Nota bene

Don't expect much in the way of updates this week, folks. I'm acting editor and, because of Easter deadlines, have to oversee completion of the latest issue in four days not five. I'm also supposed to be previewing at least three flicks. And then there are the domestic tasks I neglected today by alternately snoozing, assembling toasted sandwiches and being riveted by documentaries like "Nazi UFO Hunters". Blame my weakened and intellectually vulnerable state :-)

Cartoons and chaos

Saturday

CM, AM and I queued for 70 minutes to get into mini-Animania at the Citigate Central Hotel, a thoroughly inadequate venue that must surely be abandoned after this con. We missed the cosplay competition, but secured prime seats for the awards ceremony, which meant we still got to view the best costumes - without having to endure the typically awful skits. A couple of episodes of the bonkers, fan-serving "Lucky Star" were enough to persuade me to purchase the box set, sale-priced at $45 (it's $59.95 on Madman's web site). Konata rules! It was a fight to get at the dealer tables and the only other merch I bought was a "Time paradox" badge and a sticker that says "I beat the Internet - the end guy is hard". Witnessed an incredibly confident impromptu karaoke perfomance from a Brazilian bloke who belted out a show theme(?) in perfect Japanese, sans autocue lyrics, on the main stage. There was no food available at the convention, so when the wrapping up started, we made a beeline for Da Niang Dumplings.

Saturnight

SC's 29th in Erskineville. There were friends and strangers. There were robot masks. There was candle light during Earth Hour. There was "Guitar Hero World Tour" (yes, I indulged). There was Fat Yak pale ale and, when that was gone, whatever else I could forage, ie. pinch from the fridge. There was apple schnaps, then a fetch quest to a bottlo for the butterscotch and peach flavours. There was a cake-cutting and speech from the birthday boy. There was a girl who found it all too easy to resist my amorous advances. There was a nasty incident around 2am where a buddy got flattened by a group of guys outside. He didn't deserve the face rearranging, but he did bring it on himself - and he was lucky we could calm the situation before they laid the boot in. There was a shared cab ride. There was the comforting embrace of the Discovery Channel and 12 hours on the sofa. There were no side effects apart from muscle cramps and a soul sickening caused by the exposure to violence. There were phone calls and SMSes.


Listening: "American Soldier" (2009) by Queensryche. Prog-metal concept album inspired by and heavily sampling the testimony of US armed forces personnel who served in various conflicts. A freebie from the thoughtful LA - onya, mate!

Reading: "Agent Zigzag" (2007) by Ben Macintyre, also responsible for 1998's splendid "The Napoleon Of Crime". Subtitle - "The true wartime story of Eddie Chapman: lover, traitor, hero, spy." A secondhand bargain at Elizabeth's Bookshop.

Just how old is Tooheys Old?

The benefit of attending a screening at Hoyts EQ (set in modern South Africa, "Disgrace" is a mighty depiction of man as predator, prey and - ultimately, by necessity - pack animal) is that you can dine at the Bavarian Bier Cafe afterwards. Doing so with CM and CS ensures there will be good conversation and, well, beer by the half-litre. My German brew traced its origins to 1397. In comparison, their Austrian drop was a mere babe, with a recorded history commencing in 1492, when "Columbus sailed the ocean blue".


Listening: "Palace Springs" (1991) by Hawkwind.

Abandoning: The increasingly noise-filled Twitter. Except maybe actor Christopher Walken's surreal tweets. See twitter.com/cwalken if you haven't already.

Ignore your instincts

An attractive redhead and I were the only critics who reported for the showing of "Inkheart". Worried it might seem weird if I sat too near her when there were so many spare seats, I occupied the diagonally opposite corner of the theatrette. In hindsight, that may've seemed weirder. Over-thinking again. "Inkheart" is above average - an ode to the transportive power of the printed word, specifically fantasy adventures, with picturesque Italian scenery and a wonderfully flawed character called Dustfinger.


Listening: "The Autobiography Of Supertramp" (1986 compilation).

Decreeing: That jerks who drop gum on the ground be reincarnated as bugs that stray within range of a hungry chameleon's tongue.

Midday to midnight

(I was) reading: "The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen – Century: 1910" (2009) by Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill. Top Shelf Comix sent DL an "advance uncorrected black-and-white galley" and he kindly allowed me to peruse it during my break. Didn't expect a reference, albeit oblique, to the "Harry Potter" phenomenon.

(I am) reading: "Little (Grrl) Lost" (2007) by Charles De Lint.

No prize for guessing

Trivia. Restored to our full complement of six players, our total was slightly higher than on last Tuesday. Alas, the field had expanded significantly to 17 groups. And we flubbed a few Qs we probably shouldn't have. You get diddly-squat for finishing fifth. Still...[insert positive platitude of your choice].


Listening: "Built To Last" (1989) by the Grateful Dead. These hippie codgers sure could make some sweet, sweet, wise, wise music. This was their final trip to the studio.

Don't speak out of turn

I've had polite reminders (via mass e-mail) of embargos on the coverage of upcoming movies, but I haven't previously had to sign a form to say I agree to adhere to a particular date, as was the case with "17 Again". It's OK to mention the name, right?


Listening: "The Lord Of The Rings - The Fellowship Of The Ring OST" (2001) by Howard Shore. Oh, and let's not forget the Enya track.

Brave heart, Tegan

It was a pain getting to The Sebel Parramatta from here without a chauffeured limo - a bus, a train and a fair hike - but worth it for live appearances by fifth Doctor Who Peter Davison and Mark "Turlough" Strickson. Both were obliging raconteurs and, it transpired, both had anecdotes involving Janet "Tegan" Fielding's boobs. AP2 and I celebrated our expensive autographed photos in the time-honoured tradition: with Budweiser, Philly cheesesteaks and key lime pie at Hooters. No, seriously.


Listening: "Some Girls Wander By Mistake" (1992 compilation) by The Sisters Of Mercy.

Seeking: "Doctor Who At The Proms" (2008). The making-of had me wishing I'd been there.

"25 hickory-smoked harmonies"

AP2 - the Newie version, as opposed to the Campsie AP - is staying over, ahead of tomorrow's Doctor Downunder convention. Earlier, I introduced him to the delights of tapas and sangria at Casa Asturiana.


Listening: "Space Ghost's Musical Bar-B-Que" (1997) by The Cartoon Planet Band, allegedly.

Armchair sport

A plan to clink'n'sink pints of Kilkenny with CS2 at Paddy's fell through due to me suffering a chilli burger-related upset gut and him being trapped at his office anyway. Had a quiet evening instead, flipping between league, cricket, boxing and poker.


Listening: "Requiem For A Dream OST" (2000) by Clint Mansell, featuring Kronos Quartet. Violin, violin, viola, cello, beautiful machines.

Surprising: The pending three-part "Red Dwarf" special.

Red Army Factoids

Watched "The Baader Meinhof Complex" with PB, CM and CS. An enthralling and rather traumatic account of left-wing terrorism in Germany in the '60s/'70s. Never knew it was such a national problem! (Or that everyone smoked that bloody much.) Left the theatrette shellshocked but far, far better informed than I'd entered it - not that I've an iota of sympathy for the murderous RAF. Post-picture, the four of us took a punt on an unfamiliar Uighur restaurant. In contrast to the fancy decor, the tucker was cheap and cheerful...and incredibly slow in arriving. The waiter confided that they'd accidentally burnt our chicken skewers and had to cook more.


Listening: "To The 5 Boroughs" (2004) by the Beastie Boys. Try as I occasionally do, I can't give a fig for this. Gotta invest in the 20th-anniversary edition of "Paul's Boutique".

Reading: "Tank Girl - Armadillo!" (2008) by Alan C. Martin. Novella plus assorted shorter texts from the original writer of the anarchic Brit comic. I miss "Deadline" magazine.

Russell Brand - "Scandalous" @ Hordern Pavilion, with CM and AM

I shouldn't need to tell you about Rusty's routine. Less stand-up comedy than an unleashing of charisma. Wittily wicked. Support act Merrick And Rosso, on the other hand, were decidely amateurish.


Listening: "Smooth Noodle Maps" (1990) by Devo. Reviled by some, adored by me.

Triv

Reduced to five by a dental emergency, we scored two marks less this week and dropped the same number of positions. It's tight at the top! Can't complain about $30 alco-credit for fourth, though. And, as AH observed, it was a real team effort. Our nemeses are a contingent of 10 (isn't there a limit?) who cheer loud enough for the whole pub to hear at every correct answer. We must break them.


Listening: "Copper Blue" (1992) by Sugar. Bob Mould's finest hour? It sure gets my vote.

OMG: Newcastle United Jets 2 - Ulsan Hyundai 0. A brace to new recruit Sasho Petrovski.

The unoriginal

I was invited to a media screening of "The Uninvited" and, despite the quality cinematography and solid performances from Elizabeth Banks and Oz's Emily Browning as suspicious stepmother and fetching ingenue, respectively, I was unimpressed. It was basically a series of familiar tropes/stolen scares with a twist that may have redeemed proceedings were it not functionally identical to the reveal of a very famous supernatural thriller. That "T/U" is a remake of an acclaimed Korean film, "A Tale Of Two Sisters", changes zip. It matters *how* you adapt.


Reading: "Bleach #26", "Jack Of Fables #5 - Turning Pages".

Listening: "Electronic" (1991) by Electronic. New Order's Bernard Sumner and The Smiths' Johnny Marr, with some assistance from those Pet Shop Boys. A pop masterpiece, now and forever.

Taking it Ezy (Or, "Premium Madagascan bourbon vanilla beans")

Remembered something else from last night - having a couple of tokes on a joint that was being passed around. Append the dishonour roll accordingly. Rose at the crack of midday, repentant for my rambunctious (obnoxious?) behaviour and with an uncontrollable urge to evacuate the contents of my stomach. Was in no fit state for any activity except playing rented DVDs and eating fatty KFCs. Hence...

* "WarGames: The Dead Code" (2007) - Charmless idiocy. Unworthy of the name and a poo smear on the legacy of an old fave. 2/10
* "Fighting Beat" (2007) - Gang of Muay Thai buddies versus foreign development on Thailand's Phi Phi Island. Over-reliance on pop video techniques, narration and flashbacks. Dragged. 5/10
* "Terry Pratchett's The Colour Of Magic" (2008, two-parter) - Thus far, fantastic in multiple senses in all departments. 8/10


F/B: "Flat Out" (1982) by Buck Dharma. Back in college, when I was on a Blue Oyster Cult mailing list, this side project from the band's primary guitarist/secondary singer rode high in the subscriber polls. Released on CD in 2003, it still rules :-)

Ice-cream: vanilla.

Catharsis (Or, "There's only one Stevie Gerrard!")

Let's just say that the time stamp below is a bigger fib than usual... Donated 10 unwanted albums to Vinnies and set aside 17 for my sister, EM. Lunch of champions at Diethnes Greek restaurant - a basket of fresh bread, "small" salad (I'd hate to see large), lamb casserole and glass of the featured red. Scoped out the free "Korean Dreams: Paintings And Screens Of The Joseon Dynasty" exhibition at the Art Gallery Of NSW. Was fascinated by the influence of the animistic tradition of mountain worship. So in the background of a landscape, where a European artist might have represented a mountain range as a zigzag line, here it'd be broken into individually detailed peaks. Browsed Birdland Records but resisted temptation. Got half-soaked on the way to MP's 40th at The Golden Barley in Enmore. Enjoyed an extremely generous bar tab and spread of Thai food, and several beaut conversations. Overdid it on the Carlton Draught and my celebrating of Liverpool's 4-1 mass crucifixion of Manchester United at Old Trafford. See what I mean? When they closed, joined an expeditionary force to the Sly Fox where I deluded myself into thinking I could (a) "rule the dancefloor", and (b) get anywhere with a pretty goth chick in a floral dress. Did mystery shots with the dude organising the music. Tried to slap down my wallet on the pool table and spilled the contents (retrieved successfully if shame-facedly). When they closed, flew solo to the Townie because the p/g/c had intimated she and her partner - damn his hide - might go there. Needless to add, I was refused entry, but by a bouncer with a pleasingly poignant turn of phrase. "Your eyes tell too many stories," said he. Taxi!


Further backtracking: "The Battle" (2005) by Russell Allen & Jorn Lande.

Two changes to "Blogs I read", if you hadn't twigged: MG's long-neglected Singapore Bits makes way for the cute musings of Kat Dennings, while author/critic Steven Poole replaces local otaku journal Moe Moe Rabu. Sorry, the Dollfie stuff had grown disturbing.

NRL season!

Head honcho David Gallop couldn't have scripted a closer, more exciting and auspicious start to the rugby league year than Storm 17 - Dragons 16, Broncos 19 - Cowboys 18, Jace Beleren 5 - Chandra Nalaar 5. Er...better make that NRL/planeswalker season. (I declined to conduct an 11th, "golden point" duel.)


Reading: "Hyper #186".

Listening: Anal-retentively reorganising my CD collection, I saw and suddenly felt nostalgic for "XO" (1998) by Elliott Smith.

Telstra rudeness in a nutshell: A telemarketer of theirs attempted to woo me from my present phone/Internet supplier. The attosecond I said, "I won't make a decision right now," they hung up without another word!

Old Crow Medicine Show @ The Metro, with the M. family

It wasn't the rockingest song. Or even one where we clapped along. Neither was it extended by improv riffing or reserved for the encore. But I thought "James River Blues" was sublime.

What I wanted to be when I grew up

(In roughly chronological order, beginning in kindy and ending with uni.)

Dinosaur, intergalactic explorer, truck driver, rally driver, BMX star, parish priest, archaeologist in Egypt, martial arts master, writer for "Zzap 64!", RPG designer, computer hacker, writer for "NME", actuary, soldier, computer programmer, English teacher, philosopher, TAB owner, the great Australian novelist, private investigator, ESL teacher overseas, anything that was 9-5 and earnt me a decent wage. Sad but true.


Reading: "Turn, Turn, Turn...Please" (2007) by Kerry O'Keeffe. Amusing anecdotes, mostly cricket-related, from the man they call "Skull".

"How many pips are in a pear?"

SC, AH, the alternate NP, KC, DP and I tackled trivia at The Fringe Bar in Paddington. Out of 10 or 12 teams, we finished second by a single point to a group of regulars (the MC informed us later), earning a sweet $60 booze voucher. We will return.

Welcome back, Voorhees

The re-imagining of "Friday The 13th" (missing a marketing opportunity by releasing Thursday the 12th) contains everything a fan of laughably mindless cinematic slaughter could want. The gals in my row obviously didn't rent enough slasher flicks as teens, though, 'cos they jumped in their seats, squirmed and stifled squeals every time Jason came a-killin'. Which was often.

Pastfinder

VK gave me an excavation kit toy - a block of plaster you patiently chip, scrape and brush away with the implements provided to reveal faux Egyptian artefacts made of metal. This wannabe archaeologist "discovered" a classic sphinx and a twin-horsed chariot. The latter object was trickier to clean as it was more finely detailed, with crannies too tiny for the digging tool (I had to draft in a cocktail stick). Overall, it was an unusual and fun - if dust-generating - diversion for a rainy Sunday afternoon, and the washed and lightly buffed treasures are now on display in the Addster Museum, aka. a shelf in my DVD bookcase.


Nice with rice: mustard'n'chive chicken. Mum cooked up a storm when she and Dad visited yesterday :-)

Minor cutback

Considered cancelling my Foxtel subscription to save a few hours and dollars, but eventually compromised by reducing it to the compulsory basic package and the sports channels. Also ditched the house rag when I realised that the vast majority of what I'll still be watching is covered in the TV guide of "The Weekend Australian", a newspaper I buy regularly.


Reading: "Doctor Who - Shining Darkness" (2008) by Mark Michalowski.

"Knowing", Nic Cage

Effective CGI shocks and some unsettling "Twin Peaks" moments. I predict you'll forgive that the conspiracy hangs on a hoary sci-fi cliche.

"...And another one who's better"

Attempted to convince AZ of the stir-frying superiority of @Bangkok (she's in the Chat Thai corner). A partial success. "Dessert", if I may use that term inappropriately, was a Pinky Beecroft & The White Russians gig at the Excelsior with SC and SK2 (the original SK dwells in Goulburn). Support act Fergus Brown had potential. So how were P/B/&/T/W/R? Oz rock is alive and well. 'Nuff said.


Gutted: By the Socceroos' loss to Kuwait.

Wrong-footed

Since this morning, whenever I sit for a bit then put weight on my right foot, I feel a shooting pain. Gotta stop sleeping on that bed of nails...

Dumb fun and yum yum

PB and I saw "Fired Up!" (jocks infiltrate cheerleader camp) at Greater Union on George St, then had Korean BBQ (all you can eat in 120 minutes) at Shinara on Pitt St. My appetite for kimchee is growing.


Listening: "Somethin' Somewhere Better" (2008) by Pinky Beecroft & The White Russians.

For cricket

Johannesburg was good for Australian cricket and Port Of Spain may be very good for West Indian cricket, but what just happened in Lahore is dreadfully bad for cricket as a whole.

Invitations accepted

B/H: RSVPed for a trio of film previews, one of which ("The Baader Meinhof Complex") I anticipate being excellent.
A/H: Devoured roast beef and vegetables with lashings of mushroom gravy as a dinner guest at the K. residence.

Impartial observations

The trudge home from the city was uneventful until I reached the gates of Randwick Racecourse, where protesters with broad banners and a loudhailer were denouncing Israel's actions in Palestine and Lebanon and urging a boycott. Further along the road, I noticed a Telstra booth had been graffitied - and I'm in no way inferring that the culprit was Israeli - with the words "This phone box is a Arab/Moslem free zone" (sic). Except the "Arab/Moslem" part had been crossed out, thus rendering the previously racist statement oddly poetic. If only it was that easy to eliminate conflict and make somewhere a free zone.

A sci-fi fan's lot

Posting a money order for $140 to a promoter you've never met and praying the special guest and/or convention itself don't fall through.

Begin at zero

Incapable of leaving the apartment or deviating from the familiar today - let alone blogging anything of consequence. Sorries.


Reading: "Naoki Urasawa's 20th Century Boys #1" (2000, trans. 2009).