Yadda Yadda Yadda

New Blog

2010-11-04T13:50:00.002+11:00

Thank you Blogger for serving me well over the years, but I will no longer be using this blog. Goodbye to Yadda Yadda Yadda.
From now on I can be found HERE.

Cast Your Vote!

2010-10-16T13:35:00.002+11:00

Hello!
Luke Orrin has entered a competition to be the voice of TomTom GPS Australia and win $10,000!
We need people to follow the links and vote online so he can make the top 10 cut.
He has a few different voices to choose from, but actually you can choose them all.
I know I'm biased, but honestly, his entries are waaaaay better than any of the others I've heard. He genuinely deserves to win.
The competition closes on Sunday October 31st at 10pm.
Now it's time to vote! Each link is a different entry, you can vote for them all daily! Please jump on the bandwagon and help!

http://bit.ly/ai23Ww
http://bit.ly/cn4Tdv
http://bit.ly/95duGa
http://bit.ly/bpiUQw
http://bit.ly/curlCI
http://bit.ly/a00Irb

And please pass this around!

Oh Frank!

2010-10-05T15:31:00.001+11:00

Could I love Frank Woodley more?! (The answer is no for those of you who are idiots).

Oh Bill...

2010-09-27T18:00:00.001+10:00

Who Hates Collingwood?

2010-09-21T12:57:00.003+10:00

Now I'm a Collingwood supporter, but these are hilarious!

Q. Two Collingwood supporters jump off a cliff. Who wins
A. Society.

Q. What does a Collingwood supporter use as protection during sex?
A. Bus shelter.

Q. What does a Collingwood supporter use as a contraceptive?
A. His personality.

Q. What do you call a 30 year old female Collingwood supporter?
A. Granny.

Q. What do you call a Collingwood supporter in a suit?
A. The defendant.

Q. Why did the Collingwood supporter cross the road?
A. To start a fight with a complete stranger, for no reason what so ever.

Q. What do you call a female Collingwood supporter in a white tracksuit?
A. The bride.

Q. If you are driving and you see a Collingwood supporter on a bike, why should you try not to hit him?
A. It might be your bike.

Q. What's the first question during a Collingwood supporter quiz night?
A. What you looking at?

Q. Two Collingwood supporters in a car without any music - who is driving?
A. The policeman!

Q. Why is three Collingwood supporters going over a cliff in Lexus a shame?
A. Because a Lexus has four seats.

Q. What do you say to a Collingwood supporter with a job?
A. Big Mac please.

Q. Why do only 80% of Collingwood supporters have regular showers?
A. Because the other 20% haven't been to prison.

You know you're a Collingwood supporter when:

1. A Halloween pumpkin has more teeth than your wife does.
2. You let your twelve-year-old daughter smoke at the dinner table in front of her kids.
3. You've been married three times and still have the same in-laws.
4. Jack Daniel's makes your list of 'most admired people.'
5. You wonder how service stations keep their restrooms so clean.
6. Someone in your family once died right after saying: 'Hey, watch this.'
7. You think Dom Perignon is a Mafia leader.
8. A ceiling fan once ruined your wife's hairdo.
9. You think the last words of Advance Australia Fair are: 'Carn the Maggies .'
10. You lit a match in the bathroom and your house exploded, right off its wheels.
11. The market value of your car goes up and down, depending on how much petrol is in it.
12. You have to go outside to get something from the fridge.
13. One of your kids was born on a pool table.
14. You can't get married to your sweetheart because there's a law against it.
15. You think 'loaded dishwasher' means your wife is drunk.
16. Your toilet paper has page numbers on it.
17. Your front verandah collapses and kills more than five dogs.

Be Informed

2010-08-02T21:12:00.002+10:00

Something worth thinking about in relation to electronics.

Politics Time

2010-07-21T10:53:00.002+10:00

Ok, election is upcoming. Here are some thoughts.

Unfortunately I feel that Australian politics has been watered down. At least half our population (and this is being extreeeeeemely generous) have no idea about party policies and vote purely on personality. It's a popularity contest, not a contest to see who can run our country most effectively. That makes me sad. Our politicians don't feel relatable or accessible, so people either tune out or make superficial judgements. And the election campaigns simply reinforce this with weak slogans and sound bites. It makes me sad that more people aren't passionate about the very nature of how to govern life.

End of rant :)

New Blog

2010-07-14T22:03:00.003+10:00

I'm trialing a new blog.
Let me know if you'd like the address.
I'd rather it was not linked to this, so I won't publicly link them.

Glee

2010-07-09T17:08:00.003+10:00

Let me premise this by saying I LOVE Glee!

I am a huge fan of Glee! I love the music, the energy, the characters, just the whole show. It's so much fun!
Last night was the finale and I loved it. It was funny, made me cry, and made me laugh. And did I love the music! Awesome!

However...

Having said all that, the show has some sucky elements. I forgive them all because the end product is so entertaining and enjoyable. But why settle for mediocrity Glee?! You could be so awesome!

Your plot lines are all over the place, you have no continuity whatsoever! What is going on? You carry on these storylines as big arcs, but never have any sort of consistency. You bring back characters and hardly refer to what's gone on with them previously. Here are some of my problems with last night's episode.

First of all the obvious one.
Quinn goes into labor, gets to the hospital and has a baby all in the time it takes to sing bohemian rhapsody?! I know it's a long song, but come on! And I get the whole montage thing, which would have worked really well if you hadn't then gone back to real time. The rest of New Directions make it back to the comp in time for the awards, after Quinn gives birth, ruining any montage type thing you set up, to take it back to literal time passing. What the?! Then Quinn gives her baby up for adoption to someone she barely knows and it's all done on the spot and the paperwork is all filled out. Um, yeah, coz adoption is just that easy!

Then they bring back Josh Groban & Olivia Newton-John. They have both been in the show and were both super lovely and had great rapport with the other characters. Now all of a sudden they're horrible, arrogant douches?! And all this contrived to give Sue a heartfelt moment. I like that Sue had a genuinely heartfelt moment, but they could have set it up better, with better circumstances.
And who the hell gets Josh Groban on a musical show TWICE and doesn't get him to sing?!!!!!!!

The writers are constantly giving the characters huge moments then ignoring them the very next episode! They spent ages setting up the fact that Puck was the father of Quinn's baby, then Finn explodes, gets super angry, then says he can deal with it, but he won't forgive them. Then next episode they're all fine again! Huh?! And they hardly resolved the relationship between Quinn & Puck either. No teenagers (or adults really) are as forgiving as these guys!

And what about Kurt's dad & Finn's mum? Kurt's dad kicks Finn out of the house for calling Kurt a fag even though he says he might lose Finn's mum over it, but he has to protect his son. Then they never tell us what happens! Are Kurt's dad & Finn's mum still together? They can't be living together anymore, unless Finn now lives on his own. Talk about leaving loose ends!

There are seemingly countless things like this that makes Glee less than it ought to be. They have great actors, great music, a huge following, endless celebrity appearances, mostly great dialogue, so why such week story? Come on Glee! Surely you have enough success to afford better writers who can give the show some story strength. It is is desperate need. It will turn a good show into a great one!

Politics

2010-07-05T14:40:00.003+10:00

A great post from Howie re: Christians & Politics.
Especially relevant with the election coming up.

CLICK ME!

Yes. Unfortunately Yes.

2010-06-23T15:03:00.000+10:00

Unnecessary Lost Censorship

2010-06-14T18:40:00.000+10:00

Giggles

Email List

2010-05-19T15:24:00.002+10:00

I'm starting to put together an email list for those who want to hear about her time in Tajikistan. Send me your email address and I'll put you on my list if you're interested in hearing about my adventures while I'm away.

Moving...

2010-05-17T20:16:00.007+10:00

I'm announcing that pending any problems in the application process, I'll be moving to Tajikistan in about 3 months for at least a year to be a teacher!
Let me know if you have any questions and I'll try to answer them!

Here are some preview photos of where I'll be going.

Upular

2010-05-15T00:38:00.002+10:00

Just in case you haven't seen this yet. Amazing. Made from sounds and footage from the movie 'Up'.

Mr. Magorium

2010-05-08T00:27:00.003+10:00

'Your life is an occasion. Rise to it.' - Mr. Magorium.

Tonight I watched Mr. Magormium's Wonder Emporium. Honestly, a crap film. Bad storyline, bad writing, awful CGI. However, the film has so much heart that I quite enjoyed it. A few very well written moments, and a lot of geniune heart felt moments. I was quite inspired by parts of it and was left with a good feeling after the film.

If you've seen it, you'll know what I mean when I say, Awwwww! That soft toy monkey! It broke my heart and truly moved me. Weird I know, but it did.

BIG NEWS!

2010-04-23T12:50:00.000+10:00

I just came from a meeting (of sorts). BIG NEWS! I have an opportunity to move to and teach in Tajikistan! There are a few families over there who need someone to teach their kids (in English). If I go I'll have to move in less than 4 months (mid August). It's not official and we're still working through it, but it's looking good. It'd be an initial 1 year commitment. I'm excited!

WTF?!!

2010-04-21T14:55:00.004+10:00

Well for starters, read this. It's not long and will tell you what I'm on about.

WTF?!!

First of all it's concerning that there is a market for such a thing. And enough of a market to start a whole station, not just a program, around the idea!

Now everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but one phrase caught my eye as being particularly disturbing.

"...a new operation that is being targeted at "Americans who are looking for content that reflects and reinforces their perspective and world-view.""

Isn't news meant to be about the truth?! It's got nothing to do with reinforcing anyone's world view! ANYONE'S! Sure I will disagree with ALL the content (one can only assume seeing as I disagree with almost all of Fox's content), but more concerning is the idea of presenting 'news' in such a way to reinforce already existing ideas instead of being interested in what is actually occurring in the world. That's not news. That's spin doctoring. And it's dangerous.

Oh, and as a side note, I'm so disappointed in Kelsey Grammer. How can someone so talented be such a douche?

EDIT:
Appropriate and great quote that fits what I'm on about.
"I'm a comedian. I'm not moving towards the news box. They're moving towards me!" - Jon Stewart

Work

2010-04-15T14:23:00.002+10:00

I'm finally going to start working as a CRT (Casual Relief Teacher)! Finally!!! I'm a little freaked out coz I've never done it before. And I'm starting at a school I've never been to before. I'm sure it'll be ok, but the unknown is slightly scary! I start tomorrow. Prepare for the trauma...

Unlocking Potential

2010-04-11T22:23:00.002+10:00

I don't know anyone who ever sat down and planned a life of mediocrity.

I want to look back on my life with the least possible amount of regret.

I think one of the best ways of measuring failure, or simply mediocrity, is our level of regret re: unfulfilled potential. Some may say that we're not all destined for greatness, but I disagree. I think it’s just our definition of greatness that needs changing. The way society calls people great does not match my definition of great. Great is realising one’s potential, not fame or fortune. We are all meant to be different. We are made this way. And this is a good thing.

I think we should all take more risks in life. That is the key to unlocking potential and travelling on the adventure of life, not just watching on the sidelines. I don't want to look back at my life and wonder: What if? I want to have taken the risk.

Robin Hood Tax Explained

2010-04-06T23:39:00.002+10:00

If you're still unsure how the Robin Hood Tax works, here is a great video explaining it.

Robin Hood Tax

2010-04-05T11:35:00.001+10:00

Great article on the proposed 'Robin Hood Tax', written by Julian Morrow

I NEVER thought I'd say this, but I'd like to talk about tax. Before you flee to the Cayman Islands, hold on a second. If you're an ordinary citizen who pays their taxes, or even just a barrister, this tax won't apply to you.

We need to talk about tax because of the GFC. In case you're unfamiliar with the acronym, it refers to the massive global economic meltdown caused by large financial institutions, known in economics as Greedy F'ing Cs.

Trying to save financial institutions from themselves, and the quaintly named ''real economy'' from the impact of the GFC, has cost governments a packet. The US and European central banks had to buy $US2.5 trillion of government debt and toxic assets in the greatest injection of liquidity the world has seen since David Boon's 1989 Ashes flight to London.

Although Australia's financial institutions fared better, the need for economic stimulus made it necessary for the government to install school buildings suitable for mounting plaques commemorating Julia Gillard. As a result, government debt is now somewhere between $200 billion and whatever figure Barnaby Joyce came up with today (probably closer to the former).

In short, governments across the world need to raise whopping amounts of revenue, not just to return to surplus and pay off national debt, but also to address urgent public spending priorities such as global poverty, climate change and study trips.

It is in this context that a global movement in support of a ''financial transaction tax'' (FTT) or ''Robin Hood tax'' has emerged. The FTT would be a very small levy - just 0.05 per cent - on transactions in financial markets.

It would not apply to individual consumer transactions, but to transactions between financial institutions - things such as collateralised debt obligations and credit default swaps, whatever they are. (The people trading them don't know either).

The rate of the FTT is so low - half a cent in every thousand dollars - it can't reasonably be argued that it would deter substantive trading activity, not that financial institutions limit themselves to reasonable arguments.

No self-respecting government would slug its real human taxpayers at such a pitiful rate. But that's all that our delicate-petal financial institutions would have to cop. Nevertheless, the sheer volume of trading activity means the FTT could be quite the money spinner. It's hard to estimate, but according to one massive abacus, the FTT would raise $1.5 billion a year in Australia, and up to $350 billion a year in the US.

Just as significant is the fact that a financial transaction tax would reduce instability in the financial system because it discourages speculative activity.

The financial system is awash with short-term investments. Complex transactions can be started and finished - and the profits banked - in the time it takes Kevin Rudd to utter one unintelligible phrase. Indeed, the speed of trading is so great that in some hedge funds, the male traders think about transactions more frequently than they think about sex.

While the FTT would have a negligible effect on long-term investments, it would hit high-volume, short-term trading more, since it would clip the ticket of every single trade, even if it only lasted a few seconds. A disincentive to speculative, short-term trading such as this would bolster the overall stability of the system. Britain's chief financial regulator, Adair Turner, described such trading as ''socially useless'' (a pretty good description of many economists, actually).

If you don't believe me - and I admit I'm probably one of the few people with less economic credibility than Barnaby Joyce - then listen to British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, or any one of the 350 economists from more than 35 countries - including Jeffrey Sachs and the Nobel laureates Joseph Stiglitz and Paul Krugman - who have signed a letter to the G20 calling for the introduction of an FTT. All of them support its introduction, as do other Australians far more reputable than me, such as World Vision boss Tim Costello and ethicist Peter Singer.

The Robin Hood tax will give governments more money to pay off debt and fight poverty, and stabilise the financial system without deterring meaningful trade. Australia should take the lead in urging all G20 nations to adopt it.

Julian Morrow is a comedian and television producer, best known as part of the satirical team The Chaser. For more on the FTT, visit www.robinhoodtax.org.au

Developments...

2010-03-22T20:13:00.006+11:00

This is the organisation I gave 2 years of my life to. As you can imagine I'm pretty shocked and confused. I believe in it's truth, but wrapping my head around the truth of it is beyond baffling. I knew this man and saw him all the time. I always had my issues with him, but never did I think his abuses of power could translate to something like this.

EDIT:
And now there a couple of follow up articles. If you're interested you can read them here and here.

And here is Derryn Hinch interviewing the victim on the radio.

This was his short response on Facebook:

I wish Derryn Hinch had taken the time to connect with me before publishing the article that appeared in the Sunday Age.

He indicated that he had found it hard to get in touch with me, and yet had been regularly looking at my facebook page. Either he really doesn’t know how technology works or he wasn’t trying very hard. He sent no message via facebook or my e-mail address which is listed on my page. I would have been happy to respond to him.

Derryn’s article yesterday was the first time I have heard these specific allegations and I have got to say I am so relieved. They are so far from the truth that anybody who knows me will know they are over the top.

I am prepared to admit I made mistakes, real ones, but nothing that looks like what was described in the article. The young lady Derryn calls “Sarah” exhibited a range of extreme behaviours that now cause me to wonder if she has a condition known as “Borderline Personality Disorder” (see: www.bpdfamily.com). I freely admit that I did not have the skill I needed to work with this condition which meant that I made a number of errors of judgement and I certainly wish I had done things differently. I have fully disclosed the details of all of this to an independent panel.

In 2006 when I turned 65 I announced even though physically I was ready for retirement I would stay on for another 3 years to support the transition. These circumstances as well as my deteriorating health confirmed that it was time for me to step aside in my leadership of Fusion and hand over to others. I am so proud of the Fusion work and its workers, many of whom are working in some of the toughest communities in Australia and around the world. They continue the Fusion vision of the last 50 years “bringing young people and their communities together with hope.” (www.fusion.org.au)

I sincerely hope that your readers are able to see through an obviously biased story
Yours Sincerely

Mal Garvin.

The responses were mixed and at times baffling and anger inducing. Anyway, if you want to know more, ask me.

Ok Go

2010-03-09T19:00:00.001+11:00

The new film clip by Ok Go.
Just amazing!

LOST

2010-02-06T11:04:00.001+11:00

For the Lost fans! We want answers!

No News is.... Annoying

2010-01-25T14:40:00.002+11:00

Still no word on jobs. Living in limbo...

Potential Job & Move

2010-01-20T14:40:00.002+11:00

Gah! I might have to move interstate in 5 days and start a new job 2 days after that! I got a call from the Principal of Stuart High School in Whyalla, South Australia this morning saying they want me for an English/Maths position. Stuart High is a middle school, years 8 - 10. They've had increased enrollments this year so they need an extra teacher. They are waiting for confirmation of numbers, and if they have enough they'll hire me! I might actually have a job!

These last few weeks have been a little stressful as I thought I'd have a teaching job by now. I really thought I'd be able to get a job and it's been so hard. Anyone who thinks there is a teacher shortage is way off the mark. There hasn't been a teacher shortage for years, it's hard to get a teaching job.

I can't get one in Melbourne at all, so I branched out with the Whyalla jobs and it seems something might come of it! I won't know until Friday, but it certainly sounds promising! It's such a big move in such a short time! I'd really rather more than 1 day to prepare for such a huge job I very little about, but I guess I'll have to do what I can. The first couple of weeks may be a good time to buy stocks in energy drinks...

Triple J Hottest 100

2010-01-13T15:31:00.002+11:00

Well it's that time of year again. Triple J's Hottest 100 goes out on Australia Day (Jan 26), but voting is now! So here is my top 10 for this year:

ARTIST Song

BERTIE BLACKMAN Black Cats
BLUEJUICE Broken Leg
BOB EVANS Power Of Speech
GOSSIP, THE Heavy Cross
LISA MITCHELL Coin Laundry
MUMFORD & SONS Little Lion Man
MUSE Uprising
PAUL DEMPSEY Fast Friends
REGINA SPEKTOR Laughing With
WASHINGTON How To Tame Lions

Here is the link if you'd like to check out this year's list for yourself.

If you've already voted, what did you vote for?

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

2010-01-08T18:12:00.005+11:00

If you haven't heard of Dr. Horrible, you haven't lived!
It's a 3 part web series by the genius Joss Whedon (Buffy, Angel, Firefly) starring Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion & Felicia Day. All up it goes for about 40 minutes. It's a musical comedy about heroes and villains and life, in it's fantastic triumphs, terrible lows, and menial details. It's absolutely hilarious and I can't recommend it highly enough!

Harris stars as Dr. Horrible, an upcoming villain whose arch nemesis is Fillion, the arrogant, cheesy Captain Hammer. Felicia Day plays the lovely lady caught between the two, fighting for her affections.

It's just hilarious and very well done. Not only is the acting great and the story fantastic, but the music is amazing! The stars can really sing and the songs themselves are brilliant. I bought the soundtrack and haven't stopped listening to it!

Make sure you watch Dr. Horrible if you haven't already! You can get it form iTunes, or buy the DVD from Amazon. Although I own the show from iTunes, I'm going to get the DVD because it comes with a commentary track, which is also a musical! I've been told it's almost better than the show itself! I can't wait to get it!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T13:51:00.002+11:00

Hello to anyone who still read this.
I hope you have a wonderful and safe and prosperous and adventurous and exciting new year!
Much love to you all!
I hope you don't feel like this tomorrow.

2009-12-23T00:13:00.003+11:00

It's Christmas time! Yay!
Tonight my family swapped presents. Yes, I know it's not Christmas yet, but we're all heading off to Whyalla, SA and for the first time my brother Luke isn't coming with us. It's going to be so weird having Christmas without him.
So presents I hear you ask?
Here is what I got so far.

In case you can't tell what everything is, from left to right:
Jane Kennedy's cook book, curb your enthusiasm season 4, Paul Dempsey's album, Pushing Daisies season 1, the first volume of the 'Glee' soundtrack, and a book by Dr Karl. Yay! I love all of them!

I probably won't blog again before Christmas, so let me take this opportunity to tell anyone who still reads my blog that I wish you a truly wonderful Christmas filled with life the way it was meant to be.

Pushing Daisies

2009-12-10T21:28:00.003+11:00

Has anyone seen the tv show 'Pushing Daisies'? I want to know what it's like. Is every episode a musical? It looks pretty awesome from what I've seen, but I've only seen a few clips on YouTube. Fill me in!

Thinking About Optical Illusions?

2009-11-30T23:53:00.001+11:00

How cool is this?

Old, But Awesome Songs

2009-11-20T21:14:00.000+11:00

I rediscovered this song recently.
Oh how I love it!

Giggle CIty

2009-11-17T22:29:00.000+11:00

You want some giggles? Here they are!

P P P P Poker Face

2009-11-06T11:48:00.000+11:00

10 Year High School Reunion

2009-10-13T17:11:00.002+11:00

I went to my 10 year high school reunion on Saturday night.
And it was absolutely fantastic!
I'm so glad it turned out so well. Because, I'm the one who organised it! And if it had gone bad then I'm sure people would have blamed me! But everyone seemed to have a great night and I've had a lot of positive feedback about how great the night was.
There were no weird dynamics, it was just people catching up with each other. I was so pleased. Everyone said they were so nervous, for a variety of reasons, but once we were there, all the old high school rubbish was such a non issue, and people just enjoyed themselves.
If you want to see photos from the night you can go here and check them out. There were too many to post, and frankly I'm lazy.

TONY MARTIN!!!

2009-10-07T10:54:00.006+11:00

On Monday night Luke & I went to Readings in Carlton to hear Tony Martin do a reading of his new book A Nest of Occasionals. It was absolutely brilliant! Tony is not only very intelligent, but friendly and hilarious! His new book is a collection of stories that have happened to him over the years. He is a very gifted writer and the biggest nerd of all! In a good way of course. He also did a Q&A section at the end which was just wonderful. It was so good to be able to ask him heaps of questions we all wanted to know the answers to. Unfortunately he's been out of the media (largely) for the last 18 months or so (minus about 2 months) so there was lots to ask! Here are some photos from the event.

We also went dressed in capes! Well, bath-towels swirled around our necks anyway. It's a joke from the best radio show of all time, 'Get This' which Tony ran from 2006 - 2007, which he was axed for being too successful. Go figure. Anyway, one of the things they did was Capril. It's just a month where you wear a cape around for no other reason than it's Capril. So as a homage to Get This, we went caped! Got us some extra attention from Tony anyway :)

Hanging out with Tony Martin!

Luke hanging out with Tony.

Reading some of his book.

Reading some of his book.

Thanks for taking this awesome photo Luke...

More reading.

More reading.

Luke & I, capes donned!

He signed my book! The new one he just released.

He signed my other book! The first one of his I bought.

Chocolate

2009-10-05T11:55:00.002+11:00

This is from an email about human trafficking and the chocolate industry. Good practical ways to do something and stand up for those with no voice!

The good news is that Cadbury's Dairy Milk chocolate bar in Australia will be Fairtrade as of Easter 2010! This means that there will be a significant increase in the sales of Fairtrade cocoa produced by farmers in Ghana. Fairtrade cocoa sales will increase for existing Fairtrade farming groups as well as opening up opportunities for thousands more farmers to benefit from the Fairtrade system.

Cadbury is the first mainstream chocolate company to announce that it will use Fairtrade certified cocoa for a main product line in Australia. Fairtrade certification sets standards by which the farmers growing the cocoa get a decent price for their produce and that exploited child labour is not involved.

Mars had previously announced that all of the cocoa it uses in its chocolate products will be certified as free of the involvement of trafficked people and slave-like labour by 2020 .

The bad news is by comparison to Cadbury and Mars companies such as Nestle have been unwilling to take adequate steps to address the exploitation of children on the cocoa farms and plantations.

Please write to Cadbury using the address below or through their on-line customer feedback at http://www.cadbury.com.au/Feedback.aspx:

Mark Callaghan
Managing Director Confectionary
Cadbury Schweppes Australia and New Zealand
PO Box 6134
St Kilda Road Central
Victoria 8008

Points to make in your letter or e-mail:
- Welcome the joint announcement of Cadbury and Fairtrade Labelling Australia and New Zealand that Cadbury Dairy Milk will achieve Fairtrade Certification in Australia by Easter 2010.
- Note that this will have the very positive outcome of significantly increasing sales of cocoa under Fairtrade terms for cocoa farmers in Ghana.
- Note that with this announcement Cadbury is leading action amongst the large chocolate manufacturers in Australia to address exploited child labour in the production of cocoa in West Africa.
- Request that Cadbury announce a timeline by which each of its product lines that contain cocoa will use only Fairtrade certified cocoa.

What you can do to turn the bad news into good news.

Sad Face

2009-09-29T16:58:00.001+10:00

I left my copy of "Lolly Scramble" by Tony Martin on the plane a couple of weeks ago. Turns out someone stole it and I'm never getting it back. Sad face.

Bitey Bitey!

2009-09-20T14:37:00.000+10:00

Go me! I have over 600 now!

Reply

2009-09-18T13:14:00.003+10:00

Got a reply from my local MP about my letter I sent off (see last entry). Nice to have a personal reply, but it's not enough. I'm writing back. Here is my second letter:

Dear Ms. Macklin,

Thank you so much for writing back to me. I appreciate you taking the time. I understand that Labor is doing some good work in the area of fair trade and human rights. I applaud the government for taking measures to help see that all people have their basic rights met.

However, I don’t think the government is doing enough. We are a hugely resourced country, and therefore have the responsibility to help those less fortunate than ourselves. This goes for our own citizens as well as those overseas. I realise it’s not simply a matter of changing laws overnight to make this so. I know it is infinitely more complicated. There is personal responsibility involved as well as government intervention.

Your letter of reply did not address my main concern about trade issues. We still import countless products that ensure people are trapped in a cycle of poverty. This is equal to slavery. There is no excuse for this when we can redirect our resources to products that don’t abuse human rights. Once again I realise this is not a straight forward issue, but it is one that we need to address and act on! Complicated does not mean impossible.

Why do we continue to support multinational corporations that produce goods through ‘sweat shops’ and slave labour? Just because we aren’t the ones doing it, doesn’t remove our responsibility. We are responsible for the money we give to these corporations that encourages them to continue exploiting their workers. I wouldn’t wish those conditions on anyone and I am hugely concerned that as a country we endorse it through our actions.

We must do something about our endorsement of this behaviour. We must stand up for human rights and fair trade! We may not endorse the behaviour with our words, but our actions say otherwise. Something must be done!

Once again, Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I hope it will drive you to positive action.

Megan Orrin

Open Letter to Kevin Rudd

2009-09-07T14:13:00.005+10:00

This is something I have written. I would love it if everyone could either send their own version, or just cut and paste mine and put your name on the end. I think this is very important.

Go here to email the PM

I also sent it to Simon Crean the minister for trade.

Go here to email Simon Crean

However, we all know that a written letter is worth more than an email. I urge you to do both. It will take you all of 30 seconds.

The Hon Kevin Rudd MP 
Prime Minister 
Parliament House 
CANBERRA ACT 2600

To The Honourable Kevin Rudd,

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen. In this time of increasing social awareness, specifically in the area of fair trade, I think it’s time that the Government stepped in and made some serious changes.

You are a representative of the people, and there had been a huge increase in the public interest of fair trade products. As a country we import countless products that exploit the poorest of the poor who are unable to advocate and stand up for themselves. This is unacceptable. The abolition of slavery was founded on these same principles. We wouldn’t dare endorse slavery in this country, so why do we support it through our trade practices? We freely import products that keep people in a cycle of poverty. This is unacceptable.

You may say I should choose to purchase things that are fair trade, but as a Government it is your responsibility to oversee our country’s conscience. We don’t allow people to have slaves if they so choose, so why do we allow people to buy products that effectively keep people in conditions that amount to slavery? Why is this part of our trade policy, supporting these conditions? There is nothing acceptable about this. There is no reason for companies to continue to exploit these workers other than greed and financial gain. People are always more important than money. Always.

This issue is particularly poignant for coffee and chocolate products. Even though things are starting to change, I still see it as the Government’s role to be involved.

Having said all this, I do realise it is a complicated issue. I know that there is no solution that will not be met with immense opposition. But did that stop those campaigning for the abolition of slavery? Should it stop us? I say no. And as the representative of the people, it is your role to ensure that our country is run with integrity, and that our trade practices are not something to be ashamed of.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I hope it will drive you to positive action.

Megan Orrin

I have a new favourite video

2009-09-03T22:35:00.001+10:00

CLICK ME!

HAHAHA!!! STALKER!!!

2009-08-31T18:00:00.000+10:00

WORST FILM EVER!

2009-08-31T17:54:00.000+10:00

I AM NOT IN LOVE WITH EDWARD

2009-08-21T12:11:00.003+10:00

Yes, I am talking about the sweet talking, blood sucking, piano playing vampire from Twilight, Edward.

I am not in love with him, which appears to make me stand out against millions of girls around the world. And this is a fact that concerns me.

Yes, he's hot. We get it. He's hot, and he's utterly and irreversibly in love with Bella. But is love enough? I say no. I have nothing against love, and passionate love at that, but when it becomes an excuse for inexcusable behaviour there is a problem. He is controlling beyond reason. He tells her what to do, where she can go, and who she can be friends with. And because she loves him, she lets him control her. He even kidnaps her a couple of times, forcing her to be where he thinks she ought to be. All under the guise of keeping her safe. I do not doubt the lovely motives, but does that really make it ok? I say absolutely not!

This perfect ideal of Edward sets up a whole generation of young girls to get in abusive, controlling relationships. If he loves me, it's ok. He controls me because he cares. Then it's a slippery slope, from control to abuse. I'm not saying all controlling guys end up abusing their girlfriends/wives, but it lends itself to going in that direction.

Yes Edward never hurts her physically, but does that make it ok? Not in my book. Not that I have a book... you get my point though.

Love is not an excuse for poor behaviour. Controlling relationships are not ok and should not be set up as an over-romanticised ideal. Bella constantly gets mad at Edward, then forgives him as soon as she sees him coz he's so hot and she loves him! That is not ok! Girls need to be taught to respect themselves and expect men to respect them too, not offer up excuses for why they are not being respected.

Everyone's To Blame

2009-08-17T21:55:00.003+10:00

I may be a little late jumping on the internet bashing band wagon, but I find it's still a topic I feel passionate about.
Someone asked me what I thought about it the other night and I still fired up about this issue. So here I am, back on the blog, my little virtual soap box!

I'm talking about the Kyle & Jackie O 'radio stunt' that 'shocked a nation'.
Side note: I'm so sick of the terms 'radio stunt' and 'shock jock'. Let's just ban them now. And stunt is not a strong enough word for what they did.

Whose fault is it? It's everyone's.

The mum is a horrendously irresponsible parent who has obviously done her daughter immense damage over the years, and appears to be continuing to do so. Any parent who would know about a daughter's rape and then ask her about it on air shouldn't have kids. I feel so bad for that girl. She will need some serious help. I pray she gets it.

And Kyle & Jackie O? Who cares if they didn't know she was raped! They put a 14 year old girl on their live radio show and asked her about her sex life. What did they think was going to happen?! There is no scenario where that turns out well. The girl was always going to lose. They clearly care about their ratings more than that girl. They used and abused her for entertainment purposes. She did not want to be there and she is below the age of consent. They are pathetic, abusive and irresponsible public figures and I'm ashamed they are Australian 'personalities'.

And Austero management? They are to blame too. They gave the segment the go ahead and let it go to air. They are just as bad as Kyle & Jackie O. Speaking of Jackie O, why is she not coping the blame? Why is it being shifted over to Kyle? Now I'm no fan of Kyle's, but why is it just his fault? Why does he get all the headlines when his co-host is just as deplorable as he is?

As you can see I'm still angry about it. And for a good piece on the story by Media Watch, click on the link below.

Media Watch on Kyle & Jackie O

Music

2009-08-10T17:09:00.000+10:00

I don't like Taylor Swift, but this is very cool!

Placement

2009-08-04T12:24:00.002+10:00

Well yesterday I started my final teaching placement. I'm teaching full time for the next 5 weeks, then 9 weeks of classes, then I'm officially a teacher. Scary thought? Lock up your children...
I promise not to scar them. Too much.

So far so good. My supervising teachers are all lovely and I think I'm going to really enjoy this placement. Can I get a yay? Ok, I'll give myself one. YAY!
I feel confident (but hopefully not cocky!) that I'm equipped to do a good job. And if not, there are people around to help me.
Like I said, so far so good. But it is only day 2... They haven't destroyed my soul yet.

Brilliant Chaser Song

2009-07-16T15:46:00.000+10:00

In Due Season

HAHA!

2009-07-13T19:59:00.000+10:00

So many giggles!

Validation

2009-07-07T17:41:00.001+10:00

This is the best short film I've ever seen. Just incredible. You've got to see it!

Pan's Labyrinth

2009-07-03T00:25:00.001+10:00

Wow. Pan's Labyrinth. Sometimes there is no poetry and life just sucks. Brilliant film.

Final 10

2009-06-28T16:56:00.000+10:00

I've finally narrowed down my Top 10 for Triple J's Hottest 100. Here it is:

The beach boys - God only knows
Radiohead - Paranoid Android
Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah
Glen Hansard - Falling Slowly
Crowded House - Better be home soon
Phil Colins - Against all odds
Elton John - Your song
The Whitlams - Buy Now Pay Later
George - Special Ones
Sting - Fields of Gold

Losses

2009-06-26T23:53:00.001+10:00

A true loss to our collective psyche. RIP MJ. Regardless of his controversial life, he was a true musical genius. Another sad loss in Farrah Fawcett. A tragic battle finally lost. Both gave huge contributions to pop culture as we know it. Will leave a huge hole. Controversy and all.

Man in the mirror is my favourite Michael Jackson song. What's yours?

Euthanasia

2009-06-19T12:05:00.002+10:00

Wow I hear you saying.
A far cry from the Snuggie topics of late.
A little more serious than I have been tacking lately, but something I've been thinking about.
No I'm not dying. No I don't want to die. There is no hidden agenda here!
I just think it's a really contentious issue that needs to be talked about more.
I've been reading up on Dr Philip Nitschke and his campaigning for the legalisation of euthanasia.
Some thoughts:

First up I want to state that I fundamentally disagree with Dr Nitschke on the issue of euthanasia. I’m not here to bash him with words or say how bad he is. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Let me premise this with my stance. My faith leads me to believe that all life is sacred and that no one has the right to take it away. I believe that God created life and no one has the right to decide when a life should end.

However, I realise that this is a contentious issue and there is a lot of grey area. I am not pretending that it is a black and white issue where no discussion should be entered into. I think it is an important dialogue to have, and Dr Nitschke has facilitated that over the years. It’s easy for me to sit back and say I disagree with euthanasia because I don’t know anyone who wants the option to decide when their life ends because of a terminal illness. I know that for those living with these decisions it is far more complicated.

There are endless factors that influence the thinking around this issue and we all need to have understanding and compassion when it comes to talking about euthanasia.

I believe Dr Nitschke is a good and compassionate man. While I disagree with the outcome of his thinking, I know that he is seeking to do the right thing and help people in dire situations. I know he just wants to help people and restore some of their dignity in their final choice. I applaud him for that.

I’m sure he gets an awful lot of opposition and hate mail from those who oppose euthanasia, but I wanted to say something positive about him from someone who disagrees. Within disagreement there is a vital place for open dialogue.

Seeing his interview with Andrew Denton (when it aired) really helped me understand his motivation and his heart for helping people who have no means to help themselves. That is an admirable quality.

I think we need an ongoing dialogue about euthanasia because it is an important issue that affects a lot of people.

Heavy I know, but thoughts?

More Snuggie Awesomeness!

2009-06-19T12:01:00.000+10:00

Kathryn & Jenny came over in their fake $10 Snuggies! Oh yeah! Everyone on board the Snuggie train! Toot toot!

Best Day Ever!

2009-06-15T20:16:00.005+10:00

Today our (Luke & my) Snuggies arrived! AND I got 2 new tattoos! Best day ever!
Snuggies are must as awesome as I predicted! I told you they were comfortable heaven! I do not regret my purchase one little bit.

And it's my Mum's birthday! Happy birthday Mum! I love you so much. You are a tremendous person and you inspire me constantly. I have so much respect for you. I am so grateful you're my mother and I appreciate you more than you will ever know. Your generous and giving spirit is always challenging me to be more selfless. I love you.

And my new tattoos! My foot tattoo definitely hurt! It wasn't unbearable, but it hurt. My foot hurt, but my finger was horrendously painful!!! Lucky it was so small!

New Hottest 10

2009-06-13T13:30:00.000+10:00

I've added and subtracted.
New thoughts?

The beach boys - God only knows
Radiohead - Paranoid Android
Leonard cohen - Hallelujah
Glen Hansard - Falling Slowly
U2 - With or without you
Crowded House - better be home soon
The beatles - yesterday
Phil Colins - against all odds
John Farhnam - You're the voice
Elton John - your song
Coldplay - warning sign
Josh Groban - Remember when it rained
The Whitlams - Buy Now Pay Later
George - Holiday
Something for Kate - Beautiful Sharks
Dashboard Confessional - Screaming Infidelities
Tim Minchin - Drowned
Sting - Fields of Gold

Hottest 100 of all Time

2009-06-11T23:40:00.002+10:00

At the moment Triple J are running The Hottest 100 of all Time. You can only vote for 10 songs. HOW?!!
How I ask you can you only pick 10 songs from all time?!
I feel like it is too much of an important decision and what I choose will define me. I can't bring myself to vote yet!
This is a bit of a working list.
I know this is a very subjective topic, but, Suggestions?

God only knows - the beach boys
Paranoid ANdroid - Radiohead
Hallelujah - leonard cohen
Falling Slowly - Glen Hansard
With or without you - U2
Crowded House - better be home soon/fall at your feet
Indigo girls - power of two
The beatles - yesterday
Phil Colins - against all odds
John Farhnam - You're the voice
Elton John - your song
Coldplay - warning sign
Josh Groban - Remember when it rained
The Whitlams - Buy Now Pay Later
Holiday - George

New Blog Again

2009-06-10T11:49:00.000+10:00

Ok, now I have an even newer template. I like this one.
This one stays.

New Blog

2009-06-08T11:23:00.001+10:00

I have a new blog look. Thoughts?
I might still change it.

Evolution of Beauty

2009-06-04T19:30:00.002+10:00

I'm sure most of you have seen this before, but if you haven't here it is. And if you have, it's worth watching again.

Fury!

2009-06-01T10:02:00.002+10:00

I get passionate about certain things. I'm sure those of you that know me can pick some of those topics. Justice is one. Another one is people who can't justify their 'opinions'.

I really enjoy having discussions with people about things we disagree about. It's not fighting, I'm not really up for that, but I enjoy a passionate debate. It's interesting to hear people's opinions and why they believe what they believe. It helps me to either cement or change my own ideas, and helps me to get to know the other person better.

However, what I can't stand, and get really angry about, is people who just spout rhetoric and can't support their ideas. People who have beliefs, but can't articulate why they believe it, really get to me. I don't mind people believing whatever they want to believe, that is everyone's prerogative, but what I can't stand is when they haven't thought it through and they can't explain it.

I have had a few discussions over the last few weeks where someone just spouts ideas and then is unable to engage in conversation about it. I find this so frustrating! I hate when you ask them a question and they just repeat the rhetoric they've absorbed and don't answer your questions.

You can tell when people own their ideas by whether they can discuss them.

The Scriveners Fancy

2009-05-30T11:14:00.001+10:00

I can't recommend this site enough. Tony Martin is a genius! And Shaun Micallef is a guest writer this week.
It's updated weekly.

Priceless

2009-05-25T12:37:00.000+10:00

1st & Last

2009-05-18T20:17:00.003+10:00

I got 8/8 for my footy tipping this week! Woot!

On another note, this is my last week of teaching rounds. It's gone so fast! This is week 5 of my placement at Heathdale Christian College. It's such an amazing school and I have truly loved my time there. I'd apply for a job there in a heartbeat if it wasn't so far away from my place! Stupid Werribee...
I am so impressed with the school. The staff treat both each other and the students with a real respect, and the students (well, most of them) respond by living up to the expectations that they will be responsible. I'm loving my classes, the kids have been great. I've had no major issues at all. Just kids getting distracted and talking, but what school doesn't have that! I'm glad none of them seem to be as bad as I was in high school! I was such a talker. Apologies to my teachers....
My supervising teachers are also fantastic. They don't treat me like a chore at all, but they really want to help me learn and succeed. I've had such much positive feedback. They're really encouraging. but they also provide me with constructive criticism in a really nice way. I'm learning a lot and really enjoying it.
I'll be sad to finish up, but I'll also relish getting my sleep ins back! I really really really miss sleeping in... Getting up at 6:15am is not my idea of fun... Anyone who knows me knows I am absolutely NOT a morning person!

Auto Tune

2009-05-11T21:14:00.000+10:00

Wouldn't the news be more interesting if it was all auto tuned?

Billy Elliot

2009-05-02T09:42:00.000+10:00

I saw Billy Elliot (the stage musical, not the film) this week with my family. It is absolutely fantastic! I can highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!

The talent of those young kids is amazing! There are 5 12 year old boys who take it in turn playing Billy Elliot. There are 7 shows a week, so they can't really keep up with the schedule at that age. There are also a heap of young girls (about the same age) who swap around. So there are really about 4 or 5 sets of cast members. All the adults do each night, but the kids take it in turns. It the others are anything like the ones we saw, they are all incredibly talented kids! So impressive!

The story line is also really powerful. There are a couple of different things going on at once and they play together beautifully. Because it's a stage production there are obviously restrictions with how you present things, but they have married them all together so well. I don't want to spoil it in case you don't know what happens. Powerful stuff though. I had a bit of a cry a few times.

The set is also very impressive. So many moving and rotating parts. There is so much creativity that's gone into this production. The music is great, the cast are amazing and the set is brilliant. It makes for a wonderful musical and a great night!

However, keep in mind a couple of things, if you're not into 12 year old cocky swearing, maybe stay away. There is a fair bit of language, personally I found it hilarious! There is something about swearing in such an accent that is so funny. I can't be offended with an accent like that!

True Genius In Comedy Form!

2009-04-28T19:41:00.001+10:00

Patriotism as it should be!

2009-04-25T23:10:00.001+10:00

Rounds

2009-04-19T10:22:00.003+10:00

Well I'm off to stay in Geelong for 5 weeks. I'll be coming back on weekends, but will mostly be out in the western suburbs for a while. I start my teaching rounds tomorrow which is exciting! The problem is they are at a school in Hoppers Crossing! That's waaaaaay too far to travel each day! Not only do I not want to spend 3 hours a day traveling, I can't afford that much petrol. So thankfully i have somewhere to stay out there. One of my classmates, Nicky lives in Geelong and is doing the same placement as me, so she said I can stay with her. Yay! It's only half an hour from her place. Much better than an hour and a half from mine! So I won't really be online as much for the next 5 weeks I think. We'll see.

Oh, and check this out. A wonderful blog post by Grumpy Frump about how beauty tends to = talent in our society.

Bash.org

2009-04-15T09:05:00.001+10:00

Check out this site:
Bash.org
Not one for the kiddies.
Hilarious stuff!

Rom 5:7-8

2009-04-12T11:50:00.000+10:00

"Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Why can't I have my money back?

2009-04-06T18:37:00.000+10:00

From Season 1, Episode 6 of The West Wing
Awesome conversation!

[Donna and Josh are discussing what should be done with the budget surplus]
Donna Moss: What's wrong with me getting my money back?
Josh Lyman: You won't spend it right.
Donna Moss: What do you mean?
Josh Lyman: Let's say your cut of the surplus is $700. I want to take your money, combine it with everybody else's money and use it to pay down the debt and further endow Social Security. What do you want to do with it?
Donna Moss: Buy a DVD player.
Josh Lyman: See?
Donna Moss: But my $700 is helping employ the people who manufacture and sell DVD players, not to mention the people who manufacture and sell DVDs. It's the natural evolution of a market economy.
Josh Lyman: The problem is the DVD player you buy might be made in Japan.
Donna Moss: I'll buy an American one.
Josh Lyman: We don't trust you.
Donna Moss: Why not?
Josh Lyman: We're Democrats.
Donna Moss: I want my money back.
Josh Lyman: You shouldn't have voted for us.

Voice Talkers

2009-04-01T09:18:00.000+11:00

Yes, another youtube video! This one is so worth watching!

Twittersphere!

2009-03-25T14:57:00.001+11:00

By the way, I get the irony of putting this on my blog...

New Hollowmen Clip!

2009-03-19T17:33:00.001+11:00

This is the new Hollowmen clip about funding for the ABC. Hilarious!

Stop The Traffik!

2009-03-09T10:44:00.001+11:00

CADBURY GOES TRAFFIK FREE

Let's celebrate the amazing news that by the end of summer 2009, Cadbury's Dairy Milk bars can be part of our diet again!

We congratulate Cadbury on their commitment to justice and now look to their policy being adopted across their entire product range.

Cadbury's decision demonstrates the power of ordinary consumers in bringing change and freedom. Two years ago, STOP THE TRAFFIK met with Cadbury and was told that a fairtrade Cadbury's bar was impossible and impracticable.

This is a victory for every person who has complained, campaigned and spread the message. But most of all, it is a victory for every child held in exploitative labour on West African cocoa farms. It is important to remember though that all exploited children will not be free until Mars, Nestle, Lindt, Hershey and all the others have put human rights before profit and make similar announcements. Click here to find out more about the trafficking of children to work on cocoa farms.

STOP THE TRAFFIK has been calling for individual companies to take responsibility for the chocolate they sell and asking for it to be traffik free. This is a very significant step in our campaign.

If you've been part of this, e-mail it to your local press and tell them of the campaigning you did.

Together we will STOP THE TRAFFIK

(This is an email I received today coz I'm on the email list for the STOP THE TRAFFIK campaign)

27!

2009-03-07T10:10:00.000+11:00

It's my birthday! I'm the birthday girl! Woot! I always love birthdays. So much fun!

Wicked!

2009-02-26T22:07:00.006+11:00

Taste the pun! Taste it!

So as you can probably guess, I saw "Wicked". It was absolutely brilliant! Anyone who has seen it will agree, and anyone who hasn't, just has to see it! And I know that everyone goes on about how awesome it is, but they do it for a reason, it really is that awesome! The performances were amazing! These people can really sing and really act! The dancing is also very impressive. Great casting!

The storyline is so impressive too. It weaves in and out of the movie so well. Not only does it not contradict anything, but it compliments the original story of Oz perfectly and actually enhances it. I don't want to give anything away coz I am a big believer that not knowing anything makes the film/show/whatever better than having pre-conceived ideas about what it will be.

The set is also incredible! A lot of money must have been poured into this production.

Anyway, just get along and see it! I plan on going to see it again!

I may have sneakily taken a photo of the set before the show started... Naughty of me I know, but here is the set from our pretty good seats before the curtain went up.

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-02-19T19:26:00.003+11:00

I saw the movie 'Slumdog Millionaire' with some friends last night and just had to tell people about it. It's a truly brilliant film! I'm a big fan of going into movies not knowing anything at all, so I don't plan to give anything away here. Just to say that it is moving and intense and uplifting and tragic and so worth seeing! It's set in the slums of India and is a tale of the journey of 3 people as they grow up and move on. Powerful stuff. It it confronting at times, funny at times and shocking at times. Just go and see it.

Here are some reviews:

"Together Boyle and his co-director Loveleen Tandeen have created a portrait of a city in transition -- a place of relentless energy, of ambition and inspiration; of poverty and exploitation, of obscene riches and modest desires."

"Like all good fairy tales, this outsize celebration of perseverance and moral triumph contains within it a deeper idea -- in this case, the relative nature of what we think we know, and what's worth knowing at all."

"The beautifully rendered and energetic tale celebrates resilience, the power of knowledge and the vitality of the human experience. Horrifying, humorous and life-affirming, it is, above all, unforgettable."

News & BIrthdays

2009-02-08T15:51:00.000+11:00

Firstly I have some exciting news! I got my official acceptance letter for my course this week (I'm doing a graduate diploma of education). That's not the exciting bit though. I have a sort of scholarship thing and it's going to cost me $4k for my entire grad dip!!! WHOO!!!! That's instead of about $12k! What a relief that is!

Yesterday was Alison's birthday! And we had a fun day out! We started at a bar just having a drink and a chat, then went and had mexican for dinner, then back to the bar again, then off to a jazz club for a while. Lots of fun! Here are some photos:

Twilight

2009-02-04T16:50:00.003+11:00

Yes, I succumbed and am reading the Twilight series. It certainly is trashy, but enjoyable enough. I'm enjoying the trashy novels! Yes, I am hanging my head in shame... They are nothing super awesome, but worth a read. They are very quick reads, easy to get through fast.

Triple J's Hottest 100

2009-01-27T11:20:00.003+11:00

It was that time of year again! Australia Day always marks the best day of radio for the year. Triple J's Hottest 100 song countdown! This year all 10 of the songs I voted for made the countdown! Whoo! These are the ones I voted for and where they came in on the countdown.

#100 - Dukes of Windsor - It's a War
#87 - Jack White & Alicia Keys - Another Way To Die
#45 - Muscles - Ice Cream {triple j live acoustic version}
#43 - Laura Marling - Ghosts
#36 - Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Possess Your Heart
#27 - Josh Pyke - The Lighthouse Song
#23 - The Living End - White Noise
#15 - Cut Copy - Lights and Music
#8 - The Presets - This Boy's In Love
#1 - Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire

I managed to get 1 & 100! There were lots of other awesome bands that made the countdown I didn't vote for like Birds of Tokyo, The Grates, Flight of the Conchords, The Killers, Cold War Kids, Faker, Lily Allen, Band of Horses and many many more! You can check out the list for yourself here. Just click on the link that says 'Launch HTML Countdown'.

Empty Box

2009-01-20T13:55:00.000+11:00

A short film done by a guy I taught back in '04 when he was in year 11.

Catch Ups

2009-01-13T19:56:00.003+11:00

I got to meet an internet friend a couple of weeks ago. I love that. I think the internet should be a supplement for life, not a replacement for it. I've been chatting to this woman from Brisbane on Facebook called Rosemarie and she came down to Melbourne a couple of weeks ago so we caught up for a drink. She's been chatting to Lachy too, so the three of us all caught up. Lachy, Rosemarie & I met at a bar on Chapel St and had a ball together! Lots of fun!
Unfortunately she was here under bad circumstances. Her sister had died and she was here for the funeral.
You know how when you first meet people it can be awkward? You exchange the usual questions and find you run out of things to say coz you don't really know each other. This wasn't like that at all. It was fantastic! It felt so comfortable and conversation really flowed. It was like we'd all been friends for ages. I love that!
Here are some photos from our catch up:

Photos! What Else?!

2009-01-03T17:18:00.004+11:00

Yet more photos a comin'! I had a great Christmas with the family and a great new years with the friends. Lots of fun! Some of these photos are from a Christmas party, some are from new years down the beach.

Going Away

2008-12-29T18:16:00.002+11:00

Well it's that time of year again! My friends & I always head down to Philip Island for new years. I'm off tomorrow for 4 days. Should be lots of fun! We're staying in a workmate's house right on the beach! Whoo!!! See ya all next year! I hope you all have a wonderful new year filled with all the good stuff!
Always look on the bright side of life.

Food for thought:
The internet should supplement life, not be a replacement for it.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas...

2008-12-23T12:42:00.002+11:00

Well it's that time of year again. Trees, mistletoe, presents, lights and carols. Although I don't know anyone who has ever hung mistletoe... I'm singing in the Carols by Candlelight choir again this year. Lots of fun! We've been rehearsing each Saturday morning for a while now. I'm not so keen on Saturday morning practices I must say... But it's been fun getting into the Christmas spirit. And now we have rehearsals every night this week leading up to it with the orchestra and soloists. I enjoy singing in the choir, but it's also fun watching some of the people take the choir waaaaay too seriously! We matter, sure, but we are the least important part of the night and some people have no sense of perspective! Mostly those who've been doing it for 15 - 20 years. I swear the sopranos think the higher the note you can sing, the better a person you are. Hilarious! So anyway, Christmas Eve is the night if you want to watch us on tv. Live on channel 9 from 8pm. I think it's repeated at lunchtime on Christmas day too.

Richard Marsland's Memorial

2008-12-18T13:25:00.000+11:00

Richard's memorial night on Sunday was truly amazing. It was a wonderful night of people getting together to celebrate Richard both as a person and as a professional. It wasn't cheap, nasty, or downright boring. There were lots of tears and lots of laughter. We started off just having some drinks, then there were lots of speeches interspersed with clips of Richard's radio and tv work. He truly was a talented man! Not a bastard, adrift in a blizzard of cocaine. I've never laughed so much at a memorial before! It was dizzy stuff folks! Then we went back to mingling and listening to some of Rich's favourite music. Although I didn't hear one semi by the sea, not did I hear about the rains in Africa. I got to meet so many amazing people and share in wonderful stories of Richard. Everyone was not just lovely about Richard, but also lovely to each other. It was beautiful. There was so much love in that room. Awwww how good is this?! After all is said and done, Richard was one of the best. He will be truly missed.

You may take my license, but you'll never take, MY TEQUILA!

Richard at the save Get This rally last year

Richard & I at the Get This final party last year

Lachy Hulme & I at Richard's memorial night

Article on Richard Marsland

2008-12-14T14:59:00.001+11:00

Here is a great article that came out in an Adelaide newspaper on Friday.

RADIO star Richard Marsland's final phone call to his mum in Adelaide ended the way it always did: with an "I'm fine mum", and "I love ya, I love ya, I love ya".

But the wide-smiled "comedic genius" – dubbed the "nicest guy in radio" – was hiding a pain far deeper than his devoted mum could imagine.

IT was nine days ago and Richard had finished his last breakfast show of the year alongside hosts Pete Helliarc and Myf Warhurst on Melbourne's Triple M.

The talented broadcaster, known for his infectious laugh and witty one-liners, was meant to have dinner with former colleague Tony Martin and friends at a pub, but he never showed.

About 8.30pm he phoned his mum Alisson and they had a regular mother-son conversation, with Richard intent on finding out the family's plans the following day.

She secretly hoped the questions related to his penchant for surprise visits home to Adelaide. Instead, it was a final phone call home hours before Richard made a lonely drive to Shiprock Falls in Victoria's Dandenong Ranges where he was found dead on Saturday morning.

His grieving family spoke to the Sunday Mail this week, telling of his tragic battle with depression.

They hope it will help others recognise the warning signs and get help before it is too late. But most of all they wanted to celebrate the life of a comedian, writer, and radio host, whose achievements included writing for TV shows Rove Live, The Glass House and Newstopia.

And they want people to remember him for his kindness and love of making people laugh. Mrs Marsland and her husband Peter, of Gawler River, said their son had suffered depression and attempted suicide about 10 years ago but few people knew.

Even his closest colleagues were unaware what his sunny facade masked, with one describing him as like a "Berocca" on the breakfast shift. He recovered after extensive counselling and had been "happy and in control" ever since.

But professional and personal difficulties this year, including a relationship break-up, wore down his coping mechanisms.

He relapsed and reached his lowest ebb in October, telling his parents he felt "lonely and alone". His anguished mother said she had felt "very scared for him". She said he was concerned about what his future held in 2009 and talked about going on holidays for a while.

They flew to his home in Melbourne to support him, but, never wanting to worry his family, Richard gave no indication of just how low he'd sunk. At the Gawler River home where he lived for 14 years, his mum and dad both tearfully said if they had realised the true extent of his pain she would have "taken him away" and kept a constant eye on him.

"He never would have wanted to hurt anyone," Mr Marsland said this week.

"This was not an act of selfishness on his behalf, rather a loss to his recurring battle with depression. This was a way for Richard to get release from his pain and nothing else."

Mrs Marsland said the torment they were now going through was indescribable.

She urged anyone suffering depression to seek help.

"It's a mother's worst nightmare," Mrs Marsland wept.

"If someone is contemplating doing this, they should have spent the last three days with me, or the next three days. Everyone has somebody who loves them, if they are suffering depression or any sort of suicidal tendancies they need to know just how precious they are.

"There is always help if they just pick up that phone."

Even in the depths of their grief, Richard still had his family laughing.

Like the time he was asked to write about his life in Year 2, and duped his shocked teacher by his fanciful tale of being adopted in New York.

Or how, in his early days on community radio, he accidentally sent a series of expletives across the airwaves in Adelaide's northern suburbs.

While listeners would remember him for his SAFM characters Tripper and Thorpy, two druggie teenagers from Redwood Park, these are the quintessential "Richard" moments his family treasures.

Mr Marsland remembers a man who was not embarrassed to kiss and hug his dad, and went to ante-natal classes with his mum as a teen.

"He was beautiful, loving, caring, talented, very sensitive, a gentleman and a gentle man," he said. "He was unbelievably apologetic, he was nicknamed "Mr Sorry".

He never wanted to offend anyone. Like he would apologise to the cleaning lady at SAFM for being in the way."

But he rued the fact his son was never given enough credit for his immense talent, and described him as like a "ventriloquist" – always making other people look good.

Despite effectively being a third host in some of his radio ventures, he was never officially recognised.

Triple M said after his death his role was to be expanded on the Pete & Myf show next year, but friends said had been told it would be cut back.

Good friend Ben McEachean, who studied journalism with Richard at UniSA, believed he never truly knew how good he was.

The film journalist recalls his friend sneaking off to Melbourne in uni days to perform stand-up comedy, but never telling anyone.

"I know he never recognised what other people saw in him, despite the successes he had, which were many and great," McEachean said.

"He was the funniest person I knew. . . but he had a low opinion of himself."

Facebook groups set up to honour and pay tribute to the music-loving radio personality have been flooded with messages of sadness, disbelief and thanks.

In an interview earlier this year, Helliar praised Richard as far better than "your typical anchor".

"Eventually, I'd like the show to be called Pete, Myf & Rich," Helliar said.

"He writes these amazing sketches that are cerebral yet accessible.

"But even after he delivers an absolute zinger, he'll take off his headphones and go, `Was that OK?'."

Marsland admitted to taping audience laughter from the first gag he wrote for Rove McManus, and comparing it to the laughter from the show's other jokes. He oozed talent from a young age, whether it was his creative writing, scrawling impressive cartoons aged 10, or making kooky movies as a teen. Sister Tammy laughs that he also wanted to be a clown – "and in a way, he was".

Richard lived at home until he was 28, and the special bond with his family was the subject of many Mail Men columns penned for the Sunday Mail.

He also wrote of his affection and admiration for his sisters Bonnie, 19, and Tammy, 35, describing himself as like "a mad magazine between two ornate bookends".

The former Christian Brothers College student with an encylopedic knowledge of pop culture got his start at community station PBA FM aged 16, then later cut his teeth on commercial radio at SAFM. It was there he dreamed up promotions like The Fugitive and joined breakfast crews on air, including Amanda Blair and James Brayshaw. He was later also a co-host on Channel 7's morning program AM Adelaide. His comedic talent would eventually become sought after by some of radio and TV's finest in Melbourne.

The highlight of his career was working with his hero Tony Martin and Ed Kavalee on the national Get This radio comedy show on Triple M.

Originally recruited as an anchor – announcing the time, cutting to the news – he became an unofficial co-host after his talents were realised.

Blair broke down this week as she spoke of how much she will miss one of her closest friends.

"From my experience, there is a darkness with any comedian, it's part of what makes them so good," she said.

"We all just want to remember him for the great person he was; warm, loving, generous, kind, funny, insightful and sensitive."

His funeral will be held later this week.

RIP Richard Marsland

2008-12-07T12:39:00.002+11:00

We lost a great man yesterday. Truly one of the nicest people I have ever met, and one of the most talented. He was brilliant at what he did and was loved by everyone who knew him, and even lots of people that had never met him. The world is poorer for losing you Richard Marsland. Rest in peace.

Photos

2008-12-02T13:49:00.000+11:00

More photos of late

While my guitar gently weeps

2008-11-20T17:38:00.000+11:00

Dress Shopping!

2008-11-17T16:50:00.002+11:00

Today I went shopping for bridesmaid dresses with Naomi! So much fun! I'm her maid of honour in June next year. How exciting! I love trying on dresses!

Happy Birthday Yuna!

2008-11-10T16:59:00.003+11:00

Today is my Goddaughter's 2nd birthday! She's such a big girl now! I spent the day with Naomi (her mum and my friend) and Yuna. How fun! Now for some cute photos! Part of the present I got her was that blue and green dress. I also got her a massive monkey soft toy that looks very anime.

Erased?

2008-11-01T18:09:00.002+11:00

It's quite surreal being home. I've been home for 4 days now. I know I was only gone for 2 and a half months. It's not that long. But it felt like a long time when I was there. It's a small community where you feel at home very quickly. You live and breathe each other and it feels familiar and comfortable very quickly. Now that I'm back it feels like I never left, which is weird. It's almost like that patch of my life has been erased. It's like it never happened. I can pick up my life in Melbourne where I left off and it's like I never went away. But it was a significant experience and I hate that it feels like it's been negated. I know that's a bit ridiculous but that's how it feels, like a significant part of my life has been taken from me. No one here was there, so no one can relate to it and coz I wasn't gone that long, my friendships just pick up where they left off, like I never left. I feel like part of my life has been taken from me. It's all surreal and strange. I'm not quite sure how I feel about it all.

By the way, I'm not massively upset about it, just thinking out loud. It just feels weird is all.

I'm Back Baby!

2008-10-28T19:54:00.000+11:00

Honey I'm home!