Longing for the day ...

Bye, Bye, Billy

Awful news this morning about the passing of Billly Thorpe. The world is a lesser place without this great performer and character. I wasn't into his music much but I enjoyed what I knew of it and respect anyone who has as long an consistent a career as Billy Thorpe. Only 60, what a shame.

There's a great quote on his website: "TODAY IS THE TOMORROW YOU WORRIED ABOUT YESTERDAY. "

Plus, he's a Brissie boy and there's not enough of them on the world stage ...

One step closer

Played at the Casuarina Cup again last Saturday. Came second in the Over-30s (again). Beaten by the same mob. At least it was only by 1 this time ... we let them get to 3-0, pegged them back to 3-3 but then let them in once more ... blew our chances to snatch it at the death.

To be fair, I could have played with the eventual winners, but opted to play for "which ever team has the least players". That turned into a nightmare of switching sides at the last minute and I'm not doing it again.

I was very disappointed in my own performance. No tries, no assists and I let the winner in because my knee just didn't deliver the power that was needed to stop it. Finished the tournament in agony after almost scoring but twisting the knee under me. Hate that!

I will now have at least a season off and work to get my foot and knee right before playing any more competitive touch.

Also, I saw a kid playing who I was told was Benji Marshall's little brother. He looked like Benji (only skinnier), played like Benji and had that overall skill/confidence package that Benji exudes. Boy is he a special! Watch out for that talent ...

At least the weekend away with Angie and some footy mates was enjoyable ...

Onya Ricky!

There's not enough politics in music these days, so it's great to see that Ricky Martin got into trouble for making a political statement about George W Bush while performing in Puerto Rico. Even better, he had the balls to back his statement up after the event and explain his views in more detail.

Agree with him or not, it's great to see a high-profile performer have the guts to make a statement (even a silent one) and stand by it. Especially since the Dixie Chicks' experience, artists have seemed relucant to do that and it's a pity for the sake of democracy in general.

So: go hard, Ricky. Make your views and your values clear, plain and open without fear.

Thanks, Dec!

Amazing what a difference a bit of professional advice makes. For the past little while I've been re-working and re-recording the song for my first solo album based on the advice (mainly) of Dec Cluskey. He's been spot on about how to make things sound better - the difference between the demos I've posted here and the recordings I'm producing now is incredible!

Of course, whether they become hits or not is a different question that only time will answer ... I can only do so much at home with a laptop and Pro Tools LE ... but between Dec's advice and a "keep it simple" philosophy I'm sure the album will be pretty damn impressive.

Let me know if I'm wrong. ;-)

Happy Valentine's Day all

Had a lovely (if brief) lie in a cuddle this moring. Hope you did too ...

That's what it's all about - buying presents and other material things are optional.

Taking a break from footy

Last night I played the grand final of the Unitouch Chapel Hill competition. We came second after leading 2-1 at half time. Never mind.

That will be the last game I'll play in that comp for a while. My foot is killing me (plantar fasciitis) and it's upsetting my knee, which is even worse. I'll finish the season at Chelmer citytouch, and play the Casuarina Cup in February and then give all competition football away for the winter.Concentrate on recording music.

Maybe I'll tr again next summer, maybe I won't have time. Right now, for the first time in my life, I just don't feel like playing football ... wierd feeling, that.

Congratulations, Your Majesty

Queen Elizabeth II has been in that position for 55 years today. I reckon 55 years in any position is a noteworthy acheivement and she should be given full credit for eaching the milestone. She has aquitted herself with integrity and grace in the most difficult of times.

But I still don't think she should be Queen of Australia. Neither does she ...

Easier Typing

Typing this on my new keyboard. Same old computer and other stuff, but my darling persuaded me to invest a new I/O on the grounds that the old one had a dysfunctional F9 and a sticky K - which was quite annoying on occasion. The rest was rather menky, too.

Has made life easier so far ... new machine to come soon, I hope ...

Pity I'm stuck with the same old fingers ...

Crime TV? It's ART

I've noticed that the new series of the Commercial TV Networks' prime time dramas is about to begin. I noticed some time ago that they all feature excessive amounts of lettering in their names - this seems to be a fad. But the other day I realised why this is the case.

It's because shows like NCIS, CSI, SVU, and the others are ART - Acronym Rich Television!!

ROTFL!

God I crack me up sometimes ...