the independent type

Finally found time to stop by the magnificent State Library today to visit the current exhibition, 'The Independent Type'.

This exhibition is being staged to commemorate Melbourne's designation as a UNESCO City of Literature, and features information, displays and artifacts tracing Melbourne's literary traditions. It contains some wonderful historical displays, primarily dating back to early colonial Victorian times, with a nod to earlier indigenous traditions, as is well worth a visit.

oh what a night

Did I recently say "where there's a will, there's a way"? Tonight, I got to see "Jersey Boys" at the fabulous Princess Theatre. What a great show and what a great venue! It's worth the price of admission just to visit these heritage theatres.

We had terrific seats in the dress circle (of course, I had to get seated behind a 7-foot tall escapee from the asylum, but he didn't block ALL the view!) The show was beautifully staged - the ingenuity of the show designers is amazing - the music was fantastic, faithfully representing the original tunes, and the story was both interesting and amusing. I'm just downloading a few more Four Seasons tunes on iTunes to help me relive the experience.

My only complaint... I wanted more music! I could listen to some of those tunes for hours, and some of my favourites - like Dawn and Rag Doll - got short shrift, while Grease didn't make the show at all. Understandable, of course, or the programme would have run all night! I'd happily see it again, if I get an opportunity.

...and breathe out again

Went back to the GP today for a bp checkup, having been on my new medication for around 3 weeks. I was SO relieved to learn that my bp has already returned to normal levels. Yippee! Get me that espresso I've been avoiding... fast!!!

at the movies - d.i.y.

I finally had that quiet weekend I've been promising myself for the past few months, and it became a chance to catch up on some movie viewing.

I started Friday night by cracking open Doubt on blu ray. I loved that movie when I saw it at the cinema last January, and I could remember thinking at the time that I would definitely want to watch it again on dvd, so I dutifully picked up a copy during the week, and I wasn't disappointed with my second viewing. Despite knowing how the story ended, I was still captivated by the smart script and beautiful cinematography, but most of all, by the very fine performances of Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Viola Davis and Amy Adams. Sensational... 5 stars on the David & Margaret scale!

On Saturday arvo, I caught the Hangover at the George in St Kilda. Not the funniest film I've ever seen, but I enjoyed the twist on the old 'murder mystery' theme, with the three protagonists trying to piece together their lost night in Las Vegas. Ken Jeong, whom I'd recently seen in Role Models, almost stole the show. A 3 star effort.

It went downhill from there. I had procrastinated, and finally missed seeing He's Just Not That Into You when it was on at the cinema, so I decided to check it out on dvd. You'd think that after wasting good money to see The Women last year, I would have learnt that having a big all-star cast is no guarantee of a good (or funny) movie... but I hadn't. This film wasn't quite as bad, but it certainly wasn't good either. I love Scarlet Johanssen, but even her presence couldn't rescue this over-long turkey. 2 stars (for Scarlet!)

After that dud, I decided to dig out Zack and Miri Make a Porno for Sunday night's entertainment. OMG... it was just as funny the second time around! Rude and juvenile, yes. Crude and demeaning, yes. But fun-nee! Best comedy of the year so far, hands down! Seth Rogan and Elizabeth Banks were fantastic, and Justin Long and Brandon Routh had me in stitches. The deleted scenes are almost as entertaining (and long!) as the movie itself, so it's a terrific dvd package. 4 and 1/2 stars!

the lady in Balaclava

Finally remembered to take a shot of the Lady of St Kilda when I dropped by Carlisle Street today. Despite the damage by graffiti vandals (which I've tried to Photoshop out), you can't help but admire the kitschy railway bridge decoration... the symbol of St Kilda (in beautiful downtown Balaclava!)

some small solace

The Winter Solstice. The beginning of 'true' Winter. As cold as the past few weeks have been, the next 6 - 8 promise worse - more cold, miserable weather, and dark, short days. But at least after today, the days will start to get a little longer again. It won't be really noticeable until August, but it's the light at the end of the tunnel.

little things that count

When I bought my wonderful Canon IXUS from Hong Kong a couple of years ago, it came bundled with a package of freebies from the seller, including a camera bag. I expected a little leather or neoprene thing that I could use to carry my new camera safely around in, but was disappointed to open the package and find what was really just a little sleeve made of netting, with a drawstring.

So I later went out and bought myself a great little padded Crumpler camera bag, complete with carry pockets and strap. But then I discovered that the problem with a 'real' camera bag is that you have to carry it with you. Whereas the little netting sleeve fitted snugly over the camera, protected it from scratches, AND fitted neatly inside my satchel or jacket pocket, so I could easily carry my IXUS with me everywhere. So me and my camera became inseparable, thanks to that sleeve.

I went for a stroll down Fitzroy St and the Esplanade on Saturday, while waiting for a movie to start at the George, and I started taking a few snaps of St Kilda along the way. I tucked the little netting bag into my pocket so I could concentrate on taking my shots. I walked down the Esplanade, past the wonderful art deco Mandalay buildings, past the Palais and Luna Park, to the corner of Acland St, and having taken a last snap, I reached into my pocket to get the camera sleeve... only to find that it wasn't there!

Somewhere along the Esplanade, it had fallen out of my pocket. I hurriedly retraced my steps, in the hope of finding it, but it was nowhere to be found. I've searched in catalogues and online, but I haven't been able to find another like it anywhere. It's amazing how valuable to me that thing had been, and I never realised, of course, until I lost it!

the phantom trams

I came home from work via Collingwood (the suburb, not the team) on Friday night. I was waiting for the 109 tram in Victoria Parade to get me to a connecting 78. The electric sign said the 109 was about 5 minutes away, yet I could see a tram approaching only a minute or so away. It arrived at the stop, and it was a number 24 to Balwyn. I've never heard of a number 24 before, but I assumed that it must take me at least to Church St, so I got aboard, and it took me to where I needed to go.

When I got home, I checked the Yarra Trams site, and found that the 24 does indeed exist, but that it only runs during the weekday peak. Since I seldom ever travel that way, it's little wonder that I'd never heard of it before.

Unlike the tram that followed me on the number 5 the next afternoon... a number 66 to Glenhuntly! I know the 64 runs to East Brighton and the 67 goes to Carnegie, but a 66? That one's not even on the Yarra Trams site... like the mysterious number 7 that sometimes runs down Swanston St to High St during the evening peak.

One day, I have to find a list of these 'unofficial' trams, and see what other phantom services might still exist.

addenda... oops! Should have known that Wikipedia would have the answers! This site hasn't been updated for a while, but has some interesting extra history.

how tweet it is

I set up a Twitter account recently. I have nothing to tweet about, myself; it was purely as part of research for work.

What I discovered is that Twitter is bit like being the 'official' photographer at an event... you can only do one thing at a time - either join in the occasion, or stand outside it and take photos... or tweet, as the case may be.

A report in the paper yesterday noted that the vast majority of ... um... twits... only ever make 1 tweet before they lose interest. I was fast losing interest, too (tho I've made 2 tweets so far!), until I received a 'follow' request (it's an even longer story!) from one of my footballing heroes, Harry O'Brien!

OMG. I felt like a schoolkid getting an autograph from the star half back! I was embarrassed to accept, 'coz I actually have nothing to say on Twitter, but I couldn't resist the very odd sensation that I was 'connected' to someone I admire and respect, no matter how obliquely!

Now I just have to think of stuff to tweet about!

amazon rocks!

So I've been ordering various Region A blu ray discs from Amazon in the US, and enjoying a range of movies and tv shows not yet available here, and today, my latest order arrived - the long-awaited 4th season of Weeds.

Eagerly, I slipped the first disc into the player... and nothing! Nada. Won't play the disc! I checked online, and discovered the unbelievable... even tho the first 3 seasons were unlocked, season 4 is locked! Can't play on my machine! And I just wasted $30 importing it!

It wasn't Amazon's fault... they do a disclaimer on all of their sales of Region A discs outside the Americas. But even so, I decided I would at least write to Amazon, let them know what happened, and ask them to pass on my complaint to their supplier.

To my amazement, they wrote back, within an hour, and offered me a full refund! I was delighted, but embarrassed... I pointed out that I didn't hold them responsible, so I didn't expect a refund at all. Which made it even better. That's the best customer service I've ever had... and I'll have no hesitation in recommending Amazon to anyone!