A traditional Australian Sheep shearing hair-cut!
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Diary for - Wednesday 11th November 2009
Up again for 7.10am, took Wendy to the station once more then went for my 7 lap ritual power walk. Got back and had a much needed shave and shower.
Started watching some corny Australian breakfast show on Channel 7 called; Sunrise and noticed that the rapper, singer - for want of a better word, called; M.C. Hammer was about to release a reality TV show!
Jesus Christ, do we really need another poxy reality show about some washed up one hit wonder walking through his $58 million mansion telling the World that he’s just like us, normal civilians… D’oh… I don’t think so!
I switched the thing over and then slipped in a DVD called Eagle Eye, 2008 starring man of the moment Shia LaBeouf. Got through about an hour of it and then realised I had a few errands to do.
Headed into Macarthur Square for 3.30pm and tried out my MasterCard®, and to my surprise, it worked, though I could only get out $500 (£260). I’d have to come back tomorrow for another $500 as this is going towards the house deposit. Wendy had phoned me earlier and reminded me, plus she gave me Andrew’s account number that he wanted the money to go into. All this would have to wait till tomorrow now, as I am limited to my cash withdraws.
I took a quick walk around the book shops before heading into Coles® for tonight’s tea - Spaghetti Bolognese. I would of gone for a coffee normally, but due to our current budget restrictions and a unexpected phone call from an annoying Optus® rep, I just wanted to get back to the house. Besides, all this 35 degrees Christmas shopping was doing my head in…
Got back to the house and noticed that the next door neighbour was shaving his kids head on the lawn… I said Hello! As I passed, and he looked up and waved back, while the shears were still crawling over the poor kids forehead… I laughed to myself and thought, classic Australian.
I got inside and updated my blog and then chilled out trying to watch the rest of the film; Eagle Eye, 2008 I started earlier this morning. I got pulled away from the film to make the dinner at 6pm as Miss Shone was coming home for 7pm. By the time I prepared the dinner it was time to go down and pick Wendy up.
We both got back for 7.20pm and we sat down to Spaghetti Bolognese, and I know this sounds like I’m bragging, but it was probable one of my best ones I’ve made yet… good old Paul Newman, bless him, those sauces of his are fantastic. We chatted about each others day, with Wendy, obviously having more to say than I, as she’s been out into the real world… We then retired to the TV room. I read some of my film magazines, while Wendy
updated my resume for me…
I managed to finish off the film then headed for bed to do some reading… Wendy followed me shortly, then it was lights out for 11.30pm.
Started watching some corny Australian breakfast show on Channel 7 called; Sunrise and noticed that the rapper, singer - for want of a better word, called; M.C. Hammer was about to release a reality TV show!
Jesus Christ, do we really need another poxy reality show about some washed up one hit wonder walking through his $58 million mansion telling the World that he’s just like us, normal civilians… D’oh… I don’t think so!
I switched the thing over and then slipped in a DVD called Eagle Eye, 2008 starring man of the moment Shia LaBeouf. Got through about an hour of it and then realised I had a few errands to do.
Headed into Macarthur Square for 3.30pm and tried out my MasterCard®, and to my surprise, it worked, though I could only get out $500 (£260). I’d have to come back tomorrow for another $500 as this is going towards the house deposit. Wendy had phoned me earlier and reminded me, plus she gave me Andrew’s account number that he wanted the money to go into. All this would have to wait till tomorrow now, as I am limited to my cash withdraws.
I took a quick walk around the book shops before heading into Coles® for tonight’s tea - Spaghetti Bolognese. I would of gone for a coffee normally, but due to our current budget restrictions and a unexpected phone call from an annoying Optus® rep, I just wanted to get back to the house. Besides, all this 35 degrees Christmas shopping was doing my head in…
Got back to the house and noticed that the next door neighbour was shaving his kids head on the lawn… I said Hello! As I passed, and he looked up and waved back, while the shears were still crawling over the poor kids forehead… I laughed to myself and thought, classic Australian.
I got inside and updated my blog and then chilled out trying to watch the rest of the film; Eagle Eye, 2008 I started earlier this morning. I got pulled away from the film to make the dinner at 6pm as Miss Shone was coming home for 7pm. By the time I prepared the dinner it was time to go down and pick Wendy up.
We both got back for 7.20pm and we sat down to Spaghetti Bolognese, and I know this sounds like I’m bragging, but it was probable one of my best ones I’ve made yet… good old Paul Newman, bless him, those sauces of his are fantastic. We chatted about each others day, with Wendy, obviously having more to say than I, as she’s been out into the real world… We then retired to the TV room. I read some of my film magazines, while Wendy
updated my resume for me…
I managed to finish off the film then headed for bed to do some reading… Wendy followed me shortly, then it was lights out for 11.30pm.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Diary for - Tuesday 10th November 2009
Up for 7.15am, took Miss Shone to the station and then went for a power-walk (Sounds more energetic, no!) Got quite a good sweat on and then headed back to the house for a shower. I don’t know what it is, but everywhere I look lately, I feel like there is a Hunts-man spider waiting for me, everywhere! What a big girl I’ve become…
Sat and watched My Bloody Valentine, 2009 (which is a re-make of the 1981 film of the same name) with my breakfast in my lap.
I’m sorry, but, I loved the film, and was gutted that I never went to see it in the flicks now, especially in 3D. I don’t know what it is with me and Horror films, I just love them. It was nice and trashy with loads of great deaths, though it did have a great production design and pace to it…
Highly recommended for the hardcore fan.
Uploaded my blog for 12pm and checked my banking online.
I noticed from the mid-day news that The Berlin Wall came down today, 20 years ago. Wohh! Where does the time go…?
Watched another film in the afternoon called; The Uninvited, 2009 which was a remake of the Korean hit film called; A Tale of Two Sisters, 2003. It was quite good, with an interesting sting in its tale.
Popped down to the local Supermarket at 4.30pm for some ingredients for the stove meal I‘d be producing tonight. Wendy phoned earlier and said she won’t be ready till about 7.30pm.
Read and pissed about on my computer after preparing the tea for tonight. Janine was in the back room checking on her clients - her DOG customers, sounds better.
Picked up Miss Shone at Leumeah Station and headed home. Wendy said we’ll have to pay Andrew (our new land-lord) $1,000 up front plus 2 weeks rent in advance, which would be a further $600 as this is the standard normal charge on moving into a place for the first time. I’ll have to go tomorrow and draw some money out, depending if I can get my bloody bank card sorted out tonight.
Got in and had a late supper of beef in BBQ Chinese sauce, which wasn’t that nice… Strike against Mr Jones. That’s what you get for trying out a new sauce, see, stick to what you know…
Wendy and I watched East, West 101 at 8.30pm as it’s a show we both seem to like, then started the international phone call to hell… or should that be the HSBC bank. After 30 minutes and no credit left on my phone I eventually got thru to a Scottish lady who couldn’t do enough for me… Though her accents was strong (though NOT as strong as some people I’ve been connected to, mostly from Bangladesh!) I could still understand her. And after a few security questions my new updated MasterCard® was up and running again, thank Christ.
After, I was flicking through a few channels and came across a documentary called; Encounters at The End of the World, 2007 directed by Werner Herzog. Brilliant, my night was picking up, what a fascinating film-maker. Wendy went to bed and I stayed up till the end… I could watch Werner all day, brilliant stuff.
I crawled into bed for 11.50pm in complete darkness… a bit like Werner!
Sat and watched My Bloody Valentine, 2009 (which is a re-make of the 1981 film of the same name) with my breakfast in my lap.
I’m sorry, but, I loved the film, and was gutted that I never went to see it in the flicks now, especially in 3D. I don’t know what it is with me and Horror films, I just love them. It was nice and trashy with loads of great deaths, though it did have a great production design and pace to it…
Highly recommended for the hardcore fan.
Uploaded my blog for 12pm and checked my banking online.
I noticed from the mid-day news that The Berlin Wall came down today, 20 years ago. Wohh! Where does the time go…?
Watched another film in the afternoon called; The Uninvited, 2009 which was a remake of the Korean hit film called; A Tale of Two Sisters, 2003. It was quite good, with an interesting sting in its tale.
Popped down to the local Supermarket at 4.30pm for some ingredients for the stove meal I‘d be producing tonight. Wendy phoned earlier and said she won’t be ready till about 7.30pm.
Read and pissed about on my computer after preparing the tea for tonight. Janine was in the back room checking on her clients - her DOG customers, sounds better.
Picked up Miss Shone at Leumeah Station and headed home. Wendy said we’ll have to pay Andrew (our new land-lord) $1,000 up front plus 2 weeks rent in advance, which would be a further $600 as this is the standard normal charge on moving into a place for the first time. I’ll have to go tomorrow and draw some money out, depending if I can get my bloody bank card sorted out tonight.
Got in and had a late supper of beef in BBQ Chinese sauce, which wasn’t that nice… Strike against Mr Jones. That’s what you get for trying out a new sauce, see, stick to what you know…
Wendy and I watched East, West 101 at 8.30pm as it’s a show we both seem to like, then started the international phone call to hell… or should that be the HSBC bank. After 30 minutes and no credit left on my phone I eventually got thru to a Scottish lady who couldn’t do enough for me… Though her accents was strong (though NOT as strong as some people I’ve been connected to, mostly from Bangladesh!) I could still understand her. And after a few security questions my new updated MasterCard® was up and running again, thank Christ.
After, I was flicking through a few channels and came across a documentary called; Encounters at The End of the World, 2007 directed by Werner Herzog. Brilliant, my night was picking up, what a fascinating film-maker. Wendy went to bed and I stayed up till the end… I could watch Werner all day, brilliant stuff.
I crawled into bed for 11.50pm in complete darkness… a bit like Werner!
Monday, 9 November 2009
Bob's Picture's of the Day!
I've got more certificates now, than I have a job!
These two are my R.G.S. Responsable Gambling Service licences which one has to have to work behind a bar that operates a Pokies machine. Which is pretty much EVERYWHERE within the N.S.W. area...
These are my R.S.A. (Responsible Service of Alcohol) alcohol licence... No, it doesn't mean I can get pissed 24 hours a day! It means that I can now sell alcohol... As long as thier not under 18 years of age. Other wise its a $11,000 (£6,000) fine, on the spot!!!
AAAhhh!! Not what you want to see before bed!
Diary for - Monday 9th November 2009
And so begins another week, and, ironically our last here in Campbelltown. This time next week we’ll be living in our new place, hopefully.
Took Miss Shone to the station and then went for my morning walk around the pond. It’s going to be a hot one again today, as foreseen by the TV weather men on Channel 7.
Got back from the walk and freshened myself up, then sat down and watched The Orphanage, 2007 a film I’ve been wanting to see for a long time. It was very good, a well made ghost story.
Checked my mail after, both online and outside through the traditional way, by looking inside a letter box. I was pleasantly surprised to see all my RSA alcohol and gambling licences had arrived, safe and sound, relief.
I got back into the house and decided to do some filming, as its been a while since I’ve committed anything to film - DV tape should I say. I set myself up in the corner of the dinning room and filmed myself and my certificates.
Sounds pretentious, I know, but it might be used for some sequence when I eventually get round to editing all of our footage, all 24 tapes (and 24 hours) of it, and continuing. Chilled out with a can of coke for the remaining afternoon, while checking on my e-mails.
Janine finished work at 3.50pm and we had a quick chat before she hit the phone lines and double checked that the dog lovers around Campbelltown are still on for tomorrow…
I eventually drove down to Eagle Vale mall and tried out my new Credit card, sent from the UK by post from Rose and John. Unfortunately, it didn’t work… I thought it might need another 24 hours to register, from signing it in online, so I didn’t worry about it too much for now.
Picked up a few food items for our tea while I was there and then headed down to the station to wait for Wendy’s train to roll in.
After waiting 30 minutes, the train, with Miss Shone on it, eventually came rolling in. The wait was OK, as I had my book to keep me company.
Got back and made the tuna salad, though I did have to miss Top Gear, as it was around 8.20pm when we both finally sat down to eat. Things were looking up after tea as I remembered that Man Vs Wild was on after it.
As the night progressed, I even had my own little ‘Bear’ Gillis (name of the guy on the programme Man Vs Wild) experience, as I turned to look outside and noticed a huge spider climbing on the patio door. I almost shit-myself.
I thought it was a Hunts-Man, though the jury is out on this… I took a picture of it, more to document my fist real encounter with the ‘wildlife’ of Australia. All this wildlife excitement was followed by The Apprentice which was like watching a wildlife programme within itself, as all the contestants started to turn on each other for that elusive work position in the heart of Sydney. Then, it was time for bed. Lights out for 11.10pm.
Took Miss Shone to the station and then went for my morning walk around the pond. It’s going to be a hot one again today, as foreseen by the TV weather men on Channel 7.
Got back from the walk and freshened myself up, then sat down and watched The Orphanage, 2007 a film I’ve been wanting to see for a long time. It was very good, a well made ghost story.
Checked my mail after, both online and outside through the traditional way, by looking inside a letter box. I was pleasantly surprised to see all my RSA alcohol and gambling licences had arrived, safe and sound, relief.
I got back into the house and decided to do some filming, as its been a while since I’ve committed anything to film - DV tape should I say. I set myself up in the corner of the dinning room and filmed myself and my certificates.
Sounds pretentious, I know, but it might be used for some sequence when I eventually get round to editing all of our footage, all 24 tapes (and 24 hours) of it, and continuing. Chilled out with a can of coke for the remaining afternoon, while checking on my e-mails.
Janine finished work at 3.50pm and we had a quick chat before she hit the phone lines and double checked that the dog lovers around Campbelltown are still on for tomorrow…
I eventually drove down to Eagle Vale mall and tried out my new Credit card, sent from the UK by post from Rose and John. Unfortunately, it didn’t work… I thought it might need another 24 hours to register, from signing it in online, so I didn’t worry about it too much for now.
Picked up a few food items for our tea while I was there and then headed down to the station to wait for Wendy’s train to roll in.
After waiting 30 minutes, the train, with Miss Shone on it, eventually came rolling in. The wait was OK, as I had my book to keep me company.
Got back and made the tuna salad, though I did have to miss Top Gear, as it was around 8.20pm when we both finally sat down to eat. Things were looking up after tea as I remembered that Man Vs Wild was on after it.
As the night progressed, I even had my own little ‘Bear’ Gillis (name of the guy on the programme Man Vs Wild) experience, as I turned to look outside and noticed a huge spider climbing on the patio door. I almost shit-myself.
I thought it was a Hunts-Man, though the jury is out on this… I took a picture of it, more to document my fist real encounter with the ‘wildlife’ of Australia. All this wildlife excitement was followed by The Apprentice which was like watching a wildlife programme within itself, as all the contestants started to turn on each other for that elusive work position in the heart of Sydney. Then, it was time for bed. Lights out for 11.10pm.
Sunday, 8 November 2009
Bob's Picture's of the Day!
Wendy and her César salad... I apologise for Ian!!!
The restaurant of hidden treasures... Kanahooka.
Me trying to throw a piece of plastic at a television screen... How stupid do I look.
... Though Miss Shone seems to be having difficulty with the remote-control unit too... Try the other room love, Temptation Island might be on...
Diary for Sunday 8th November 2009
I awoke early for a change this morning sometime after 8am. I came into the front room and read some of my book for a bit with a mug of coffee.
Went for a shower around 9.40am and updated my blog, with Miss Shone still in dream world.
Wendy finally got up around 11am, almost completing a 12 hour marathon. She jumped into the shower and after got herself and me something to eat. I quickly finished off updating my blog, while discussing the finer points of Horror/Slasher films with Janine… and then both Wendy and I headed off to Ian and Angela’s for the day.
We arrived at Kanahooka after a pleasant 50 minute drive to the Tudor/Thompson residents, at 1.20pm (20 minutes late, not bad for me!).
As always we were greeted with hugs and smiles and then shown into the lounge. Ang had prepared us all a chicken César salad, and both Wendy and I were starving by this time, so we all tucked in ASAP, perfect.
We all chilled out and caught up with one another, and as always, conversation was flying around with topics moving all over the place.
Before any of us knew it, it was time for dinner and I suggested driving to Country Noodles for the supplies. I went down with Ang as Ian and Wendy worked hard trying to find me a job…
Angela took me the back way to the take away restaurant and past her and Ian’s old home, which I and Barry went to visit them in back in 2004.
The house hadn’t changed much, apart from the vegetation, which had grown, double in size. Aahh! The memories.
Ang and I got back and were the first to tuck into the goods, I had fried rice and battered honey chicken, beautiful…
After dinner Ian suggested a little floral activity, and I was curious to know what he meant. It was a device called a Wii (pronounced ‘Wee’ and made by Nintendo) which was an interactive TV game where one throws a hand remote at the Television to simulate the action of say a tennis racket, or Golf club. Mad, I know… but great fun. This activity was only played after Ian whipped my arse in a very realistic game of sniper. This too was a video game where one appoint tries to take out the other, mostly with a high powered rife to the head. I don’t usually play video games as I get very competitive and end up getting angry with myself for not being able to work the controls properly.
As always, both Wendy and I stayed longer than we normally do and ended up driving back home to Campbelltown for 10pm. We thanked Ian and Angela for a great day and looked forward to catching up with them next time. Which would probably be this Saturday, with our house move.
The drive back was a little colourful as a thick fog had amassed over the tops of the mountains, and visibility was quite dense at times. Wendy and I got in for 11.20pm and went straight to bed.
Went for a shower around 9.40am and updated my blog, with Miss Shone still in dream world.
Wendy finally got up around 11am, almost completing a 12 hour marathon. She jumped into the shower and after got herself and me something to eat. I quickly finished off updating my blog, while discussing the finer points of Horror/Slasher films with Janine… and then both Wendy and I headed off to Ian and Angela’s for the day.
We arrived at Kanahooka after a pleasant 50 minute drive to the Tudor/Thompson residents, at 1.20pm (20 minutes late, not bad for me!).
As always we were greeted with hugs and smiles and then shown into the lounge. Ang had prepared us all a chicken César salad, and both Wendy and I were starving by this time, so we all tucked in ASAP, perfect.
We all chilled out and caught up with one another, and as always, conversation was flying around with topics moving all over the place.
Before any of us knew it, it was time for dinner and I suggested driving to Country Noodles for the supplies. I went down with Ang as Ian and Wendy worked hard trying to find me a job…
Angela took me the back way to the take away restaurant and past her and Ian’s old home, which I and Barry went to visit them in back in 2004.
The house hadn’t changed much, apart from the vegetation, which had grown, double in size. Aahh! The memories.
Ang and I got back and were the first to tuck into the goods, I had fried rice and battered honey chicken, beautiful…
After dinner Ian suggested a little floral activity, and I was curious to know what he meant. It was a device called a Wii (pronounced ‘Wee’ and made by Nintendo) which was an interactive TV game where one throws a hand remote at the Television to simulate the action of say a tennis racket, or Golf club. Mad, I know… but great fun. This activity was only played after Ian whipped my arse in a very realistic game of sniper. This too was a video game where one appoint tries to take out the other, mostly with a high powered rife to the head. I don’t usually play video games as I get very competitive and end up getting angry with myself for not being able to work the controls properly.
As always, both Wendy and I stayed longer than we normally do and ended up driving back home to Campbelltown for 10pm. We thanked Ian and Angela for a great day and looked forward to catching up with them next time. Which would probably be this Saturday, with our house move.
The drive back was a little colourful as a thick fog had amassed over the tops of the mountains, and visibility was quite dense at times. Wendy and I got in for 11.20pm and went straight to bed.
Saturday, 7 November 2009
Bob's Picture's of the Day!
Welcome to Liverpool, handguns are optional...
Our new home, Sutherland's... Like it?
The Coffee Box, Jannali.
Forward!!! Jannali has some steep roads!
Gayle and Rhys on the Bumper cars!!!
Rhys pick out the winning duck... Apex Park.
Jones Pic No 1.
Jones Pic No 2.
A very happy customer...
Another happy customer!
Wendy and Rhys pick up another prize!
Jones Pic No 3.
Jones Pic No 4. my personal favourite!
Diary for - Saturday 7th November 2009
Woke this morning for 8am and noticed straight away that Wendy was already up and on her Mac® (or as she likes to call it Miss Mac®).
I sat with her and watched some TV, just a music channel happily named ‘Rage’. I made us some breakfast - bagels and coffee, while Wendy checked out some of the selling and purchasing websites online. She found one that looked quite good called; Cash Converters which was based in Liverpool, so we decided to pop down their and see what stuff she could sell.
We left the house for 12.40pm and drove down to Liverpool (no, not that Liverpool UK, the one in NSW). We popped into Cash Converters as Wendy wanted to quickly get rid of some old stuff she doesn’t use any-more. The shop basically gives cash for unwanted items.
She got rid of a fish rod and a couple of sandwich toasters and what not as she didn’t want to be carrying more crap with us to our new home next week. Liverpool was a bit of a rough area, quite similar to the one back home, and we were both glad to be leaving it at the close of business.
Wendy suggested popping in to see our future home at Sutherland's, which sounded a great idea. On arrival we both noticed Andrew (our future land-lord in the garden) and decided not to stop, just in case we looked a bit pushy. We then decided to head on down to Jannali and pop into main town, which looked quite quaint, apart from the abundance of awful graffiti, which is surprisingly everywhere in NSW.
We parked up and took a walk around, just to familiarise ourselves with what the area had to offer. There were the usual buildings; Post Office, Veg shops, News agency, pretty much everything one could ask for…
After a quick tour of the streets, and the train station, we tried out a local café called The Coffee Box, where we indulged into some light lunch. I had ham and cheese toasty and Wendy had a avocado and bacon on toasty, we also both had a much needed coffee too.
By now the time was 3.50pm and we had promised Gayle and Rhys that we’d go with them to the fair, back at Campbelltown. So we headed back.
Gayle and Rhys were waiting for us at Eleri and Peter’s unit back at Central Park, Campbelltown. We picked them up and walked over to the Apex Park again, which was only a 15 minute walk away.
Being back at the fair was like de‘jia’ ve, yet the punters were still out in full force. Rhys wanted to go on the bumper cars, and we voted Gayle, as both Wendy and I had taken him on them last weekend - last weekend, God, you wonder where the time goes!
Rhys then insisted that he wanted to go on a few more rides before we hit the ice-cream van. As always I was completely fascinated with the clientèle that comes to these places, and backed up that argument by taking a few Jones ‘candid’ photos of just a few of the ‘stars’ that these place’s attract.
We didn’t stay too long and headed back to the unit on foot. I was nominated to carry Rhys back after his little legs gave way, preferably, on my shoulders. Wendy and I helped Gayle with Rhys into the car and then waved them off. We then decided to head into the Square, as it was only 7pm for a coffee and a much deserved cake.
We parked outside The Coffee Cub as it was a lovely warm night. Wendy had a muffin and hot chocolate, I hate a flat white and piece of fruit and nut loaf. We sat for an hour and just relaxed watching all the ‘Westies’ - a name Wendy calls all the locals, walk by with their skirts raised up to their navels.
We eventually headed back to the house and I crashed immediately on couch and watched some TV while Wendy chatted to Janine. I slipped on a film Friday the 13th - Remake, 2009 which was awful, though the killings were quite brilliant, sad but true. While Miss Shone played around on Miss Mac®. After the film we both headed for bed, lights out 11.30pm.
I sat with her and watched some TV, just a music channel happily named ‘Rage’. I made us some breakfast - bagels and coffee, while Wendy checked out some of the selling and purchasing websites online. She found one that looked quite good called; Cash Converters which was based in Liverpool, so we decided to pop down their and see what stuff she could sell.
We left the house for 12.40pm and drove down to Liverpool (no, not that Liverpool UK, the one in NSW). We popped into Cash Converters as Wendy wanted to quickly get rid of some old stuff she doesn’t use any-more. The shop basically gives cash for unwanted items.
She got rid of a fish rod and a couple of sandwich toasters and what not as she didn’t want to be carrying more crap with us to our new home next week. Liverpool was a bit of a rough area, quite similar to the one back home, and we were both glad to be leaving it at the close of business.
Wendy suggested popping in to see our future home at Sutherland's, which sounded a great idea. On arrival we both noticed Andrew (our future land-lord in the garden) and decided not to stop, just in case we looked a bit pushy. We then decided to head on down to Jannali and pop into main town, which looked quite quaint, apart from the abundance of awful graffiti, which is surprisingly everywhere in NSW.
We parked up and took a walk around, just to familiarise ourselves with what the area had to offer. There were the usual buildings; Post Office, Veg shops, News agency, pretty much everything one could ask for…
After a quick tour of the streets, and the train station, we tried out a local café called The Coffee Box, where we indulged into some light lunch. I had ham and cheese toasty and Wendy had a avocado and bacon on toasty, we also both had a much needed coffee too.
By now the time was 3.50pm and we had promised Gayle and Rhys that we’d go with them to the fair, back at Campbelltown. So we headed back.
Gayle and Rhys were waiting for us at Eleri and Peter’s unit back at Central Park, Campbelltown. We picked them up and walked over to the Apex Park again, which was only a 15 minute walk away.
Being back at the fair was like de‘jia’ ve, yet the punters were still out in full force. Rhys wanted to go on the bumper cars, and we voted Gayle, as both Wendy and I had taken him on them last weekend - last weekend, God, you wonder where the time goes!
Rhys then insisted that he wanted to go on a few more rides before we hit the ice-cream van. As always I was completely fascinated with the clientèle that comes to these places, and backed up that argument by taking a few Jones ‘candid’ photos of just a few of the ‘stars’ that these place’s attract.
We didn’t stay too long and headed back to the unit on foot. I was nominated to carry Rhys back after his little legs gave way, preferably, on my shoulders. Wendy and I helped Gayle with Rhys into the car and then waved them off. We then decided to head into the Square, as it was only 7pm for a coffee and a much deserved cake.
We parked outside The Coffee Cub as it was a lovely warm night. Wendy had a muffin and hot chocolate, I hate a flat white and piece of fruit and nut loaf. We sat for an hour and just relaxed watching all the ‘Westies’ - a name Wendy calls all the locals, walk by with their skirts raised up to their navels.
We eventually headed back to the house and I crashed immediately on couch and watched some TV while Wendy chatted to Janine. I slipped on a film Friday the 13th - Remake, 2009 which was awful, though the killings were quite brilliant, sad but true. While Miss Shone played around on Miss Mac®. After the film we both headed for bed, lights out 11.30pm.
Friday, 6 November 2009
Bob's Top 10 Films... 5. Cult Films
Introduction.
This weeks personal genre choice is ‘Cult‘ films. After watching The Box, 2009 Richard Kelly’s latest film earlier in the week, I couldn’t help thinking about strange, often difficult, non-excepted (within the Masses!) complex films. These films may not be considered Difficult and strange to some, but I’m particularly interested in the way these films are often neglected on their original Cinematic release. It’s easy to say now; ‘Oh Memento, I love that film…’ with almost 10 years distance from its official release. When in fact not many people got it, or watched it for that matter.
Yes people, time has been forgiving for some of these films in my list. Granted, some ‘Cult’ films are widely expectable. The Big Lebowski, 1998 is a familiar film, as is Taxi Driver, 1976 but these are more to do with award ceremonies and accolades, not many ‘normal’ average viewers go out of their way to experience these in the cinema believe me.
So what are Cult films? They are mostly films that tackle strange, difficult subjects. Their not made to feel conventional, or act like a normal Blockbuster. Their championed by small groups of loyal fans that have stood by them through thick and thin times, protesting to the World that ‘their’ film is the greatest. Bless them…
So, what we have here is my top 10 favourite Cult films - in no particular order. In thinking about the list I couldn’t help notice that a good 4 out of the 10 picks are really comedies, which came as quite a surprise to me. While another 4 could be considered for a horror film list. I have chosen these 10 as I have watched them all numerous times and found new things within them at each viewing. I know I’ve missed out many, though they will appear in OTHER lists, so be patient, after all lists are personal and subjective, no?
Enjoy, till next week.
Bob.
Clerks, 1994 - Kevin Smith.
The Evil Dead, 1981 - Sam Raimi.
Happiness, 1998 - Todd Solondz.
The Big Lebowski, 1998 - The Coen Brothers.
Memento, 2000 - Christopher Nolan.
Fight Club, 1999 - David Fincher.
Taxi Driver, 1976 - Martin Scorsese.
Trainspotting, 1996 - Danny Boyle.
The Wicker Man, 1973 - Robin Hardy.
Withnail and I, 1987 - Bruce Robinson.
This weeks personal genre choice is ‘Cult‘ films. After watching The Box, 2009 Richard Kelly’s latest film earlier in the week, I couldn’t help thinking about strange, often difficult, non-excepted (within the Masses!) complex films. These films may not be considered Difficult and strange to some, but I’m particularly interested in the way these films are often neglected on their original Cinematic release. It’s easy to say now; ‘Oh Memento, I love that film…’ with almost 10 years distance from its official release. When in fact not many people got it, or watched it for that matter.
Yes people, time has been forgiving for some of these films in my list. Granted, some ‘Cult’ films are widely expectable. The Big Lebowski, 1998 is a familiar film, as is Taxi Driver, 1976 but these are more to do with award ceremonies and accolades, not many ‘normal’ average viewers go out of their way to experience these in the cinema believe me.
So what are Cult films? They are mostly films that tackle strange, difficult subjects. Their not made to feel conventional, or act like a normal Blockbuster. Their championed by small groups of loyal fans that have stood by them through thick and thin times, protesting to the World that ‘their’ film is the greatest. Bless them…
So, what we have here is my top 10 favourite Cult films - in no particular order. In thinking about the list I couldn’t help notice that a good 4 out of the 10 picks are really comedies, which came as quite a surprise to me. While another 4 could be considered for a horror film list. I have chosen these 10 as I have watched them all numerous times and found new things within them at each viewing. I know I’ve missed out many, though they will appear in OTHER lists, so be patient, after all lists are personal and subjective, no?
Enjoy, till next week.
Bob.
Clerks, 1994 - Kevin Smith.
The Evil Dead, 1981 - Sam Raimi.
Happiness, 1998 - Todd Solondz.
The Big Lebowski, 1998 - The Coen Brothers.
Memento, 2000 - Christopher Nolan.
Fight Club, 1999 - David Fincher.
Taxi Driver, 1976 - Martin Scorsese.
Trainspotting, 1996 - Danny Boyle.
The Wicker Man, 1973 - Robin Hardy.
Withnail and I, 1987 - Bruce Robinson.
Bob's Picture of the Day!
A sad day in deed... Henry, we hope your safe and enjoying yourself... Where ever you are... Xxx
Diary for - Friday 6th November 2009
Another end to the week is here again. Up and at it for 7.10am, made the old girl some breakfast - steady on, just cereal, and got ready myself for a walk after, with iPod®, hat and glasses in hand.
Dropped off Miss Shone at the station and went for the walk. Nice and quiet this morning, though I did think it was going to rain at one stage. Got back safe and moist, mostly from moving my rather portly figure from one stage of the track to another. Had a shower and got some breakfast down me.
Checked my e-mails and relaxed with a coffee watching a few podcasts on my notebook. I then updated my blog and had another coffee.
I stayed in for most of the day and watched TV and read (Well, I’ve got to keep the budget down now…).
Janine had stayed in for most of the day waiting for Henry to come back - as she had sent his remains off to be cremated.
Henry eventually came back in a box, with a rose and a nice pamphlet, with a lovely poem on it. Janine was obviously quite upset at the arrival, and I left her alone for a bit.
I eventually popped into her bedroom to see how she was, and we had a chat about life and things. She showed me Henry’s remains, which just looked like a pile of ashes… surrounded in pot purée. It’s hard to believe that we all end up like this in the end… It just seems all sad and Pointless really… Though, in saying all that, Henry did have a good life, and was defiantly loved by Janine… and all her family.
Janine then had to shoot off to pick up Wayne (Janine’s partner) from the train station as his car was still here from Monday. When they got back I got the full SP (Special) on the Melbourne Trip. He looked knackered, though in saying that 5 days of constant drinking with an average of 3-4 hours sleep a night will do that to you. I then headed off to the super market for some dinner for Wendy and I later tonight. As I was walking round Eagle Vale, I couldn’t help notice how rough things looked lately. This is not a criticism due to the fact that Wendy and I would be leaving soon, it was more to do with the fact that things just looked rough tonight. There just seemed to be more graffiti on things with rubbish scattered everywhere and loud, obnoxious people coming out of every hole. Even all the produce on Woolworths® shelves looked dirty and thrown together… perhaps it was just me…
When I got back to the house I prepared the tea only to be told that Wendy was coming home at 8pm. I said to her that I’d wait and have dinner with her and then had a yogurt with some fruit to tie me over.
I sat down and began to read the foreword from my new book that I’d ordered online; Final Cut. I found myself 30 pages in and completely griped. Quite bad of me really, as I hadn’t even finished my Ben Elton one yet Chart Throb.
Picked Wendy up from the station and headed home for tea. Had chicken in Mustard and herb sauce with rice then settled in front of the TV and watched The Exorcist, 1973 which Wendy had never seen before…
We headed for bed around 11.40pm and chatted in bed for awhile before it was lights out.
Dropped off Miss Shone at the station and went for the walk. Nice and quiet this morning, though I did think it was going to rain at one stage. Got back safe and moist, mostly from moving my rather portly figure from one stage of the track to another. Had a shower and got some breakfast down me.
Checked my e-mails and relaxed with a coffee watching a few podcasts on my notebook. I then updated my blog and had another coffee.
I stayed in for most of the day and watched TV and read (Well, I’ve got to keep the budget down now…).
Janine had stayed in for most of the day waiting for Henry to come back - as she had sent his remains off to be cremated.
Henry eventually came back in a box, with a rose and a nice pamphlet, with a lovely poem on it. Janine was obviously quite upset at the arrival, and I left her alone for a bit.
I eventually popped into her bedroom to see how she was, and we had a chat about life and things. She showed me Henry’s remains, which just looked like a pile of ashes… surrounded in pot purée. It’s hard to believe that we all end up like this in the end… It just seems all sad and Pointless really… Though, in saying all that, Henry did have a good life, and was defiantly loved by Janine… and all her family.
Janine then had to shoot off to pick up Wayne (Janine’s partner) from the train station as his car was still here from Monday. When they got back I got the full SP (Special) on the Melbourne Trip. He looked knackered, though in saying that 5 days of constant drinking with an average of 3-4 hours sleep a night will do that to you. I then headed off to the super market for some dinner for Wendy and I later tonight. As I was walking round Eagle Vale, I couldn’t help notice how rough things looked lately. This is not a criticism due to the fact that Wendy and I would be leaving soon, it was more to do with the fact that things just looked rough tonight. There just seemed to be more graffiti on things with rubbish scattered everywhere and loud, obnoxious people coming out of every hole. Even all the produce on Woolworths® shelves looked dirty and thrown together… perhaps it was just me…
When I got back to the house I prepared the tea only to be told that Wendy was coming home at 8pm. I said to her that I’d wait and have dinner with her and then had a yogurt with some fruit to tie me over.
I sat down and began to read the foreword from my new book that I’d ordered online; Final Cut. I found myself 30 pages in and completely griped. Quite bad of me really, as I hadn’t even finished my Ben Elton one yet Chart Throb.
Picked Wendy up from the station and headed home for tea. Had chicken in Mustard and herb sauce with rice then settled in front of the TV and watched The Exorcist, 1973 which Wendy had never seen before…
We headed for bed around 11.40pm and chatted in bed for awhile before it was lights out.
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Bob's Picture's of the Day!
This is Kyle with his mobile phone... Catholic Club - Campbelltown.
Back to school! My notes, that NO-ONE else can understand!
Kyle (on the far left) goes and tests the water first!
Diary for - Thursday 5th November 2009
Another early start this morning for 7.20am.
Just before popping Wendy to the station I checked in on Janine. She was sitting up in bed doing some of her college work. I sat on the bed with her and said I was sorry to hear about Henry. She started to get upset, and said ‘I’m OK if I don’t think about it…’ I left her to her writing and patted Isabel, who was by her feet. I wondered if poor Isabel knew was going on…
After taking Wendy for her train I went for my morning walk and then went for a shower. I had some cereal and read some of my magazine before updating my blog. I continued with my writing with the odd break of conversation with Janine, hoping I could cheer her up… Alas, I couldn’t.
Had an interesting e-mail from a production company, which I’d rather not say too much about right now, just in-case I jinx it…
So why mention it, But, I wanted it documented for the occasion…
I left to get the train ,at Leumeah around 2pm and arrived at Macarthur Square a little lost, as I had quite some down time before the R.C.G. course started (5pm). I walked around like a zombie till I had a phone call from Wendy asking how I was doing… After killing 10 minutes on the mobile with Miss Shone, and checking out all the new delicious books that were coming out for Christmas - Michael Pailin’s follow up diary in particular was going to be high on my wish list. I went for a coffee and a cake at my favourite place; Doughnuts & Muffins opposite Coles® supermarket, down the back end of the shopping mall.
Around 4.30pm I made a move to the Catholic Club, well, that and I was starting to feel a little embarrassed about my over stay at cubical No 14 at Doughnuts & Muffins.
Once in the Catholic Club I caught up with Kyle and his mobile phone. He was waiting for the updates about his youngest child who had been taken into hospital last night with chest pains. The poor man was out of his mind, and who could blame him…
We were all called into the Macquarie Function room - the same one I was in on Sunday, and we all took our seats.
We were handed out more lovely thick, juicy forms to fill in, and out, and then it was time for the course to being.
I thought we all took quite a bit of info on board the other night, but, tonight was going to be a special night as the facts and figures were going in left, right, and centre. Tonight’s subject was; Gambling Legislation.
The night went quite quick (though Kyle would argue this statement) with me fighting to keep up with all the facts and figures.
Katrina - our course leader, was talking about statistics, just within the NSW area ‘only’ that was making my small, balding head spin.
Did you know that $100 Million Dollars was spent, just on the main race on Melbourne Cup day. And that $840 Million was spent, just on the ‘Pokies’ (One arm bandits) in one year, within the NSW area alone. My personal favourite is that Australian’s gamble $13 Billion annually! Ouch!!!
After a few chocolate breaks and a couple of walks around the building we were all sitting down to a nice big juicy exam, again… Lovely…
I thought I was struggling, until I heard Kyle asking me where he should put his name on the questioner sheet… I gave him a hand, and the answers to question 4, 9, 23, 38, 45. Poor thing, his head was battered…
We all went up to Katrina’s main desk, after the exam and handed our papers in, only to be told, there and then whether we had passed or not… I’m pleased to say that both Kyle and I got thru, just…
I thanked Katrina for all her help and assistance and ended up chatting about Wales again to her after the class for awhile. She even gave me her personal home e-mail address, as her husbands brother is living in the same area that Wendy and I are going to be moving to in the next week or two… Weird, or what. She seems to think she can put a good word in for me… ‘You Beauty!’
I waited outside for Wendy to come and pick me up. She arrived for 10.40pm and we headed straight home. I asked how Janine was, and she said obviously still upset. When we got in Janine had already gone to bed. Wendy and I followed, and after a quick catch up chat, it was lights out.
Just before popping Wendy to the station I checked in on Janine. She was sitting up in bed doing some of her college work. I sat on the bed with her and said I was sorry to hear about Henry. She started to get upset, and said ‘I’m OK if I don’t think about it…’ I left her to her writing and patted Isabel, who was by her feet. I wondered if poor Isabel knew was going on…
After taking Wendy for her train I went for my morning walk and then went for a shower. I had some cereal and read some of my magazine before updating my blog. I continued with my writing with the odd break of conversation with Janine, hoping I could cheer her up… Alas, I couldn’t.
Had an interesting e-mail from a production company, which I’d rather not say too much about right now, just in-case I jinx it…
So why mention it, But, I wanted it documented for the occasion…
I left to get the train ,at Leumeah around 2pm and arrived at Macarthur Square a little lost, as I had quite some down time before the R.C.G. course started (5pm). I walked around like a zombie till I had a phone call from Wendy asking how I was doing… After killing 10 minutes on the mobile with Miss Shone, and checking out all the new delicious books that were coming out for Christmas - Michael Pailin’s follow up diary in particular was going to be high on my wish list. I went for a coffee and a cake at my favourite place; Doughnuts & Muffins opposite Coles® supermarket, down the back end of the shopping mall.
Around 4.30pm I made a move to the Catholic Club, well, that and I was starting to feel a little embarrassed about my over stay at cubical No 14 at Doughnuts & Muffins.
Once in the Catholic Club I caught up with Kyle and his mobile phone. He was waiting for the updates about his youngest child who had been taken into hospital last night with chest pains. The poor man was out of his mind, and who could blame him…
We were all called into the Macquarie Function room - the same one I was in on Sunday, and we all took our seats.
We were handed out more lovely thick, juicy forms to fill in, and out, and then it was time for the course to being.
I thought we all took quite a bit of info on board the other night, but, tonight was going to be a special night as the facts and figures were going in left, right, and centre. Tonight’s subject was; Gambling Legislation.
The night went quite quick (though Kyle would argue this statement) with me fighting to keep up with all the facts and figures.
Katrina - our course leader, was talking about statistics, just within the NSW area ‘only’ that was making my small, balding head spin.
Did you know that $100 Million Dollars was spent, just on the main race on Melbourne Cup day. And that $840 Million was spent, just on the ‘Pokies’ (One arm bandits) in one year, within the NSW area alone. My personal favourite is that Australian’s gamble $13 Billion annually! Ouch!!!
After a few chocolate breaks and a couple of walks around the building we were all sitting down to a nice big juicy exam, again… Lovely…
I thought I was struggling, until I heard Kyle asking me where he should put his name on the questioner sheet… I gave him a hand, and the answers to question 4, 9, 23, 38, 45. Poor thing, his head was battered…
We all went up to Katrina’s main desk, after the exam and handed our papers in, only to be told, there and then whether we had passed or not… I’m pleased to say that both Kyle and I got thru, just…
I thanked Katrina for all her help and assistance and ended up chatting about Wales again to her after the class for awhile. She even gave me her personal home e-mail address, as her husbands brother is living in the same area that Wendy and I are going to be moving to in the next week or two… Weird, or what. She seems to think she can put a good word in for me… ‘You Beauty!’
I waited outside for Wendy to come and pick me up. She arrived for 10.40pm and we headed straight home. I asked how Janine was, and she said obviously still upset. When we got in Janine had already gone to bed. Wendy and I followed, and after a quick catch up chat, it was lights out.
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
R.I.P. - Henry
Henry - Dog, companion and friend.
It is a sad day in the Allen house today as Henry, Janine’s Staffordshire dog of 11 years has past away. Henry had been ill for some time and passed away this afternoon in his owners arms.
I had only known Henry for just under 6 months but had quite a fun time listening to him howl and scratch for his dinner on cue everyday between 5pm - 6pm. He was very quiet, and loved to bake in the sun for hours. Though, not seen by few, he was loved by many…
Henry mate, we’ll miss you… Xxx
Bob's Cinema Review
“The Box ”
Directed by Richard Kelly
Starring: Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, Frank Langella
A small wooden box arrives on the doorstep of a married couple, who know that opening it will grant them a million dollars but with the consequences of killing someone they don't know.
The Box is set in Richmond, Virginia, in 1976. It tells a story of a family (Cameron Diaz and James Marsden) who are struggling with financial problems. One night they receive a box that has a red button. The next day they get a visit from a mysterious, disfigured man (Frank Langella). The man presents them with an unusual offer. If they push the button, two things will happen; somebody somewhere in the world, who they don't know will die and second, they will receive a payment of $1,000,000. This sets in motion a set of events that will change their lives forever.
I was immediately intrigued with the idea of the premise, that’s why I went to see the film. Movies that ask questions and/or offer moral dilemmas to the audience have always appealed to me. But even though I liked the pitch, the film script was a bit messy. It almost felt like Kelly had too many ideas, even if they were good ones. It is a film that makes you think. The pace is slow, and quite scary at times, gradually building a mood of mystery. Although confusing in parts, there is a great deal of explanation to it. It is a film to love and hate, a bit like Donnie Darko, 2001 (Richard Kelly’s 1st film).
The Box is director Richard Kelly, this, his third feature film, and it doesn't have the smart storytelling of Donnie Darko, 2001 but it is definitely worth a viewing with its suspenseful story and interesting mood, even with its flaws, I really enjoyed movie.
Though I have to admit, I was sort of fearing the worst. Because I’m not sure if director Richard Kelly’s, 1st brilliant film Donnie Darko, 2001 was an accident or a fluke. I also think Kelly is a very interesting film maker and his way of expressing himself is so different from everybody else's, that sometimes people just can't understand his vision. I have to admit I was too scared to see Southland Tales, 2006 as film buzz described it as un-watch-able, which I just can’t afford to waste time and money on.
But that doesn’t mean that The Box is not going to be for everyone. There will defiantly be people who will passionately hate it, but also people who will just as strongly love it, as is the rule with interesting, challenging films. Though, you can think what you like, but, films like The Box are still a hundred times more interesting than the regular predictable crap that is usually pushed from Hollywood.
Though I enjoyed the film, I also had a problem with the main cast. Cameron Diaz's southern accent was terribly forced and brought attention to itself throughout the film. And I’m sorry, but James Marsden is no astronaut, I can tell you that for free. I'm sure these two ‘stars’ will fill the seats in your local movie theatre, but I just didn't buy it. There are problems in the acting throughout the movie and it's hard to say if it's deliberate or not, but quite often the dialog felt unreal and even fake sometimes. Frank Langella on the other hand, was very creepy and frightening, and more or less ended up carrying the whole movie on his shoulders.
Although the film didn't make a massive impression on me, I definitely found it intriguing and worthwhile. I was completely entertained and remained interested throughout the whole movie. I just think Richard Kelly has huge potential and even if he still has some soul searching to do, to make his storytelling as perfect as it was in Donnie Darko, 2001. I'm still a little sceptical and unconvinced that his debut film won't be bettered. Kelly, please prove me wrong.
Bob's Picture's of the Day!
Woh, quick postal service... My 2nd hand book - Final cut $4.
The Event Cinema with all its face-lifting complete... They just needed to work on the staff now... Macarthur Square - Campbelltown.
The Rydges Hotel, the 1st hotel I've never eaten in, drank in or slept within!
Note; Nice coffee facility's though...
Back to school, people signing in on the register... "Here Miss!"
Diary for - Wendnesday 4th November 2009
Woke for 7.20am. Felt completely exhausted this morning.
Though from the view outside the bedroom window I could see that the weather had completely turned around. It was hazy and overcast, with the odd spot of rain.
Took Wendy to the station again this morning, but arranged for her to have the car keys as I was off to the Catholic Club again tonight, for my Part 2 of the course that I started on Sunday. I went for my usual walk around the pond and got back to the house for 9am.
Had a shave and shower and updated the Journal/Blog. I then checked the times for the train from Leumeah to Macarthur as I had to leave the car at the station for Wendy to get home in, as I would be at the bar course till 10pm. Made myself some breakfast and watched Friday the 13th, 1980 that I started yesterday.
Had a surprise knock at the door with one of my books that I ordered, second hand, which had arrived. Final Cut - the story of Heavens Gate.
I didn’t have time to look at it really as I needed to get to the train station for 12.20pm as my train left at 12.34pm and I still needed to park the car up for Wendy and walk to the station.
I got my ticket and only needed to wait 2 minutes for the train. There were a bunch of teenagers on the train that I walked with up the main steps to the Square with, God they were loud and obnoxious. An international trait.
Stood around, outside, the Macarthur Event® Cinema and waited for my film to start. I was using my Cinema Buzz card, as I had accumulated over 210 points on it (you only needed 90 for a free film) and thought it due for an airing. After the film The Box, 2009 (see film review) I took a walk around the mall and settled on Doughnuts & Muffins café for a coffee and toasted ham and cheese sandwich for my lunch/tea.
Around 4.20pm I received a text message from Janine telling me that Henry had passed away in her arms this afternoon. I immediately texted back saying how sorry I was… Poor Henry, he’s had a rough time of it these last few weeks, though he wasn’t in pain of any kind - so the vet said. One doesn’t really know what to say, or do in a situation like this… I read my book for a bit, before leaving, and heading over to the Catholic Club.
I was lucky with the weather as it was quite cool, and the walk from the mall only took my about 20 minutes.
I was told by the guy on reception, at the Catholic Club that the RSA course was being held over at The Ridges Hotel, across the way. I then walked over and noticed a huge crowed of people waiting on chairs, yet didn’t think that they were all doing the course. I was wrong, all 34 were there for the course.
After I took some pictures of the building, I went inside and took my seat in the conference room, which was located at the back of the hotel.
The class was full of a wide range of students, from all backgrounds and all ages, ranging from 18-50. I sat next to this guy named Kyle who was 36 and from a construction background. He most defiantly had an eye for the ladies, as he commentated on every female that came in the room, including the teacher. He was quite smooth, but harmless. Later on in the night I learned that he had 3 kids from 2 different marriages and was an ex-alcoholic. Never let it be said I don’t I don’t pick the boring people to sit next to…
The class was being run by Katrina Rooney (no relationship to the British footballer) who had taught me the bar skills course last Sunday. The course was really intense with a booklet as thick as my chunky fingers.
The questions and alcohol statements were coming at me from left right and centre, I thought I was back at school at one point (but with free mints, located on the table). I did find the whole course thing interesting and frightening - If I get caught selling alcohol to a minor, I am instantly fined $11,000 (£5,000) on the spot.
The class ran from 5pm-10.30pm and this included a 30 minute exam/test at the end, which I was shitting myself over as I can’t stand being tested…
Things seemed to go well, and even Kyle was looking over my shoulder for an answer or three… bless him, after all he was also trying to quit smoking too, which wasn’t helping his nerves…
As we handed in our papers Katrina marked us straight away, so that she could give an indication of if we passed or failed, all this came as a relief to me to know I did quite well…
At the beginning of the class Katrina asked me if I was doing the gambling licence course tomorrow, which I knew nothing about… She highly recommended it as all pubs and clubs deal with ‘Pokies’ - one arm bandit machines (hugely popular in Australia and probably the controversial making of the country) and that without this licence, I would probably not be able to work in the clubs anyway! I had agreed to come, even though it would cost me a further $60, on top of the $60 I’d just paid for tonight’s course. What could you do…? It was the law…
After the sweaty exam I called Wendy to pick me up and waited outside the Catholic Club, in the cool air for her to come and get me. It was nearly 11pm when we got back to the house, and Janine was already in bed. Wendy said that John and Sheryl (Janine’s Mum and Dad) had come round and brought a Chinese meal for everyone to share. They stopped till 9pm giving Janine a bit of support over Henry, and then left. I grabbed some fruit and a yogurt out the fridge as I was starving by this stage and headed for bed, while Wendy updated me about her day. Lights went out around 12.20am.
Though from the view outside the bedroom window I could see that the weather had completely turned around. It was hazy and overcast, with the odd spot of rain.
Took Wendy to the station again this morning, but arranged for her to have the car keys as I was off to the Catholic Club again tonight, for my Part 2 of the course that I started on Sunday. I went for my usual walk around the pond and got back to the house for 9am.
Had a shave and shower and updated the Journal/Blog. I then checked the times for the train from Leumeah to Macarthur as I had to leave the car at the station for Wendy to get home in, as I would be at the bar course till 10pm. Made myself some breakfast and watched Friday the 13th, 1980 that I started yesterday.
Had a surprise knock at the door with one of my books that I ordered, second hand, which had arrived. Final Cut - the story of Heavens Gate.
I didn’t have time to look at it really as I needed to get to the train station for 12.20pm as my train left at 12.34pm and I still needed to park the car up for Wendy and walk to the station.
I got my ticket and only needed to wait 2 minutes for the train. There were a bunch of teenagers on the train that I walked with up the main steps to the Square with, God they were loud and obnoxious. An international trait.
Stood around, outside, the Macarthur Event® Cinema and waited for my film to start. I was using my Cinema Buzz card, as I had accumulated over 210 points on it (you only needed 90 for a free film) and thought it due for an airing. After the film The Box, 2009 (see film review) I took a walk around the mall and settled on Doughnuts & Muffins café for a coffee and toasted ham and cheese sandwich for my lunch/tea.
Around 4.20pm I received a text message from Janine telling me that Henry had passed away in her arms this afternoon. I immediately texted back saying how sorry I was… Poor Henry, he’s had a rough time of it these last few weeks, though he wasn’t in pain of any kind - so the vet said. One doesn’t really know what to say, or do in a situation like this… I read my book for a bit, before leaving, and heading over to the Catholic Club.
I was lucky with the weather as it was quite cool, and the walk from the mall only took my about 20 minutes.
I was told by the guy on reception, at the Catholic Club that the RSA course was being held over at The Ridges Hotel, across the way. I then walked over and noticed a huge crowed of people waiting on chairs, yet didn’t think that they were all doing the course. I was wrong, all 34 were there for the course.
After I took some pictures of the building, I went inside and took my seat in the conference room, which was located at the back of the hotel.
The class was full of a wide range of students, from all backgrounds and all ages, ranging from 18-50. I sat next to this guy named Kyle who was 36 and from a construction background. He most defiantly had an eye for the ladies, as he commentated on every female that came in the room, including the teacher. He was quite smooth, but harmless. Later on in the night I learned that he had 3 kids from 2 different marriages and was an ex-alcoholic. Never let it be said I don’t I don’t pick the boring people to sit next to…
The class was being run by Katrina Rooney (no relationship to the British footballer) who had taught me the bar skills course last Sunday. The course was really intense with a booklet as thick as my chunky fingers.
The questions and alcohol statements were coming at me from left right and centre, I thought I was back at school at one point (but with free mints, located on the table). I did find the whole course thing interesting and frightening - If I get caught selling alcohol to a minor, I am instantly fined $11,000 (£5,000) on the spot.
The class ran from 5pm-10.30pm and this included a 30 minute exam/test at the end, which I was shitting myself over as I can’t stand being tested…
Things seemed to go well, and even Kyle was looking over my shoulder for an answer or three… bless him, after all he was also trying to quit smoking too, which wasn’t helping his nerves…
As we handed in our papers Katrina marked us straight away, so that she could give an indication of if we passed or failed, all this came as a relief to me to know I did quite well…
At the beginning of the class Katrina asked me if I was doing the gambling licence course tomorrow, which I knew nothing about… She highly recommended it as all pubs and clubs deal with ‘Pokies’ - one arm bandit machines (hugely popular in Australia and probably the controversial making of the country) and that without this licence, I would probably not be able to work in the clubs anyway! I had agreed to come, even though it would cost me a further $60, on top of the $60 I’d just paid for tonight’s course. What could you do…? It was the law…
After the sweaty exam I called Wendy to pick me up and waited outside the Catholic Club, in the cool air for her to come and get me. It was nearly 11pm when we got back to the house, and Janine was already in bed. Wendy said that John and Sheryl (Janine’s Mum and Dad) had come round and brought a Chinese meal for everyone to share. They stopped till 9pm giving Janine a bit of support over Henry, and then left. I grabbed some fruit and a yogurt out the fridge as I was starving by this stage and headed for bed, while Wendy updated me about her day. Lights went out around 12.20am.
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Bob's Cinema Films
“UP ”
Directed by Pete Docter & Bob Peterson
Starring: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordon Nagai.
By tying thousands of balloon to his home, 78-year-old Carl Fredericksen sets out to fulfil his lifelong dream, to see the wilds of South America.
Right after lifting off, however, he learns he isn't alone on his journey, since Russell, a wilderness explorer 70 years his junior, has inadvertently become a stowaway on the trip.
"Up, 2009" continues the tradition of movies like WALL*E, 2008 - Finding Nemo, 2003 and Ratatouille, 2007: A Disney/Pixar collaboration released in the previous summer months.
These films are all connected with the same formula: excellent visuals and a story narrative that leaves most, if not all members of the audience, with food for thought, and often tears of joy.
Not being a huge fan of animation (sorry!) I'm always amazed at the stretch these creative geniuses achieve, by always being able to produce top-of-the-line quality at just about every time up to bat.
Even when Disney® and Pixar® aren't at their most entertaining, (my thoughts lean towards Cars, 2006) they are still better than most of their competitors. And boy, let me tell you this: I'd bet that even the most high-brow critic will be broken by Up, even if it is easy to criticise a movie about a guy taking a trip around the world with several balloons wrapped around portions of a 78-year-old guy's house?
Even with ridicules plotlines like this, which seem to fade into the background, as both children and adults except the World their being taken into. This most defiantly comes down to the visuals, and the witty dialogue that won't go over the heads of young children, but won't seem too childish to the parents accompanying them.
I’ve noticed myself over the years how the film-makers are leaving trails of sly, breadcrumb subtle messages within their films. WALL*E, 2008 had the environment: "Clean up the Earth or this will happen"- from last year.
Where, this year Up is about escaping your duties for one last adventure.
(Plot Spoil Start.)
In Carl's case, he wants to go visit South America - something he and his wife had long planned to do, but the wife had died before she could go on the journey. So Carl know wants to go honour her wishes, but also for something quite obvious: he wants to leave the monotonous environment he is currently trapped within.
(Plot Spoil Finish.)
If you've seen the movie trailers, you know Carl (voice by Ed Asner, familiar to many as Lou Grant from the hit TV show) whose voice acting here is invaluable at capturing the range needed in such a character: dark and tidy on the inside and tender when you break him down.
Oh, and lets not forget Russell (played by newcomer Jordon Nagai) who’s both funny and moving. Not to mention a dog that can talk.
Fun and entertainment are ensued, but, be warned: this is a film that pushes emotions, more than any other Pixar flick before it, and it will make you weep tears of sadness without a bit of warning. If you can make it through the first ten minutes without getting choked up, you aren't human.
The film is about a trip, and the feeling you will get from "Up" is something that I can't prepare you for. Suffice to say, prepare for a great time.
Highly Recommended, more for adults than children in my opinion.
Just as an after thought, I went to see the film in 3D, and against my better judgment. I’m beginning to think that these films, like all 3D versions are just a gimmick to get the public to spend more money. It’s the responsibility of the studios to produce a film without ‘us’ having to pick up the end tab. I felt the film didn’t really need the extra 3D visuals, but, as we all know, that’s a subjective point of view. Though at $20 a ticket that makes me more opinionated than others.
Bob's Picture of the Day!
Melbourne Cup Day, Australia's biggest sports days.
Photo: Joe Armao
As I parked up the car to go to the Cinema, I couldn't help notice that the temperature was 40 degrees... and it was only 1pm... Aahhh!!!
'Click on picture to see details.'
Diary for - Tuesday 3rd November 2009
Woke for 7.20am.
It’s a big day for Australia today, as it’s the Melbourne Cup day. One of the highlights of the year, apparently. I think the big race is at 3pm, but don’t quote me on that…
Took Wendy to the station, waved her off and then went for my morning walk. Yes, once more the heat rays pounded down on my balding head, but I continued to hit the pavement with my iPod® on.
Got back after an hour or so and freshened up. I had some breakfast while watching all the documentaries on Friday the 13th, 1980 that Wayne had borrowed me. It was weird watching all the clips, and it made me want to watch the film…
Around 1.20pm I headed into the Square to catch a film, I dropped in at the local Woolworths® garage and filled the car up first, which seemed to take forever, old people are the same around the World.
As I parked up the car I noticed the reading on the main dash board said 40 degrees, and no sooner I opened the door and left the comfort of the air conditioned car, that I believed the cars reading. This, and it was only 2pm, Bloody hell it was hot.
I walked through the mall (back into air-condition heaven) and then out towards the Cinema’s main entrance point located outside (back outside, into God‘s frying country).
Picked up my ticket for Up 3D and went straight through to cinema 3.
As I put on my 3D glasses and made myself comfortable I noticed the trailers on the screen looked kind of funny, blurred like. I didn’t think much of it, as I thought my eyes needed to adjust from the bright sun light. It wasn’t until the actual film broke down, 5 minutes in, that I realised something was seriously wrong.
When the film started back up it looked 100% better, Jesus… is it not too much trouble to press a few buttons in the correct order these days. I mean, we are paying $20 for this afternoon screening here.
After the film (See film review) I headed over to Woolworths® and picked up a few items for tea tonight. I was amazed just how quiet the whole Square was, there was hardly anybody about, this Melbourne Cup thing must be taken deadly serious I thought. All this worked to my advantage, as I was able to walk round quickly and efficiently too. I then headed back home, straight away, thinking that the roads would be getting busy after the main race had finished. Got back to the house and filled in my blog and film review and made a start on dinner.
Went to pick Wendy up from the station at 7pm and we all ate for 7.30pm.
Janine and I got into a discussion about certain types of dogs and the way they are breed for fighting, in particular the pit-bull. I was trying to state that those particular breed of dogs are nasty by nature, but she was having none of it. I sat back and realised my points we landing on deaf ears. Janine eventually cleared the table, and did the pots while Wendy and I watched some debate program about intelligence… How ironic!
Later on we watched a show called ‘East West 101’ it was a television drama about the drug and guns situation in Sydney. It was very good, really believable. We then watched Q.I. with Stephen Fry which was very funny, as he and his guests - Phil Jupidus and Jo Brand, took the piss out the French, and their culture. The night then finished on some book show, which was quite entertaining. Must look for a book called; This is How by M. J. Hyland.
We then headed for bed, and struggled to sleep due to the extreme heat that was in the building. We even had to put the fan on, which was a first. Lights went out, and the last time I remember looking at said 12.20am.
NOTE; The winner of the Melbourne Cup, just in case your interested was won by; MARK KAVANAGH - the former jumps jockey teamed up with an earthmoving owner named Laurence Eales to win the Cup with a horse named Shocking. The race was held at Flemington - Melbourne.
It’s a big day for Australia today, as it’s the Melbourne Cup day. One of the highlights of the year, apparently. I think the big race is at 3pm, but don’t quote me on that…
Took Wendy to the station, waved her off and then went for my morning walk. Yes, once more the heat rays pounded down on my balding head, but I continued to hit the pavement with my iPod® on.
Got back after an hour or so and freshened up. I had some breakfast while watching all the documentaries on Friday the 13th, 1980 that Wayne had borrowed me. It was weird watching all the clips, and it made me want to watch the film…
Around 1.20pm I headed into the Square to catch a film, I dropped in at the local Woolworths® garage and filled the car up first, which seemed to take forever, old people are the same around the World.
As I parked up the car I noticed the reading on the main dash board said 40 degrees, and no sooner I opened the door and left the comfort of the air conditioned car, that I believed the cars reading. This, and it was only 2pm, Bloody hell it was hot.
I walked through the mall (back into air-condition heaven) and then out towards the Cinema’s main entrance point located outside (back outside, into God‘s frying country).
Picked up my ticket for Up 3D and went straight through to cinema 3.
As I put on my 3D glasses and made myself comfortable I noticed the trailers on the screen looked kind of funny, blurred like. I didn’t think much of it, as I thought my eyes needed to adjust from the bright sun light. It wasn’t until the actual film broke down, 5 minutes in, that I realised something was seriously wrong.
When the film started back up it looked 100% better, Jesus… is it not too much trouble to press a few buttons in the correct order these days. I mean, we are paying $20 for this afternoon screening here.
After the film (See film review) I headed over to Woolworths® and picked up a few items for tea tonight. I was amazed just how quiet the whole Square was, there was hardly anybody about, this Melbourne Cup thing must be taken deadly serious I thought. All this worked to my advantage, as I was able to walk round quickly and efficiently too. I then headed back home, straight away, thinking that the roads would be getting busy after the main race had finished. Got back to the house and filled in my blog and film review and made a start on dinner.
Went to pick Wendy up from the station at 7pm and we all ate for 7.30pm.
Janine and I got into a discussion about certain types of dogs and the way they are breed for fighting, in particular the pit-bull. I was trying to state that those particular breed of dogs are nasty by nature, but she was having none of it. I sat back and realised my points we landing on deaf ears. Janine eventually cleared the table, and did the pots while Wendy and I watched some debate program about intelligence… How ironic!
Later on we watched a show called ‘East West 101’ it was a television drama about the drug and guns situation in Sydney. It was very good, really believable. We then watched Q.I. with Stephen Fry which was very funny, as he and his guests - Phil Jupidus and Jo Brand, took the piss out the French, and their culture. The night then finished on some book show, which was quite entertaining. Must look for a book called; This is How by M. J. Hyland.
We then headed for bed, and struggled to sleep due to the extreme heat that was in the building. We even had to put the fan on, which was a first. Lights went out, and the last time I remember looking at said 12.20am.
NOTE; The winner of the Melbourne Cup, just in case your interested was won by; MARK KAVANAGH - the former jumps jockey teamed up with an earthmoving owner named Laurence Eales to win the Cup with a horse named Shocking. The race was held at Flemington - Melbourne.
Monday, 2 November 2009
Bob's Picture's of the Day!
Mano-A-Mano Isabel Vs Babe duelling across the fence...
Catching up with an old classic...
Diary for - Monday 2nd November 2009
Woke for 7.20am. I was in a foul mood this morning due to lack of sleep. It was hot in the night, and Wendy was snoring heavy again.
Took Wendy to the train station and got back to see Wayne and Janine drive off into the distance, where? I had no idea… though I did wave.
Went on my morning walk in the blistering heat - with just a T-shirt on, and obvious bottoms as it was so warm. I saw the usual dope addicts and misfits along my way and nodded politely as I approached them…
Got back and did the shower run and put in all the washing that needed to be done, as per-normal. Had my breakfast and update my blog for the last couple of days. Read yesterdays papers and just chilled out.
Janine came back from taking Wayne to the airport - he’s off to Melbourne today till Thursday as the Melbourne Cup is on tomorrow. He’s making a mini break of it… which I don’t blame him for…
Janine’s friend - Karen, came over with her baby - Jamie, and they chatted for a while. I, embarrassingly… fell asleep for a bit, in the other room, due to all that broken sleep I suffered with last night.
I started to listen to the audio commentary on The Exorcist, 1973 by William Friedkin - The Director. But was asked by Janine if I could give her a lift to the garage, as she needed to pick up her car after her yearly check over was complete. I said no problem, and I took her straight away.
I then headed over to Woolworths® and picked up some chicken strips and sauce for tonight’s tea. When I got back I had a bagel for lunch and continued the film. I hadn’t seen it in a while but I still think it held up well, and Friedkin’s comments were interesting, if not a little repetitive to the on screen action.
I finished preparing tea and relaxed with my book. I went to pick Wendy up around 7pm and we were all eating for 7.30pm. After some light dinner conversation I realised that I was missing Top Gear, which I immediately switched over to. From this point on, it was a complete TV night.
Top Gear was followed by Man Vs Wild, and then The Apprentice.
By this stage it was time for bed, and so I headed off with my book.
Lights out for 11.20pm.
Took Wendy to the train station and got back to see Wayne and Janine drive off into the distance, where? I had no idea… though I did wave.
Went on my morning walk in the blistering heat - with just a T-shirt on, and obvious bottoms as it was so warm. I saw the usual dope addicts and misfits along my way and nodded politely as I approached them…
Got back and did the shower run and put in all the washing that needed to be done, as per-normal. Had my breakfast and update my blog for the last couple of days. Read yesterdays papers and just chilled out.
Janine came back from taking Wayne to the airport - he’s off to Melbourne today till Thursday as the Melbourne Cup is on tomorrow. He’s making a mini break of it… which I don’t blame him for…
Janine’s friend - Karen, came over with her baby - Jamie, and they chatted for a while. I, embarrassingly… fell asleep for a bit, in the other room, due to all that broken sleep I suffered with last night.
I started to listen to the audio commentary on The Exorcist, 1973 by William Friedkin - The Director. But was asked by Janine if I could give her a lift to the garage, as she needed to pick up her car after her yearly check over was complete. I said no problem, and I took her straight away.
I then headed over to Woolworths® and picked up some chicken strips and sauce for tonight’s tea. When I got back I had a bagel for lunch and continued the film. I hadn’t seen it in a while but I still think it held up well, and Friedkin’s comments were interesting, if not a little repetitive to the on screen action.
I finished preparing tea and relaxed with my book. I went to pick Wendy up around 7pm and we were all eating for 7.30pm. After some light dinner conversation I realised that I was missing Top Gear, which I immediately switched over to. From this point on, it was a complete TV night.
Top Gear was followed by Man Vs Wild, and then The Apprentice.
By this stage it was time for bed, and so I headed off with my book.
Lights out for 11.20pm.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Bob's Picture's of the Day!
The Catholic Club - Campbelltown.
Inside the main foyer of the Club.
Marc (red top) and Daniel full of conversation in the morning.
God help them behind a real bar....
Me with the big certificate... To be Continued.
Diary for - Sunday 1st November 2009
I awoke for 7.20am. Jumped into the shower and got some clean clothes on. Made myself some cereal, and made sure I had everything I needed for today - pens, I.D. and a note pad.
Wendy slowly got up and came round on the arm chair for a bit.
Wayne and Janine were re-watching The Exorcist, 1973 in bed after falling asleep through it last night.
I was off to do my RSA (Responsibility Service of Alcohol) today at the Catholic Club, at Campbelltown don’t ask!
Wendy drove me over there as I wasn’t sure where the actual place was, that, and I knew Wendy wanted the car for the day.
I arrived at the place for 8.40am, as told by the website. I sat in the main foyer with the other desperate victims looking for employment. I tried making light conversation, but, this being a Sunday morning 8.43am, and these two lads being in the age range of 18-20 made me think that they might not be in the greatest frame of mind for a full blown conversation with a hard to understand Welsh man.
Katrina (a late 30, perhaps early 40 something woman) called us all over and made sure that we had all paid up our training fees. She was loud and bubbly and determined to fill us, full to the top with ‘Confidence!’, as she put it. I was a little concerned that she was going to keep this performance up all day, and I was right to think that way, as she did. Though, in saying that if I was getting paid $1,000 dollars for 6 hours work, I suppose I’d be a little pumped up too…
After all the pleasantries were done, it was hands on deck, or around the bar as we were all in for a game of how to hold a glass. Then; How to put ice into a glass, followed by how to pour a drink…etc, etc…
Apart from the old antidote about bar trivia, did you know Legend has it that the champagne "coupe" (a shallow, broad-rimmed goblet) was modelled in the shape of Marie Antoinette's breast, using wax moulds.
I did find the whole Bar training experience a little bit patronising, having done it for over 3 years. Yet, I needed this pass certificate to get myself a job. I resided to keeping my mouth shut and going through the tasks.
We all took a short 30 minute dinner break - I had steak pie and chips, with gravy and a roll, before it was time to tackle the high end of the market, beer pouring and serving. Before I knew it, we were once more sitting down filling in the final pieces of paper work, or so I thought…
The paper work consisted of questions that I felt had no irrelevance to my bar training. They were;
Q1.Was this course;
A. BRILLIANT
B. AVERAGE
C. FAIR
D. POINTLEES
Q2. Do you feel that this course has helped you?;
A. IMMENSELY
B. YES, I HAVE LEARNED A LOT
C. NOT AT ALL
D. POINTLESS
I looked around thinking that everyone would be sharing in my thoughts… Why are we helping this course develop more than it is helping us?
I was blowing my own trumpet, as everyone else was flying down the questionnaire sheets, not even reading the questions, just ticking the EXCELLENT box as fast as they could… D’oh!
With that, we all stood up and gave each other a individual clap as we were presented our individual pieces of paper with a pass on them. Which, technically we’d kind of paid for in more ways than one…
We all left the building at 3.50pm and Wendy was in the car park with Rhys waiting to pick me up. We headed over to Peter & Eleri’s place for a bit and then moved onto Andrew and Sinead place as they had invited us over for a BBQ last night. We parked up and were introduced to another couple of friends called John and Caroline. It was a really nice relaxing atmosphere and the food was flowing. I had steak and sausage with loads of salad.
Wendy and I stayed till about 7.30pm and then made a move home. But not before picking up Wendy’s train ticket from Leumeah station.
Got back to the house and had a shower each and read on the bed for an hour or so. Wendy was in an awkward, piss’y mood tonight, and I left her to it. Lights went out around 10.20pm
Wendy slowly got up and came round on the arm chair for a bit.
Wayne and Janine were re-watching The Exorcist, 1973 in bed after falling asleep through it last night.
I was off to do my RSA (Responsibility Service of Alcohol) today at the Catholic Club, at Campbelltown don’t ask!
Wendy drove me over there as I wasn’t sure where the actual place was, that, and I knew Wendy wanted the car for the day.
I arrived at the place for 8.40am, as told by the website. I sat in the main foyer with the other desperate victims looking for employment. I tried making light conversation, but, this being a Sunday morning 8.43am, and these two lads being in the age range of 18-20 made me think that they might not be in the greatest frame of mind for a full blown conversation with a hard to understand Welsh man.
Katrina (a late 30, perhaps early 40 something woman) called us all over and made sure that we had all paid up our training fees. She was loud and bubbly and determined to fill us, full to the top with ‘Confidence!’, as she put it. I was a little concerned that she was going to keep this performance up all day, and I was right to think that way, as she did. Though, in saying that if I was getting paid $1,000 dollars for 6 hours work, I suppose I’d be a little pumped up too…
After all the pleasantries were done, it was hands on deck, or around the bar as we were all in for a game of how to hold a glass. Then; How to put ice into a glass, followed by how to pour a drink…etc, etc…
Apart from the old antidote about bar trivia, did you know Legend has it that the champagne "coupe" (a shallow, broad-rimmed goblet) was modelled in the shape of Marie Antoinette's breast, using wax moulds.
I did find the whole Bar training experience a little bit patronising, having done it for over 3 years. Yet, I needed this pass certificate to get myself a job. I resided to keeping my mouth shut and going through the tasks.
We all took a short 30 minute dinner break - I had steak pie and chips, with gravy and a roll, before it was time to tackle the high end of the market, beer pouring and serving. Before I knew it, we were once more sitting down filling in the final pieces of paper work, or so I thought…
The paper work consisted of questions that I felt had no irrelevance to my bar training. They were;
Q1.Was this course;
A. BRILLIANT
B. AVERAGE
C. FAIR
D. POINTLEES
Q2. Do you feel that this course has helped you?;
A. IMMENSELY
B. YES, I HAVE LEARNED A LOT
C. NOT AT ALL
D. POINTLESS
I looked around thinking that everyone would be sharing in my thoughts… Why are we helping this course develop more than it is helping us?
I was blowing my own trumpet, as everyone else was flying down the questionnaire sheets, not even reading the questions, just ticking the EXCELLENT box as fast as they could… D’oh!
With that, we all stood up and gave each other a individual clap as we were presented our individual pieces of paper with a pass on them. Which, technically we’d kind of paid for in more ways than one…
We all left the building at 3.50pm and Wendy was in the car park with Rhys waiting to pick me up. We headed over to Peter & Eleri’s place for a bit and then moved onto Andrew and Sinead place as they had invited us over for a BBQ last night. We parked up and were introduced to another couple of friends called John and Caroline. It was a really nice relaxing atmosphere and the food was flowing. I had steak and sausage with loads of salad.
Wendy and I stayed till about 7.30pm and then made a move home. But not before picking up Wendy’s train ticket from Leumeah station.
Got back to the house and had a shower each and read on the bed for an hour or so. Wendy was in an awkward, piss’y mood tonight, and I left her to it. Lights went out around 10.20pm
Saturday, 31 October 2009
Bob's Picture's of the Day!
Miss Shone laughing... at what!
This was it... Enneatype are you?
The festival of Fishers Ghost! Don't ask...
Me at the fair. Apex Park - Campbelltown
Me trying, in vain, to give out some solid driving advice to 3 year old Rhys!
Obviously he took NO notice, and still crashed!
Going solo on a motorbike...
Y'all know me. Know how I earn a livin'. But it's not gonna be pleasant. I value my neck a lot more than three thousand bucks, chief. I'll find him for three, but I'll catch him, and kill him, for ten.
I didn't think Barry was here till December!
Anyone for tea?
Peter, Wendy, Eleri and Rhys. Apex Park.
This duo butchering Croweded House classics...
Some fireworks...
And... Some fireworks...
Diary for Saturday - 31st October 2009
Woke for 7.25am. I was surprised to see Wendy up, and sitting in the main front room watched the music channel. Christ, it was early…
Janine was feeding Henry and making sure he was comfortable before she headed off to work.
I came round, wiped the crusty’s from my eyes and finished off the pots that were left in the sink from last night. Made myself a coffee and opened up my notebook to update my blog/Journal.
Wendy and I headed to Macarthur Square for a bit, we had something to eat at the Doughnut & Muffins place - I had a ham & cheese toasty with a coffee and then we took a walk around. Wendy dragged me into some girlie shops and reminded me how much she loved clothes.
We ended up in Borders® reading our free books again with a coffee. Wendy found some article in a magazine, which she thought extremely funny and I tried to take a photo of her in full laugh mode, and just caught the aftermath.
We left around 4.30pm and headed over to Eleri and Peter’s place - where we had parked up the car. After saying our ‘Hello’s’ and having a quick drink, we didn’t get much time to sit down, as we were off to the fair.
Our first port of call was to the restaurant; Pancakes on the Rocks - located within a 5 minute walk from the unit, for some early tea.
We sat outside and I had a Bananarama (not the pop group either!) with ice-cream and a coke. Rhys started to play up a little bit, as he was a little tired, but that soon past as we hit the road.
The fair was located over at the Apex Park - a 10 minute walk from Central Park estate, and was named; Festival of Fishers Ghost.
Note; for more information about the Festivities click on GHOST!!!
It was a family based affair and reminded me of the fair that John & Rose took me to back in my own home town of Llangollen.
There was some classic rides and game booths - bow & arrow competitions and air-gun shooting, as well as classic junk food, that you wouldn’t want to give to a condemned animal. I took Rhys onto the bumper cars and worried that he’d be scared to death as he’s a sensitive old soul. I couldn’t be further from the truth, he seemed to love them, with me trying to navigate us through the on slaughter of idiotic drivers… wanting to smash into us every 3 seconds, a bit like driving of the F3 Freeway.
The night continued with the fun and frolics of the fair with me having to control myself from taking too many pictures of all the freaks, that were not part of the fair, but those who have come to it…
We then listened to a band playing cover versions of what sounded like the whole back catalogue of Crowded House’s work. Though they were quite good, tight and competent, I’m glad we didn’t stay there too long as I know they would of started to annoy me, eventually. Knowing my hatred for pure cover version bands…
We took another short walk over to the Apex cricket ground, here we would witness a free firework display that was to commence at 9pm. Though we only had to wait 25 minutes we were all starting to feel a little bit chilly as the temperature was starting to drop quite rapidly now.
I was impressed that the fire work display kicked off, bang on time and lasted over 15 minutes. Not long? Well, in fire works time I imagine that’s quite a lot, not to mention the overall cost.
We all broke up and began to make our own individual ways home. Peter, Eleri, Rhys, Wendy and myself headed back to the unit on foot (and pram!) while Alvin, Jerry, Sinead and her son headed towards their cars.
Sinead (long time friend of Wendy’s and the family) had invited us over to her and Andrew’s place for a BBQ tomorrow afternoon and Wendy said that that would be fine…
We all got back to the unit - completely exhausted and had a cuppa and watched 40 minutes of A Good Year, 2006 before heading home ourselves.
After thanking Peter and Eleri for a great night, Wendy and I made a move home, it was about 10.50pm and I had a busy day tomorrow.
I drove us back to the house and noticed Janine and Wayne were watching The Exorcist, 1973 in bed. I popped in and checked out their thoughts, they both seemed to be enjoying it, but Janine looked tiered. I left them to it, and washed my feet as soon as I got to the bathroom. Wearing thongs all day had made my feet black, especially walking round that fair for 3 hours. Got into bed and collapsed A.S.A.P. lights out 11.20pm.
Janine was feeding Henry and making sure he was comfortable before she headed off to work.
I came round, wiped the crusty’s from my eyes and finished off the pots that were left in the sink from last night. Made myself a coffee and opened up my notebook to update my blog/Journal.
Wendy and I headed to Macarthur Square for a bit, we had something to eat at the Doughnut & Muffins place - I had a ham & cheese toasty with a coffee and then we took a walk around. Wendy dragged me into some girlie shops and reminded me how much she loved clothes.
We ended up in Borders® reading our free books again with a coffee. Wendy found some article in a magazine, which she thought extremely funny and I tried to take a photo of her in full laugh mode, and just caught the aftermath.
We left around 4.30pm and headed over to Eleri and Peter’s place - where we had parked up the car. After saying our ‘Hello’s’ and having a quick drink, we didn’t get much time to sit down, as we were off to the fair.
Our first port of call was to the restaurant; Pancakes on the Rocks - located within a 5 minute walk from the unit, for some early tea.
We sat outside and I had a Bananarama (not the pop group either!) with ice-cream and a coke. Rhys started to play up a little bit, as he was a little tired, but that soon past as we hit the road.
The fair was located over at the Apex Park - a 10 minute walk from Central Park estate, and was named; Festival of Fishers Ghost.
Note; for more information about the Festivities click on GHOST!!!
It was a family based affair and reminded me of the fair that John & Rose took me to back in my own home town of Llangollen.
There was some classic rides and game booths - bow & arrow competitions and air-gun shooting, as well as classic junk food, that you wouldn’t want to give to a condemned animal. I took Rhys onto the bumper cars and worried that he’d be scared to death as he’s a sensitive old soul. I couldn’t be further from the truth, he seemed to love them, with me trying to navigate us through the on slaughter of idiotic drivers… wanting to smash into us every 3 seconds, a bit like driving of the F3 Freeway.
The night continued with the fun and frolics of the fair with me having to control myself from taking too many pictures of all the freaks, that were not part of the fair, but those who have come to it…
We then listened to a band playing cover versions of what sounded like the whole back catalogue of Crowded House’s work. Though they were quite good, tight and competent, I’m glad we didn’t stay there too long as I know they would of started to annoy me, eventually. Knowing my hatred for pure cover version bands…
We took another short walk over to the Apex cricket ground, here we would witness a free firework display that was to commence at 9pm. Though we only had to wait 25 minutes we were all starting to feel a little bit chilly as the temperature was starting to drop quite rapidly now.
I was impressed that the fire work display kicked off, bang on time and lasted over 15 minutes. Not long? Well, in fire works time I imagine that’s quite a lot, not to mention the overall cost.
We all broke up and began to make our own individual ways home. Peter, Eleri, Rhys, Wendy and myself headed back to the unit on foot (and pram!) while Alvin, Jerry, Sinead and her son headed towards their cars.
Sinead (long time friend of Wendy’s and the family) had invited us over to her and Andrew’s place for a BBQ tomorrow afternoon and Wendy said that that would be fine…
We all got back to the unit - completely exhausted and had a cuppa and watched 40 minutes of A Good Year, 2006 before heading home ourselves.
After thanking Peter and Eleri for a great night, Wendy and I made a move home, it was about 10.50pm and I had a busy day tomorrow.
I drove us back to the house and noticed Janine and Wayne were watching The Exorcist, 1973 in bed. I popped in and checked out their thoughts, they both seemed to be enjoying it, but Janine looked tiered. I left them to it, and washed my feet as soon as I got to the bathroom. Wearing thongs all day had made my feet black, especially walking round that fair for 3 hours. Got into bed and collapsed A.S.A.P. lights out 11.20pm.
Friday, 30 October 2009
Bob's Top 10 Films... 4. Epic Films.
Introduction.
This weeks personal genre choice is ‘Epic‘ films. Yes EPIC, that rare breed of film that’s more self-indulgent, larger and more dense than your average Hollywood film.
These were the stable diet within the studio system of the 50s, yet they still continue to be successful, even today.
Not always the films that the general public first go for, generally speaking. As they are often too long for ones attention span after a full day at work. Does one want to view 4 hours of Peter O‘Tool flying across a desert on a camel?
For me, personally, I find them an interesting form. I dread putting them on, due to the time constrictions I’ve just highlighted. But, when I do put them on, I find time just breezes by and my thoughts are just on the story.
Epic genre films usually deal with two main topics. These I find are individual story lines, centred around a single protagonist and his or her Epic journey of salvation. See; Spartacus, 1960 and Gladiator, 2000. And the second being the films back drop, or landscape itself. See; Lawrence of Arabia, 1962 and Braveheart, 1995.
Granted, no Epic film genre should have missing a biblical film, but, I have. This is due to the fact I find them long winded and over cooked. So its out with The Ten Commadments, 1959 and Cleopatra, 1965 done.
I have been greedy within my list this week dear readers, and in-cased The Godfather 1 + 2 as one whole choice, as I also did with Lord of the Rings. In complete fairness, these films are practically one whole complete film, and should be view as that. So I apologise.
When compelling my personal list this week, I couldn’t help noticing how all these films typically connected with a romantic theme within them. Thus, I suppose is were the true sense of the genre comes from, especially with the sensuous sweeping Epic feel that we’ve been taken to…
Note; non of the films shown here are in order of preference.
Enjoy, till next week.
The English Patient, 1996 - Anthony Minghella.
Braveheart, 1995 - Mel Gibson.
Gladiator, 2000 - Ridley Scott.
Lawrence of Arabia, 1962 - David Lean.
The Lord of the Rings (2001 - 2003) - Peter Jackson.
Out of Africa, 1984 - Sydney Pollack.
Spartacus, 1960 - Stanley Kubrick.
The Deer Hunter, 1978 - Michael Cimino.
The Godfather & Part 2 1972 and 1974 - Francis Ford Coppola.
Titanic, 1995 - James Cameron.
This weeks personal genre choice is ‘Epic‘ films. Yes EPIC, that rare breed of film that’s more self-indulgent, larger and more dense than your average Hollywood film.
These were the stable diet within the studio system of the 50s, yet they still continue to be successful, even today.
Not always the films that the general public first go for, generally speaking. As they are often too long for ones attention span after a full day at work. Does one want to view 4 hours of Peter O‘Tool flying across a desert on a camel?
For me, personally, I find them an interesting form. I dread putting them on, due to the time constrictions I’ve just highlighted. But, when I do put them on, I find time just breezes by and my thoughts are just on the story.
Epic genre films usually deal with two main topics. These I find are individual story lines, centred around a single protagonist and his or her Epic journey of salvation. See; Spartacus, 1960 and Gladiator, 2000. And the second being the films back drop, or landscape itself. See; Lawrence of Arabia, 1962 and Braveheart, 1995.
Granted, no Epic film genre should have missing a biblical film, but, I have. This is due to the fact I find them long winded and over cooked. So its out with The Ten Commadments, 1959 and Cleopatra, 1965 done.
I have been greedy within my list this week dear readers, and in-cased The Godfather 1 + 2 as one whole choice, as I also did with Lord of the Rings. In complete fairness, these films are practically one whole complete film, and should be view as that. So I apologise.
When compelling my personal list this week, I couldn’t help noticing how all these films typically connected with a romantic theme within them. Thus, I suppose is were the true sense of the genre comes from, especially with the sensuous sweeping Epic feel that we’ve been taken to…
Note; non of the films shown here are in order of preference.
Enjoy, till next week.
The English Patient, 1996 - Anthony Minghella.
Braveheart, 1995 - Mel Gibson.
Gladiator, 2000 - Ridley Scott.
Lawrence of Arabia, 1962 - David Lean.
The Lord of the Rings (2001 - 2003) - Peter Jackson.
Out of Africa, 1984 - Sydney Pollack.
Spartacus, 1960 - Stanley Kubrick.
The Deer Hunter, 1978 - Michael Cimino.
The Godfather & Part 2 1972 and 1974 - Francis Ford Coppola.
Titanic, 1995 - James Cameron.
Bob's Picture's of the Day!
Audrey must be spinning in her grave!
This dog barked for the complete length of my stay at Gloria Jeans. As soon as I got up to leave it STOPPED! Go figure...
My new hat and glasses... Oh, plus forehead protector!
Mongolian Beef with rice and Garlic Nan bread, marks out of 10 on a postcard please!
Wendy's Star 'Wars' Award...
Congratulations! Now, where's that wage increase!
Diary for - Friday 30th October 2009
Up for 7.15am, took Wendy to the station for the last time this morning.
I felt so thirsty this morning, and last night come to think about it, as I had to get up in the middle of the bloody night twice.
Went for my usual walk this morning and noticed the increase of annoying flies hovering around my head. I thought it must be an indication of the changing seasons.
Got back in one piece and headed for the shower. Got myself some breakfast and checked the work e-mails. None, as per-norm.
The Insulation guys from the local council came round at 10.30am and started to fill in the roof of Janine’s house. But, unfortunately for Janine the roof was not open enough for them to craw through, and they could only do a partial part of it. Still, it was for free, what more could you ask for.
Had a nice e-mail for Damien, a friend from the UK, so I wrote back immediately updating him about my situation. I also sent Mel (The only editor friend I’d made here in Australia) an e-mail wishing her a happy birthday for today.
I started watching an old film that Wayne (Janine’s partner) lent me called; Battlestar Galactic, 1978. I hadn’t seen it in years, it was a Star Wars, 1977 wanna be of its time, and though its dated - badly, it was still good fun.
I checked on Henry and noticed he had peed himself, and so I cleaned him up and put him back in the garage as it would be cooler in there for him, now the workers had finished. I went to phone Janine what I’d done and ended up dialling Janice in Queensland. Though unintentional, it was nice to hear her, and we had a great chat and catch up. I eventually phoned Janine, and updated her with the Henry situation, and then headed off to Campbelltown to try and sort out Wendy’s Medicare form again, as she had phoned them up and updated them with her new address.
After waiting in the queue from hell, for another 35 minutes, I finally got Wendy’s return money, this time from Shirley, who still wanted to see my passport, drivers licence and Medicare care I.D. I then walked around the mall and ended up at Target® looking for a cap and a new pair of sunglasses. Lucky for me I found my old pair design for $10, plus two cheap plain caps - a blue one and a cream one, perfect.
I took a further wonder around the shop and I just couldn’t believe how much Christmas crap® there was on the shelves these days… We had even had Halloween yet!
I headed for a coffee at Gloria Jeans® at 4pm and listened to a small dog sitting in a holdall barking for 5 minutes while I tried to read my book.
Picked up some food for tonight’s tea at Woolworths® and then headed back to the house.
After preparing the dinner I finished off watching Battlestar Galactic, 1978. Wendy phoned to say that she was going to be late as a few of her friends were going for a drink after work. Janine and I decided to have our tea and I cling-filmed Wendy’s up for later. I’d opened up the sliding patio windows, to let some air in, as it was quite stuffy tonight and got eaten live by the mosquito’s… Bastards.
Picked up Miss Shone from the train station at 9pm and took her home straight away. Warmed up her dinner - Mongolian beef with rice and garlic Nan bread, not bad if I say so myself. Started to watch a film on channel ‘advert’ AKA - Channel 7, called Shooter, 2007 starring Mark Wahlberg. I’d seen the film in the cinema, when it first came out, and though the adverts still get on my bloody nerves I still enjoyed the film.
In-between the advert breaks Wendy showed me another Star Award® - an award that’s given out for excellence within the work area, that she’d been given tonight. Wendy and I finished watching the film then headed to bed.
Lights out 11.40pm.
I felt so thirsty this morning, and last night come to think about it, as I had to get up in the middle of the bloody night twice.
Went for my usual walk this morning and noticed the increase of annoying flies hovering around my head. I thought it must be an indication of the changing seasons.
Got back in one piece and headed for the shower. Got myself some breakfast and checked the work e-mails. None, as per-norm.
The Insulation guys from the local council came round at 10.30am and started to fill in the roof of Janine’s house. But, unfortunately for Janine the roof was not open enough for them to craw through, and they could only do a partial part of it. Still, it was for free, what more could you ask for.
Had a nice e-mail for Damien, a friend from the UK, so I wrote back immediately updating him about my situation. I also sent Mel (The only editor friend I’d made here in Australia) an e-mail wishing her a happy birthday for today.
I started watching an old film that Wayne (Janine’s partner) lent me called; Battlestar Galactic, 1978. I hadn’t seen it in years, it was a Star Wars, 1977 wanna be of its time, and though its dated - badly, it was still good fun.
I checked on Henry and noticed he had peed himself, and so I cleaned him up and put him back in the garage as it would be cooler in there for him, now the workers had finished. I went to phone Janine what I’d done and ended up dialling Janice in Queensland. Though unintentional, it was nice to hear her, and we had a great chat and catch up. I eventually phoned Janine, and updated her with the Henry situation, and then headed off to Campbelltown to try and sort out Wendy’s Medicare form again, as she had phoned them up and updated them with her new address.
After waiting in the queue from hell, for another 35 minutes, I finally got Wendy’s return money, this time from Shirley, who still wanted to see my passport, drivers licence and Medicare care I.D. I then walked around the mall and ended up at Target® looking for a cap and a new pair of sunglasses. Lucky for me I found my old pair design for $10, plus two cheap plain caps - a blue one and a cream one, perfect.
I took a further wonder around the shop and I just couldn’t believe how much Christmas crap® there was on the shelves these days… We had even had Halloween yet!
I headed for a coffee at Gloria Jeans® at 4pm and listened to a small dog sitting in a holdall barking for 5 minutes while I tried to read my book.
Picked up some food for tonight’s tea at Woolworths® and then headed back to the house.
After preparing the dinner I finished off watching Battlestar Galactic, 1978. Wendy phoned to say that she was going to be late as a few of her friends were going for a drink after work. Janine and I decided to have our tea and I cling-filmed Wendy’s up for later. I’d opened up the sliding patio windows, to let some air in, as it was quite stuffy tonight and got eaten live by the mosquito’s… Bastards.
Picked up Miss Shone from the train station at 9pm and took her home straight away. Warmed up her dinner - Mongolian beef with rice and garlic Nan bread, not bad if I say so myself. Started to watch a film on channel ‘advert’ AKA - Channel 7, called Shooter, 2007 starring Mark Wahlberg. I’d seen the film in the cinema, when it first came out, and though the adverts still get on my bloody nerves I still enjoyed the film.
In-between the advert breaks Wendy showed me another Star Award® - an award that’s given out for excellence within the work area, that she’d been given tonight. Wendy and I finished watching the film then headed to bed.
Lights out 11.40pm.
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Bob's Picture's of the Day!
The greatest ice-cream shop ever... Macarthur Square.
...With two satisfied customers...
Diary for - Thursday 29th October 2009
Awoke for 7.15am, took Miss Shone to the station, headed back and went for another long morning walk.
Listened to a great Podcast interview with the brilliant Cinematographer Owen Roizman, ASC. He was talking about the shooting of the film; The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, 1971. It lasted my whole walk and I didn’t want it to end - the interview, not the walk. Got back and cleaned myself up.
Had some breakfast and listen to a few more podcasts with my coffee. And that was basically my day… I watched a few posts on Youtube® of an Interview with Phil Collins that I missed - as it was on a BBC 4 channel, back at home. And I finally got to see Collins on that cheesy show; This is your Life which was quite good, yet very expensive using my Telstra USB stick that I get online with.
Had a great phone call from my cousin, Ian, who’s been looking for some work for me… nothing certain (what is in life?) but at least it might put me in the right direction. Cheers Tudor!
Picked up Wendy from the train station at 7.30pm - as she was working back late, and headed into Macarthur Square for some late night tea.
We headed over to Thai-Splendid for our usual Asian meal.
Food was excellent, as always, and we both managed to squeeze in an ice-cream after too - Baskin Robins, we love you.
The tonight Square was very busy, as it was late night shopping on a Thursday. There was a little bit of trouble from the local teenagers, most probably due to all the Red Bull® that they’ve been consuming for most of the day.
We headed back to the house for 9.30pm and Wendy watched The Amazing Race, while I headed for bed, feeling really knackered. I read for a bit, before Wendy came in, and we both turned off the lights and hit the pillows.
Listened to a great Podcast interview with the brilliant Cinematographer Owen Roizman, ASC. He was talking about the shooting of the film; The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, 1971. It lasted my whole walk and I didn’t want it to end - the interview, not the walk. Got back and cleaned myself up.
Had some breakfast and listen to a few more podcasts with my coffee. And that was basically my day… I watched a few posts on Youtube® of an Interview with Phil Collins that I missed - as it was on a BBC 4 channel, back at home. And I finally got to see Collins on that cheesy show; This is your Life which was quite good, yet very expensive using my Telstra USB stick that I get online with.
Had a great phone call from my cousin, Ian, who’s been looking for some work for me… nothing certain (what is in life?) but at least it might put me in the right direction. Cheers Tudor!
Picked up Wendy from the train station at 7.30pm - as she was working back late, and headed into Macarthur Square for some late night tea.
We headed over to Thai-Splendid for our usual Asian meal.
Food was excellent, as always, and we both managed to squeeze in an ice-cream after too - Baskin Robins, we love you.
The tonight Square was very busy, as it was late night shopping on a Thursday. There was a little bit of trouble from the local teenagers, most probably due to all the Red Bull® that they’ve been consuming for most of the day.
We headed back to the house for 9.30pm and Wendy watched The Amazing Race, while I headed for bed, feeling really knackered. I read for a bit, before Wendy came in, and we both turned off the lights and hit the pillows.
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