tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80944777664748889952024-03-29T13:59:37.326+10:30andrew speaks easyandrew speaks easyandrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-85014327266716618142013-12-03T15:43:00.002+10:302013-12-03T15:47:32.339+10:30Regrets of the dying. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqIYJc1gFWPJalyI7YMGYgzPchy6mvy2KEbotuVovniYKbYlrJjBir7qjmfrLdA4hI7ms8hV6T9FvM1OU_9GiVpZCCrTVoz8YaHKEltDzPhFO88dGaN5m5AkClnLL3mrK5wtz7yRoRyw/s1600/top-5-regrets-of-dying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqIYJc1gFWPJalyI7YMGYgzPchy6mvy2KEbotuVovniYKbYlrJjBir7qjmfrLdA4hI7ms8hV6T9FvM1OU_9GiVpZCCrTVoz8YaHKEltDzPhFO88dGaN5m5AkClnLL3mrK5wtz7yRoRyw/s400/top-5-regrets-of-dying.jpg" width="335" /></a></div>
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So I came across this article a few days ago and finally got a chance to re-post. Needless to say, this is kicking my ass. <br />
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Enjoy.<br />
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A.<br />
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Regrets of the Dying - Bronnie Ware<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who
had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with
them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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<span style="background: white;">People grow a lot when they are faced with their
own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth.
Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as
expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance.
Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one
of them.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">When questioned about any regrets they had or
anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again.
Here are the most common five:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">1.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><u>I
wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others
expected of me.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></u></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">This was the most common regret of all. When
people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it
is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not
honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to
choices they had made, or not made.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">It is very important to try and honour at least
some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health,
it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer
have it.</span><br />
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<br />
<span style="background: white;">2.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><u>I
wish I didn't work so hard.</u><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">This came from every male patient that I nursed.
They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women
also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of
the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply
regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">By simplifying your lifestyle and making
conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you
think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and
more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">3.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><u>I
wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.</u></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Many people suppressed their feelings in order
to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence
and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed
illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">We cannot control the reactions of others.
However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by
speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and
healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from
your life. Either way, you win.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">4.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><u>I
wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.</u><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Often they would not truly realise the full
benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible
to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they
had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets
about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone
misses their friends when they are dying.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to
let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the
physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial
affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true
importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of
those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this
task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all
that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">5.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><u>I
wish that I had let myself be happier.</u><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not
realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old
patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into
their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them
pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep
within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">When you are on your deathbed, what others think
of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and
smile again, long before you are dying.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose
consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.</span></span><strong><span style="color: windowtext; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-65734427684195472112013-04-09T10:17:00.002+09:302013-04-09T10:17:53.633+09:30Me, Peter Drew and pixel face. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHs7hCYNIxYOCGbG3oMP7828NRE0qTYagZlHXLflsCT-vLl67ae6IMY_jPzPycgOZ0lhX2XmYHrPDQz4sgJ2Cl2_96cTDSQLlB1aHFO-Icy4sWdlefB0epHeAb2hdAdYJRr0XxzC8zbI/s1600/the-face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHs7hCYNIxYOCGbG3oMP7828NRE0qTYagZlHXLflsCT-vLl67ae6IMY_jPzPycgOZ0lhX2XmYHrPDQz4sgJ2Cl2_96cTDSQLlB1aHFO-Icy4sWdlefB0epHeAb2hdAdYJRr0XxzC8zbI/s320/the-face.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thanks to the wonderful world of social media, I responded to a call for volunteers to have their image taken by local Adelaide street artist, Peter Drew.<br />
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I jumped at the chance. Having been an admirer of Peter's work in Adelaide for some time, the thought of being a part of one of his projects was a little exciting to say the least. I arrived at what could only be described as an artists version of a 16th century underground dungeon, filled with paint, brushes disused canvases and many other unnamed and unrecognizable things.<br />
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I sat on a mat on the floor, put the cube on my head and held a cube in my lap. Peter went click, click, moved about a bit, thanked me - and it was all over.<br />
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Check out the finished product below that is now a past up on a wall outside The Buff Club in Glasgow.<br />
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Check out The Buff Club <a href="http://www.thebuffclub.com/" target="_blank">HERE. </a><br />
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Other work in this series by Peter Drew<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV78zmF9h_OA78pCKUWrG8Oy3zxtrHHs0HXPZIQZB-qUfA0iF27Fm93Gb5OdjaDn6IqExAtwdoVzUyPZab8V1Sx_15MDbBUM8ZjIp3hIGaO4HExo6IKv22NRjXbLtUqt8K8M7NvAo1BZ0/s1600/307334_10151340368292730_1163507175_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV78zmF9h_OA78pCKUWrG8Oy3zxtrHHs0HXPZIQZB-qUfA0iF27Fm93Gb5OdjaDn6IqExAtwdoVzUyPZab8V1Sx_15MDbBUM8ZjIp3hIGaO4HExo6IKv22NRjXbLtUqt8K8M7NvAo1BZ0/s320/307334_10151340368292730_1163507175_n.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
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Previous work by Adelaide artist, Peter Drew.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhVYpMqYf5lL1pj3ZqyeChQxpwB6byk-8Uc9aS0fSq5If_fOlIFZPUbDXTQvziOiWlFphM1dkvLSzgFowA6gAiOvif42Mii-VSgPdZzt5osMc8eyHJeKaydOVGeXuSqmpuTnOmtlQSnk/s1600/536785_10150847099316801_428860215_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhVYpMqYf5lL1pj3ZqyeChQxpwB6byk-8Uc9aS0fSq5If_fOlIFZPUbDXTQvziOiWlFphM1dkvLSzgFowA6gAiOvif42Mii-VSgPdZzt5osMc8eyHJeKaydOVGeXuSqmpuTnOmtlQSnk/s320/536785_10150847099316801_428860215_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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It was and is a real thrill to be a part of some art work that traveled the globe to sit on some lonely alley way wall outside a club.<br />
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Visit Peter Drew <a href="http://peterdrewarts.com/" target="_blank">HERE> </a><br />
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Enjoy...<br />
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A.<br />
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andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-55680038249342369632013-02-05T08:40:00.002+10:302013-02-05T08:40:36.029+10:30The Chat Show BlogHey check out this new blog 'The Chat Show Blog' - I got mad and shamelessly plugged all my own stuff. <div>
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Check out the The Chat Show Blog <a href="http://thechatshowblog.wordpress.com/2013/02/04/andrew-natale-chats-about-being-a-writer-and-getting-mad/" target="_blank">HERE.</a></div>
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Thanks to Tim Ashdown - Word....</div>
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Enjoy. </div>
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A. </div>
andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-78193358509880702082013-01-31T11:30:00.000+10:302013-01-31T11:30:08.997+10:30Film review - Silver Linings Playbook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love a film with no CGI. Further to that, I love a film that still hails to the old school philosophy that a good film rises and falls on strong characters, great writing, excellent acting and equally good direction.<br />
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Silver Linings Playbook is one of those films that Hollywood only produces about once a year as for most studios they’re just too risky. What they don’t understand however, is that a film about two main characters dealing with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and bipolar is more relatable to the average person than most Hollywood productions.<br />
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Silver Linings Playbook tells the story of a Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper), who has lost everything. His wife, job, and house and as it appears his sanity. After spending eight months in a state institution Pat is finally released to the care of his parents as he embarks on a ludicrous and delusional journey to win back the love of his ex-wife. During his days which consist of reading Hemingway and running, Pat meets Tiffany (the gorgeous Jennifer Laurence) who is suffering from bipolar disorder after the death of her husband – and as you can assume, dark hilarity ensues.<br />
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At its heart, Silver Linings Playbook is a cute love story wrapped in the reality of normal everyday people dealing with their mental health. Funny at points, heartbreaking at others, Silver Linings Playbook deserves all its accolades and Oscar nominations. The acting in this film is where it takes off. The hardest thing for any actor, especially those of superstar status, is too seem believable to the character they play. To be able to perform their craft in such a way that you no longer see the actor, or your preconceived notions about them, and just see the character – to be believable. <br />
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The joy of this film is seeing Bradley Cooper actually act, instead of walking around with his shirt off, and Robert De Niro back to his best as the Eagles obsessed NFL fan, and father to Pat. Jennifer Laurence shows why she should be considered one of the most exciting actors to come out of Hollywood in a long time. Beautiful and intense she nails the emotion of each of her scenes. A serious supporting role by Chris Tucker (Rush Hour) and an equally believable Jacki Weaver, rounds off the cast perfectly. Hopefully the success of this film will drive some further non-CGI believable human stories in Hollywood. This could easily be the film of the year. <br />
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A silver lining in every situation? Absolutely.<br />
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Enjoy.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype';">A. </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Lj5_FhLaaQQ" width="560"></iframe>andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-69736794674904851842013-01-29T12:13:00.001+10:302013-01-29T12:14:09.933+10:30Gun Control v's Gun Violence<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"> </span>It seems that in the world of US politics nothing stirs the loins of conservative liberals more than the phrase ‘gun control’ – ok except maybe abortion and gay marriage. I can’t imagine what it would be like for most Americans to be a part of this debate seeing your country fiercely divided over such an important issue.<br />
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Guns, it seems, strikes right at the heart of America. The gun control debate has raged for years despite the gun deaths of Presidents, children, soldiers, politicians and countless of everyday American’s who are subject to gun violence.<br />
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What interests me more, is the reaction from President Obama and the Democrats in trying to reign in the violence. Behind closed doors of the White House, in a room somewhere, Obama sat with Vice President Biden and his scores of advisers to come up with a strategy to address this issue. I am thankful there were some communications professionals in that meeting. They came out with a strategy that included policies, meetings, new laws and community action. But under it all it was clear – “We’re talking about reducing gun violence, not gun control.”<br />
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Not once has there been a statement, or even an inkling that Obama was looking for ‘gun control’. Instead he is after reducing ‘gun violence’. What’s the difference? There’s a huge difference. Spin, and word selection play a major role in communicating en mass and the Obama camp is better at it than most. The term ‘gun control’ creates fierce opposition based on the pointless argument surrounding the US Second Amendment. Alternatively ‘gun violence’ suggests that there is room for healthy debate about the amount of injuries and death caused by guns in the US - one step closer to possible change. Will it work? Only time will tell.<br />
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One word can make all the difference. Ask the average person if they think the US should reduce gun violence and you will most likely get a ‘yes.’ Reducing gun violence is a good thing, making people safer is a good thing, keeping children free from harm is a universal good thing.<br />
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“Our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this planet. </div>
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We all breathe the same air. </div>
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We all cherish our children's future. </div>
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And we are all mortal.” </div>
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JFK </div>
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Talk about gun control – and things and people get ugly. When I see a news report of a ‘gun control’ rally on the steps of Washington, all I do is shake my head because most of them don’t get that words matter. Talk about reducing gun violence and you have a chance. <br />
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Healthy debate will always trump political bickering. <br />
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A. andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-27501495458899841862013-01-23T14:23:00.002+10:302013-01-23T14:24:49.251+10:30Why I write. <br />
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I write because of an inner compulsion to tell stories. If I’m honest with myself I don’t particularly enjoy the process of writing. The reward is in the end result; when a story is over, when the characters are alive and no longer annoying my vacant thoughts. Finishing a story is like what I could only imagine a title fighter feels when winning a big fight with a stunning knockout victory. I stand back and look at the sentences, the phrases, passages, and pages as they whimper in the corner too tired to wrestle with me anymore. The process is exactly that, a big fight. From first thoughts, to ideas, to plots and conception, the first creation in my mind heralds many hours of unsettling work with the hope that the second creation will be as inspired as the original.</div>
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Writing is like traveling through time, free of any responsibilities, worries, where your own imagination is your guide and your heart your teacher. In this journey there are always moments when you are completely out of control, where you are at the mercy of the process. Where you enter into the epic battle that lies between the first and second creation, the place where all art lives. This place is neither heaven nor hell, neither good nor evil, it is your own worst nightmare and blissful fantasies all wrapped into one. It’s where heroes meet villains only to discover their own villainous traits, and where love is quashed and then re-born…and then quashed again. It’s where you write sentences that you hope will sing off the page into someone’s heart. <br />
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In reality it’s not telling stories at all, indeed it’s showing them. Showing the world you have created, a distorted and truthful view of what you see everyday, observations that you want others to see; a world of hope, a world of life, and a world of possibilities. For me writing is about trying to show those observations, about using words and sentences to draw a reader in, to look over their shoulder and get them to look in the direction of where my finger is pointing. Showing them that life is beautiful, no matter the season. That piercing sunshine always comes after the rain, that a still silent breeze always dances in after the harsh wind, and that in every winter their lay an invincible summer. And so here is my own invincible summer, a collection of short stories all written in the winter of 2009, where my melancholy sparked my imagination. <br />
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Enjoy.<br />
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A.<br />
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“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”<br />
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Albert Camus<br />
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The Invincible Summer, A collection of Short Stories by Andrew Natale eBook can be downloaded <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/97358">HERE.</a> or through iBooks. A hard copy of the book can be purchased by contacting the author directly on andrewjnat@adam.com.au.andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com264tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-40727910076699845282013-01-14T15:19:00.000+10:302013-01-23T10:35:51.299+10:30Fight Club, Jack Nicholson and the skill of being ordinary. <br />
I can’t help but think that we’re all destined to be ordinary. Ironically, to do ordinary well, takes an extraordinary amount of effort and skill. Why is there a cultural and societal pressure to live up to an expectation to jettison away from the ordinary and live large? To be successful, to reach your potential, to be all you were meant to be?<br />
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I was interested by a story a work colleague told me over coffee one morning at work. The night before, she had attended her son’s year 7 graduation. She told about how, during the ceremony, each student was asked what it was they wanted to be when they were older. To her dismay, almost ninety percent of the class said they either wanted to be a celebrity, a celebrities’ assistant, or a famous world class sports star. There were none who desired to be Scientists, Writers or Mathematicians. Now obviously, our desires and hopes change quite a bit from the age of 12 to adult hood – but an interesting thing is at work here. Not only is this a pretty accurate view of today’s youth culture, it also shows the lie and draw of celebrity and being ‘extraordinary.’<br />
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Once upon a time in a country where Paul Hogan was putting shrimps on BBQ and the beer of choice for most Australian’s was VB (I know funny right?) The Great Australian Dream (GAD) was about having a nice family and owning your own home. Now it seems the GAD is all about reaching to the stars to be a star. It’s like the cultural dreams of a group of small wanna be Hollywood actors has permeated to our Western Culture and all of us are looking for a big win. Being ordinary is no longer enough, now we must all be spectacular.<br />
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Suddenly owning one home isn't enough. All of sudden we need investment properties, share portfolios, high cash flow and a future investment plan that will help me retire on Martinis instead of VB’s. Are we all really infected by a culture that demands we buy things that we don’t really need to impress people we don’t really like?*<br />
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But let’s be honest with each other here. What if Jack Nicholson was right, and this is, literally, as good as it gets. I mean I have a steady job, great family, wonderful friends and excellent relationships. I have money (I’m not swimming in it) but enough to buy food, a roof, and the occasional luxury item (hmmmm 100% cotton polo shirts). </div>
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Yet sometimes this doesn't seem to be enough. Maybe it’s the curse of being a writer that comes hand in hand with being an idealistic dreamer. A writer that hopes to one-day live off his writing. But there is a fly in the ointment logic of the celebrity culture and the steroid growth of the GAD.<br />
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We need ordinary, so that extraordinary can be recognized. There are only a few in our world who are destined to be extraordinary but the rest of us are destined to sit and look up and watch, sometimes with envy, but mostly with gratitude that our lives aren't that complicated.<br />
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I blame social media, that in some part, helps us to feel like mini celebrities that can have photos shared, posted, liked, commented on, filtered and forwarded to an online world of people looking inwards - all before we have breakfast. Almost overnight we have become a world of narcissistic individuals who would rather share their photos with the world instead of their wealth.<br />
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I can’t help but think though, that to be ordinary is to be wonderful. It seems that the most beautifully ordinary people ARE the ones who change the world never for it to be the same again. It’s these people, who should have their stories told. The person who decides that patience is worth being better at. That standing up on a bus for a digger is proper. Spending extra time with someone who you know is struggling. Giving to that charity because you know it means little to you, but everything to them. Deciding on a Monday that your job will be about more than just paying bills. That pride doesn't come before a fall, but indeed usually precedes really good work.<br />
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You see I refuse to live this culture’s game. I am happy to leave the extraordinary to themselves with their celebrity, various cars, full head of hair and Jesus’ abs. I am happy with being ordinary, because it’s going to become the new envy of the world.<br />
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A world of people determined to do the little things well – until the line between extraordinary and ordinary are blurred.<br />
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Enjoy.<br />
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A.<br />
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P.S: * Fight Club quote – watch film here.</div>
andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-75796912638275569902012-04-26T11:20:00.005+09:302012-04-27T11:39:27.406+09:30Joss Whedon and blue pyjamas - The Avengers movie review.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8u-5UR5vpCS9xuiubtzTXj5-0uLjS4eheEfGGNI2k4Lhh6nwY2xCRS2ZXl8Zp-ecymAwOCpbDo5rtcQ7fDMYxMMaPYCuJS1jRRaDyntoJipzUlBi15XMn300m3inFf_vQkFSpcVe6bw/s1600/220px-Joss_Whedon_by_Gage_Skidmore_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8u-5UR5vpCS9xuiubtzTXj5-0uLjS4eheEfGGNI2k4Lhh6nwY2xCRS2ZXl8Zp-ecymAwOCpbDo5rtcQ7fDMYxMMaPYCuJS1jRRaDyntoJipzUlBi15XMn300m3inFf_vQkFSpcVe6bw/s1600/220px-Joss_Whedon_by_Gage_Skidmore_3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have been a Joss Whedon fan for more years than I care to remember. I can easily say that his wit, characters, and story arcs are a large reason as to why I wanted to be a writer (with honourable mentions to Aaron Sorking and the West Wing). <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As a fan of the Buffy/Angel/Firefly verse for many years, Joss Whedon has characterised his stories with sharp wit, mixed with characters that have actual depth – this is all the more true for The Avengers. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes it’s hard to believe that a guy running around in blue spandex, a dude in red and yellow armour, a bicep bulging Australian who lacks certain pro nouns, and a green CGI Hulk could evoke such description – well believe it Joss Whedon has managed to deliver characters with purpose and depth. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Marvel studios, bankrolled by Merrill Lynch, have bet the farm on The Avengers, with a budget of $220 million - and rightly so. Never before has a single movie been preceded by such an extensive plot arc covering 4 years of story telling and 5 different films. Iron Man (2008), The Incredible Hulk (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Thor (2011), and Captain America (2011). Each of these films has elements and small story line snippets that culminate in The Avengers. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Avengers manages to tell a stand-alone story with no need to have a familiarity to the preceding Marvel Studio films. Whilst the five previous films have certain plot elements (it’s worth checking them out before you go, but you'll be ok if you don't) the Avengers starts off primarily where Thor and Captain America finishes. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thor’s half brother, Loki, comes to earth in search of the ultimate energy power, the same energy cube that appears in Captain America. Tension and hilarity ensues, as Thor, Tony Stark, Dr Banner and Captain America, have to put aside their own ego and work as team to, you guessed it, save the world from an ultimate alien invasion. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The action sequences are both breathtaking and thrilling and, refreshing to say, make sense and add to the plot. What makes this film shine is the screenplay and Joss Whedon’s ability to make you laugh one minute and feel genuine compassion the next. Comic book characters can have such depth, preceded by decades of story telling in print, that spans generations. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">With an impressive ensemble cast of Robert Downey Jnr, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L Jackson, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans and Jeremy Renner, The Avengers delivers all the hype that you would expect with such a huge studio investment. Gwyneth Paltrow and Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother) make great brief supporting additions to the cast. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In a year that will see the conclusion of Christopher Nolan’s Batman, the new Spiderman and Superman franchises, The Avengers has set a new benchmark on the comic film genre that shows that even if characters wear spandex you can have a film with depth. (I still can’t get over Captain Americas pyjamas – but hey I digress). <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Joss manages to bring his trademark wit and humour that fans have become accustomed to with Buffy and Angel – at one point, the audience cheered and clapped with laughter. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Even if comic book films are not your thing, take the opportunity to see a great film that, at the very least, will thrill you. Even if you just go to see Chris Hemsworth’s bicep’s or Scarlett Johansson in black leather, The Avengers may very well inspire you to take a trip to the video store to check out the preceding five films. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now that Adelaide’s whether is shit, and we are all about to go into the post Fringe winter hibernation, head to the movies with popcorn in hand and check out the Avengers, Joss wont disappoint you. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Avengers Assemble. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Enjoy, <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tY9DnBNJFTI?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-76432368821965576552012-03-08T17:05:00.001+10:302012-03-08T17:08:43.316+10:30I clicked ‘share’ – Slactivism, Kony and hating Justin Beiber<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlCFSfRQCCRvoi000sL0nH7_AHm2wQn17JC62kLpcFeEfXccZotVbYL-1Gs1y3SezN14SDcX790v_QLEaUOa8B_viXb4XadyoTk1gNEyZfpWs7saRzml2QJX4u406lg517xrYJ-jzM5k/s1600/Kony1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlCFSfRQCCRvoi000sL0nH7_AHm2wQn17JC62kLpcFeEfXccZotVbYL-1Gs1y3SezN14SDcX790v_QLEaUOa8B_viXb4XadyoTk1gNEyZfpWs7saRzml2QJX4u406lg517xrYJ-jzM5k/s320/Kony1.jpg" width="320" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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I clicked ‘share’. I clicked share because I am not an activist. I don’t attend rallies, or march or paint signs or scream in the face of those who disagree. I don’t give money to charity organizations with terrible logos, and I don’t particularly feel so passionate about third world issues to travel overseas to see it first hand. Truthfully it I had a chance to go overseas it would be to follow my own hedonistic pursuits, than to gain an awareness of all of this world’s seemingly rising injustices. <br />
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I do however think that I’m a good father. I teach my children, Preston (8) to always tell the truth, to look after his younger sister, Charlise (5), to work hard at the things he loves. And I tell my daughter that she has beautiful ideas, and thoughts, so she grows up understanding that beauty is not just dependant on her appearance. <br />
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I do work with young people everyday, trying to the best of my ability within a highly conflicting political environment, to advocate on youth issues and try to direct resources and service to teenagers who need it. <br />
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I do read national and international news websites everyday, because I think having an understanding of what is going on in the world, as a global citizen, is important so if there is something I feel passionate about I can act – and also to sound more intelligent than I am at dinner parties!<br />
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I am a long way away from being an activist, and so I will gladly take on the term slactivist. This week I watched the Koni video (along with 11 million other people) and felt, justifiably, appalled and because I was appalled and moved by their cleaver use of rhetoric and film making I clicked share. <br />
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I went to the website; I liked the paged, and shared the video but I won’t buy a pack or go to a rally. Oh shit….I is the problem with Western Culture. <br />
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Bloody slack ass me. <br />
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I won’t get up at midnight and plaster stickers all over the place, not because I don’t believe in the cause, but because I’m 34 and I don’t graffiti with stickers – plus, I like my sleep and I kind of think that idea is sort of lame. <br />
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Needless to say, I had never heard about Kony before. NEVER. Honestly I had no idea any of this shit was going on in Africa, and I would consider myself a reasonably informed global citizen. Today I have. I have read all the info and feel a little more aware. Will that make me give my cash to get rid of him, maybe not, but why does a movement like this (yeh I said movement, deal with it) have to always be about giving up your life, selling your shit to be completely sold out for a cause. There are words for people like that, they’re called Christians – they actually do it really well so ill let them get their Jesus on and try to change the world. <br />
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Now does a video on YouTube that gets over 11 million views equate to actual social change. Hell no, Justin Beiber has over 11 million hits – I hate him and his weird flaccid fringe. <br />
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But one thing I won’t do is critique for critique sake. I won’t let my infused popular cultured brain, be ignorant at something that obviously needs awareness. Yes the video uses emotional manipulation, yes it doesn’t address the broader geo political issues, and no the US can’t be the world police just invading willy nilly – see Iraq. <br />
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But I will admire one man’s passion to try and change his world and to make it better. I will admire his energy to garner support, and to do his best to generate followers and I will take the time to write about it. <br />
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And fuck yeh, I’m gonna hit share, because quite honestly as one dude in little old Adelaide, that’s all I feel I can do. <br />
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But I would rather hit share, and then lean back on my reclining desk chair and start to research about this whole mess not because I’m an activist, but because I’m curious and I want to learn. <br />
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Does this make me a slactivist, hell yeh, but I’d rather be a believing western slactivist than a cynic. <br />
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Oh and if you want to read more about the Invisible Children click <a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/www.invisiblechildren.com/critiques.html">HERE.</a><br />
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Enjoy. <br />
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A.andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-17698173224584306232012-01-18T10:23:00.001+10:302012-01-18T10:27:33.083+10:30I want to be Clementine Ford – Except for the Ryan Gosling obsession.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsoZb-sQwkwRSAxQg-zfTZ6wGcSa-dTbMfrd8N_8l4URH5Ymp-mwL9-iBk5qUejcYePX-KacdlA4hNSTY8l-BjZ6yPMMdggC846mIKdY3q18myLwBunNefBqhBecOPjfRQfPT7hVL_GY/s1600/Clementine_Ford_18966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsoZb-sQwkwRSAxQg-zfTZ6wGcSa-dTbMfrd8N_8l4URH5Ymp-mwL9-iBk5qUejcYePX-KacdlA4hNSTY8l-BjZ6yPMMdggC846mIKdY3q18myLwBunNefBqhBecOPjfRQfPT7hVL_GY/s320/Clementine_Ford_18966.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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I first met Clem on Twitter. Yes I said it. I met Clem on Twitter - and then strangely we ran into each other at a local café and only realised we were each other until we both hit up Twitter ten minutes later. <br />
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Clem is a freelance journalist, boner killer (her words not mine) and notorious trouble maker out of Melbourne and an exception writer. I say exceptional because when I think of being a good writer I think of being a good truth teller. Essentially writing, whether it is fiction, journalism, or birthday cards, is all about telling the truth as you see it. <br />
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Clem writes about what she sees, how it makes her feel and the rest is well, a big case of deal with it. What I like the most about her writing is her feminist social analysis. Some of her articles are exceptionally well thought out, researched and basically spot on when discussing social issues to do with women in our society. <br />
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I like Clem’s work because she writes regardless of the haters and I wish that I had the vagina to do the same. Clem receives quite a bit of angst for her thoughts none more so than the barrage she received below on Twitter. This tosser was promptly deleted by Twitter, but none the less Clem took it on the chin and well the rest is beautiful history. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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</div>If you want to read some thought provoking truth then hit up Clem, like, yesterday. Facebook search “Clementine Ford” hit up her blog <a href="http://clementineford.tumblr.com/about">HERE</a> and follow her on Twitter @clementine_ford. <br />
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Clem also writes for the Drum and you can find some of her articles <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/clementine-ford-35806.html">HERE.</a>. <br />
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Get on it…oh just look past the Ryan Gosling obsession. I think she has a Ryan Gosling blow - up doll. <br />
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Enjoy, <br />
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A.andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-90341316042546421272012-01-12T17:29:00.001+10:302012-01-12T17:31:43.294+10:30One for the Nerds - What is the purpose of Genre?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXzfVBe8kBWIx5w_oQD9hGQNIlpPu2TMjFv7BlxdOmsOoiiWIGAbDITN9l0DenjpuGNMdfDPrP5ojtqp5NrgBtdoDt1FkK-OUhP1NvMXKceYjpNMtLJB03x0LNHZraw7MW1v27hgA5KM/s1600/220px-Brokeback_mountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXzfVBe8kBWIx5w_oQD9hGQNIlpPu2TMjFv7BlxdOmsOoiiWIGAbDITN9l0DenjpuGNMdfDPrP5ojtqp5NrgBtdoDt1FkK-OUhP1NvMXKceYjpNMtLJB03x0LNHZraw7MW1v27hgA5KM/s320/220px-Brokeback_mountain.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><br />
Here's my last Uni Assignment. I'm still trying to get my academic writing on, but i really enjoyed researching this essay. For those of you who love your genre films or just a decent film in general, you'll like parts of this essay.<br />
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Go on get your nerd on, and have a read. <br />
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Enjoy, <br />
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A. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">What is the purpose of genre?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When discussing the purpose of genre in film, we must first analyse what genre is, and the various elements that constitute a genre film or filmic product. Most films will broadly fit into a genre category, or type of genre but determining what these genres are will largely depend on the interpretation of the texts that constitute the definition of genre. As Stadler and McWilliam state genre can be defined as “…a type or kind…one way that films and television programs are classified into recognizable groups and sub-groups by privileging particular similarities to (and dissimilarities from) other films and television programs.” (2009, Pg 218).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A genre film could broadly be defined as possessing at least some or all of these elements to make the genre identifiable to another. Pramaggiore and Wallis state “…a genre refers to a group of films that share a set of narrative, stylistic, and thematic characteristics or conventions. While not every film in a given genre will exhibit all of the genre’s conventions, every film in a genre will exhibit at least some of them.” (2008, Pg 374)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Genre is a style of film in which the viewer can come to expect certain elements consistent with that genre. As Neale states, “Genres do not consist only of films: they consist also, and equally, of specific systems of expectation and hypothesis that spectators bring with them to the cinema and that interact with films themselves during the course of the viewing process. These systems provide spectators with a means of recognition and understanding.” (1997, p160). But what are the elements or texts that make up a particular genre and how are they interpreted? As Stadler and McWilliam state “…the most common conventions around which genre texts are classified are: a formulaic plot; setting; style and structure; and iconography.” (2009, Pg 219).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>These texts are the defining elements in which a viewer can identify a certain genre different from another. For example a viewer can identify a western movie by its iconography. Western films will have a cowboy who wears a cowboy hat and uses a “six shooter” and rides into town on a horse under the backdrop of a setting sunset, while off in the saloon the antagonist, or outlaw will be drinking whiskey or playing poker and usually be dressed in all black. These are all iconic elements that identify the film as being a western genre film. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In this instance the western genre creates predictability in the narrative and serves a purpose to allow the viewer to know what kind of film they are seeing. By having these conventions it serves a purpose of identification with these elements that assist the viewer in knowing what to expect from the film. So when someone goes to see a western film they know that at some point there will be a shootout with the sheriff and that he will need to rescue someone, usually his unrequited love. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A particular genre text however, is only defined in that genre of film as it conforms to those particular genre’s conventions. As Stadler and McWilliam state, “This process is both contextual and intertextual, because it is an articulation of one texts relation to the other texts, in terms of their shared features.” (2009, Pg 219). So when in an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BTVS) another film is quoted like Star Wars and a character says “I’ve noticed you have gone to the grumpier side of the force” another text is referenced linking the two. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Some films or filmic products will not strictly stay to one particular genre but indeed be a hybrid genre. Stadler and McWilliam state that “…hybrid-genre texts are not only common, but also much more common that than single-genre texts.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(2009, Pg 221). Using BTVS as an example it could be broadly categorized as horror, but it also has elements of adventure, fantasy and also romance as all genre texts from these genres make an appearance in some form or another thorough out the course of a season. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Genre can be intrinsically linked to popular texts and the production of such genre films or filmic products can be dependant upon what is selling in Hollywood at the time. Gibson states “…Hollywood is surely a cinema of genres, a cinema of westerns, gangster films, musical, melodramas, and thrillers. Indeed, in early reflections on Hollywood cinema, it was this very quality that generated antagonistic criticism, with generic structures being deemed an impediment to artistic achievement.” (1998, Pg 327). In recent years the “Vampire” genre or resurgence in vampire iconography that makes up a vampire film (pale colored characters, violence, blood, biting, crosses, werewolves) has had a resurgent not just in film genre but also in the literary world which has fueled more vampire orientated films and filmic products. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The purpose of genre however, is not be used as a mere definition or tool to categorize a film in terms of whether it is different or the same as another, but to provide an expectation with the viewer for what film they are going to see. Individual genres might be difficult to define in themselves, as the elements that make up that genre are important in defining a film for the audience. Lacey states, “Despite the difficulty in defining genres, it is obvious that genre is a potent concept because both audiences and institutions use genre to define texts, and producers use genre to generate and articulate meaning.” (2005, Pg 59)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxNi8PZoU2wcdqQ7wL2bynVF5GZPQVycPDtV4ceJ2u263FyynLJ159b5bNqp7zmn5NZzjRE-SyAmLfcQZxxjjUybARAO8f-a-M98vzkeuWgjSTDRVyZ_jfaVDotSS0-fWBfGPUyOJZ-4/s1600/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-once-more-with-feeling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxNi8PZoU2wcdqQ7wL2bynVF5GZPQVycPDtV4ceJ2u263FyynLJ159b5bNqp7zmn5NZzjRE-SyAmLfcQZxxjjUybARAO8f-a-M98vzkeuWgjSTDRVyZ_jfaVDotSS0-fWBfGPUyOJZ-4/s320/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-once-more-with-feeling.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It is the strength of the texts within the genre themselves that can give the film strength and meaning. Whilst a genre film might provide a certain element of predictability in narrative, it can also be strengthen by adding different texts from other genres to enhance the film – this would be another purpose of genre and the sum of its texts. Lacey states that “…genres, while essentially formulaic, thrive on difference. Hence if we have a clear idea of what a particular genre consists of, this can be contrasted with how the generic conventions are sued to individual texts. Such differences may simply be in the mix of ingredients, such as a film start appearing in the genre not associated with her or him.” (2005, Pg 59). As an example, an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BTVS) in its sixth season saw a particular demon come to town and turn everyone’s life into a real life musical. It was an entire episode of music where characters would go from talking in normal dialogue to suddenly breaking out into song and everyone dancing. Whilst the texts in BTVS could be broadly categorized as horror, and fantasy by adding a different text from a completely different associated genre such as the iconography of a musical, it created a completely different genre or hybrid genre by creating a horror musical with similarities to the Rocky Horror Picture show - but with less distortion guitar. These mixing of texts in genre creates hybrid genres as previous discussed and the formation of subgenres </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Genre does serve a purpose however in how a film is communicated and indeed marketed by film companies and Hollywood. Cinema goers want to see a certain kind of film, or might be in the mood for a certain film, and genre has now been an element to serve a purpose of brining people to the movies by appealing to our need for formulaic plot and narrative construction. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Genre has also provided a medium for people to view the changing nature of culture as the genre changes. Whilst some genres will still reclaim the tradition of certain elements, they can develop and change over time as culture changes thus creating a reflection on certain elements of the changing nature of our society. Pramiggiore and Wallis state, “Another mode of criticism measures how genres gradually change, or evolve. While on one level genres retain their basic conventions, over time certain conventions will give way to others. An obvious example is the horror film’s depiction of monsters. The more obviously grotesque products of nature or science have been replaced by serial killers who appear perfectly normal.” (2008, Pg. 393).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>These subtle changes are both a reflection on the changing nature of our culture and filmmakers are changing the elements within the genre to make sure that the particular genre still applies and is believable to an audience. Some elements of a western film made in the 1950’s would be drastically different because of the social atmosphere as apposed to a western film today. Brokeback Mountain, which could broadly be categorized as a western still had some of the traditional elements of a western film. The iconography of the cowboy on the land and the costume they wore, however by making both the male characters gay made a significant impact on the genre of the film by reflecting views of gay rights, as was the time when the film was made in 2005. Obviously having two gay cowboys in a John Wayne film in the 1950’s would have significantly altered the predictability of the narrative with the western genre and would most certainly not reflected the American culture of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In conclusion genre serves a purpose to give the viewer a point of reference of what kind of film they either want to see or are seeing. By containing elements and texts that confirm a particular genre a viewer and a filmmaker can rely upon the stylistic nature of the genre. But further than that, genre serves a purpose as to comment on the changing nature of our society and culture. By having predictable elements such as iconography and narrative with a certain genre, change even slightly, this tells us that our culture is demanding more of the cinema and asking filmmakers to provide a more believable and up to date reflection of that particular genre, its elements and how it relates to the audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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</div>andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-23331094352905540742012-01-06T09:32:00.001+10:302012-01-06T09:34:10.014+10:30Street Preachers v’s Street Guardians. How The Green Team is balancing the crazy.<div>My first exposure to the Rundle Mall hate preachers was at the 2010 Fringe when, upon entering, I heard a barrage of messages from some smelly guy, in yesterday’s clothes who was in desperate need of a shower and a spiritual lobotomy – it was Fringe time so I didn’t think it was anything strange.</div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He was on a box (although I don’t think it was a soap box) screaming into a megaphone that created only fuzzled muffled tones. But within the first few minutes I was able to decipher that these guys were all about preaching their gospel of hate and intolerance. It took me about five minutes to realize that it wasn’t in impromptu Fringe show. Anything on the streets of Adelaide in Feb and March could be considered a Fringe show – I was so disappointed that I wasn’t watching some street theater but actually fervent “Christian” dudes believing the crazy they were trying to sell.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Since then the Rundle Mall Street preachers have been creating quite a stir, especially in the media, and with the inability for the Adelaide City Council to stop them from screaming at unsuspecting shoppers, and now with recent reports of them now “preaching” on Adelaide trains.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">These guys give me a shudder to the very core of my non-committal, non-practicing, recovering, pseudo Christian spine.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What disturbs me the most (other than their intolerance and crazy talk of God and hate) is that the minority is screaming the loudest. These crazy’s are giving a wrong impression about Christianity to many people.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Most (I say most because I have met some that have embraced the crazy side of the Christian force) Christians are people with a genuine faith and determination to leave this world better than what they have found it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Enter The Green Team.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In stark contrast to the Rundle Street Preachers, if you continue to mozie on down to the west side of the city and head into the darker edgier parts of Hindley St you may see a bunch of young people cruising around in bright Green Hoodies.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">These guys are The Green Team – a group of committed young people from Adelaide Churches coordinated through Encounter Youth (visit <a href="http://www.encounteryouth.com.au/" target="_blank">HERE.</a>) who wander the dark corners of Hindley St to assist Police and those young people who have got on the sauce a little too much.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVFGxMdS1y3g_1HQRuIDTpg-8S3CZLeFn8yOyMTaO2KA-k7p79aL-Pmm4rGMGN661StgkHgMMsZcYfD_255Wdwpbt7FphPMZPioNKxA_RyZERRwcNJs7ltsnnMSOSIM5FlsDtIh2vvjo/s1600/598551-green-team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVFGxMdS1y3g_1HQRuIDTpg-8S3CZLeFn8yOyMTaO2KA-k7p79aL-Pmm4rGMGN661StgkHgMMsZcYfD_255Wdwpbt7FphPMZPioNKxA_RyZERRwcNJs7ltsnnMSOSIM5FlsDtIh2vvjo/s320/598551-green-team.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I had the pleasure of working for Encounter Youth a couple of times and I still remain impressed. The first time was a genuinely enjoyable experience….the second….was….well…..i digress.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Starting about 10 years ago at the Schoolies Festival in Victor Harbor, The Green Team is an example of what Christianity should be about – less CD purchasing, and less megaphone preaching, and more helping of those who need it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So next time you are wandering in the City on a Friday and Saturday night, head down to Hindley St and say hi to a Green Teamer. They’re there to provide an extra presence for Police and help those drunk 19 year old girls who stagger out of Red Square get into a cab safely, and to help Police nab those wanker 21 year old guys who feel the need to get their testosterone on with some fisty cuffs.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So next time you see a bunch of hairy, smelly, weird looking dudes shouting their crazy about how God hates fags, and girls who have sex before marriage go to hell, remember these two things…:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">They use the bible like a Selleys no gaps filler. They just use it where they need too.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">And most Christians would rather wear green than stand on a soapbox. Me on the other hand will do neither and continue to just sit on the fence, point and go…”What is that…?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If only there was a way the Green Team could make music CD’s and sell them to make millions….oh sorry hang on, that’s not the point.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My bad…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Enjoy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A. </div></div><div><br />
See a promo video below...its a little lame, but you get the idea. Sorry Jess...</div><div><br />
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5b2lFTdp388?fs=1" width="480"></iframe><br />
<div><br />
</div>andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-36746158248392520082011-12-20T17:38:00.002+10:302011-12-20T17:43:26.875+10:30JESUS™ - Profit, Church, and the amazing union of oil and water.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzrA4caeXKhsX0KtxiigV9_iIDpPwne-kndv7FOi1Bp97M4Wklh4X7kkY3mNq2Zhya8tcT5lgZ1zav-jTdhyFI67zxFtXawEK_R6osxT8LbnvyG4Yavp2e9u6hRyCo7Eg3cKSUfSoqrA/s1600/cd-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzrA4caeXKhsX0KtxiigV9_iIDpPwne-kndv7FOi1Bp97M4Wklh4X7kkY3mNq2Zhya8tcT5lgZ1zav-jTdhyFI67zxFtXawEK_R6osxT8LbnvyG4Yavp2e9u6hRyCo7Eg3cKSUfSoqrA/s200/cd-cover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div>My first exposure to Hillsong was in the mid 90’s when I was still a teenager and believed that I would see a Christian revival in my lifetime (whatever that actually meant). I was a youngish Christian with a starry eye for the bright lights of Pentecostal Church Ministry that comes with its very own preaching series and books complete with a cover photo of me in a pin striped suit with hair and a fake tan.<br />
<br />
Back then Hillsong were on the verge of moving into their newly built facility in Baulkham Hills and were still operating under Hills Christian Life Centre. My memories of this experience were quite fond, spending hours in a Toyota Tarago with friends driving from Sydney to Adelaide singing the latest Hillsong tunes and dreaming of a day when we too, would be up on stage in lights singing glory to our lord. One thing that I can remember quit vividly is the euphoric feeling of being a part of something on the verge of exploding.<br />
<br />
And explode it did.<br />
<br />
By 2004 Hillsong Church (renamed to capitalize on Hillsong Music’s strong market presence) and no doubt funded partly by its Aria Chart topping record sales, Hillsong Church grossed a staggering $50 Million. Hillsong Church has grown significantly over this period due to their mega church status, slick Sunday church productions, Hillsong Music conference, Hillsong Music and no doubt the income generated by their record company Hillsong Music Australia. Hillsong Churches are now in Kiev, London, South Africa, Paris, Sweden and just recently New York City.<br />
<br />
Hillsong is truly a global brand.<br />
<br />
Hillsong Music Australia, a department of their church, employs 17 fulltime staff and unlike other recording labels, (like Brisbane based Dew Process which has a diverse range of artists such as Sarah Blasko, Bernard Fanning, The Panics and Mumford and Sons), Hillsong Music Australia only has three artists on its roster – Hillsong Live, United and Hillsong Kids.<br />
<br />
Undoubtedly their most successful band is United, which founded in 1998 has now released 13 albums and along with Hillsong Live releases an album each year.<br />
<br />
The record label is a significant income source for Hillsong Church. According to its 2010 annual report, Hillsong Church Australia last year earned a staggering $64 million, with total assets of $28.7m and income from conferences at a mere, $6.7m.<br />
<br />
Not bad considering the Church operates tax free.<br />
<br />
Victoria’s University Graduate School of Business produced a study (back in 2006) that showed that the tax exemption of Churches and other non-profit organizations saved those organizations more than $1 billion a year.<br />
<br />
The Melbourne City Council told a Productivity Commission inquiry into charities (again back in 2006) that church exemptions from rates cost it $10 million a year, pushing up charges for other ratepayers by 10 per cent.<br />
<br />
These exemptions include GST, income tax, fringe benefits tax at the federal level; land tax, stamp duty, payroll tax and car registration (state); and rates, and some power and water charges (local government and utilities).<br />
<br />
I could continue to go on here. There are many lists of facts and figures that I could quote and from various sources. I should also mention that according to their website, Hillsong Church also fund many of their own community orientated programs none more prevalent than Mercy Ministries and Hillsong City Care.<br />
<br />
A copy of Hillsong’s most recent annual report was not easy to track down and the figures quoted here are taken from other reports and articles I was able to find. If anyone can provide me with a recent copy of Hillsong’s Annual Report I would be more than happy to post a full summation of their earnings and spendings.<br />
<br />
We do however; live in a world that values consumption as a means to success. Below is a photo from underground street Artist, Banksy. Some Christians may find the depiction of Jesus on a cross with shopping bags in his hands as offensive, but I find it a very accurate depiction of modern day Christianity. It seems Christianity has gotten itself a little mixed up with consumerism.<br />
<br />
Jesus turned water into wine, and now the Christian church has joined oil and water - a modern day miracle.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijA8D2E8X7vrvQ0S122CKDg-57jX5ywitJ744J6JMlEjj6hExd0HLllsJzkeTxeok_KqRT1Tw_DQraTaDfyG1nek2ffq8AKsrYGYB8TkHPBX1Nlii2-A0uOCXavaYXQrjLDN9YDSKp4L8/s1600/banksy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijA8D2E8X7vrvQ0S122CKDg-57jX5ywitJ744J6JMlEjj6hExd0HLllsJzkeTxeok_KqRT1Tw_DQraTaDfyG1nek2ffq8AKsrYGYB8TkHPBX1Nlii2-A0uOCXavaYXQrjLDN9YDSKp4L8/s320/banksy.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><div><br />
<br />
From my own simplistic and admittedly uneducated opinion of the Gospel, I was always under the impression that the calling of being a Christian was about the sacrifice of servant hood for those less fortunate than you.<br />
<br />
What Hillsong Church (and others that profit from the Gospel, I’m looking at you Paradise Community Church, Edge, and Planet Shakers) do is further propel this consumerist culture (albeit with great intentions) that rewards success in terms of size and prosperity. If you are a Church minister today, the size of your church reflects the ability of your “calling” or validity of your skills as that churches minister. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Make no doubt about it, in Churches size matters.<br />
<br />
Victory Church Senior Minister, Tony Rainbow wasn’t being asked to preach at conferences when he was leading a dozen Christians in a living room back in the mid 90’s.<br />
<br />
Whether Christians like it or not, Hillsong Church has become the pre-eminent poster boy for success when it comes to western Church. And if you’re part of a church that signs their songs, and hangs colored lights – I’m sorry but either directly or indirectly, you wanna be like big sister.<br />
<br />
There is a lot of money to be made from Jesus and the Gospel, and many churches around the world are making quite a bit. But in light of the Occupy Movement currently growing momentum (ironic considering all they do is just sit around), big corporations are being called to show greater consideration for the poor and those less fortunate in our society and the world – and how much more should churches be leading this charge.<br />
<br />
Shouldn’t the Christian Church be the example of giving to the rest of the world? What information I could find was that in 2004 Hillsong Church made $50million in profit and gave $2.4 million to charity and/or community focused programs. Now I don’t know how accurate these figures are, but it was difficult to find information on how much they spent rather than how much they earned. I’m no auditor, but with the size building they operate and the many staff it would take to fund such a complex, this isn’t the least surprising.<br />
<br />
Now these figures are probably no different in ratio to many other Christian Churches around the country. Every church has income from various sources and every church has to pay their bills – Hillsong is no different in this regard.<br />
<br />
But why does the Western Church need to follow the Hillsong model by providing slick Sunday services, great looking buildings and worship teams that play the latest hits? If the Christian church’s faith is so strong, shouldn’t it still thrive if it was operating in people’s livings rooms, where no buildings were needed and everyone just, well, looked after each other – and there would be no need to buy worship albums.<br />
<br />
This makes me think that mega Churches are what people want. Maybe the problem isn’t the Church, maybe the problem is the people who want and need this kind of church - which leads me to this question.<br />
<br />
Is the western Christian faith keeping the world poor? Would the horn of Africa exist if Christians around the world were just as happy to share their faith around a coffee table, and give their tithe and CD money, directly to the third world, instead of propping up first world churches so they could pay their power bills?<br />
<br />
Suddenly, without any of us realizing is seems that believing in Jesus has become quite expensive.<br />
<br />
I don’t know the answer, but while churches like Hillsong continue to make millions of dollars in profits, while paying no tax, and the world continues to struggle to feed itself, Christianity will continue to fight a legitimacy battle when even the churches are struggling to practice what they preach.<br />
<br />
Occupy Hillsong…?<br />
<br />
Absolutely.<br />
<br />
Enjoy.<br />
<br />
A.</div></div>andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-68211112847632353402011-11-04T11:34:00.001+10:302011-11-04T11:38:23.423+10:30This is what I believe...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAzfTtStCfWhheF7fcncDPVPY7lOfT6jUne2Aqxni-Bjuvq30ir45OjxAR2pn1ZilcRDXjTkeUHpNzfJubgycnxq2SY87NL3KuLO44hoG9TUVZ6IQVCI3BZHTp39rrR_VWy_5KKL5UaY/s1600/banksy-jesus-shopping-size-colour-grey-11343-15517_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAzfTtStCfWhheF7fcncDPVPY7lOfT6jUne2Aqxni-Bjuvq30ir45OjxAR2pn1ZilcRDXjTkeUHpNzfJubgycnxq2SY87NL3KuLO44hoG9TUVZ6IQVCI3BZHTp39rrR_VWy_5KKL5UaY/s320/banksy-jesus-shopping-size-colour-grey-11343-15517_medium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe in a god with no capital letter</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe Love should have a capital letter</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe that church should cater for poor people</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe that those who work for churches should have less money and assets than those whom they serve</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe that Jesus was a revolutionary, feminist and a peace activist</div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t believe Jesus was a musician or a business man</div><div class="MsoNormal">I don’t believe churches should profit from faith</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe in criticising a religious system that reflects the disparity of wealth prevalent in the world today. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe faith should be debated</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe that if you have a faith, and want others to believe that faith, then the example of your life should be enough and no microphone should be needed</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe in a “god” that created this amazing planet</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe in urban graffiti art</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe in the pentatonic scale</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe in being a good person and enjoying every living moment, now, rather than being concerned about some ethereal after life</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe in Buffy</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe that a book and a Rock’n’Roll song can change the world</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe there should be more romance in the world</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe that Love shouldn’t be clarified by a written document</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe that homosexuality is NOT a sin</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe in sentences that sing off the page and into my heart</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I believe what I believe so if it’s different to what you believe – stress less, I’m sure we’re both right. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The end</div>andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-74945243993028774862011-06-27T11:07:00.002+09:302011-06-28T08:40:12.267+09:30Women shouldn't vote, blacks should go home, and the gays shouldn't marry...<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_3zbdmBhjaGzheEOm5xfGGDZyuw5P8FSoDjMclaHtpifPtIwql7p4C0SUN9zG7_6cF8UJX_1OfIWmUZE9FtU4sgNCDLmTzJNAPiBluJoJmTNlj88T53Pu9eXFL1L0cGBXhLfeAA7gaE/s1600/y1pgDlJuAg6oKexcl5ZngX2jBRD8BoskInvkoAvvm1cbFElLioS4Z5BirM0m9k47YZPfKxfXHgqYL0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_3zbdmBhjaGzheEOm5xfGGDZyuw5P8FSoDjMclaHtpifPtIwql7p4C0SUN9zG7_6cF8UJX_1OfIWmUZE9FtU4sgNCDLmTzJNAPiBluJoJmTNlj88T53Pu9eXFL1L0cGBXhLfeAA7gaE/s320/y1pgDlJuAg6oKexcl5ZngX2jBRD8BoskInvkoAvvm1cbFElLioS4Z5BirM0m9k47YZPfKxfXHgqYL0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xWAeXwKRGY9T9p7cvXTkQIl11mlrKj2-5OgpCO6ja9CN89jEKwCzIhEKGT90wBo6RaxJYAMyyFcj6V-vrMovNDgIommOF4j0EW3KC3nsqqjkvqWHXbPwbZ7m1vT_Ph4aIGaIFnyRqv8/s1600/r432927_2075369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xWAeXwKRGY9T9p7cvXTkQIl11mlrKj2-5OgpCO6ja9CN89jEKwCzIhEKGT90wBo6RaxJYAMyyFcj6V-vrMovNDgIommOF4j0EW3KC3nsqqjkvqWHXbPwbZ7m1vT_Ph4aIGaIFnyRqv8/s320/r432927_2075369.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNlqQA6flZS-CkolCOdZqRu6k8TbXrXw9pjiCcpf1_CmksgvGqz6qzNxDlsD3PSilw8HOLNjIcY5gu3o85XdhOECNjyWcC8V1mtz99Qy-fSypYTrxNzwKtGYOqNlkvxt4BbpF7ca_AxA/s1600/me%252520oz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNlqQA6flZS-CkolCOdZqRu6k8TbXrXw9pjiCcpf1_CmksgvGqz6qzNxDlsD3PSilw8HOLNjIcY5gu3o85XdhOECNjyWcC8V1mtz99Qy-fSypYTrxNzwKtGYOqNlkvxt4BbpF7ca_AxA/s320/me%252520oz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>dis·crim·i·na·tion <br />
–noun <br />
1. <br />
an act or instance of discriminating.<br />
2. <br />
treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit: racial and religious intolerance and discrimination.</em> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's a pretty dirty word, but unfortunately it still, even in 2011 manages to ring strong in many parts of our society. Discrimination is the lowest form of hatred. History is littered with examples of how collectively as a society we have stood against the ridiculousness of bigotry and discrimination. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In a county as wonderful as ours, in 2011, we still don't have equal rights for the Gay community. Interestingly our own Prime Minister who has stated her "traditional" stance against Gay marriage is, herself, living in a defacto relationship and "living in sin." </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We have to tolerate so much bull shit with our politicians surely we shouldn't have to put up with hypocrisy. Anyway I am going to continue to stand up for this issue because more heterosexual Aussies need too. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I am proud to say that my brother is Gay, and as a spectator to his "coming out" and the associated turmoil, I have never seen a more truly courageous personal act to stand against society and to be yourself. I'll never understand the inner juxtaposition, but I will let his and I'm sure many other stories, inspire me to do what's right and always stand up against injustice, whatever that injustice is. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I unwillingly posted an innocent facebook status earlier in the week that caused quite a bit of debate around marriage equality in Australia and I would like to share my brothers response - please read. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">Well, I think it's about time I weighed in here. For those of you who don't know me, I'm </span></em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/andrew.natale"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">Andrew Natale</span></em></a><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">'s brother and I am indeed a full living breathing GAY. Yes that's right - a real one! I'd like to give my perspective on this very fascinating thread which actually, all jokes aside, is indicative of the public debate on this issue within this country.</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">1. The issue of same sex marriage is about EQUALITY. End of story. I am a human being who has just as much right to enter into the legal institution of marriage than a heterosexual. And to not allow me to do so is discrimination.</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">2. Gays as Parents - Guess what? There are already gay couples who are parents. They have become parents in a variety of ways and should not be judged based on their sexuality or gender or even that they are of the same gender, but instead based on the quality of them as a parent. Children need a loving upbringing and their parents sexuality is irrelevant for that. I am an uncle who prides myself in the relationships I have with the children in my life. I nurture them. I protect them. And most of all, I love them. And I am gay. I hope I get the opportunity to do that for my own children one day.</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">3. Legalising same sex marriage will have an enormous impact within our culture. One of the biggest groups of our community with high suicide rates are adolescent boys and there are many studies that indicate that this is due to confusion around sexuality. To legalise same sex marriage says that it's OK to be gay. That you as a beautiful human being are just as valued and accepted as anyone else. And if this gesture in some way manages to save a life - isn't it worth it?</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">4. I don't accept the religious rhetoric that marriage is exclusively the domain of religion. The reality is it is a legal institution. I don't discriminate against you (and it would be illegal if I did), so don't you do it to me.</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">5. Same sex marriage is already legalised in many parts of the world. Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Argentina, Iceland... And guess what? The sky has not fallen. It hasn't ripped apart the fabric of their society and it hasn't taken anything away from the institution of marriage. All that it's done is treated all of their citizens as equals.</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">6. For change to truly happen, we need heterosexual people standing up and saying loudly - No it's not OK to treat people differently just because they're the minority. We need everyone to stand up!</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">And finally, I have to say that I am proud to have a brother that not only believes that this is an imperative but will also stand up and say so. And not just because he has a gay brother but because it's the right thing to do!</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394;">So here I am - the real live gay, brother of the provoker of this conversation, saying enough is enough. The time for equal rights is NOW. </span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4e07c446c8c3f0695336117"><div class="header" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I never intended to emote onto this blog, or use it as an emotional clothes line, but this is issue is worth it. <br />
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Enjoy, <br />
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A. <br />
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</div></div>andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-21351444322041004842011-06-17T14:47:00.001+09:302011-06-17T14:52:09.030+09:30Rodge Smith, U2, long drive to Melbourne and Kevin Rudd<div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgre4rZO6kjskcijYJm0kWTE3VviqSuV0k-82m4cCzWkzneekHWIkwDPzxN0cgYpT-e-WHpt5BLevfPZ43BogSKK0a-DwhULAlCzstd11cVy_uXqWZLqq6wMbRMzyPxrQR8ZFtmlleC4Ms/s1600/bono_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgre4rZO6kjskcijYJm0kWTE3VviqSuV0k-82m4cCzWkzneekHWIkwDPzxN0cgYpT-e-WHpt5BLevfPZ43BogSKK0a-DwhULAlCzstd11cVy_uXqWZLqq6wMbRMzyPxrQR8ZFtmlleC4Ms/s320/bono_large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Living instead of existing, connecting instead of just being connected is all the more difficult these days when living in a digital world that leaves little room for those of us still living in an analogue one. Late last year I took to the roads of our National Highway with the talented Rodge Smith to see U2. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Not the first time I’ve seen the Irish boys but a road trip with my BFF who's known me since I had hair, and to see a once in a generation band – well who could say no. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We laughed, we drove, we listened to classic albums, podcasts talked all things life, sex, spirituality, boobs and the discourse between church and state and who sells Jesus better. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once we got to Melbs we were confronted with a long line of U2 fans all devoted to the cold Ethiad Stadium concrete as we lined up next to U2 fans who had seen U2 concerts when Bono still had a pony tail and didn’t wear sunglasses indoors. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Well we sat and ate Subway, and chatted with a crazy U2 devotee (aka Tash) all under a ice cold sky. (That was a play on words to U2’s Red Rock concert ‘Under a Blood Red Sky’ that’s why it reads ‘a’ instead of ‘an’ – notice the rhythm) I was approached by a volunteer who balanced the dichotomy of wearing op shop clothing and nursing an iPad. He asked me to sign some petition to do with world poverty. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It was the ONE (Make Poverty History) campaign and in the interest of wanting fresh clean water and rice for all I signed it. Earlier this week I received an email from ONE telling me of their recent political victory and I couldn't help but feel and little good about the fact that a my name was a part of that victory. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Needless to say KRudd did something worthwhile other than argue with Julia Goolia. And while we’re on that – I don’t mind paying a Carbon Tax but id rather my taxes go to those children in Africa who need vaccines – I’m just saying.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So high five KRudd you did what we voted you in to do – any chance you can do something about increasing funding for Youth homelessness around Australia…oh hand you’re not PM any more – DANG!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyway so if you’re not already joined up, engage, and live – don’t just exist. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Join the ONE campaign <a href="http://www.one.org/international/">HERE!</a>.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">See the blog post <a href="http://one.org/international/blog/youre-amazing-thank-you/?id=2380-5362202-qA_ivQx&t=1">HERE!!!</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyKj5Qgxn6YyfIkbn8UAbzMcKuOVqyxa_juGPoGyeJCQ8j0MFuWnwgOMaw_egFpazlSuyGGs1aficZtz_rMwxkToTZ3VHhXdAhZYGR_H3yx3LuqBwlqxRRovbT-Sc-rZi0R57B4QES8w/s1600/l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyKj5Qgxn6YyfIkbn8UAbzMcKuOVqyxa_juGPoGyeJCQ8j0MFuWnwgOMaw_egFpazlSuyGGs1aficZtz_rMwxkToTZ3VHhXdAhZYGR_H3yx3LuqBwlqxRRovbT-Sc-rZi0R57B4QES8w/s320/l.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>Squeaker...<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Also my mate Rodge is a pretty fucking talented bald dude (bald guys can give shit to each other about being folicaly challenged) and so check out his web design <a href="http://www.rodge.com.au/">HERE!!!</a> and his band Squeaker <a href="http://www.myspace.com/squeakermusic">HERE!!</a><o:p></o:p><br />
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Enjoy,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A. <o:p></o:p></div>andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-29100566361039268762011-06-16T16:51:00.000+09:302011-06-16T16:51:22.696+09:30Adelaide street Art - Peter DrewCheck out Peter Drew - Adelaide boy - artist boy. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlv5hydZxBGdG9zcvYmlN4BZrPsurSWwDLVCk-7nWqsrjxngIW-b_Hv85eklQqYok8V_HQieytWz5-dXzEFx2q_CKEEhXxDc9DUx154fvluQCDcfvS91GDFvNTKtUKGzcoVicodO8_uU/s1600/196808_10150106032097730_36823167729_6311654_6588179_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlv5hydZxBGdG9zcvYmlN4BZrPsurSWwDLVCk-7nWqsrjxngIW-b_Hv85eklQqYok8V_HQieytWz5-dXzEFx2q_CKEEhXxDc9DUx154fvluQCDcfvS91GDFvNTKtUKGzcoVicodO8_uU/s320/196808_10150106032097730_36823167729_6311654_6588179_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8Qaa6Jg4HdDZ8Pvz_uN7zlW5gRHzau-4i4Vb8lMBa6_7-lWEm-DtkeQKifczPO2n_nrfAgeSYSr3oSq9WqqNPzsKLZh4y2pMJZ1ljEJ_VHNy4OzTy8WS1xGXs-swPYcsQ2O_gE_xGUc/s1600/223358_10150170615547730_36823167729_6752671_589515_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8Qaa6Jg4HdDZ8Pvz_uN7zlW5gRHzau-4i4Vb8lMBa6_7-lWEm-DtkeQKifczPO2n_nrfAgeSYSr3oSq9WqqNPzsKLZh4y2pMJZ1ljEJ_VHNy4OzTy8WS1xGXs-swPYcsQ2O_gE_xGUc/s320/223358_10150170615547730_36823167729_6752671_589515_n.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlYLuYnD7wI_HYv4IMIhlreGLZ919C122aoKetFXwmUsZKVYU_dhxoB5sY1Z0bgZ9a7MX_vDuIJAlla-oS5c3jW2OALrGM8YnC5ALK9Q0fyzsjRrSLVsZfDxW1RJ-ll0uhg7OihEsxlw/s1600/250801_10150184189452730_36823167729_6883045_5920277_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlYLuYnD7wI_HYv4IMIhlreGLZ919C122aoKetFXwmUsZKVYU_dhxoB5sY1Z0bgZ9a7MX_vDuIJAlla-oS5c3jW2OALrGM8YnC5ALK9Q0fyzsjRrSLVsZfDxW1RJ-ll0uhg7OihEsxlw/s320/250801_10150184189452730_36823167729_6883045_5920277_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzUlw-4fFZuViLxdRhLFGr3zydT_PYAaYM9C5jsetfQY2ccYpFtKy27SNePkkWJPKyZKyTZS-abs8S-QRoSRLVaOHXWyfZyMCTOi_4lfwcFBqqfKxQot7Pr95N859egLCMCQVOX43JQA/s1600/253611_10150184189497730_36823167729_6883046_5984664_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSzUlw-4fFZuViLxdRhLFGr3zydT_PYAaYM9C5jsetfQY2ccYpFtKy27SNePkkWJPKyZKyTZS-abs8S-QRoSRLVaOHXWyfZyMCTOi_4lfwcFBqqfKxQot7Pr95N859egLCMCQVOX43JQA/s320/253611_10150184189497730_36823167729_6883046_5984664_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Meet Peter Drew <a href="http://www.peterdrewarts.com/">HERE.</a><br />
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Enjoy...<br />
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A.andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-58134156262859626922011-04-13T10:02:00.000+09:302011-04-13T10:02:12.441+09:30When it came to Lidia (an excerpt from The Invincible Summer)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEUO4xqYJpBPhHLKMi6F0IYCrFqw6tnDdYy-hV_aecDWNyGWrzwqskzx5ULPnZMXNnS7HqKGdBJbhz8hdh4spZ4i5yC4_NxSlISTfRXxeBFw__ErlEkAP_gHpHUH9f6-a7xXgfAO_T9U/s1600/29646_402756691459_523186459_4164460_791743_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEUO4xqYJpBPhHLKMi6F0IYCrFqw6tnDdYy-hV_aecDWNyGWrzwqskzx5ULPnZMXNnS7HqKGdBJbhz8hdh4spZ4i5yC4_NxSlISTfRXxeBFw__ErlEkAP_gHpHUH9f6-a7xXgfAO_T9U/s320/29646_402756691459_523186459_4164460_791743_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Well as I type this Darren Reid and the tallented team at <a href="http://www.trafficreative.com/">Traffic Creative</a> are currenlty putting images and design concepts to my first publication, The Invincible Summer. My first book will be a collection of short stories and over the next month or so I will be publishing exerpts from the various stories as they appear in the book. Keep an eye on my blog for a taste of things to come. <br />
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Happy reading and I hope you enjoy. <br />
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An excerpt from<em>"When it came to Lidia..."</em> as it appears in The Invincible Summer. <br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"> It was raining when Lidia knocked on my door. In my half slumber it awoke me, the deep <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thud, thud, thud</i>. As I found a lucid state of mind, my body instinctively knew it was she, the dull round pain in my gut that was now synonymous. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thud…thud….thud.</i> The sound of her flat, fleshy palm with a pause between each <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">thud</i> opposed to the sharp, quick tap of a knuckle. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">My stomach told me to stay still in the protection of my bed, but I knew I couldn’t, I lacked logic when it came to Lidia. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thud…...thud..….thud.</i> The hallway seemed chilled this time as I cursed myself for heading towards the door<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">,</i> my skin goosepimpled under my pyjamas.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Thud…….thud..…</i> She stood there shivering, dressed in next to nothing, her hair stuck to her face soaked in rain or tears and she took one long drag of her cigarette, using the remainder of her strength to stop her hand from shivering. The yellow butt travelled to her pale blue lips. She looked like a girl who used to be my girlfriend. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I once had a memory of Lidia, which I used to play repeatedly when she first left, of her pale skin, smooth and slightly aglow as it reflected the late Sunday afternoon sun. In our bed naked, wrapped in our sheets like a child, she slept as I moved her wavy hair that framed her face like colourful flags slightly swaying in a spring breeze. At the time I remember wishing that we would last forever, but I lacked logic when it came to Lidia. She turned to her back and awoke with a yawn and a stretch, her body taking a strange shape. The short film in my mind was a stark contrast to the reality that was on my doorstep. She smelt of whiskey and cigarettes and sick. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">Enjoy, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype";">A. </span></div>andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-31145139849880912662011-03-16T16:05:00.001+10:302011-03-16T16:10:33.867+10:30Top 5 Albums...So here we go, my Top 5 Albums. If you don't have any or all of these albums hit up a music store and treat yourself. These won’t disappoint you. <br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><strong>FIVE</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrRGck8qLnWPdz950yVS49whxbyOdV6KPZRElpbozs4pKwoJiGAa6vmsmXccIVUuLlefT6rt4eJuICs-Ef-X214jh4jrHFRnuZ5sph7kZFYKhcoGguXA-kteclH8aSmr1THSjddhlKTE/s1600/avett_brothers_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrRGck8qLnWPdz950yVS49whxbyOdV6KPZRElpbozs4pKwoJiGAa6vmsmXccIVUuLlefT6rt4eJuICs-Ef-X214jh4jrHFRnuZ5sph7kZFYKhcoGguXA-kteclH8aSmr1THSjddhlKTE/s1600/avett_brothers_main.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I and Love and You - The Avett Brothers<br />
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There are just so many beautiful moments on this album, certainly too many to mention. These brothers know how to play music, how to write and how to appropriately be all manly and sensitive. Lyrics from this album will make an appearance in my Top 5 Lyrics. Pour yourself your favourite drink, find a porch at sunset and ill leave the rest up to you. <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>FOUR</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjxShahYLxQ0-r8nA7ZA-htkpIU_H6u6QuXMZJLyERo7KfWolI-RlQrCEOYS3PhvdfJoNTZoVJh0LyDyFjC7JNDgmimswhsSUvnAtwJWtxTJhVW-vkaZPEOvknGJwmJCgL_VizMh5_4U/s1600/roomforsquares.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjxShahYLxQ0-r8nA7ZA-htkpIU_H6u6QuXMZJLyERo7KfWolI-RlQrCEOYS3PhvdfJoNTZoVJh0LyDyFjC7JNDgmimswhsSUvnAtwJWtxTJhVW-vkaZPEOvknGJwmJCgL_VizMh5_4U/s320/roomforsquares.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Room for Squares – John Mayer </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">This is a very good album and captures the beginning of a true musical talent. Say what you like about Mayer as a celebrity, he can write amazing music and play guitar. This is a snapshot of Mayer before he started dating celebrities, saying dumb things in Playboy Magazine, and getting followed by hoards of photographers, when he was a nerd and nerds were cool. Probably the best example of intelligent pop you’ll find in the last 10 years. So hop in your car on one rainy Sunday afternoon and drive up the Adelaide Hills for a coffee and you’ll understand what I mean. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>THREE</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Recovering the Satellites – Counting Crows</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">The follow up album to the hugely successful August and Everything After, Recovering the Satellites, is the less appreciated album by this incredible band. By the band’s own admission they went too electric, but considering this album came out during the wave of Seattle grunge this is what some of those early grunge albums should have been. For me this is the album of that era, sorry Pearl Jam 10. Crank this loud, open some beers, fire up the BBQ and invite those you love over – the end. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>TWO</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvFkvUAaal2K6ClMhUBZB-qZ-O7t_JHxBi-nGSOqDsNM5PjsM47gp4ZCPYcqxbyIdP1QbYCr9ehAxL0BBrlL6rEqMjpL_3Pg2RSlBKbQQH_nbpOEBGjGO04J4z6jORRZd7qn96gtSK4o/s1600/jeff_buckley_grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvFkvUAaal2K6ClMhUBZB-qZ-O7t_JHxBi-nGSOqDsNM5PjsM47gp4ZCPYcqxbyIdP1QbYCr9ehAxL0BBrlL6rEqMjpL_3Pg2RSlBKbQQH_nbpOEBGjGO04J4z6jORRZd7qn96gtSK4o/s320/jeff_buckley_grace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Grace – Jeff Buckley</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Such a voice, such a songwriter, such a talent. What makes this album so unique is the various tones and passion in Buckley’s voice, it’s like dripping honey. Light some candles, open your favourite bottle of red wine and get your pensive on. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Listening to this album is a meditation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>ONE</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8NDlkKLoyZmCrkQrsPs8Z6fQeY9OgSXJaHAitRKXsCaIcX5IZJ1tf4oAVOvHCWSgZD87_u07fgztlvIOU-ZptuodpzXtp8yfAQGJmRk7LOi7dPaBibQ3M1we0zA62EzvjoOcg4PfEqY/s1600/death_cab_for_cutie_-_plans.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8NDlkKLoyZmCrkQrsPs8Z6fQeY9OgSXJaHAitRKXsCaIcX5IZJ1tf4oAVOvHCWSgZD87_u07fgztlvIOU-ZptuodpzXtp8yfAQGJmRk7LOi7dPaBibQ3M1we0zA62EzvjoOcg4PfEqY/s320/death_cab_for_cutie_-_plans.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Plans – Death Cab for Cutie (Thankyou Shane Shepherd)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Easily my most favourite album of all time. The song writing of this band, specifically Ben Gibbard is a real pleasure to listen too – an artist at his peak. Listening to this album is like listening to literature infused with melody. The first track “Marching Bands of Manhattan” will draw you in and the rest of the album will keep you while “Follow you into the dark’ will break your heart. Put the headphones in, grab a coffee and wander the streets of your favourite city – see what I mean?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Some unlucky albums:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Joshua Tree - U2</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">In Rainbows - Radio Head</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">A rush of blood to the head - Coldplay</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Enjoy, </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">A. </div>andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-1816586391776080612011-03-16T13:34:00.000+10:302011-03-16T13:34:00.462+10:30John Cusak, Jack Black, an old record store, love, heartbreak and hating a Laura…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8TbM8cF6yr7xxOTqeI-e6fIHB6ix8FTwP9u03F9clmRd1gmV-kiPibVU_UdiMh35arIAyPRd_W46B6u4RrPL_Ybh1_o8m4JKniK6DHmtlUWKmlzAYgGT_EWBOaC3o3gSEFWkEhFDR-0/s1600/high_fidelity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8TbM8cF6yr7xxOTqeI-e6fIHB6ix8FTwP9u03F9clmRd1gmV-kiPibVU_UdiMh35arIAyPRd_W46B6u4RrPL_Ybh1_o8m4JKniK6DHmtlUWKmlzAYgGT_EWBOaC3o3gSEFWkEhFDR-0/s320/high_fidelity.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">There is no better film to watch on a rainy Friday night than the 2000 classic, High Fidelity staring John Cusack and Jack Black. This film is based on the 1995 book of the same name written by Nick Hornby. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">I have just started reading this book and am thoroughly enjoying it. In recounting his top 5 breakups and the ensuing related pop songs, Nick writes…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">“What came first the music or the misery?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Literary and rock ‘n’ roll gold. So in light of this book that I am devouring ( I sat at Cibo last Sunday reading for a few hours, and laughed so loud the guy next to me asked me what was so funny….) I am going to share with the world my own personal “Top 5 of all times.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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Certainly not my Top 5 Breakups of all time, that’s just a little emotional and this blog is cry your eyes out heartbreak free. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">No I will share my top 5 of the following:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Music Lyrics</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Songs</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Albums</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Bands</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Literature</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Films</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Quotes on life</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Adelaide Coffee locations</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">First date locations (this is meant to be ironic as I neither date nor even know what one is these days…)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">I will add a slight disclaimer – these are my own opinions. Albums, songs, movies all that mean something to me may mean nothing to you. That’s the beauty. So as you read I ask you to post your own top 5 and we can take it from there. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">So keep an eye on your Facebook and Twitter feeds, ill be posting my relative tops 5 over the next few weeks. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">So stay tuned and come with me as I discover what did come first – the music or the misery.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">Enjoy…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">A. </div>andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-11082320319498374882011-02-08T09:25:00.002+10:302011-02-08T12:25:39.204+10:30Beauty in the every day - Joshua Bell.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4hRBQHFdeLkg011mkBMMIaVqxT3K9Df-PJoYNJZa9V1aVsz3y8YRrbXkX6VokiGuGFuTlIfJcmBt_ZNRo7mfRiKTXv52q0NeFNn5ldhiIhD2EsmngHFZbGxpqNz8L7CjZJ5zPMuiKVw/s1600/joshua-bell-at-play-dc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4hRBQHFdeLkg011mkBMMIaVqxT3K9Df-PJoYNJZa9V1aVsz3y8YRrbXkX6VokiGuGFuTlIfJcmBt_ZNRo7mfRiKTXv52q0NeFNn5ldhiIhD2EsmngHFZbGxpqNz8L7CjZJ5zPMuiKVw/s1600/joshua-bell-at-play-dc.jpg" /></a></div><br />
In Wahsingont, DC, at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about an hour. During that time, approxiamtely 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. <br />
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Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theatre in Boston where the seats averaged $200 each to hear him play the same music. The is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing in the DC Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGkQk99FDI12pJ8_twE9-Pra9Z5A-NAtvdx9jv-05jCn7aroibWwFdBa7MeBysXvqAUWvlOX0rUzspk57XfCZPcS8uRW2OeCvk-ht8HTv44V8kAGZUwnX4pTsKlbcQLg3jRW6qJhvQTs/s1600/joshua-bell_rgb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGkQk99FDI12pJ8_twE9-Pra9Z5A-NAtvdx9jv-05jCn7aroibWwFdBa7MeBysXvqAUWvlOX0rUzspk57XfCZPcS8uRW2OeCvk-ht8HTv44V8kAGZUwnX4pTsKlbcQLg3jRW6qJhvQTs/s320/joshua-bell_rgb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
There is beauty in the every day - it's just a matter of finding it. <br />
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Read the full Washington Poast story <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/04/AR2007040401721.html">HERE.</a><br />
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Enjoy, <br />
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A. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hnOPu0_YWhw?fs=1" width="425"></iframe>andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-56760614677059765762011-02-02T11:40:00.002+10:302011-02-02T11:44:03.069+10:30Love, The Wizard of Oz, Bert Newton, Transformers and queen-sized beds for single heads…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QrVM778xq306kAXO16A8fph4Wy6eLPX8clUX5mdwlVT0h9pyMb7jP-G9u0V3k51z2J1QtzXOokSyphc2aiPPays3_fdSJOKvtZzPrfclU_R45E8p6QBchn1zb1N7huFkMkbdAr-RRio/s1600/judy-garland-as-dorothy-gale-from-the-wizard-of-oz-celebrity-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QrVM778xq306kAXO16A8fph4Wy6eLPX8clUX5mdwlVT0h9pyMb7jP-G9u0V3k51z2J1QtzXOokSyphc2aiPPays3_fdSJOKvtZzPrfclU_R45E8p6QBchn1zb1N7huFkMkbdAr-RRio/s1600/judy-garland-as-dorothy-gale-from-the-wizard-of-oz-celebrity-photo.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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I find the world of “singledom” hilarious. The other day I had a life moment that would be unbelievable if it weren’t so true. I am definitely going to put this in my next work of fiction as its serendipitous nature colours it overtly romantic, yet entirely ridiculous. <br />
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This scene takes place in a furniture store where I was shopping for a new bed. Now before I tell you this little literary diddy, I will tell you the song I was listening to at the time while I was shopping. I like to put in the headphones and listen to music when I shop as it sends a non-verbal message to all shop assistants “don’t talk to me.” <br />
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It’s a great little Death Cab for Cutie tune called “Your new twin sized bed” and these were the lyrics I was listening too. Now I assure you I didn’t plan this, my iPhone was set to ‘shuffle’, and this song just came on as I approached the bed section of the store. I listened with a wry smile. Read the lyrics, it gives killer context. <br />
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394;">You look so defeated lying there<br />
In your new twin sized bed<br />
With a single pillow<br />
Underneath your single head<br />
I guess you decided that that old queen<br />
Was more space than you would need<br />
And now it's in the alley behind your apartment<br />
With a sign that says it's free<br />
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And I hope you have more luck with this than me<br />
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You used to think that someone<br />
Would come along<br />
And lay beside you in the space<br />
That they belong<br />
But the other side of the mattress<br />
And box spring stayed like new<br />
And what's the point of holding onto<br />
What never gets used?<br />
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Other than a sick desire for self-abuse<br />
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And I try not to worry<br />
But you've got me terrified<br />
It's like you're in some kind of hurry<br />
To say goodbye, to say goodbye<br />
To say goodbye<br />
<br />
You look so defeated lying there<br />
In your new twin sized bed<br />
You look so defeated lying there<br />
In your new twin sized bed</span></em><br />
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So what I would like to do now is right the little conversation I had with the shop assistant below. It’s not word for word but you will get the general gist. <br />
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Written in the first person narrative for ease of story telling. <br />
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I caught her eye as she approached and took out my ear phones. Despite my body language I actually wanted to engage. <br />
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“Hi can I help you at all?” She spoke with a pleasant smile. <br />
“Yeh I’m looking for a new bed. I’m thinking probably a queen?” I squashed my headphones into my pocket. <br />
“Ok well what sort of bed do you have now?”<br />
“Well I’ve got just a double but I think it might be time to upgrade and be a real man that sleeps on a real bed.” <br />
I smiled and she laughed. I can’t help but flirt a little with shop assistants even if this one was old enough to be my mother. She started walking over to a display and I followed. <br />
“So is this for you and your partner?”<br />
“No just me and my single head.” At this point I smile to myself because I think I’m being cleaver at quoting the lyrics that were humming in my head a few minutes ago, but they only existed in my mind and I realise that I’m just a big fat melodic nerd. She paused a moment like she was trying to find appropriate words. <br />
“Well we do have some really good specials on single beds and some doubles.” I pause and remember the manners my mother taught me. <br />
“No that’s ok I’m keen for a queen size bed.”<br />
“To sleep in on your own?” Her face looked perplexed like the information wasn’t making sense, it contorted and I thought she looked a little frightening, kind of like the wicked witch in Wizard of Oz when she first appears to Dorothy. <br />
“What’s wrong with sleeping on my own?” <br />
“But do you really need all that room?” Her voice gave a slight inflection at the end of the sentence. At this point I make the decision that I will put my hard earned cash elsewhere. I also decide to leave my manners at the door.<br />
“Hang on what’s wrong with my being a single dude sleeping in a queen sized bed?” I added ‘dude’ to soften my sharp tone. <br />
“Well nothing I just thought it would make you feel worse.” My face now contorts as my mind can’t compute what she is saying. I then release this is a battle of Gen X v’s a boomer, my superior post modern, pop culture referenced wit will reign supreme. I really should drop in a Joss Whedon word or Buffy quote but that would be lost on her. <br />
“Feel worse about what? Sleeping alone?” We’re not in Kansas anymore. <br />
“I’ll have you know I like sleeping alone and stretching out like a starfish. Maybe I like to sleep in diagonals and be the long side of an obtuse triangle?” I said this all with a smile. She looked at me with that same perplexed face, like when Dorothy discovers that the Wizard is just Bert Newton behind a curtain. <br />
“Ok well then, that’s fine. Ok so this bed comes in a package with a side table and drawers.” <br />
She then rapidly changes the subject and continues on with her sales pitch. I place the headphones back in my ears and walk out the store. The music plays and the below lyrics ring out. <br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><em>And what’s the point of holding on to what never gets used.</em></span><br />
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I got in the car and laughed my ass of all the way home. There is nothing like assumptions that you can make in one foul swoop. I love the feeling of surprising people. They look you up and down and say “no it’s ok we got it, we have you sussed.” I seem to get that all the time, people making summations based on limited information. There is a lot of fun of taking a person back to a point of knowing nothing about me, so that I can re-paint their picture. I think that's why I blog and write...a constant need to explain myself. <br />
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I think this little conversation taught me that life is life, and each stage has its purpose and beauty. And even if the cover of the book that you’re judging is a fashionably dressed, squishy around the edges bald, four eyed unclean shaven thirty something dude with great taste in music that deep down I’m like a transformer. <br />
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There’s more than meets the eye. <br />
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So from now on, I ain’t making any judgements on anyone, because you just don’t know what melodies are humming in their heads.<br />
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Check out the song “Your new twin sized bed” below.<br />
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Enjoy…<br />
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<br />
A.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sZbY-Bktp1I?fs=1" width="425"></iframe>andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-7980601205370816472011-01-24T17:21:00.001+10:302011-01-24T23:50:48.449+10:30Film Review - Black Swan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYUNfmWQ-lmqZnExh8NWBlrd6huGA19qpNRNFR0gRZNOj6Mr5-6-NM7Bcpct2L5IdYi59MnBj-L9_gNYchBt977WhyClnrh9E3KPSEDAGSci54nJq5kD6krxBJWWWEh4Y2CkUyBsGPyg/s1600/Black+Swan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYUNfmWQ-lmqZnExh8NWBlrd6huGA19qpNRNFR0gRZNOj6Mr5-6-NM7Bcpct2L5IdYi59MnBj-L9_gNYchBt977WhyClnrh9E3KPSEDAGSci54nJq5kD6krxBJWWWEh4Y2CkUyBsGPyg/s320/Black+Swan.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div><br />
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Black Swan is the difference between a movie and a film.<br />
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A movie will entertain you, keep you interested and give you some great discussion points. A film however, will draw you in, entice you, impress you, take you on a journey…<br />
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Black Swan will be remembered in the upper echelon of great films. Not just because of Natalie Portman’s engaging and enthralling performance but also for Darren Aronofsky’s direction and his ability to take you on to the stage and make you fall in love with Ballet. As in The Wrestler, Aronofsky manages to squeeze every ounce of substance of his lead actor - Natalie Portman shines.<br />
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Portman plays the talented but troubled Nina who wins the lead as the Swan Queen in Swan Lake. The already fragile Nina slowly looses her mind as paranoia, a possessive mother, and the mounting pressure leading to opening night take their toll. Add to this the beautiful Mila Kunis (Lilly) as the threat to her role and Black Swan takes you on a scintillating, mysterious and often terrifying journey and look into the world of professional ballet.<br />
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Portman rightly deserves her Golden Globe. Not just for her acting ability but her dancing scenes are incredible. Hollywood is riddled with stories of actors going through painstaking training to learn skills for a certain role, and there is none more impressive than Portman. Actors that immerse themselves in their role – Anthony Hopkins in “Silence of the Lambs”, De Niro in “Raging Bull” and Natalie Portman in “Black Swan.” She is incredibly convincing as a world-class ballet dancer, with seemingly minimal body doubles and direction that contains extended wide angled frames showing the full extend of her dancing ability for this role.<br />
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There are a few surprises such as the great performance by Barbara Hershey as the domineering, possessive mother, a brief appearance from Wynona Ryder as the ballet star nearing the end of her career. The uncredited star of this film is Ballet itself as it seamlessly joins with the wonderful direction to make you feel like you on the stage itself.<br />
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This film is like watching live Opera but without the Italian singing and with a lot less vibrato - dramatic, ethereal and beautiful.<br />
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This is more than a movie – it’s a classic film.<br />
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Enjoy…<br />
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A.<br />
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</div></div></div>andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-76815456909150656622011-01-22T22:06:00.000+10:302011-01-22T22:06:41.677+10:30Hitting the dance floor - tips for young players...Let’s Dance.<br />
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“Nobody cares if you can't dance well.<br />
Just get up and dance.”<br />
~Dave Barry<br />
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Whatever the reason is you’re there. You’ve paid your money, told a few friends and maybe - depending on your initial level of enthusiasm – you’ve watched a few videos online. You have a story, you’re at a particular stage of life, and you’re on the dance floor staring at a room filled with other dubious faces ready to start your first Salsa class. You’re in a room filled with people who have all arrived at the same destination but have come from vastly different origins. Maybe you saw Salsa on TV and thought it was something you had to try; or you stumbled across an online video; you’ve come out of a terrible life experience or relationship and are looking for some confidence; you could be looking for that special someone you feel you’ve never found or simply looking to increase your networks. Or maybe none of this applies to you, you just like dancing.<br />
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Whatever the reason you find yourself holding hands with a complete stranger as you both count one, two, three – five, six, seven under your breath in an attempt to get your feet and hands to do what your brain is demanding. Believe me I can relate, learning to dance can be no easy feat. Those of you reading this article that are obsessed with dancing and are out most nights doing your thang may have forgotten how intimidating it can be. My story on how I stumbled across Salsa is really no different to most people. One night a good friend invited me to some Salsa party where I was assured there would be “a lot of honeys and some great music.” Well both were in attendance. As I stood on the side of the dance floor looking at smiling hands and feet flying all over the place I suddenly felt as though I was missing out on some genuine fun. Not to mention the impressive live band that were simply hypnotising. A few months later I was watching YouTube videos and signing up to my first beginner’s class. When I first started taking lessons the thought of trying to take what I was learning in class to the social dance floor was accompanied by my own self confidence pointing its finger and laughing at me as though it was an insurmountable task. It wasn’t just the dance that was intimidating. My headspace was not well, I was not well, my confidence was at an all time low and I was reeling from a significant negative life experience. I was looking for a life raft and I found it in quick, quick slow. Fast forward 18 months, countless classes, the occasional workshop, new friends, various pairs of dance shoes and there is rarely an event I don’t try and get to filled with people I know and ladies who I love to dance with. Not to mention some genuinely good people.<br />
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Now let me be clear right from the beginning; I am no expert when it comes to the dance floor - far from it. But in the time that I’ve been learning to shake my thang, I have learned some rather invaluable lessons – all of them the hard way – and being a narcissistic, out of work freelance writer who often feels the need to sit for hours at a keyboard to keep my brain from exploding, I felt the need to share with those of you who are mustering the courage to hit the social floor. So in this brief collection of words take heed that what you are reading is a collection of hints and tips taken directly from a dance nerd who learned the hard way. Oh and all the lads out there, some of the things you will read are taken directly from some of the many conversations I have had with some of Adelaide’s most beautiful dancers (looks to the sky and day dreams a little). Oh and ladies anything directed to you will be an attempt to introduce you to the male psyche when it comes to dancing – hard I know but it does exist. Ok lads lets go, (ladies still read):<br />
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The ask…<br />
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Ok so have you ever attempted to talk to a pretty girl at a pub or club and been given the cold shoulder mixed with a lukewarm head tilt? I’m hearing ya. But remember asking a girl to dance is NOT the same as hitting on her. In fact if you are Salsa dancing for the purpose of trying to hit on women and find yourself some ‘tail’ then go somewhere else, that’s not cool. It is however a great place to make new friends and if you happen to meet ‘the one’ (I hate that phrase, does it really exist? oh hang on I digress) then good luck to you. My dance instructor once said to me “If you come to Salsa to pick up you’re starting on the wrong foot.” I love it, irony and double entendre. So if you’re shit scared about asking a girl to dance here are some tips.<br />
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1. Before you ask, check her body language. Think about it for a second; it makes perfect sense. Essentially what is dancing? It’s your body’s expression of what you’re feeling on the inside, an artistic and beautiful form of communication where words and grammar are replaced with music and rhythm. Dance is a language and dancing with someone can be intimate, fun, sexy and beautiful without it being weird. Now I don’t claim to know much about women (I mean seriously raise you’re hand if you understand them) but one thing I do know, is that us men are terrible and reading a woman’s body language. Don’t stand and stare just notice how she’s standing or sitting. If she is sitting behind a table talking to a friend rather animated then that might not be the easiest ask. If she is standing on the side of the dance floor alone or with friends watching everyone else dance…green light - go up and ask her to dance – she wants you to. If you want to know if you’re making a girl feel uncomfortable do a quick Google search on body language and read up. Learn the language and read the signs it will help you on the dance floor.<br />
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2. Don’t know who to dance with? Ask the first girl you recognise from class. If not, take a minute or two to watch the dance floor and find a girl who seems to be on the same level of development as you. It’s a good start. As you improve and build your confidence ask anyone.<br />
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3. And this is the big one; you can take this to the bank. Smile. When you ask a girl to dance don’t be creepy and get in her personal space just be polite and remember to always smile. Again it’s a body language thing, if you smile when you ask it will go a long way. Personally I like to lead a lady by the hand to the dance floor, I think it’s respectful. Also boys we are the leaders, so lead. But again go with what’s comfortable and don’t step into the creepy zone.<br />
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The dance…<br />
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So you would’ve heard this from any of your dance instructors so this isn’t anything new. Lads keep it simple. It’s much better to do the basics in time then to try and be flashy and be unable to keep the beat. Remember it’s all about the rhythm and if you can keep good rhythm girls will be asking you to dance, which I must admit feels great.<br />
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1. Ok so keep good posture, smile and keep your head up. Look at your lady when you’re dancing, its all about her. Give her all your attention as though she’s the only one on the dance floor. Now boys I can’t emphasise this enough but KEEP YOUR HEAD UP. Now what I am about to tell you actually happened to me on the dance floor, hence my previous point. I was dancing with a lovely girl, and halfway through she stopped to fix her out-fit (it happens) and I stood there waiting. I had my head down (for some reason) and held out both hands to take hers, completely unaware that coincidentally she was bending over to fix her shoes and well you can see where this is going. Both hands went straight onto her breasts! Yes you read it right. I was mortified, and just wanted to hide under which ever rock I could find. She was and is a good friend and a beautiful dancer. To her credit we laughed it off and joke about every time we dance. But I tell you it was a dark day that day my friends. Keep your head up lads!!!<br />
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2. Here is the big one that again you can take to the bank. Have good personal grooming and hygiene. Men, whether we like it or not, we stink. It’s a man thing. Girls can get all glowing and sweaty and still smell good; it’s the shampoo they use!! So make sure you have some deodorant with you when you go out social dancing, the ladies will appreciate it and if it’s a big party, I mean huge, take a spare t-shirt when the first is soaked through. I have a good dancing mate who takes up to five t-shirts – cleaver.<br />
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3. Oh and always, always, always thank the lady for the dance. Don’t leave your manners at home. Some girls might not want to stick out the dance with you for whatever reason. Again don’t take it personally, it happens.<br />
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So there you go boys, just a few pointers that will go a long way in building your confidence. Also, remember there is no obligation from the girl to say ‘yes’. If you ask and she says ‘no’ don’t take it personally you never know the full story. She could’ve just been dancing for 10 minutes straight and needs a drink, she could have sore feet, or she simply might not feel comfortable dancing with you or god forbid you could SMELL….! I once asked a girl to dance, who I knew really well, and she said no because she had just found out some terrible news about a friend. Sometimes the girl will say ‘no’ don’t be precious, just deal with it. Also some girls hit the dance floor with a mental list of who they want to dance with and what particular dance they want. Calculating I know, but when a good night of social dancing is what will get you through the week, it makes total sense.<br />
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So smell good, iron your shirt and dance within your limits and you’ll be on that list.<br />
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Ok ladies now it’s your turn.<br />
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The ask…<br />
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Ok girls I am going to give you the hot tip. Asking a girl to dance is terrifying. Seriously. You girls are standing there looking and smelling all pretty, it can be very difficult. So if you don’t want to dance with whoever asks you, for what ever reason, say ‘no’ with a smile.<br />
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1. Also if you hit the dance floor with someone and you realise very early on he is struggling try and stay until the song finishes. (Unless of course you feel uncomfortable and he is sleazing up on you then get out of dodge). I was once dancing with a girl, who after about a minute or two said “this isn’t working for me,” and walked of leaving me alone on the dance floor like a big fat loser (awww – its all good I’m over it.) If you have to leave the dance try and still be polite even if it isn’t working for you. It certainly put my confidence back a few months but needless to say, six months later I danced with her again and she smiled the whole way through and I dominated the dance floor. Confidence back: Andrew 1, Fear 0. <br />
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2. Again I am virtually quoting any dance instructor here but posture is important so look up and keep the space it will help.<br />
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Ok so there you have it, not exhaustive but hopefully this will get you started on the dance floor and make the experience of social dancing a little less daunting. This article does come with a word of warning. Dancing will get under your skin and the next thing you know your cranking 4 classes a week and out social dancing every other weekend. So next time your out hitting the dance floor embrace the experience and don’t be scared. Everyone starts somewhere. So I will sign off with words that aren’t mine.<br />
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“Dance first. Think later. It's the natural order.” ~Samuel Beckett.<div><br />
</div><div>Enjoy...</div><div><br />
</div><div>A. </div></div></div>andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8094477766474888995.post-17898225886223200642011-01-20T12:22:00.002+10:302011-01-20T12:23:26.967+10:30When grammar comes between love...<div>A friend sent me this article this week, and I am still giggling like a school girl. I'm sure this was a Seinfield spisode.<br />
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</div><div></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>For all intensive purposes</strong></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;">To what extent does our grasp of grammar affect our chance of romance? <br />
Comedian Mark Butler investigates.</span></div><div class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix"><br />
<em><span style="color: #0b5394;">I recently broke up with a girlfriend because she misused an apostrophe. Yes, I know it’s not a capital offence to write “two bottle’s of wine” in an email, but this minor grammatical blunder irked me just enough to pull out of that night’s barbecue. Some relationships break down because one partner is too possessive; ours ended because the two bottles were not.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394;">Obviously this was not the only slip-up this girl (let’s call her Je’s’sica) made during our brief relationship, but the “bottles incident”, as I now call it, was the straw that broke the camel’s back. There was a your/you’re episode in a love letter that left me loveless, there were double negatives crammed into conversations that turned me right off, and there were countless text messages strewn with errors which, in hindsight, were probably written deliberately to wind me up. Basically, the relationship was destined to fail because I care about grammar and she, apparently, CUDNT CARELESS.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394;">I didn’t care so much when I was a teenager. Growing up in a coal-mining community in the north of England, it was difficult enough to find a girl who could speak in full sentences, let alone in grammatically correct ones. I took what I could get, and this often meant me putting up with clauses enclosed by “like” and “intit” in the hope of copping a feel behind the bus shelter. In those days, the most desirable quality in a girl was not her grasp of grammar; it was her willingness to go behind bus shelters.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394;">But then came university in the south of England where I was surrounded by young women who could construct sentences without fillers. They all spoke properly, like BBC newsreaders, and they all mocked my Northern knack of truncating the “to” and omitting the definite article in sentences about me “going t’ pub”. Suddenly it was my grammar that was under the spotlight, and I knew I would have to pick up my game if I hoped to attract such sophisticates.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394;">So I went t’ library and buried myself in a big book of grammar with a penguin on it, studying all the things that my middle school English teacher would probably have taught me had she not always been popping out for fags during lessons. I learnt about subjunctives, superlatives, conditionals and participles. I studied predicates, prepositions, pronouns and proper nouns. I learnt so much about language that I was able to crawl confidently from my study cocoon and proudly unfold my grammatical wings. I even learnt how to create butterfly-related metaphors, albeit clichéd ones.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394;">But this newfound knowledge didn’t get me laid. In fact, it probably had the opposite effect. I became convinced everyone could benefit from my wisdom and I thought nothing of pointing out where pretty girls had wrongly used adjectives instead of adverbs. I honestly thought I was helping; they genuinely thought I was a dickhead. We were both right. But my chance of romance was slipping faster than Australian school standards, and I had to learn to keep my mouth more shut, more often. My crusade had come to an end.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394;">It seems it is not possible to point out grammatical gaffes and still expect to sleep with the person who made them. Having good grammar is sexy, but the highlighting of others’ mistakes is a passion-killer, a cold shower on any conversation. People like to be told how smart they are, not that “for all intensive purposes” is a malapropism. No one likes to be told that “fastly” is not a word; if they really cared, they would have figured it out by now.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394;">So what do language pedants like you and me do if we want to be loved? (I am assuming that you are a pedant since you have read this far into the article; everyone else stopped reading after missing the clever word play at the end of the first paragraph.) Do we just let our partners get away with syntactical murder? No, we do not. We explain to them that our grammatical nitpicking is a symptom of an obscure mental illness. We tell them that grammatical mistakes bring on anxiety attacks in us. We tell them that if they truly loved us, they would stop using “could of” in third conditional sentences. We do not drop our standards; we help them to raise theirs.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #0b5394;">Je’s’sica, however, had more problems raising her standards than she did the hem of her skirt, and it was with great regret that I had to end it. Yes, she had great legs, an angelic face, and at least two bottles of wine, but these things were only going to take her so far; a grammar geek like me needs all the boxes ticked. She sent me a text message after we broke up, after I told her that it was me and not her, after I lied about me not being ready for another serious relationship. ITS SHAME COZ WE CUD OF BIN GUD 2GTHR. X. We all know that I did the right thing.</span></em><br />
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<div>Mark Butler will be performing his new comedy show, Grammar Don’t Matter on a First Date, at the Adelaide Fringe Festival.<br />
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So good, I might have to check it out. </div><div>Enjoy...<br />
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A.</div></div>andrew speaks easyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05272813069154706320noreply@blogger.com4