LRD's been out and about enjoying the excitement that is the Darwin Dry. It's possible this will be our last Dry in this pocket-rocket town so we've been getting into everything we can. Doesn't make for exciting blog entries, unfortunately, but nonetheless here's a list of some of the things we've been up to.
Sunday afternoons at the Sandbar: it's a relaxed Darwin feel with great cocktails and the Casino's Sunday afternoon concerts provide a fantastic ambience. I watched the sun go down over the water in style and then ate dinner at the new Il Piatto restaurant, famous for its $300 pizza, which I just couldn't bring myself to buy.
Territory Day. Not as crazed as last year; nonetheless this year's Territory Day was loads of fun. I bought about $100 in fireworks then headed with a group to East Point where we could watch the amazing Mindel Beach display (possibly one of the best I've ever seen), eat prawns and blow things up. This year, everyone stopped partying at midnight so I actually got some sleep as well.
Ash Grunwald at the worst venue ever; the Darwin Entertainment Centre. Ash was fucking awesome. Follow these links to check him out on YouTube and, if you have the chance, pay the money and see the guy live. Somewhere where you're not forced to sit sedately in your seat while he rocks out on stage.
Aside from a great hen's night, in which we hung out at the Sandbar drinking cocktails, felt really really old at the Vic in town and checked out Throb's new stage show (the local drag act), I'm just looking forward to the Darwin Festival, which starts at the end of July.
I'll hopefully have some photos this weekend from the Beer Can Regatta at Mindel.
See you round.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
A June post
It's June. That's about all I can say, really.
I finally submitted my last assignment for Uni and am waiting on my results.
The Dry is here. The tourists came with it; wandering the streets with large backpacks and a lost look or driving off into the outback in a Combi van.
I missed Bass in the Grass this year, which was a shame because I would have liked to have seen the Cat Empire and Augie March (I can live happily with missing The Living End). I went to see the highly-enjoyable Kransky Sisters on Saturday night, whose bizarre musical comedy routine was well worth a view.
This is just a great time of year to be in Darwin and I'm enjoying it before I go back to the City of Death (no, not Paris, unfortunately). Canberra. I have been entertaining myself through my final Uni days with some great TV. Not very exciting, but if you're interested, check out da other blog.
I finally submitted my last assignment for Uni and am waiting on my results.
The Dry is here. The tourists came with it; wandering the streets with large backpacks and a lost look or driving off into the outback in a Combi van.
I missed Bass in the Grass this year, which was a shame because I would have liked to have seen the Cat Empire and Augie March (I can live happily with missing The Living End). I went to see the highly-enjoyable Kransky Sisters on Saturday night, whose bizarre musical comedy routine was well worth a view.
This is just a great time of year to be in Darwin and I'm enjoying it before I go back to the City of Death (no, not Paris, unfortunately). Canberra. I have been entertaining myself through my final Uni days with some great TV. Not very exciting, but if you're interested, check out da other blog.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
If you leave a message, LRD will get back to you as soon as possible
Little Red Dave is very busy at the moment.
Well ok, so I'm busy and LRD is still sitting on the bookcase refusing to remove his patch and earring and using his one eye to leer at Amelia; a Victorian-era China doll in a sensible brown dress, bonnet and lace-up black boots. I got Amelia when I was 8 and within a few years found her boring but because she's beautifully-made I could never bring myself to get rid of her. Now she's trying to hide in the bookcase while Dave drinks rum and tries to make passes at her.
I think I read that romance novel once.
What was the point of this post?
I haven't been updating this blog lately and this will continue for the next few weeks. Uni is at that point in the Semester when I actually do have to do some work and I have a new job that required a lot more...well, work. and so LRD will be AWOL for a little while. Once I kick this qualification into shape and get my new job under my belt I will be back, baby.
Well ok, so I'm busy and LRD is still sitting on the bookcase refusing to remove his patch and earring and using his one eye to leer at Amelia; a Victorian-era China doll in a sensible brown dress, bonnet and lace-up black boots. I got Amelia when I was 8 and within a few years found her boring but because she's beautifully-made I could never bring myself to get rid of her. Now she's trying to hide in the bookcase while Dave drinks rum and tries to make passes at her.
I think I read that romance novel once.
What was the point of this post?
I haven't been updating this blog lately and this will continue for the next few weeks. Uni is at that point in the Semester when I actually do have to do some work and I have a new job that required a lot more...well, work. and so LRD will be AWOL for a little while. Once I kick this qualification into shape and get my new job under my belt I will be back, baby.
To keep you entertained until then, here's some shots of LRD in India with his friend Little M. As you can see, LRD's days of debauchery started many moons ago. Ah, Little M, LRD misses you. Where are you now?
Friday, April 3, 2009
Ramen! LRD celebrates Pastafarianism
Two people at my workplace have now been touched by his noodly appendage. To celebrate their inclusion in the fold, LRD showed off his pirate regalia, while John modelled his new Pastafarianism t-shirt.
Photo: LRD helping to defeat global warming, one eyepatch at the time.
Photo: John tries to explain that Dave has to die before he gets the strippers and beer.
Ramen!
Photo: LRD helping to defeat global warming, one eyepatch at the time. Photo: John tries to explain that Dave has to die before he gets the strippers and beer.Minding the Gap
"It is unacceptable that Australia, a successful, developed nation with a modern economy, should tolerate fundamental inequality between its Indigenous and non-Indigenous people."
Yesterday was 'Close the Gap' day in Australia. 'Close the Gap' started as a campaign by a coalition of NGOs to overcome Indigenous disadvantage but the terminology has now been incorporated into the policies being implemented by all levels of Government to reduce the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous life expectancy.
Obviously LRD is not the vehicle for this discussion, but if you want to find out about 'Close the Gap', join the Galtha conversation at http://www.galtha.blogspot.com/.
Yesterday was 'Close the Gap' day in Australia. 'Close the Gap' started as a campaign by a coalition of NGOs to overcome Indigenous disadvantage but the terminology has now been incorporated into the policies being implemented by all levels of Government to reduce the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous life expectancy.
Obviously LRD is not the vehicle for this discussion, but if you want to find out about 'Close the Gap', join the Galtha conversation at http://www.galtha.blogspot.com/.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Well, so what? I'm a rock star!
So, Christmas hey? That was like, three months ago. Dear God I'm slack. Nothing like having an assignment due to motivate you to write blog entries, though. And what an assignment... assessing stereotypes of Aboriginality in the media and public response to Aboriginal art...in 750 words. Or perhaps a thesis. But if anyone out there has an opinion on Richard Bells "Scientifica e Metaphysica" (Bell's Theorem), which deserved to win the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award for the witty name alone, I'd be ecstatic to hear them.
So, Christmas, hey? Below is what I think is the best photo from our fun frolics in tropical Townsville; my nieces and nephews with their favourite (or at least loudest) Christmas present of Rock Band. Now I've downloaded the photos I've realised I was a bit slack with them this year. There's no grand vistas of the Strand or shots of palm trees. I promise to do better next time.
Photo: I think what my youngest niece is doing is singing into a microphone, not eating a fruit roll-up. Aren't they all just having a ball? Now that is what Christmas is all about. Forget us drunken adults, this is where it's at.
So, Christmas, hey? Below is what I think is the best photo from our fun frolics in tropical Townsville; my nieces and nephews with their favourite (or at least loudest) Christmas present of Rock Band. Now I've downloaded the photos I've realised I was a bit slack with them this year. There's no grand vistas of the Strand or shots of palm trees. I promise to do better next time.
Photo: I think what my youngest niece is doing is singing into a microphone, not eating a fruit roll-up. Aren't they all just having a ball? Now that is what Christmas is all about. Forget us drunken adults, this is where it's at.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
I have been touched by his noodly appendange
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was 'ARRRRGH!' - PIRATICUS 13:7
After much philosophical discussion and existential angst revolving around whether LRD actually existed despite being an inanimate albeit anthropomorphised being and ultimate questions about "what is it all about anyway?" and "how many times can I use the 42 joke before it stops being hilarious?" Little Red Dave and I have found religion, and have converted to Pastafarianism. Yes, we are now devout followers of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
I was attracted by its witty lampooning of the sheer idiocy that is Intelligent Design; LRD's in it for the pirate outfit, beer volcano and stripper factory.
We have been touched by his noodly appendage and are now prepared to spread the word...and the word is ARRRRGH!!
After much philosophical discussion and existential angst revolving around whether LRD actually existed despite being an inanimate albeit anthropomorphised being and ultimate questions about "what is it all about anyway?" and "how many times can I use the 42 joke before it stops being hilarious?" Little Red Dave and I have found religion, and have converted to Pastafarianism. Yes, we are now devout followers of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
I was attracted by its witty lampooning of the sheer idiocy that is Intelligent Design; LRD's in it for the pirate outfit, beer volcano and stripper factory.
We have been touched by his noodly appendage and are now prepared to spread the word...and the word is ARRRRGH!!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Dave Files: India
So, it's suddenly late February and LRD keeps reminding me that apparently there was Christmas in there somewhere as well. I have photos. One day I'll remember to do something with them. I got the blasted wisdom teeth removed (classic was the look on the surgeon's face when I told here I was in LESS pain post-op than pre-op) and finished my summer semester subject; that took far more effort than it should have.
And now a shot from the Dave files. How to start with India? Insane, vibrant, colourful, stressful, filthy, fascinating India. LRD actually found a friend in India, a little monkey named Little M (his owner had the same capacity for naming stuff as I obviously do) and so I have lots of photos of the two enjoying a sunset or 18 bottles of rum. Of course, if you go to India the must is the Taj Mahal. I spent a glorious afternoon of perfect weather inside the breathtaking monument and a morning of Agra smog across the river from it with Dave. The photo is below.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I am...you are...hopeful
Here we are yet again: Australia Day is only next week. The BBQ is on the balcony, the beer has been purchased and the radio ready for Triple J’s Hottest 100.
But today I don’t want to talk about Australia, at least not directly. They say the world is now a very different place from what it was this time last year and in many ways this is true. The recession we once again had to have is upon us, the Rudd Government has been in power for just over a year and Obama has been inaugurated as President of the United States; giving an inauguration speech that brings hope to a world tired of Bush’s bumbling predations.
The speech itself has been criticised for not being inspirational enough and yet I must admit that this old cynic’s eyes were glistening, for it seemed a blueprint for the type of world in which Obama wants to live; a world that is a shared fantasy for many of us.
Oh, there were the usual clichéd references to God and the military: this was after all a speech by the President of the United States of America. But if you read between the lines you see a harsh indictment of the Bush Administration and a promise to fundamentally change the direction of both US foreign and domestic policy.
“On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics.”
“As for our common defence, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake.”
“…power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use. Our security emanates from the justness of our cause; the force of our example; the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.”
Ultimately, I don’t think this kind of radical re-imagining is possible and certainly not in the short term. A simple glance at the news headlines in the lead-up to the inauguration shows that in many ways it’s “chaos as usual” out there. There may be dancing in the streets in many parts of the world, but when asked what she thought of Obama’s election, a Gazan woman reportedly said, “Obama won't bring my husband back to life.” If the US’ blind support of Israel is not tempered, can the foreign policy problems Obama really mentioned in his speech be countered?
Ultimately though, Obama’s biggest enemy will be the almost crushing level of expectation placed on him from a world that is simply exhausted after what seemed an eternity of Bush. As Vladimir Putin put it, "I am deeply convinced that the biggest disappointments are born out of big expectations."
On this day of self-reflection though, I ask: imagine what would happen if Obama’s vision of a tolerant, charitable, technologically-advanced, environmentally-sustainable, highly-educated, pluralistic and healthy world could really be created despite ourselves? It is this small hope that brings a tear to this old cynic’s eyes and one that informs the outpourings of emotions seen across the globe.
In my youth, this vision was the one I had of my country; a vision cruelly stripped away in 11 years of Howard, Bush’s much-feted literal and metaphorical partner in crime. Deep down, I still believe this new desire for peace and charity is due to our current financial woes. As we come out of the recession in a few year’s time, we’ll once again discover greed and pettiness and meanness and the obscene scramble for wealth will leave the underdogs looking for anyone to blame and hatred will flare and the demand for resources will drive us to war yet again. But until then, I hope.
Hope you have a great Happy Australia Day.
But today I don’t want to talk about Australia, at least not directly. They say the world is now a very different place from what it was this time last year and in many ways this is true. The recession we once again had to have is upon us, the Rudd Government has been in power for just over a year and Obama has been inaugurated as President of the United States; giving an inauguration speech that brings hope to a world tired of Bush’s bumbling predations.
The speech itself has been criticised for not being inspirational enough and yet I must admit that this old cynic’s eyes were glistening, for it seemed a blueprint for the type of world in which Obama wants to live; a world that is a shared fantasy for many of us.
Oh, there were the usual clichéd references to God and the military: this was after all a speech by the President of the United States of America. But if you read between the lines you see a harsh indictment of the Bush Administration and a promise to fundamentally change the direction of both US foreign and domestic policy.
“On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics.”
“As for our common defence, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake.”
“…power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use. Our security emanates from the justness of our cause; the force of our example; the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.”
Ultimately, I don’t think this kind of radical re-imagining is possible and certainly not in the short term. A simple glance at the news headlines in the lead-up to the inauguration shows that in many ways it’s “chaos as usual” out there. There may be dancing in the streets in many parts of the world, but when asked what she thought of Obama’s election, a Gazan woman reportedly said, “Obama won't bring my husband back to life.” If the US’ blind support of Israel is not tempered, can the foreign policy problems Obama really mentioned in his speech be countered?
Ultimately though, Obama’s biggest enemy will be the almost crushing level of expectation placed on him from a world that is simply exhausted after what seemed an eternity of Bush. As Vladimir Putin put it, "I am deeply convinced that the biggest disappointments are born out of big expectations."
On this day of self-reflection though, I ask: imagine what would happen if Obama’s vision of a tolerant, charitable, technologically-advanced, environmentally-sustainable, highly-educated, pluralistic and healthy world could really be created despite ourselves? It is this small hope that brings a tear to this old cynic’s eyes and one that informs the outpourings of emotions seen across the globe.
In my youth, this vision was the one I had of my country; a vision cruelly stripped away in 11 years of Howard, Bush’s much-feted literal and metaphorical partner in crime. Deep down, I still believe this new desire for peace and charity is due to our current financial woes. As we come out of the recession in a few year’s time, we’ll once again discover greed and pettiness and meanness and the obscene scramble for wealth will leave the underdogs looking for anyone to blame and hatred will flare and the demand for resources will drive us to war yet again. But until then, I hope.
Hope you have a great Happy Australia Day.
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