. I think this may have been more than the first day of the Boxing Day test. And who said Twenty20 is just a gimmick. Well I did, originally. But I am starting to enjoy it. It's played at such a fast pace, but there are tactics involved now.

I went to the match with Keiran. He is an MCC member, so we got to go to all the members areas, which I have never been to. Despite getting to the ground at 6pm (match started at 7:30pm), we still could only manage to get seats up on the fourth level. So we put our jackets around a couple of chairs and headed back out for dinner. We went to the Mount View Pub on Bridge Road for a meal. We both had the Beef Burger, which was really good. After our meal, we hiked back to the G.

The match itself turned out to be a fizzer, with India only scoring about 70 runs, the second lowest score in Twenty20 international history. However, the crowd and atmosphere was still amazing. There was music being played in between balls and the crowd participated by clapping and just making lots of noise. When the action died down, Mexican waves would be started.

The magnificent MCG.

The crowd doing a Mexican wave.

During the break when the teams swapped over, we headed off to see all the various members area. We couldn't get into the Long Room, which looked so classy but you need to be a member to get in. I did get to see all the other members bars and the library. The bars ranged from fairly classy to really plain. The noise in all the bars was really loud and people were drinking away. As I said to Keiran, all the people just want to be seen as you can see the game better from your seat. It's all part of being elitest and separating yourself from the "average Joe". Now how do I get in. :-)

The views of the city from one of the bars was great. This is the photo I took from it. I was like a total tourist with my camera on hand to snap everything.

I had a great time overall, but next time I want to visit the MCG museum as well.

Australian Open 2008 - The Djoker Aces Them All

2008-01-28T18:49:00.000+11:00

Wow, as usual I find myself saying "it's been so long since I last blogged." Everything is just so busy nowadays. I don't know where the time has gone. I've finally found the time to write about the Australian Open. I actually went to the centre court day 3 night matches, but was glued to the tv watching tennis for two weeks so decided to write it up once the whole tournament was all finished.

Firstly, what a great tournament it was this year. So much drama and some thoroughly enjoyable matches. As you may know, Novak Djokovic won the men's championship and Maria Sharapova won the womens. It's a changing of the guard on both the mens and womens side. It's probably good for the game to have new champions but I'm such a Federer fan (see here, here, and here for proof) that I wanted him to keep winning.

The mens finalist of Novak Djokovic "The Djoker" and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga "Ali" was thoroughly deserved. The two of them played the most aggressive and totally amazing tennis thoroughout the tournament. Djokovic's experience helped him over the line in a very entertaining final. He was able to withstand the firepower from Tsonga and most of the crowds support as well. Djokovic has proven that he is no joker and is now a genuine contender for every title. He has joined "the two" in Federer and Nadal. He can now be mentioned in the same breathe as those two and has separated himself from the rest of the pack. It's up to the rest of the players to catch up to the top three.

There is now pressure on Federer and Nadal to hold their places at the top of the tree. As of late last year, Federer's form has dropped slightly. But like the great man said himself, he has made it hard for himself but setting such a lofty standard. Now when he loses one set or a match, there's so much talk that he is losing it. This is so strange to me. Even when the great Pete Sampras was dominating the sport, he would only win one or two grand slam a year. Now Federer has been winning three each year and yet people still talk about his fallability. He may have lost a couple of matches last year to Nalbandian, but he did come back and win the Masters Cup. This year, he made it to the semi finals, his 15th consecutive grand slam semi final. For anyone else, that would be an amazing feat, but yet it's not good enough since its Federer. That makes me so mad.

Anyway, I look forward to The French Open now to see what will happen. Federer must be fired up to win it and Nadal will have fierce competition in Djokovic. Nadal hasn't been as dominant a force lately, especially on surfaces other than clay. His style is made to look almost docile when player big hitters. This all adds up to make the mens side much more interesting.

On the womens side, it also has heated up. With the Williams sisters unable to just turn it on and dominate, there is a new crop of champions. The fact that they are all leggy glamourous players has probably helped boost the profile of women's tennis. It's now a battle of who can play but also look the best. Think of "Aussie" Ana Ivanovic, Maria Sharapova, Nicole Vidisova and Maria Kirilenko. The focus is as much on their looks as there tennis. But unlike Anna "the original" Kournikova, these girls have managed to actually win tournaments. No one can argue that Sharapova is just relying on her looks. If looks (to and coming from Maria) could kill, Maria has it. There is so much intensity in her play and she is not out there to please the crowd like Kournikova use to be. Sharapova is out there to win. All her childhood hardship is showing through as she has worked hard and struggled to get where she is. I guess that is one reason for the explosion of great players from the Eastern European countries. They have had to fight for what they got, making them all so mentally tough.

Finally, here are a few photos from my night at the tennis.

Anna Chadvataze.

Igor Andreev.

Andy Roddick.

Maria Sharapova and Lindsay Davenport.

Indian Cricket Tour Controversy

2008-01-08T20:28:00.000+11:00

I have to put in my two cents worth regarding this controversy about India pulling out of the final two tests. Again, this is another incident of how the media can blow things up so big that it then causes the poeple involved to react and make it bigger.

What is the actual controversy? Is it the racism issue with Harbhajan? Is it that Australia won again with some dubious umpiring? It's probably a combination of the two things that had got the Indians fuming. Losing tends to have that effect. I wonder what would have happened had India won. Should Australia then kick up a fuss.

Firstly to the racism issue with Harbhajan. We will never know if Harbhajan said racist comments to Symonds. I don't see why the Australians would bring that up for no reason. I will admit that they sledge quite a bit, so why would they have to change from that and resort to this. And it's not Harbhajan's record is very clean. He may be incited, but he could easily sledge back with a million other things. This is the nature of the sport, like it or not.

The second issue of Australia not playing "in the spirit of the game", I think that is unfair too. Sport is played with as much heart as one can, and the Australians do that. The fact that some umpiring decisions went their way this test happens to everyone. If there was perfect umpiring decisions all the time, that would be called a computer game. You get some calls your way, you don't some other days. You can't blame Australia for that. You can say that the Australians pressured the umpire, but so does any other team. Some Indian batsmen stood their ground when they were clearly caught and did not leave. Should that be seen as not playing in the spirit of the game too.

And how can you deny a team from celebrating. For goodness sakes, you've toiled for five days and come away with an amazing victory. What are you going to do, just stand there. This is sport played at its toughest. Not many sporting events drag on for five days. It's only natural to celebrate a win so monumental. NBA players celebrate a slam dunk with as much vigour, why aren't they chastised. If you want genteel, go and watch golf or lawn bowls. Even in golf when something big happens, there fist pumping and shouting.

India's threat to pull out of the tour is just blackmail. They carry so much power in the cricket system and are now using their power to get what they want. They already have Bucknor removed from the next match and want Harbhajan's suspension to be removed. If the ICC bow to that completely, then it throws the whole system into chaos. Who can listen to anything the judicial system imposes if one can just change it by throwing some weight around.

As for calls for Ricky Ponting to be sacked, that's such a laughable suggestion. What has Ponting done to deserve that. All of a sudden, one sporting match has spoiled a whole countries reputation. Isn't that a bit of a overstatement?

If people want sport to be fair and played in the spirit, they shouldn't watch it. Sport nowadays is all about money and marketing. Without financial support and gain from companies, no sporting events would happen. This means all people relying on sport for their income, must do everything they can to succeed. No one remembers second place. All sportsmen are guilty of some arrogance. It's just that when it comes from the winners, it seen as being worse. People love to cut tall poppies down. It's just the natural way that human behaviour dictates we behave. How can we move up unless the ones above us fall down.

The Will To Win

2008-01-06T21:33:00.000+11:00

I was watching the second test between Australia and India in the cricket today. Australia was chasing their 16th consecutive test win in a row, a world record. It seemed unlikely that they were going to win, yet managed to pull it off with only an over left in play.

It's amazing how some people (and teams) have that will to win that almost seems inevitable. They create things and make it happen. It's a drive that I wish I had as that is what success is derived from. For example, if I had more drive, I would have lost the weight I wanted to already instead of saying it all the time. But that is a flaw I know that I will have. And there are many people in the same category as me. Otherwise, there would be a lot of fit everywhere. Instead, we are in a minor epidemic where most deaths in the next decade will be related to being obese in this country.

People who really have that drive to win that come to mind are Serena Williams, Roger Federer and the Australian Cricket Team. All these people just seems to be able to will themselves through tough situations and seem invincible. Even when they are down, you always feel that they can come back. It all comes from having a very strong frame of mind. Most battles are won and lost in the head, not the body.

I envy those people and wonder how it would feel like mentally to be in the state of mind that they are in. It must feel like a world where you have control over much more of your actions rather than being dictated them by everything else around you. I think it would give you a much bigger sense of ownership about your own actions and drive you to achieve even more and maintain that control. What would happen though when they started to lose that control?

The Truth Will Come Out

2008-01-06T21:22:00.000+11:00

There's an old Chinese saying that translates to "If you don't want someone to know about it, don't do it". It means that lies will eventually surface and the truth wil be revealed. I had a revelation about an old "friend" recently.

Luckily it was in regards to a "friend" who I was already seeing another side to and had well and truly separated myself from. We don't even talk anymore and this revelation makes my decision to not associate with him look even better.

I was just casually chatting with some other people about a boat. It turned to technical stuff about boats and I remembered that this old "friend" used to own a boat. I relayed the story of how his boat sank because he forgot to put in the drain plugs. This brought another friend to say that this old "friend" tried to sell him that boat, for cheap too. I asked whether he knew that the boat had sunk before and all the electrics and motor was shot. This other friend didn't know about that at all. It was this revelation that made us both see how deceptive this old "friend" was. How many friends do you know that will try to sell you something shonky and cheat you basically. If you know any of those people, get away from them now as they aren't you friends. Friends do not cheat each other. With friends like that, who would need enemies.

It amazing how after quite some time, that this little lie came out purely by coincidence. And what would be even more coincidental was that a few days later, yet another friend was telling me about how deceptive they thought our old "friend" was. This did not come by from any prompting from me at all. We were just talking about a totally unrelated topic and this old "friends" name popped up. I was really shocked this time as I thought that they were best friends. He said that was far from the truth and was only what I saw on the surface.

So if you plan on doing anything deceptive, think about who you are doing it to. If it is someone you plan to stay friends with, don't do it as the truth has its way of coming out and biting you back in the buttocks.

Excuses From Friends

2008-01-06T21:09:00.000+11:00

I think you can definitely tell when you start to drift apart from friends. The defining moment for me is when friends start telling you little white lies and giving excuses from attending things. I always say, if you don't want to do something, just say no. I've been implementing the "no" thing more and more since sometimes I just don't want to certain things. I would have said yes in the past and gone begrudgingly and unhappily. But age has taught me not to waste my time doing that.

When friends start giving excuses and conflicting stories of why they don't want to do something is the moment they aren't really a good friend anymore. Good friends don't need excuses. You just say no and the other person will accept it. Only when you feel you are obliged to give a little white lie is when the dynamics between friends has changed.

It's always strange how you can just so easily drift apart from your friends. I have written about it here and here. It probably just means that in your current state, you don't need them as much anymore. It also goes the other way where you drift closer as well. It's just a matter of what your needs are at a specific point in your life. Those friends who you keep for life are meant to be and are the ones who you can rely on most for anything.

Of late, a friend of mine has become more and more distant and is giving excuses for why they can't attend things etc. When we all meet up, it seems like there's not much to say anymore. It always seem like this person is bored to be around, in which case I think it's better to just decline things. I wouldn't put myself through having to be fake. I think what has happened was that this person used to only have us to hang around with. Now that they have other friends, they might be feeling that we didn't have as much in common as we thought, which could be true. I know of late it is only ever us calling this person and never the other way around. Anything that we "old" friends get invited to is just a secondary and last minute thought after we have invited them first.

I will see how things pan out but it may be that we have lost a friend from our circle of friends. This would be said, but such is life and I'm sure we'll all make and lose many friends throughout our lives. They all serve a need during a specific point in time, and for that we will be greatful.

Beowulf 3D

2008-01-06T20:50:00.000+11:00

*** May Contain Spoilers ***

I actually watched Beowulf a good month ago. I saw the 3D version of the movie at IMAX with a group of friends. I've never been to IMAX before so that was the primary drive to watch the movie there. I had heard from others that the IMAX experience is really cool. And since this movie came in a 3D version, it seemed like the perfect occasion to go to IMAX.

We pre bought our tickets to the film, in case there were no tickets left. We needn't have worried as there were still quite a lot of seats left despite the movie only being out for a week. This turned out to be a sign of how good the film is. News about films spread really quickly now with mobile phones and sms.

The premise of the film looked good. It was one of those "epic" movies of heroism and good and evil. I had high expectations as the trailer looked really good. I thought it would be something like the movie "300" that had been realeased a bit early in the year. I thoroughly enjoyed that film and its epic nature. The computer animation type style of "300" really worked with use of it to choreograph some really brutal fight scenes.

In Beowulf, the computer generated fight scenes were good technically. The 3D effects of the fight scenes was unbelievable. You could see and almost "feel" things whizzing past you and around you. That part of the film was done to perfection. However, it was not supported by the storyline.

Although the fight scenes were technically good, they lacked any passion as the whole movie's storyline was just lame. I kept waiting for it to get dramatic but it never happened. The movie started off with potential as a town that was being terrorised by a monster was looking for a champion and hero to save them. Cue the entrance of Beowulf, a strong warrior who was going to save the town. That's when all potential in the film ended.

The film tried to play it dramatic and funny at the same time, but failed to achieve either. The silly childness jokes and Austin Powers camera angles to hide Beowulf's manhood during the fight scenes was childish and totally not in keeping with the seriousness that the scenes demanded. Then when the film did get serious, it was just this slow unravel of man versus Beast.

The only slight surprise was that there was more to the Beast than meets the eye. The Beast in this case was played by the very seductive Angelina Jolie. But in its true essence, the Beast was man himself, and his constant greed to retain power. The movie drags along with Beowulf basically in the control of the Beast. He is in power but is yet powerless. His life drags along, same as the story. The side story with Beowulf and his wife doesn't do anything either.

In terms of the acting, that was pretty abismal too. Ray Winston as Beowulf was a parody of himself. His awful accent and delivery of dialogue was so unintentionally hilarious. Angelina Jolie played her part adequately but was given such a one dimensional character that she couldn't do much with it.

This movie is definitely not worth paying money to see at the cinemas. The 3D part of it is unbelievable, and if you really want to experience that, then its worth going to see. Although, you would probably be better off seeing some documentary at IMAX instead.

Rating: *1/2 + ** for 3D part.

New Year 2008

2008-01-06T20:35:00.000+11:00

Wow its been a long time since my last post on Dec 10. This would officially be the longest time between posts since I started this blog. It's not that I've run out of things to say, it's just that life has been so busy this last month.

Work wise, it has been an ultra hectic time. We are trying to finish a project so were working weekends even, a rarity for me. Each day was sort of blurring with the next. There was no clear differentiation between the work week and the weekends. I remember coming home one Sunday from work and thinking, what will I do this weekend. Only when I turned on the TV and Sunday programs were on did I realise it was Sunday night already and I would be going back to work.

Personally, its also been a very busy time with many parties to attend, host, and trips to go on. There was also my attempts to make macarons for Christmas presents that took up a lot of time.

Well it is a new year now and again there are new hopes and dreams to look forward to. My ever recurring resolution to lose some weight will start soon, only to fall in a heap when Winter kicks in I'm sure. My also ever recurring dream to be a millionaire and retire will also hopefully come true. I doubt it very much, but here's hoping.

What I did want to write about was that during the Christmas and New Year period this year, I really thought about how it would feel to not have friends and family around. During these festive times is when you really notice friends and family. Although people will complain about having Christmas lunches with their relatives, I think they would miss it if they were all alone with no one to have Christmas lunch with. It's always the case that we take those closest to us for granted. Not everyone has family and friends who they can spend the holidays with.

I know that I have probably said it more than once on this blog that I really need other people around me. I do not like solitude at all. I am getting better at dealing with being by myself sometimes and also doing things alone, but I will never like it. Therefore I really appreciate how lucky I am to have others to enjoy festive times with. Hopefully, I will always be able to keep those special people close to me and remember to let them know that I appreciate them. That should be my primary resolution for this and every other year.

Traffic Light Car Windscreen Washers

2007-12-10T22:19:00.000+11:00

This post is a rant about traffic light car windscreen washers. Most of them are fine and I don't care that they are there trying to earn money. It's probably illegal and they're probably avoiding paying taxes on that money, but if people are willing to pay them, good luck to them.

Here is what I don't like. I don't like it when some of them keep on cleaning right up to when the light changes. If you work there all day, you must get a sense of how long the lights stay red for. Or even if you see a certain direction of cars turning or something, you know the lights will change soon and should stop. Some keep going, meaning the car they are washing cannot move. This means that every car behind them also can't move. This is extremely annoying as the windscreen washers are usually at a busy intersection where the chance to turn only lasts for a short time. You then have to wait ages for the next set of green lights.

The other thing I don't like is when they wash your windscreen anyway, even when you clearly shake your head. I'm one of those people who think that if I wanted to wash my windscreen, I would do it properly at home myself.

This is what happened to me on Hoddle street on the weekend. I stop at the lights, about the third car back. A guy with his shirt off and all these tatts starts walking around washing windscreens. The car in front of me says yes and he washes her windscreen. She hands him some money. He walks to my car. I shake my head. I have my windows slightly down so can hear him.

Windscreen Washer: C'mon, I need some money to buy Christmas presents. I need to get a Nintendo Wii.
Thanh: No thanks, I don't need my windscreen washed.
*Windscreen Washer man starts to wash my windscreen anyway. He then walks over to my window.*
WW: I really need to buy a Nintendo Wii this Christmas.
*I search through my wallet and only have 50 cents. I give it to him.* WW: Aw what, 50 cents only.
*He then walks to the next car.*

What the heck. Aw 50 cents only. I'm the one being ripped off here and pressured to pay for a service I didn't even want. This is totally ridiculous. If they are going to force people to pay for a service they don't want, then I hope the police catch them and fine them big time.

Parrots In The Backyard

2007-12-10T22:11:00.000+11:00

Wow, I've neglected this blog a bit lately. Just been so busy doing so many things, both work wise and for fun. It's such a dichotomy that I only have time to write this blog when I'm not doing anything, but when I've doing something interesting that's worthy of blogging, I don't have time to blog about it.

Anyway, this is just a quick post of a couple of photos of the beautiful parrots that was in my backyard the other day.

Tell Your Own Story

2007-12-02T15:17:00.000+11:00

In a follow up to my post about human beings being social animals and needing to feel connected, I came across this response by Derek Powazek to a reader question.

The question is

"I was wondering if you have ever regretted your transparency on the web. Has it worked as a negative or positive influence?"

Derek's response is insightful and sums up how we all see the world through our own eyes. Sharing our own stories helps to connect us with others who may be able to sympathise or empathise. The internet has given us a much wider audience, and although the connections may be virtual, the feelings aren't, they're real. There will always still be stories that you only feel secure in sharing with people close to you but otherwise, the web is full of similar people who can connect with you over a similar experience.

Humans - Social Animals

2007-11-28T21:56:00.000+11:00

Humans are inherently social animals. Look at us, we live in communities, join clubs, work with other people and do fun things with others. Some of us are able to live more isolated than others and not be bothered. This is definitely not the case for me. I hate being isolated and by myself most of the time. I do like some alone time occasionally where I might enjoy some music, read a book or go for a walk. As I'm getting older, I'm finding that I don't mind doing more and more things by myself. However, on the whole I like being around other people.

At work for instance, if I'm alone for a long period of time in the lab, I have to call or email someone just to have some interaction. The abscence of other people is not something I particularly enjoy. I don't know where this need to interact with others comes from. I know that some people (a small percentage) can sit at their desks all day and work away, not needing to talk to anyone. I often wonder what goes through the head. Do they not mind keeping to themselves or is it that way due to not finding things in common with others to talk about.

Our work place is quite large so I would think that you can find someone that has something in common with you. I know that I talk to so many people every day about so many various topics. But there are a few individuals who I do not know a single thing about in 3 years. They just don't seem to need to talk. If they don't need to talk, well then who am I to force them to.

Occasionally you do discover that some people take longer to open up. But still, they show initial signs that they want to interact. For instance, one good friend at work and I didn't talk to each other for a year. But once the floodgates opened, we talk every day. Another friend at work took a lot longer to know as well. I always thought he was a bit of a hermit as I didn't see him chat much. But as I would talk to him more, I would find that some people don't open up to everyone, just those they really trust and know well. Gaining trust obviously takes time and talking to the other party. Hence there is a bit of a catch 22 going on.

I'm talking about needing other people because a friend has recently been relocated in his job. It was not his choice and he has found that the new work place environment is not to his liking. He feels very isolated as no one talks to him at all. You would think that new staff would be warmly welcomed and people would ask him how he was going. But this has not been the case. His exact words were "I might as well be invisible". He too is clearly someone that needs social interaction. Not talking to anyone all day is making him rather sad. He has lost his Joie de Vivre. I thought he was just joking originally as he is always joking and so happy. Obviously his situation must be affecting him more than I thought. It is not too dire a situation. He can always change jobs but that too takes time. In the mean time, he's pretty unhappy. Other people who are isolated, such as in country areas, and cannot just change jobs have to deal with it much tougher.

It's funny how demanding we are as humans. We want to be individuals and have our own identity sometimes. Yet we also want to feel like we belong and are part of a larger network. Look at all the social clubs and groups forming in the real world and more and more in the virtual world of the internet. I know that I feel like I belong even more after meeting a lot of other food bloggers. Due to sharing this common interest, we are instantly connected. I've felt like I know some of them a lot longer, even though I don't really know them at all.

I think the lesson that can be learnt from my friends situation is that we all want to belong, to different extents. It doesn't take long to say a quick "hi" to others if they are looking really down. I don't mean that we have to go around saying hi all day to everyone. Just when people are looking sad, a few simple words to make them feel like they belong can lift their spirits.

Email Etiquette Follow Up

2007-11-26T23:31:00.000+11:00

Previously, I had written a post about some email rules and etiquette that I think people should follow. A company has recently done a study of people's email etiquette. As expected, we all misuse email terrribly. We reply too quickly without thinking or things get misunderstood.

I had quite a few misunderstandings via email. We interpret emails using our own sense of humour and hence we can read things very differently to how it was intended. Email lacks all the other vital signs that we sub consciously deliver when we talk. The tone of voice, facial expressions, hand gestures and body language are all missing. Emoticons are a very crude way to try and express these things.

In the past, I have written things and am laughing my head off as I write it as it sounds so sarcastic to me. Then I get back an angry reply. I was totally confused that the recipient didn't get my sarcasm. But when I re-read my own emails trying to read it as if I was them, I could see where there can be a mixup.

Nowadays, I try not to write too provocative sentences in my email. If I intend it to be a joke, I will clearly write it as that in brackets. I don't want more confusion, which usually leads to anger. If I have more important things to say, I will ring or go talk to that person face to face. There's no substitute for face to face interaction. A string of emails can often lose sight of the initial goal, whereas ideas are much clearer face to face.

There are definitely advantages to email, such as being able to send to a lot of people. Also, information is more easily digested when you can read it slowly at your own pace. However, there are many pitfalls too that must be avoided or a lot of angry arguments will ensure, usually these arguments occur over email even. Then people hate each other and don't bother talking, hence never clearing up the misunderstanding.

Verizon Maths - $0.002 versus 0.002 cents

2007-11-24T13:17:00.000+11:00

I read an article in Jeff Milners blog a while ago and it made me crack up. It also made me quite worried that people could still be so bad at maths. The post revolved around a guy who had called up Verizon (a telco company in the US) to complain that he was being charged incorrectly for his internet or something. He kept being quoted that is was 0.002 cents per kilobyte. But they had charged him 0.002 per kilobyte, a 100 times greater amount that he was quoted. Go to Jeff's post for a link to the original file and transcript. Have a listen, it will totally crack you up and also make you so frustrated at the stupidity of the service staff.

In a follow up to that guy's problem, someone else has done some research on whether Verizon have improved their service. Again, the operators make so many mistakes it's hilarious. It's probably not so hilarious if you are trying to argue your point with them. Again Jeff has posted about it. If I was Verizon's customer, I would want to see contracts before signing up for everything. For heaven's sake, haven't these people done primary school maths.

Here is a video of the phone conversations. Go to the research website to get the full story about it.

Election Time

2007-11-23T23:47:00.000+11:00

Well, it's time again, election time. So who will you be voting for? Labor, Liberal, no you silly, Australian Idol.

Will it be young heart throb Matt Corby, or the beautiful Natalie Gauci. I have to say that they were the two stand outs of the season, so definitely deserve to be the final two. They are both so talented, writing their own music, playing instruments and arranging such unique more obscure songs.

Who should win? That's a tough call. I think no one would complain if either of the two win. They both have had many highlights throughout the season. Who do I want to win? Natalie, just because I think she's had more spectacular performances throughout the season. Her rendition of Rhianna's "Umbrella", the Divinyls "Boys In Town" and the Natalie Cole "Orange Coloured Sky" were clear highlights for me.

Customer Service 6 - Queue Here

2007-11-19T20:43:00.000+11:00

In my ongoing series about customer service, I follow on from the last post about computer says no to a post about queuing up for service.

No one likes to queue up for things, as it seems like a ridiculous pointless exercise. We all want what we want immediately. Queues are often confusing and may wind in many directions. Some people may also cut the queue, which drives people mad. Others may have problems that take forever and we're all thinking, if only I could go first, my problem only takes a second.

Some of the worse places for queues are at sports stadiums. The queues can be so long and usually you are standing outside in the hot sun. Nowadays, you can buy tickets online, but here's the crazy part, you need to pay an extra fee for the priviledge of making things easier for yourself. And then if you want to pick up your ticket at the stadium on the day, you again need to queue, albeit a much shorter queue. At least the invent of virtual tickets where you just print out a barcode has made that a bit better.

At quite a few computer stores nowadays, MSY is a classic example, the queues can get so frustrating. Their service is so slow and there is no separation between quick tasks and long tasks. They aren't really geared towards customer service so people asking about things tend to take up the resource of a whole person, of which there are only two or three. This means the line creeps along. Most people just want to pay for something they want to buy. My transactions seem to always be so quick because I know what I want, I ring in beforehand to check that it is in stock and then I pay for it. They need to have a queue where people can just pay for their products.

On the weekend, I went to ANZ bank. The branch at Parkmore shopping centre have introduced a docket machine. Nothing new there, my local deli has had one of those for years. However, the ANZ have separate dockets for separate tasks, again nothing new there. However, the stupidity of it all is that most people who want teller service take a docket and still stand around waiting anyway. You can't relax and have to be listening intently at all times for your number. They don't call it out a few times like at the deli even. If you are not focusing and miss your number, well, you're stuffed. It's probably easier just to queue and there is no confusion. You can talk to your friend in a queue without worrying about missing your number. Unlike at the deli where taking a number means you have time to browse the goods, it serves no purpose here at the bank. The only thing is does is confuse people with bad English skills, as you have to press for the right docket, hear the voice pronounce your number and counter number and then quickly walk over there. I saw a guy who was furious and scrunched up his number and throw it on the floow. He must have missed his number when it was called.

Finally, I was in a queue at the post office that wound it's way out of the shop. It's getting near Christmas and everyone is posting things. The problem with the post office is that it tries to do a bit of everything. This means that people are queueing to pay their bills (fast), send money orders overseas (slow), passports (ultra slow as it takes up a whole person for an hour), send things (fast or slow depending on what, where, how) and if unfortunately you just need to buy some stamps, you may as well tear your hair out waiting. Again, there needs to be separate queues, maybe a priority queue for buying and sending stuff. But then people will not be happy that others are "jumping" the queue.

There is no way to avoid queues and all methods are imperfect. You just have to put up with standing there uselessly doing absolutely nothing but wasting your time. At least you can talk on your mobile nowadays, that always makes it a bit less boring.

Bar and Club Hopping - Asian Style

2007-11-19T20:28:00.000+11:00

Just like C grade celebrities like to name drop A grade celebrities that they are supposedly friends with, Asians love to name drop so called bars and clubs where they have "VIP" entrance. They supposedly "know a friend of a friend who can get us all on the VIP list". What exactly does that entail us? The answer is not much. You don't get a discount price upon entry into the club, a reserved table, or even a free drink. You just get to get in, which I guess is already a bonus.

Last week, I went on a drinking session with some friends. Instead of just going to a bar where we could watch some sport and drink our beer, the organisers decided it was a good idea to go to a new place every hour. Each of these places were supposedly "hip" and they knew someone who could get us in. There were even unspoken competitions between people about who could get into what.

A lot of good that all did. We just ended up going from place to place aimlessly where the bouncers get to play their power trip games and refuse us entry. What's worse, one friend couldn't lose face so after being refused entry the first time and going someplace else, he said we should go back as it was probably quieter and we could get in. Well, again we couldn't get in. The look on his face was priceless.

I don't get why people try to make it sound like they're so popular and know everyone and can get into all these clubs. Why can't people just go to a normal bar where they don't charge you a stupid fee to get in and then also rip you off on drinks. What's up with Asians and this supposed need to be on the VIP list of these clubs and bars. Does it actually increase your social status at all? It just seems like you're a whore who tries to get to know as many people superficially as possible to get on these lists. A totally pointless activity I reckon, but that's just my opinion.

Kheang and Leanne's Wedding

2007-11-18T21:34:00.000+11:00

Congratulations to Kheang and Leanne on their wedding this past Saturday. I have know Kheang since high school and have gone through many adventures with him. It was great to see him so happy at his wedding. In fact, rumours are from some astute observers that there was even a few tears from him when he was reading his vows.

The wedding was held at one of the lakes in the Botanical Gardens. It was a really beautiful setting, with the green grass, lake behind and a bright sunny day. If anything, it was a bit too bright, getting really hot. And there were so many flies that people were waving their arms all day.

The wedding was, as is most Asian weddings, fashionably behind schedule time wise. The groom and his men were already about 20 minutes late, arriving on foot from behind the lake, all looking extremely smart. But the bride always hold centre stage at every wedding. Leanne arrived in a black classic Bentley. The bridesmaid walked down the red carpet first, and then the bride followed in father escorting her.

A string quartet played live music to accompany the ceremony.

The ceremony was then performed by a marriage celebrant. She read the happy couples story and the bridesmaids then proceeded to read poems. The exchange of vows and rings were made, with tears all round. Finally, the marriage certificates were signed and witnessed.

Photos were then taken with everyone. And there you have it, another married friend who has lost half his pay check and freedom hahaha. Just joking. I wish Kheang and Leanne all the best together.

The Kids Are Not Alright

2007-11-09T11:55:00.000+11:00

This is a post by guest blogger George and has not been edited in any way.

Kids today are a menace. You see it everywhere you go, any time of the day, on the news or in the public scene. They are constant and consistent parasites for attention, amusement, and anarchy. They lack any sort of moral fiber, show no signs of consideration and zero respect for their parent figures, authorities, and even within themselves.

There’s no explaining needed for what I am going on about. Everyday you switch on the Telly or open the front page of the daily newspaper will always include a sad and disturbing story of kids and their sordid affairs. The law offers no boundaries to their actions; their humanity at times is very questionable. The Werribee high school DVD saga is just one of many dark tales about our youths that would make any parental figure or adult wish they had no part of.

Over this week, I personally witnessed two separate events that really sickened me in a lot of ways and left me a state of disbelief and disgust. The first was during a visit at Big W in Southland Shopping Centre. There we were browsing board games in the toy section where we noticed two kids not older than 13 making a racquet with a certain toy that speaks when operated. Foul language was audible along the section of the shop where any shopper nearby could hear them. Next moment, we see them running around a-muck with plastic swords and bouncy balls yelling more profanities and play fighting as moving from aisle to aisle. However, the most shocking part was when one of the youths threw one of the balls and narrowly missed a young mother pushing a stroller. The lady firmly called for them to “cut it out”, whereupon one of the rascals replied rudely “I DIDN’T FUCKING THROW IT”. The young mother responded by saying that she was directing it to whomever threw the ball, and the stupid brat came back with “Well I’m going to throw it back at him”. This just exemplifies the extreme low level of consideration, common sense, and respect demonstrated by these two little goons. I’m fairly certain that these two particular kids come from some special school or institution.

The second moment of youths gone badly was just yesterday after lunch on a train back to my workplace. I happen to hop onto a carriage where there were three high school youths sitting at one of the ends of the carriage. They were probably in Year 7 or 8 and each were playing the old spitball game targeting random passengers leaving the train at every stop. Just before every time the train closes its doors and departs, they would position themselves just next to the opening and blow spitballs through straws aiming at complete random passengers. Every opportunity excited them; every time there was a hit or a near miss they would crack up and make a scene as if it was the funniest thing they’ve experienced. The thoughts that ran through my head the whole time during that whole train ride was hoping that these kids get into real big trouble for it, whether by the train authorities or getting their asses kicked by blowing those disgusting spitballs at the wrong person.

These two separate incidents were real eye openers for me. Even though I should not be surprised, I simply could not comprehend these wreck less and inconsiderate youths. Having been at their age level and experiencing the teen years myself, I can understand some of the reasons behind their actions and their intolerable behaviors. I can admit that I and the friends I grew up with were not angels ourselves. We were always seeking amusement and laughter at the expense of fooling and confusing people we did and did not know. However, we always knew we were always out there to make ourselves look foolish rather than embarrassing others. We knew our limits and when or if we ever stepped over the time. There were never times were we would go out and do something intentional or not that could hurt others or causing damage people’s property. Any moment one of us believed we had gone too far, one would stop himself and the others, usually warning that it would lead us to too much trouble or simply out of concern and respect for the safety or well being of people we had no grudge against. I guess even though we loved a good fun time doing these silly dares and pranks, we still adhered to some of the morals that we learnt at home and at school.

I was talking to my workmate and discussed what both us believed was the root of the problem. We shared the same theories that it has a lot to do with the level and quality of today’s parenting. Kids nowadays most likely did not have the same upbringing as most us decades ago. A good number of us who are in the late 20s grew up with either parent present at home to keep watchful eyes, and keeping us in line. While today’s preteens and adolescent are still nurtured, fed, clothed and provided for, it is very obvious that they lacked certain values that their mothers and fathers probably did not take into account. These values that most of us adults are aware of and understand the importance of are respect, responsibility, accountability and moral decency. Parents of youths nowadays neglect this somehow whether they assume too much that their kids will learn it somehow or they just don’t have the time to becoming their kid’s role model.

A point also discussed was simply the difference in society today compared to our time about over a decade ago. What you see on TV, movies, video games, magazines today would have been banned and inaccessible to youths back a while ago. All that violence, sex, drugs, bad attitudes, drunkenness, are influencing kids even in Primary school. To make things worst is how easy these corrupt materials can be accessed and consumed by our problem children of today. Technologies and the innovation of the Internet and mobile phones make it so much easier for kids today to mingle and devise mischief and disorder. Today these tools are so affordable and free to access that it is a much a lifestyle to these kids just as the TV, the microwave and the toilet.

Let’s also point out the lack respect and responsibility. My workmate was spot on when she said it was simply how they grew up and what they had growing up. Kids today have and always had everything given to them at their disposal. They expect money, food, transport, and freedom like it was their birthright, not their privilege. With that they are corrupt minded, believing that the world evolves around them and everyone including their parents should kiss their feet and be treated like Kings and Queens. Take away their money and their freedom, and we all know what they will turn into and what they will do. Running away from home, taking drugs, standing outside the red light district; there’s no limit to what they’ll do for the special attention they crave every minute of their lives.

My solution to what I call a world epidemic: Don’t have kids. If you already have them and they are uncontrollable, let’s start thinking GENICIDE. The world can be a better place, buy pets instead.

Melbourne Cup 2007

2007-11-06T21:23:00.000+11:00

Once again, the Melbourne Cup has been run and won. Won by Efficient this year, lost by me. As usual, my bets amounted to no wins. It was really funny at the TAB when I overheard as many confused people as myself trying to place a bet. People were unsure of how to mark the cards and which race it was. I was particularly confused about the ways to mark a trifecta. There were so many ways and the terminology was like another language.

The information on the back of the card wasn't very helpful. It must have been written by a lawyer since the terms that they used to describe a word contained the word. For example, it said something like "To pick a standout, mark the box labeled standout. If you don't wish to pick a standout, mark the box labeled mystery". What does any of that mean. If that was how they are trying to explain the terms, that didn't do a very good job. If it was instructions, well it's bloody obvious that if you knew what a standout was and wanted to pick it, of course you would mark the box standout. Needless to say, I didn't pick a standout. My choice for a trifecta didn't come close, but it's fun to place one bet a year in the hopes of winning some money.

Racing is supposed to be the sport of kings, but I just don't get it. What fun do you get from seeing some horses race around a track. To me, horse racing might as well be a coin toss, how can you pick winners. It's such a fickle thing. No one knows how the horse is feeling that day and all horses look like they are running the same to me. I like to watch any sport, even golf when there is nothing else on, but I just don't get horse racing.

Cashtration

2007-11-04T17:22:00.000+11:00

Cashtration - The act of buying a house, car, getting married, or having kids, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period.

I'm definitely not under cashtration, so don't know how it may change me. However, I do know lots of friends under cashtration and it can be a very crippling disease that totally changes people.

The obvious symptoms are that they can no longer go out with you and are very aware of every dollar. However, some people are still themselves and admit that they don't have any disposable money. Others still try to keep up the facade of being able to spend money but little things show what a scrooge they have become. I don't like this behaviour at all. If you don't have the money, no one will blame you for not going out. But when you become the typical "tight ass", and do little things that benefit yourself while taking advantage of your friends who are not under cashtration, that's just cheap.

Does your financial situation changes you or merely bring out another side of you that alway's there. It's not like we're living in a third world country and money is so desperate that people will kill for it. Being under cashtration just means you can't enjoy as many of the luxuries as you used to. I think that for people who become tight asses, it merely brings to the surface their real character. They have a choice not to do things, but yet still want to. Then they go and do little things that will benefit them, which I don't like.

When I am under cashtration, I must remind myself never to become a tight ass who tries to take advantage of his friends. I'd rather stay home and just watch TV than trying to keep up a facade of a person that I cannot afford to be.

Your Weakness Is My Gain

2007-11-01T23:02:00.000+11:00

Everyone has their weakness, of which I mean personality wise. Our achilles heel where others can gain the advantage on us. As much as anyone will say that they don't want to take advantage of their friends, deep down I think we all know that we do it. It's just to what degree do you do it. If you constantly take advantage of your friends, well, you probably won't stay friends for much longer.

I know my weakness is that I'm too willing to help. I like the feeling I get when I help people. However, sometimes this means that you get take advantage of. For instance, from my previous post about being a carpet mat, I used to help people a lot. However, nowadays, I'm extremely happy that I still help people as it makes me happy, but to lesser extents.

If friends ask me for help, I still do my best to help them unless its really inconvenient. Instead of saying yes, I know say no without feeling any guilt at all. I mean why should I, they're the ones asking for help. In the past though, if someone put the hard word on me, I would feel guilty and say yes. Hence it was funny when a work mate asked if I wanted to volunteer for the work BBQ. I saw how it worked last time, you stand there for a whole hour where no one appreciates what you've done and you don't get to eat the whole time. Hence, I politely refused. I then jokingly said "I'm sure .... would like to help" and pointed at my work mate next to me. I thought he was going to just say no as well, but then the other work mate started with the story. She was being genuine when she said how volunteering really gave her joy. I think my other work mate saw it as a bit of a guilt trip. Hence he couldn't say no and said he would help cook at the BBQ. I laughed out really hard.

I gave his stick about volunteering all day. I asked him why he said yes when he didn't really want to do it. He said that he felt guilty otherwise. He has the same weakness of not being able to say no. Many people have it and it makes them really angry that others just assume that they would want to do something. It's brought on by your own past actions though since you never say no. So it's just a vicious cycle that keeps going where others may or may not pick up on but will continuous to take advantage of. I glad that I have realised my own problem and have made big strides in changing. I'm a lot less upset nowadays since I only do things that I want to do.

Group or Gang?

2007-10-29T22:40:00.000+11:00

With the latest controversy about the Government reducing the number of immigrants due to them not integrating into the community, I wanted to discuss this issue. Recently, a Sudanese teenager was bashed to death. This sparked outrage from all side. There were accusations that the Sudanese youths were trouble makers who hung around the streets all day. Leaders from the Sudanese community replied by saying they were misrepresented, and only a small number of youths were causing trouble.

Personally, I think this same argument has been rehashed many times already. It happened when the Greeks and Italians first arrived and then the Vietnamese and the Chinese. There is always a fear of what's different and new arrivals are always said to be isolated from the rest of the community. Speaking from personal experience and having lived so long in Australia, I can see both sides of the story.

Firstly, from the perspective of the new immigrants, it is hard to integrate into a new society. The obvious problems with language are one issue. The main problem I found was the difference in cultural outlook. When you are not used to doing things in a certain way, it's not that easy to just change over night. It's easy for the "Australians" to say people need to integrate, but they don't know any other way. Moving to a new country where you are clearly different is not just like moving to the next suburb. There is comfort in sticking with people you know and who are similar to you and can understand you. Hence that's why we make friends with people who have things in common with us.

I know that seeing things from the other point of view, it is good for all types of people to unite and make this country one. When people are segregated, there is a sense of us versus them and what's best for you might not be best for me scenarios can occur. Now that the Italians, Greeks, Vietnamese and Chinese are fully integrated into this society, they too are now seeing the Sudanese and other Africans as different.

I remember when I was younger, when a whole group of us would walk into a shopping centre, the shop staff would watch us with eagle eyes, like we would steal something. To me, we were doing the most normal thing, just walking around together. There wasn't any hint of violence or theft at all on our part. But I guess from the external observer, they would not know that. There we were talking in mixed English and all these other languages. Some had their "cool" Country Road duffle bags while others had their hair covering their eyes. It is a slightly threatening sight I guess.

I know that when I see lots of other Asian kids in groups, I can generally pick which ones would cause trouble. However, when I see a group of Sudanese kids for example, I can't tell the difference. Hence I have found that when I see a whole group of them just loitering in the shops or around car parks etc, it is a bit threatening. I've become Aussified. I'm so comfortable living here and being used to how things are, something new is seen as a threat. I still remember when I was being perceived as the threat, so I don't judge the Sudanese that way. Nevertheless, my natural instinct is that I should be wary.

I constantly argue with my friend Kin about this issue. He says that the Sudanese are different to the other immigrants that arrived. I say that they are just the latest victims and things will change once they are here longer. However, Kin thinks that the major difference is not in whether communities are willing to integrate or not, it's what they contribute to the society. I agree with him to an extent on this. I mean the "wogs" and "nips" are now running businesses, working in high level jobs and influencing the culture. I mean who doesn't know what a souvlaki or a dim sim is nowadays. The problem that Kin points out is that while the previous immigrants all have a culture of hard work, the Sudanese might not have this. I'm don't know any Sudanese well enough to judge that. It might be true, but until I have more evidence, I will not make a judgement on just outside appearances.

What will happen with these new African immigrants will become more apparent with time. If they can, like all the previous immigrants, start to contribute to the society, I see now reason why the Government should reduce their immigration numbers. However, if they become a drain on society financially and culturally, then they should not be allowed in. I know that there are issues regarding refugee status, but there are many other people from other countries around the world who are also trying to escape equally bad conditions. And if they are willing to contribute to the country, they should be accepted instead.

Cognitive Dissonance

2007-10-24T23:31:00.000+10:00

I love reading aobut psychological experiements, and this one about Cognitive Dissonance is very interesting. Cognitive Dissonance, which I had heard of the term before but never understood, is when you try to reconcile two contradicting thoughts by lieing to yourself.

We all do this, but just to varying degrees for different situations. Sometimes you will rationalise to yourself that it's ok to do something since everyone else is doing despite clearly knowing that it's wrong. You may also convince yourself something is a great buy despite clearly knowing it's not because you don't want to look like a fool to your friends. The list goes in.

This particular experiment is interesting because it was performed on psychology students who thought they were just doing something as part of the course.

City Romp

2007-10-20T12:57:00.000+10:00

Last Sunday, a group of us participated in the City Romp. The City Romp is like a treasure hunt/Amazing Race type game. We were given clues and had to find the answers while travelling all across the city. The whole event was to raise money for the Burnet Institute, who do research into diseases like measles, HIV, hepatitis, malaria and TB, cancer and arthritis. So it was some fun and also for a good cause.

Despite forecasts of rain, the Gods were on our side and turned out a glorious day for the event. Everyone gathered at Federation Square to start off the event. Over 7000 people were participating so it was very busy indeed. Rob "Millsy" Mills of Australian Idol "fame" was there hosting the event. He's seen everywhere that no one even bothered to go and take photos of him. Lately people can see him on "The Mint" (a crappy late night game show), Singing Bee (a crappy singing game show), The Chaser's War on Everything (a great satirical show) and popping up in gigs all over the city. My friend even saw him at a comedy event. He's definitely spreading himself around.

Here is my group, the "Scavengers". From left is Kakada, Thanh (yep, same name as guys and girls can be called Thanh), Waylin, Justin and Adrian. We were pumped and ready to go. We had our maps, number tags, compass, GPS, pen, mobile phone and water. We were going to run the best race we could.

Once Justin texted the word "GO", we were given our first clue and off we went. Our first stop was Myer. We didn't know quite what to look for at the start. Eventually we found that we had to look for these orange tables. We were then given a clue and had to try and find the answer. Our first clue was what change we would get from $50 after buying all these things in the Myer food court. So we went to the food court and got all the prices. However, we were tricked on our first question already because we forgot that since there are no longer 1 and 2 cents, prices get rounded down. Luckily, you get two tries at every question. We smsed our second answer and it was right.

After the first initial compulsory stop at Myer, we were free to choose our route. So we sat down at the Myer food court and marked out where every clue was. It was better to do some planning at the start we thought than rush off and have no plan. Like the old saying goes "If you fail to plan, then plan to fail". So being the clever cookies that we were, we marked out an entire route for the whole 4 hours that we had. So off we went through the city.

Here are some of the places we visited below. We visited 21 stops all up, but we also got lost quite a bit and had to go to different areas to find the answers, so all up we might have visited about 50 locations. Some of the clues were easy while others took quite a bit of searching to find the answer. It was all really fun at the start and I did feel like I was on the Amazing Race tv show. However, by the end of it, we were all so tired and hungry that we just wanted to finish.

So in time order, here are some of the places we got to see. I've lived in Melbourne nearly all my life but didn't know there were so many great places right in the city to visit, a lot of them free as well. I must go back to a lot of them and have a better look.

Chinatown Meseum

Justin texting in the answer. It worked for the first few questions, but after a while, the system must have got overloaded and the sms were not working. We resorted to handing in the answer on the paper provided. This wasted a bit of time as we would sometimes have to track back to the clue station to hand in the answer.

State Library

Melbourne Central

RMIT University

City Baths

Melbourne Uni

The iconic Melbourne Trams

City Square

King's Domain looking down at the Shrine of Rememberance

Police Meseum

The Police Meseum was our last stop for the day. It was a really fun day and full of surprises. There's so much stuff to see in Melbourne. I'm definitely going to go back to Federation Square to look at the free art displays on show. Currently, the Joseph Brown collection is on display. Also, the Melbourne Racing Club right next door also has a great history of racing in Victoria. The Australian Centre of Moving Images, ACMI currently have the Pixar animation on display. This race has shown me so many new places in Melbourne. Hopefully we might even have won something. Have to wait for the results.

Centre Of Attention

2007-10-18T22:08:00.000+10:00

Usually in a group of people, someone will inevitably dominate the conversation. There can be different levels of it, but someone will be the main driving force for conversations and others will want to be involved in that topic as well. It's just human nature to want to be involved in something that everyone else is.

There are a couple of ways in which people can dominate the conversation. Sometimes its just by being the loudest and talking about what you want regardless of what others want. These characters are just plain annoying and either have no sense that others are bored or just can't care. Either way, I hate it when people do that. What's worse is, if you try to talk to someone else on another topic, they will still drag you back to their topic.

It's even worse when there is no substance to the person adn their topics are just plain old boring. This is when I know it's time to leave the conversation. I can't be bothered sitting there listeing to crap unless it was something I had to do.

The other way for someone to dominate a conversation is if they really are the most interesting person. The person doesn't necessarily be a celebrity to be interesting. For me, its when people have clarity of thought and contribute interesting observations, anecdotes and related stories to the conversation. For someone to do this, it generally means they are well read or have an interest and knowledge in a lot of areas to be able to contribute fascinating insights.

You may call me an intellectual snob, but the worse thing I find is to talk with people who clearly have little intelligence. Intelligence doesn't have to come from being educated, but that does help. Education teaches you how to think in a different way. But the worse types are those who just rehash the same thing over and over when its no longer funny or interesting. It's very easy to spot people like this. You find that after a while, they clearly have nothing interesting to contribute to a wide range of topics.

In different groups, the same person can go from being the centre of attention to the fringe of it. It's just the way that human social dynamics works. We're always being compared to each other to be able to assess what good and bad, high and low, fast and slow is. You can see that on Big Brother, even though all the personalities chosen are already larger than life, inevitably, some will dominate more than others. You always hear the so called "quieter" ones say "I'm the centre of attention in my group of friends." That is true when their friends are quieter compared to them, but now they're the quieter ones and the roles are reversed. Not everyone wants to be the centre of attention and generally we find a level that we are comfortable with. However, I deny anyone to say that they don't crave some attention occasionally. I can for one say that I like to occasionally be the centre of attention.

As I'm getting older, I'm finding that I am more confident in myself and that I don't have to try to talk to the most dominate person to be noticed myself. Nowadays, I know that you can learn a lot more interesting things from everyone if you just bother to ask. Hence I'm constantly asking people questions and I'm frequently being pleasantly surprised to discover how interesting some quieter people are. In fact, I can say that I judged quite a few people too quickly from just looking at the exterior and thinking they were boring since they were more reserved and quiet. It's only when you get to know them that they open up to you when they can trust you more. Similarly, I open up to them as well.

The Dangers of The Internet

2007-10-13T16:03:00.000+10:00

We all know about the dangers of the internet and how anonymity offers the bad guys a lot of protection. However, I just read a story that is so strange you would think it was a work of fiction. It is real and details how people can be manipulated by some sickos out there in cyberspace. And the sickos are necessarily old men trying to lure young children. This story is a must read to remind us all how many dangers there are out there.

This excert from the article is very insightful I think. It best sums up the moral of the story.

We spend much of our lives alone. Some cope with it better than others. The ones who don’t are primed and ready for victimhood. You have to learn to be with yourself, because if you don’t, there’s a whole world of drugs, booze and rotten people who will be your friend until you’ve been sucked dry. Beware of what loneliness makes you do.

Here's the link to the story, The Life and Death of Jesse James.

Hypocritical People

2007-10-12T22:18:00.000+10:00

Don't you just hate hypocritical people. When it suits them, they can go against what they've said in the past and do something entirely opposite. It starts right at the top, with John Howard announcing that reconciliation is on the election agenda after years of saying he would not say sorry. Reconciliation is only on the agenda should he get elected again, how convenient for him eh?

Someone I know also demonstrated how hypocritical they are today. For a couple of years, he would constantly complain to me about how he doesn't like his previous bosses who were on his case all the time and even ringing him on his mobile when he was away. Then today he goes and does exactly the same thing to a colleague now that he is in a position of power.

The bad part is that he put me in a very awkward spot. He asked if I had the mobile number of this colleague. I didn't want to lie and say I didn't when I clearly did. So I gave it to him, knowing full well the colleague would not want this. So I said "It's probably not worth ringing, he never answers anyway." But this person said that he would try anyway. So I quickly rang my colleague afterwards to apologise for giving his number. I didn't want to lie so I was put in a tough spot. Luckily that colleague was very understanding and said that it's ok and he didn't mind too much.

I saw yet another side of this person that I don't like at all. I guess that's why we fallen apart and are no longer really good friends after I saw traits of his that are not to my liking. When you complain about one thing and how awful you think it is, but can then do it now that you are in a different position and it benefits you only shows what type of character this person is. I'm now convinced that there is no need to try and patch up things with this person. I thought it was a bit strange that he never talks to me anymore yet came to talk to me today. I should have realised something was up immediately but I was too sick to think clearly. I won't make that mistake again next time.

The Power of Music 2 - Cebu Inmates

2007-10-12T21:25:00.000+10:00

In a follow up to my first post about the power of music in regards to my own moods, this post is about the inmates at Cebu prison and how music and dance has helped reform them.

I saw a story on Dateline about the inmates. I had heard about their now famous Thriller video on the internet previously already so wanted to hear about the story behind the dance. First watch the video if you haven't seen it already.

The new prison overseer Byron Garcia started to introduce music and dance to the prison after he saw some inmates marching and thought that music would enhance it even more. He also thought it would give them something to do and hence reduce the violence. How right he was to be.

Byron has implemented numerous strategies to totally reform the inmates. He put in place new prison guards who weren't corrupt, stop the drugs being smuggled in, appointed leaders within the prisoners but the best move was to get the prisoners to do coordinated dances each day.

The prisoners actually enjoy the dancing and music and it gives them something to do. They are even seen in security camera footage rehearsing for it. The power of music and dance has changed the attitudes of the prisoners towards each other, working together rather than fighting. The violence has disappeared from the prison and now the prisoners actually feel proud that so many people out there like what they do.

I think this example just shows how powerful music and dance can have on people. Here are hardened criminals who have softened considerably due to enjoying themselves. You can't help but feel happy when you listen to a good song and dance along with it. It's just so enjoyable, which is why I listen to music all the time. I hope that if the prisoners get out of jail, they maintain their current outlook and continue to listen to music and dance. It will keep them happier and hopefully reform them for life.

Dice Stacking

2007-10-09T22:30:00.000+10:00

I love watching my Chinese gambling movies, all those God of Gambler films. In those films you inevitably see one game where they use dice. One guy will roll all ones for example, so how can the other guy roll a lower number, by stacking all the dices so its like he only rolled one one.

I must confess that I have given dice stacking a go after seeing those movies years ago. I have a badly scratched dining table to prove it. I can manage to stack four dices and in the process wreck quite a few of those coconut juice/meat plastic cups. However, there's always some people who can do some things so well.

I read from Jeff's blog about some videos on Youtube (what would we do to waste the time at work without Youtube) about dice stacking. These people take dice stacking to the extreme. The skills are unbelievable. Watch for yourself. I always thought the stuff in movies were done with cameras, but you can really do it for real.

The guy from the first two videos also does cup stacking and yo yos. He's interviewed on a TV show. I can't understand a word of whatever language they are saying but you still can get the drift of the interview.

And one more video from another person, also equally skillful at dice stacking.

Ok this next video is not dice stacking but cup stacking. Equally amazing how much practice people can put in and become so good at something. This kid is actually faster than the world record but like all world record, you need to do it in competition.

Here's the world record holder, but hers is hand timed so I don't know about the accuracy. That was when the "sport" was in its infancy and they didn't have those pressure mats yet I guess. I remember hearing about her at the time a year or two ago.

The Year of Jacky Cheung World Tour 2007 Melbourne Concert

2007-10-08T12:43:00.000+10:00

Despite being slightly under the weather, I was not going to miss my Jacky Cheung concert for anything. Jacky Cheung is my all time favourite Chinese singer. I've been following his career for many years and have a huge selection of his albums and concert DVDS. It's not often that we get to see him live living here in Australia. I was so angry at myself for missing his last concert in Melbourne 4-5 years ago. This time, I made sure I got tickets early (well Technically Kevin bought them) so I wouldn't miss out. So a group of us, all Jacky fans to varying extent, went along to the concert at Vodafone arena yesterday night.

After opting out of joining the queue into the Melbourne Park car park, we found a very nice empty free car park space next to the Richmond Footy Club House building. We then did our impression of a "Prison Break" dash across the empty MCG grass areas as we were running late. We actually arrived on time but the show still hadn't started. After some confusion as to whether we were sitting in row T or U and getting in and out of our seats 3 times, we finally settled into our seats. We had fantastic seats, about 45 degrees from the stage and right in the middle tier. It only cost $59 and was a much better view than when I was on the ground floor watching the Kylie Minogue concert for $149. We also got these inflatable thundersticks which are all the rage now and Patrick blew them up for everyone.

When the music started, the crowd went burserk and started to clap the thundersticks together. We got right into it as well and started cheer like mad. Jacky made a grand entrance and kicked off into some high energy dance numbers. He has definitely improved his dancing of late. He's still not the best dancer by far, but he did quite good this time, dancing around while singing wonderfully. He did have one bad note, but that was probably the only bad note he sang all night. Here is one of his dance songs below.

He then talked to the audience a bit after he had sung a few songs. Initially he started to talk in Mandarin, but a poll of the audience as to whether he should speak in Cantonese or Mandarin got an overwhelming response that it should be Cantonese. So he simply switched over to Cantonese and continued on with the show.

Jacky then proceeded to sing some new songs from his latest album. This got a fairly good response, but since most people didn't know the words too well, sat back and listened. When he went into some more classic songs, the house erupted. Everyone sang along. He also dedicated some songs to his wife and kids, and we found out some info about him, such as how his family are all fisherman, he wrote an album by himself for his daughter and that he started in the industry by winning a singing contest.

He tried to cater for both his Cantonese and Mandarin crowds by choosing a mixture of songs from both languages. I enjoyed them both as I listen to both types, but a couple of friends were like "why is he singing Mandarin". I said that times are changing and the Mandarin crowd from China is now a force that must be catered to. Anyway, the show rolled on at a fantastic energy and Jacky was singing and dancing. He only took small quick costume change breaks, but otherwise did not stop all night. A lot of the fast songs, he was accompanied by dancers, but with the slow songs, it was just him and his voice capturing all of us.

I had my binoculars and could see Jacky clearly. His facial expressions are always great to watch. He closes his eyes a lot and makes these rather strange looking faces when he sings. It's just his style. If you look closely at the photo below and view the largest size, you can see what I mean about his face.

After doing some classic songs, Jacky gave us a small section of the "Snow Wolf Lake" musical that he was in. The story of the musical, as far as I could tell, was about a fight between two guys over the love of a lady. The other guy wins out, and Jacky then kills him and the girl. The girl doesn't die and wakes to find the other guy dead. She mourns for him and shuns Jacky. It was a really engrossing musical. I was captivated the whole time and watched in silence with the occasional clap in between. However, having said that, I felt they should have shortened it even more for the concert. It didn't really fit in with the rest of the show. If people wanted to see Snow Wolf Lake, they would go watch that instead. This portion of the show did highlight how great Jacky's voice is. Most of the songs were slow songs with just him singing his heart out. The clarity and richness of his voice is unbelievable. It's no wonder he can still be at the top of the Chinese music scene after 23 years. I looked on the concert tour official website and he's doing like 100 shows in 40 cities. He started at February this year in Las Vegas and will end the tour with encore shows in Hong Kong in January next year. His popularity is still as high as ever.

After the Snow Wolf Lake part, Jacky did a few more new songs from his latest album. He then did a couple of old classics and that was supposedly it. He and the crew took their bows.

Some people were getting out of their seats and were starting to rush off already. However, we knew that wasn't it. The crowd went totally nuts and were so loud, clapping and calling for an encore. Slowly, the drums started to beat and the "doof doof" beating got louder and faster. Jacky then re-emerged and waved to the crowd. He put his hands to his ears and asked if we wanted more. Of course we did.

He then started to sing classic song after classic song. It was just him, a microphone and his voice. Everyone knew all the songs and sang along. Here is a video of "Love you more each day" below.

He did an hour of this solo singing, and the crowd was with him the whole time. Every time he went to one side, that side of the crowd would go crazy. We were shouting so much and it was so loud, my ears were being overloaded with noise. He did some of my all time favourite songs such of his, and people were singing along at the top of their voices during the chorus sections. Some songs even had lyrics up on the big screen like a massive crowd karaoke. He was totally entertaining and talking to the crowd in a very relaxful presence throughout. People kept cheering for more after each song and he kept singing. Finally, after about 3 and 1/4 hours of non stop singing, he left us with a final song "Friends, I always wish you the best".

This concert was totally awesome and such great value for money. The Sammi Cheng concert that I went to last time was at Crown Palladium where the atmosphere was non-existent, the stage was tiny, the audio hideous and the view terrible. I paid like $100 for that. This concert was fantastic, with Jacky working the crowd beautifully, his voice stunning, the view was great and the atmosphere electric. I literally got goosebumps at some parts where the noise was unimagineable. Should Jacky ever come back to Australia, I will be going to see his concert again for sure. I will also buy this DVD if it comes out.

Different Person, Different Expectations

2007-10-07T11:51:00.000+10:00

I've learnt in the past few years that you can't apply the same expectations to everyone. I used to apply my own standards onto others, and if they didn't live up to that then they would disappoint me. I found this to be the wrong approach, as everyone is different and does things their own way.

Hence I have learnt that you have to develop different levels of expectations of others in order to not be disappointed all the time. For some people, if they say they will do this, then I can trust that they will try their best to do it. For others, I will only half believe them, so if it happens that I will be happily surprised. If it doesn't happen, then I'm not too disappointed.

This type of grading seems very unfair on people who usually live up to their words right? Their expectation levels are much higher. But that's the point, they only become that reliable from their past record. That's just the type of people they are, the ones you can turn to to do something if they say they will.

In general, your good friends will be the most dependable people, for you anyway. They might not be dependable for others, but I think you wouldn't stay good friends with them if they keep disappointing you constantly.

So Sick of Being Sick

2007-10-07T11:30:00.000+10:00

I just saw that I last blogged a whole week and a half ago. That's quite a long time between posts. I think you will have noticed that the frequency of my posts has really started to stretch out. It's not that I have less things to say, just seem to be so busy recently. I used to say that time is not an issue for me, but it is starting to all be really rushed now.

Being sick recently hasn't helped. I've got a cold and the sneezing and coughing is really driving me crazy. The light headed feeling also isn't much fun. I keep dozing in and out of sleep all day. I shouldn't have gone to work that first couple of days, but being stupid, I went and probably made the situation worse. My work mate said "Why are you trying to be a hero and coming to work." My thoughts were that I wasn't trying to be brave. It's just that unless I'm so sick I can't move, why not go to work.

I think the work at all cost attitude has been hammered into my brain through years of watching my parents. They would never take a day off sick unless it was so bad. It's just the Asian way. However, you probably make the situation worse by not resting and most likely will spread the virus to your work mates too.

Having the cold hence has made me drag things out longer than they should. I did my individual tax recently and that wasn't too bad. Once I sorted out all my deductions, it was fairly straightforward. However, my business tax is giving me headaches. I was trying to read the information yesterday and after about 2 hours, just got so dizzy and gave up. I've finally worked out all the numbers after a couple of days, but will need to double check that I'm putting all the right values to the right columns.

It just shows that you shouldn't leave things go. It would have been so easy if I had kept up to date with my records, but I just kept saying I'll do it later. Hence, all the papers piled up on my desk and even sorting through those took forever. My memory of what happened when also was not as accurate as I thought.

If I don't feel any better tonight, I think I might take tomorrow off and get some more things done at home. There's just not enough hours in the day for me to waste and watch all my tv shows, read newspapers, read and write blogs, work on the business and go out and have some fun.

Fear Creates Uncertainty

2007-09-26T22:23:00.000+10:00

I was just watching the new quiz show "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader". Initially, I thought it would be a silly show since the questions would be so easy that everyone would win the big bucks. As I watched it though, it definitely wasn't the case. Some questions are so simple but yet with our busy lives, we neglect to notice them. For example, did you know when John Howard was first elected to Government. I thought it was 1997, but the answer was 1996. The contestant got it wrong, yet all the kids got it right. To their simple uncomplicated lives, their brains allow them to focus on these things and remember them.

However, what I wanted to write about was not how clever these kids are, but how fear can create such uncertainty in us. When the contestant was answering the initial questions, with the stakes so low, even for questions she was fairly sure about, she would lock them in. However, as the money values got higher and higher, even though the questions were similarly difficult, she didn't lock them in. She was pretty sure of the answers, but was unwilling to lock them in. This was due to the big risk she would be taking financially. We all know how hard it is to make $50 000 after tax dollars, so would be unwilling to risk it. The fear in us of losing that money makes us so uncertain about our own decisions.

I can relate to this. Any time when the stakes are deemed to be high, we second guess ourselves. It's all very relative as well as to when the stakes are high. When I play poker with my friends for example, even though we may only play for $20 all up, in relative terms in that game, the stakes are high. Hence I get so nervous when I have to decide whether to go all in or not. Yet, when the situation changes and I play a few hands at the casino, $20 in that environment is so little and I'm not nervous betting it.

In both those situations though, if the stakes are deemed to be high by someone, it will make us uncertain about our actions. This applies to all facets of our lives. Hence it is why its so hard to take a risk. Taking a risk implies that the stakes are high and its something you are not sure about. The outcomes may be advantageous, but we have to way those positives with the consequences of it going wrong. The natural fear in us will make us second guess our decisions. People who are brave enough and have the conviction will make those decisions. We are all brave in one sense as we all have to make some decisions. It's just that some people are willing to make bigger decisions. In general, its people who take risks that get rewarded. It's rare for really good things to just land in your lap without you taking a chance and going for it. You may regret your risk, but you will probably regret it even more if you don't take that risk.

Great Ocean Road - The Twelve Apostles

2007-09-23T18:40:00.000+10:00

We went on a road trip down the Great Ocean Road, with our prime destination being the Twelve Apostles but with the intention to make lots of stops along the way. We started off the journey from Melbourne and went via Geelong before lunch time. There were lots of "Go Cats" signs as Geelong had just won their preliminary finals match the previous night. We didn't stop as we wanted to get some more distance on board first.

Our first stop was at Torquay to grab some lunch. A couple of us also sneaked in some quick shopping at the various surf shops. After that, we stopped at Bells Beach to view the world famous surf beach. The waves were crashing quite often and there were lots of surfers out in the waves doing their stuff.

After watching the surfers a bit, it was back onto the road. The next stop was at Aireys Inlet, where we saw the lighthouse. We were just commenting how the lighthouse looked familar, like from a movie or something. I chimed in that it looked like the "Round the Twist" TV show lighthouse. Little did we know that it was indeed the lighthouse from Mad Max and Round the Twist.

Here I am at the base of the lighthouse to give a comparison of the size of it.

After Aireys Inlet it was onto the winding stretch of the Great Ocean Road. Upon reading the history of the Great Ocean Road and being totally amazed at all the work it took to build it, we passed this inconspicous paddock. What made us stop was that it looked out of place with the rest of the scenery and reminded everyone more of Austrian Hills, with the obvious link that we all immediately thought of being "The Sound of Music". Hence we got out of the car and did our "Doe, a dear, a female deer" and "The hills are alive with the sound of music" singing and twirled ourselves around a bit.

We finally reached the Twelve Apostles just as the visitor centre was closing. Not to worry, we walked across the underground tunnel towards the viewing areas for the Twelve Apostles. Here we are taking a short break. From left is Paul, Valerie, me, Sharon and Queenie at the front.

The Apostles are definitely a wonderful sight and a demonstration of how water is such a powerful eroding force. I think currently there are only 9 Apostles still standing, with one falling down earlier this year.

Valerie and I are patting the Apostles for some good luck.

Finally, we waited until the sunset and watched in amazement at the wonderful sight. Truly beautiful and picture perfect.

The Chaser's War on APEC

2007-09-13T22:53:00.000+10:00

I only sometimes watch The Chaser's War on Everything as I find that only some of their segments are funny, whereas other segments are just too try hard. I have to give them credit though for this APEC stunt. Just the nerve to try it deserves applaud. The APEC summit represents probably the largest gathering of world leaders in Australia ever, and here are the Chaser team gate crashing it.

There was so much hype and talk beforehand of how $160 million has been spent on security and no terrorists would even get close. Well maybe terrorists didn't get close, but a TV show with cameras sure did.

Having just watched the show, it was ridiculous how simple they got in. It's worse than a night club. Even at night clubs they ask for ID from people. All it took here was to drive some cars straight in, with their dodgy flag and security passes that said "Joke" and "Insecurity".

This whole stunt just demonstrated how the best security is dependent on the weakest link. If one guard doesn't do his job and lets someone through that may be carrying say a bomb, all the defence in the world is no use.

The other thing that this stunt showed is that when you are confident enough, you can trick people into believing anything. I mean thats how con artist get away with things. With the correct appearance and actions, you can get away with a lot of things. It just shows how prone we all are to authority and that you don't question things just because you feel you should act a certain way when dealing with people who supposedly have more power than you.

I hope the Government is thankful to the Chaser team for showing them the flaw in their security rather than trying to prosecute them.

Mount Hotham Ski Trip

2007-09-10T22:13:00.000+10:00

I went on a ski trip the past weekend with some friends. I have only ever gone on one day ski trips and you don't get to do too much since you only get a few hours on the snow. We left Melbourne on Thursday night and spent a night at a hostel in Bright, a town along the way. We then got up really early and reached Mount Hotham by about 8am.

We stayed at the Lawler's Apartment right near the main village. Here is a photo below.

The apartment is only about a 100 metre walk from our apartment to the main village and ski slopes. You can see on the right hand side of the photo is our apartment.

We could see the main Hotham Central building from our front steps.

At night, the view of the sunset behind the mountain is also very spectacular.

Once we were all settled in at our apartment, we got kitted up in our rental ski gear. Everyone decided to ski, except David R who had his own snowboard and Jo also decided to snow board. Here we are posing in front of Hotham Central, with some other people behind us who also decided to pose for the photo. From left back is Peter, David R and Kin. From front left is Simon, Jo, me and David M.

For the first day, we all decided to take lessons. I had never been on a ski in my life. I had done snow boarding before for one day but wasn't very good at that. I was surprised how quickly I picked up skiing. After the Level 1 lessons, I could stop and do basic turns already. My balance was quite good. After the lesson I did some skiing on my own down half of The Summit slope. Then in the afternoon, I did Level 2 lessons. Again I found it all quite manageable. We took the chair lift up the hill and did lots of S curves down the hill. It was really fun, but tiring as well.

Here's Kin and Simon taking the chair lift up the hill.

Kin also showed his awesome duck technique for going down the hill. My style wasn't much better, but I did take more chances and go down the hill much faster.

After a hectic day of skiing, we went back to our apartment and relaxed a bit. What did we choose to do, play computer games of course. In particular FIFA 2006 and Nintendo Wii Sports. That got really competitive.

Day two was more of the same as day one. Everyone chose to do more lessons. I was confident enough to take Level 3 lessons. I did ok for the most part of it. We went down quite a few Blue Runs, and I did the Sun Run, Gully Catwalk and Mother Johnson's Return ok. It was only Slalom Gully that got me as my legs were getting really tired and I crashed a few times. The snow was really soft though and my 10 or so crashes during the weekend didn't hurt at all.

Here I am standing at The Summit overlooking Feather Top, which David M told me was one of the highest mountains in Victoria. Isn't it just spectacular.

In the second half of Saturday, we went to The Big D slope and did some runs there. Jo tried to board there but got really frustrated that she kept falling there so she took her board and went back to The Summit with Kin and David M.

Peter, Simon and I kept going on the Big D because it had this perfect wide straight run with hardly any people. We went full steam down in a straight line and I can tell you, the feeling is exhilarating. I felt like I was going so fast but probably in reality I wasn't going that fast. We also attempted this half pipe type run down the side. The first attempt I managed to navigated the half pipe, but then crashed at the first bump. However, I was determined to do a good run on it so did it again and made it all the way down without falling. That run was probably the best all weekend since it felt so fast. Here is Peter zooming down the hill.

For the final day of our trip there, we took it fairly easily. Everyone just did runs down The Summit and we had lots of snowball fights. I even managed to juggle three snowballs. Then it was lunch, some more skiing and finally the trip home.

The weekend was so much fun. The accomodation was great and so convenient. It was fully fitted with furniture and utensils etc. The view from it was good. There was lots of snow so we got a lot of good skiing in. The lessons were very helpful and I went from never being on skis to doing Blue Runs in two and a half days. The company was also great. We joked around, talked, played video games, drank some wine and beer and just had fun skiing and enjoying the surroundings. I am definitely hooked to skiing now and can't wait to go again soon.

Customer Service 5 - Computer Says No

2007-09-02T22:39:00.000+10:00

In my ever continuing series on customer, I have some more stories following from the last post.

Kin, Jo and I were at Rebel Sport in Southland Shopping Centre to pick up some ski gear for our trip this Friday. Since its nearing the end of the ski season, a lot of gear were on sale. Jo and Kin picked up some great pants and gloves from a bin that had 50% off marked on it.

As we went to pay, it was near closing time so everyone was queued up. The queues weren't that long, but with two other people in front of us, it took a good 15 minutes for our turn. Firstly, the girl behind the counter is working so slow that I thought she didn't have breakfast. To make matters worse, one staff was bouncing a footy the whole time rather than come over and give her a hand. Finally, she asked a guy who was chatting up a lady customer to give her a hand. He says ok and gets behind the counter and starts taking the tag. However, he keeps yapping to the lady customer so only managed to take off ONE whole tag. When it's the turn of the next customer before me, the customer bought a pair of shoes. It's in a square box about 40cm by 20cm. The girl scans the item. Then, here's the bit where I nearly fall down laughing. The guy turns to the girl and says "Which bag should I use". My goodness, do they teach people to think anymore at school. This guy wasn't exactly 6 years old, he looked to be 18-20. There are only THREE plastic bag sizes, all layed out on the counter. The fact that two of the bags were clearly too small would reduce the options. Even if there were two bags that fit, I think you can make a judgement call and pick one bag. What a total dimwit.

When we go to leave, Jo looks at her dockets and sees that they had incorrectly reduced the price. Instead of taking off 50%, they had only taken off 20%. She goes back in and asks one of the supervising staff, who goes with her to look at the bin. It did say 50% so he tells her to go back to the counter and to tell the checkout girl to fix it. Jo does that, only that the girl doesn't believe her and says "The computer has already deducted the amount." Jo says "Look at the price, $160 down to $128 is definitely not 50%." "but the computer has already deducted the amount" the girl insists. "Just do the maths yourself" Jo said.

Is this the level of maths and common sense they teach in schools nowadays. We are in a lot of trouble if it is. So then the girl still has to call the supervising staff to check that it is 50% off, despite the computer telling her it is. Finally, she starts to give Jo a refund. So although she had only saw Jo two minutes ago and charged her credit card, she now needed ID proof that the credit card is indeed Jo's and asks for a drivers license. What the? You charge the card two seconds ago, now the refund is going back into the card but you need ID? How does that work, what's there to gain for Jo. It's not like she is getting the money back in cash so if she had stolen the card, that would work to her advantage.

After the girl refunds the money, she then scans the prices again and did another deduction. Despite looking at the price tag THREE times for the jacket which cost $269, when the computer scanned it and it came up as $216, it didn't click for her. She then took 50% off that, down to $108. Hence Jo made a handy saving indeed.

I'm so dismayed that most kids can't even use some common sense. If the computer says one thing, it doesn't have to be write. It's how you use the computer that determines the outcome. If someone had incorrectly entered the wrong discount, the computer will only calculate the correct value for that incorrect discount. Use some common sense and use your brain.

Week's Roundup

2007-09-02T00:37:00.000+10:00

I rarely do this but just thought I would do a roundup of sorts of this week and maybe a bit of last week too.

* I'm still on the job hunt, but keep that hush hush between us. It's no military secret as I've told many people at work but just not officially yet. I haven't found anything yet. As soon as I get my butt off my chair and start searching, I'm sure things will start popping up. I'm letting friends know at least so if they hear anything, they can let me know.

* Our company is moving building, so I will have to start looking for the best way to get to work now. It's in the total opposite direction and early indications are that it will take longer to get to work. Just great, more frustration in the morning and less sleep. Another reason to possibly switch jobs I guess.

* I've also been doing my tax and it looks like I might have to pay even more tax. I hate tax. Isn't the Government suppose to be reducing tax rates so that I can keep more of my money.

* I'm going to be going skiing this Friday - Sunday. I'm really looking forward to it. It should be heaps of fun, albeit expensive as well.

* There's quite a bit to watch on TV recently. I admit that I love Australian Idol. I love singing and karaoke so I really like watching others sing too. This years ecletic mix of artists means I'm being exposed to many new music artists. I currently love "Mad World" by Gary Jules. I always liked that song when I watched Donnie Darko, just didn't know who the artist was. The Tears for Fears version of the song is also starting to grow on me.

There's also a heap of sports on currently. The footy is heading into the finals stage. Finally my team Hawthorn is going to make the finals so this year I will be even more interested. The US Open tennis is currently on. I'm following that through the Internet currently but they will start broadcasting it on TV from the quarter finals. The IAAF Atheletics Championship have been on. It's been great watching that as there isn't much atheletics on TV here in Oz. The Rugby World Cup is about to start. I'm very excited about that and hope the Wallabies will do well.

* I went to a friends birthday drinks on Friday. I can't believe how fast time flies since I hadn't seen him in like 5 months before he went off overseas for holiday. Heard some extremely juicy gossip (supposedly fact) as well during drinks that I can't repeat.

* I'm gaining heaps of weight since I haven't been running because of the cold weather. I've also been eating too much of the desserts that I have been making. Check out some of them on my food blog. Also The Age Good Food Guide is out and I went and got a copy. There's so many restaurants that I want to go and try now.

I think thats all I can think of for now. I must do a video blog soon. Haven't done that in ages. I just don't have time. So many things to do, so little time.

Happy Father's Day to my dad and all other dads out there.

Lunar Eclipse

2007-08-28T22:49:00.000+10:00

Having decided that I will look up to the Heavens more often after seeing McNaught's Comet, I wasn't going to miss the Lunar Eclipse tonight. As described in the newspapers, when I went outside at about 9pm, there was the moon all nice and red. A lunar eclipse is when the Earth gets in between the sun and the moon, obscuring the sunlight onto the moon, giving it a red glow. It doesn't happen too often but chances of seeing a lunar eclipse are much higher than seeing a solar eclipse I think. For a solar eclipse, you really have to be in the right place. Also you're not supposed to stare directly into a solar eclipse, whereas you can look as much as you want at a lunar eclipse.

I grabbed my camera and tried to take a few photos. The photos aren't great since I don't have a zoom lens. The first photos is when the moon is totally obscurred from the sun, while the second photo you can start to see some part of the moon glowing brightly.

Footy - Hawks vs Bulldogs

2007-08-28T22:40:00.000+10:00

With the Hawks doing unexpectedly well this year, I was back on the Hawthorn bandwagon again. I go to games when they win and stay home when they are losing. Anyway, with our slightly altered student IDs, we went to the match at Telstra Dome. Hey, I get way overcharged for food already, why should I pay them any more than I can get away with.

Firstly, just a comment on Telstra Dome. When it was first built, people were saying how crap it was and how many problems there was with the surface and that it won't work. All I can say is that those people now have egg on their face. The Dome is a world class stadium that holds heaps of world class events. Having the retractable roof is just beautiful when the weather isn't so great. I know that although the G has all those years of history and character, I actually prefer going to the Dome. The view from all seats in the Dome is great. We got given generally reserved seats right behind the goals, so were right in the mix of things. The access to toilets, food outlets and general access around the ground at the Dome is so easy, much better than the G.

To the game at hand, it was close for a half, but then the Hawks just powered away. There were so many goals, and we saw quite a few of them from a close vantage point. I even caught the ball after one of the goals. Ok I dropped the chest mark, but I did jump up and go for it and it came straight to me.

It was a fun day out and the Hawks are now marching towards the finals looking good. If only Buddy can kick straight now. Fortunately, the side kick goal kickers in Roughead, Dixon and Hodge kicked accurately.