Blog-a-Day May: Day 14: The Accidental Film Editor

Today I got to play film editor. I've never been a film editor before. I've found out through this process that I'm not a bad film editor.

I also found out that I'm a frustrated perfectionist. Everything could be better, but it was good enough and my manager was happy.

Still, I've got better at film editing and the job will be done by lunchtime tomorrow..

Who knew?

Also had my six monthly dentist appointment today. I think I'd like a job where I can charge $200 for fifteen minutes of work, though sticking your fingers in people's mouths is a bit gross at any price.

George and I worked out I'd been seeing him every six months for ten years now. Gee that time has gone quickly. Also very pleased my new health fund pays double on dental than the old fund. That worked out well.

Went to dream group too - but nobody had a dream.

All of this took my mind of the anger that the Australian Federal Budget has invoked. I tried to stay away from the television today. Turned to ABC24 this morning where I watched Mathias Korman try and tell me that Julie Bishop was a diplomat.

Best laugh I had all day.

Also watched as a pensioner named Vilma tore strips off our Prime Minister, cretin that she is. She won't be the last.

Another good thing from today, my sense of smell and taste is slowly returning. Eating has no joy when you can't taste anything. Food shopping is very matter of fact.

However, today, I worked out that the barista at the dodgy coffee shop burned the beans. Even with next to no sense of taste that she's stuffed my coffee up. Still, I drank it.

There is nothing worse on the planet than not being able to smell your own farts when you work in an office.

My earworm today was a nice one.

Who knew that Pink Floyd  would make a good ear worm.

Better blog tomorrow, but I leave you with a Pink Floyd Classic: rather apt after a cretinous, backward thinking government screws over three quarters of the nation.

Blog-A-Day May: Day Thirteen: Remember, Remember

Remember, remember, the fifth of November.
For Gunpower, Treason and Plot:
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot! 

I'm detecting a little bit of irony in the programming on one of our digital channels tonight.

You see, it's Budget Eve and Australia is preparing to start doing the "heavy lifting" according to our swish, cigar smoking, lap banded treasurer, Joe Hockey - oh what a charming devil he is. The rest of us, are frothing at the mouth about to get really revolting over how this mob of super-right-wing idealogues are f&*&^ing up the country.

On GEM, that wonder of a digital channel that shows decent programs when nothing else is on -  "V is for Vendetta." is playing.



Wonder how that one got through the censors and the arbitrators of insanity, not that we have censorship here, nooooooo.... do we Mr Murdoch...

"V is for Vendetta" is counterculture at it's finest.

"V is for Vendetta" is about the people striking back.

"V is for Vendetta" is one of my favourite films and for very good reason.

It's unfortunate, but I can see Australia turning into the England portrayed in this film.

We're well on the way.
Keep the kids stupid.
Keep them desperate.
Keep them in the dark.
Go about your business and make no waves.

V, an anti-hero if ever there was one.

imdb.com describes the plot:

"The futuristic tale unfolds in a Great Britain that's a fascist state. A freedom fighter known as V uses terrorist tactics to fight the oppressive society. He rescues a young woman from the secret police, and she becomes his unlikely ally."

Beginning to ring a few bells?              



I've always seen "V is for Vendetta" as a call to arms.



You take a society that's repressed. A society that has great divisions. A society where those in a place of wealth exclude the many who keep the place running.

Something has to give eventually.

I remember seeing "V is for Vendetta" a few years ago.

It struck me as prophetic then.

It strikes me as even more prophetic now.



And V is right - ideas really are bulletproof.

Blog-a-Day May: Day 12: The Two Month Challenge

My friend JK does a monthly goal setting at the start of each moth where she makes a short list of the things she wants to get done - and it appears to help her to get through these things and set some good habits.

Well, I have this contract until the start of July, so I'm setting a few goals to see me through until then. Nothing too hard, but some behaviours I want to modify.

So here we go.

Challenge One:

Unless there is a work sponsored lunch or I have pre-arranged plans, I'm to take my lunch in to work.

This in theory is not hard. I'm in a bit of a lunch dead zone in this new role, but I really need to do a bit of economising, so bringing in lunch to work every day it is. I'll add in that if I can keep my take away coffee's to say three a week, even better.Over the last few weeks I've been making an effort to drink herbal teas and it appears to be doing me a bit of good.

Challenge Two:

The plastic bag challenge. Victoria is not a single use plastic bag free zone, unlike South Australia and Tasmania where you have to take your shopping bags or buy one. My challenge to myself is to restrict my own use of plastic bags when doing grocery shopping. They can only be used if I run out of my own shopping bags. I have plenty of reusable shoppers. I have no excuse not to. Just a matter of amending the habits. I will state that this is for grocery shopping only.

Challenge Three:

The walk to/from work challenge:

To attempt to make at least half of my transport to and from work on foot. It's a 35 minute walk. This is not a challenge. The only exception to this is if it's raining all week - that is the only get out clause here.

Challenge Four:

Over the next two months, every week a different room in the house gets a proper clean. My flat is clean enough, but I'd like to feel that if there was an inspection again in a few months time I don't have to spend a weekend cleaning again. Happens every year - maybe if I gave each room an "Inspection Clean" once a month I'd be in a better spot when inspection / house guests arrive.

They are little things to change. What do all those management course say about SMART goals? Specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time related?

These fit the bill.

I'll report in weekly.

Blog-a-Day May: Day Eleven: A Movie Meme (with jobs)

The only way I am going to get all my jobs done as well as get this blog written today is to blog a meme question and then do a job. With an imminent flat inspection and me returning to work tomorrow that's the deal. Do a job, do a question.

That's a good trade off.

Questions courtesy of Sunday Stealing who do some of the best memes in the business.

Right, here we go.

(Jobs: Load of washing done, shopping done.)

1. What is your all-time favorite "costume" movie or period piece?  

I have a love Robert Altman's "Gosford Park". Set in the 1930's at a shooting party at a grand country house it has wonderful costumes. It's an upmarket "Downton Abbey" in many ways - made even better with the inclusion of Clive Owen and Helen Mirren. Well worth a look.

I love that era. "Atonement" is another favourite of mine, party because of "that green dress" which part of me would love the body and occasion to pull off (though I don't think I'd want the accompanying anorexia nervosa that would allow me to get into the dress.



(Image from www.fashionandpower.blogspot.com)

(Jobs: Dishes done, bed stripped, hot lemon drink made)

2. What classic film would you nominate for a remake?  

Part of me says don't mess with the Classics. Anybody who dares touch "Casablanca" or "North by Northwest" needs to be dealt with severely.

However, part of me would love to see what could be done with "Citizen Kane" - maybe Charles Foster Kane could be transposed into Rupert Murdoch...What would Rupert's "Rosebud" moment be? How would you work in the "News of the World" phone tapping scandal? What about the wives - though most of them are alive. (*Saying this, David Williamson did something of a good job of this in his last play."Rupert". It was very well done - especially the Packer family.)

I'd also be interested in seeing what they might do with a revamp of "The Godfather". I've started watching them but the first thing that comes to mind is that they've really dated.

( Jobs: Bed remade. Dishes put away, counters cleaned)

3. Name your favorite femme fatale.  

Hands down, Jessica Rabbit. She's just wonderful.

Think about what makes a good femme fatale - derived from the French meaning "Deadly Woman".. Out there sexuality. A penchant for trouble. Looks that have been the envy of men and women since they hit puberty. Often with a fractured soul. I love Jessica Rabbit because despite not being bad, just being drawn that way, she has a heart of gold.

Also-Rans will include - Isabella Rosselini in"Blue Velvet", Anne Bancroft in "The Graduate", Michelle Pfieffer in "The Fabulous Baker Boys".

(Jobs: Clothes put away, shredding half done)

4. Name the best movie with the word "heaven" in its title.  

Had to go to IMDB.com for this one and oh my, how many bad films are there with the word heaven in the title.

The two that stood out as good. 

First, the 1957 film, "Heaven Knows, Mr Allison," starring Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr. Watched this numerous times as a kid on wet Sunday afternoons when they used to have old movies on a Sunday afternoon. IMDB describes it as "In 1944, in South Pacific, the castaway Marine Corporal Allison drifts in a raft to the Tuasiva Island, where he meets Sister Angela. She tells him that she is the only person in the island and was left behind by the runaway boat to Fiji Island while seeking the local priest. Stranded in the island, but with water, fish and fruits, their paradisiacal life ends when the Japanese arrive to build a base, forcing Allison and the nun to hide in a cave. The crude marine provides the necessary supply for their survival and falls in love for the nun."

I remember loving this film. Full of honour and challenges.


The other one that stuck out like was "Heavenly Creatures", one of Peter Jackson's first films set in New Zealand. It was the film that gave Kate Winslet her first break. Magnificent.

(Jobs: More shredding, had lunch, bedroom dusted, gym clothes folded)

5. Describe the worst performance by a child actor that you’ve ever seen.  

This will be a bit contentious, as I'm giving this to Emma Watson in the first Harry Potter film. In the words of her character in a later book, she's got the depth of a teaspoon in this film. Also in her defence, she got a lot better as time went on and she's a reasonable actress now. Okay, I wouldn't like to see her Lady Macbeth, but in recent times she's been quite good. However, in this film, it was the one performance that let down the film.

(Jobs: More Shredding, clothes put away)

6. Who gets your vote for most tragic movie monster?  

I'm not one for monster movies, tragic ones especially. The only one I can think of that cuts any mustard is "The Shadow of the Vampire", an arthouse classic starring John Malkovich and Willem Dafoe. Not that it's really tragic, and not that a vampire is a real monster.

(Jobs: More shredding. Wiped down telly stand.)

7. What is the one Western that you would recommend to anybody?  

Again, not my genre but I'll give the guernsey to Clint Eastwood's "Unforgiven". Clint Eastwood makes great movies, but this is one of his very best. Brutal, unflinching, gloriously shot with a fantastic story. Definitely worth a view.

(Jobs: More shredding, half the ironing.)

8. Who is your ideal movie-viewing partner?  

That's easy. Anybody who doesn't ask questions throughout the film or whine incessantly when they don't like the film.

I've been going with Teddy, Jonella and Stav a bit lately. They don't do crap like that.

(Jobs: Dropped shredded paper at pet store so the puppies have something to piss on. Taken out the rubbish. Spent a bit of time cuddling Golden Retriever Puppies at the pet shop.)

9. Has a film ever made you want to change your life? If so, what was the film?  

A couple come to mind.

The newer version of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" is the first one - break free from your dull life and get moving on things. Time is short.

There are a couple of documentaries that have made me look at things in different lights. "An Inconvenient Truth", "Food, Inc", "Supersize Me" and "Bowling for Columbine" all left a deep impression and have made me modify a few behaviours.

(Jobs: Ironing finished and put away)

10. Think of one performer that you truly love. Now think of one scene/movie/performance of theirs that is too uncomfortable for you to watch.  

Easy this one, Clive Owen is my favourite actor. I walked out of "Sin City" as it was far too violent for me to watch. I don't even want to try watch it again - it's the stuff of nightmares.

Other examples of this. Morgan Freeman in "Se7en". Couldn't watch that. I love David Thewlis, but I there were parts of "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" that were too uncomfortable to watch. Great film, great actor but so close to the bone. 

(Jobs: Bedroom hoovered. Shoes put in away)

11. On the flip side, think of one really good scene/performance/movie from a performer that you truly loathe. 

Normally, I can't stand Will Ferrell when he's not being Ron Burgundy. I think Ron Burgundy was written for Will Ferrell. Everything other role except this one has been enough to keep me away from the cinema.

He was, however, fantastic in Woody Allen's "Melinda and Melinda".

(Jobs: Washed the kitchen and bathroom floors. Cleaned the loo)

12. What movie has the best soundtrack?  

Another hard one:

Here are a couple of favourites.

Michael Nyman's music to "The Piano". Haunting.
The whole of "The Breakfast Club" is brilliantly set.
"Pulp Fiction". Purely, sublime joy.
"The Graduate", mainly because it was Simon and Garfunkel at their best.
"Trainspotting." The best of British. Lager, lager, lager, lager, lager.
"Pretty in Pink", The Smiths, Echo and the Bunnymen - what more do you need.
"Donnie Darko". Mostly for the Tears for Fears songs, but it's perfectly pitched at the eighties.

(Jobs: Masonic paperwork ready for collection tomorrow night)

13. Favorite actor with a mustache? (i.e: Charlie Chaplin, William Powell)  

As a rule, I don't like moustaches.

I was rather taken with Ralph Fiennes in "The Grand Budapest Hotel". His tash made him even more camp. Just wonderful. Also loved how his "Lobby Boy" drew his in the morning. Great film. Piss funny.


(Photo courtesy of www.thewalkmagazine.com)


(Jobs: Bag packed for tomorrow. Clothes out for tomorrow)

14. Shadowy film noir from the 1940's or splashy colorful musicals from the 1950's?  

Splashy, colourful musical from the 50s for me, but only just. Guys and Dolls, The King and I, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Gypsy... Okay, some of these only came out in film in the sixties - I still like the era. Not that I'm a true fan of musicals, some of these are pretty good.

(Jobs: Hoover the spare room. Find the couch)

15. Favorite classic Disney?

Ah, this is a loaded question. Animated or film Disney.

Seem, my favourite classic animated Disney film is "The Jungle Book." We are talking classic here, though modern animated films such as"WALL-E" "Up", "Monsters Inc" and "The Incredibles", made in conjunction with the Pixar Studios are going to be classics.

How can you not love Mowgli and the gang? (With the help of Louis Armstrong)

Disney also makes some great kids films. It made a heap of films that were my favourites as a child. "Freaky Friday", "Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo" and of course, "Mary Poppins". There's a lot out there, but these ones stick out.

Well there you go. My flat is nearly ready to meet my real estate agent for it's annual inspection - just have to do the lounge room floor and we're pretty much right to go.

Oh, and do another load of washing.

Thanks for helping me do the chores. Writing this blog has helped me get through the day.

Blog-a-day May: Day Ten: Some observations

Okay, don't really feel like writing, but at least my energy is returning.

Here are some small observations from today:

Eurovision is not Eurovision unless you're getting pissed with a group of gay mates. Watching it from bed, sober does not cut it.

The Austrian Eurovision entry - the drag queen with a beard, doesn't surprise me. Nice voice - a bit Shirley Bassey.

When my mob get in, the use of stuffing in supermarket roast chickens will be outlawed. I don't like stuffing at the best of times but the stuff in supermarket chooks is just gross.

On the subject of chicken - friends who bring you chicken soup when you're sick are the most wonderful friends in the world.  Have also had offerings of beef and barley and minestrone soup. Friends are good.

Really like the Netherlands entry to Eurovision.

Why to I only ever dust the windowsills when I'm having a flat inspection.

Same goes for skirting boards.

The only upside to the flu is the two kilo weight loss.

That will do - will try for something a bit more substantial tomorrow.

Still think stuffing out of roast chicken is the most revolting stuff on earth. Even more revolting than the stuff that's been coming out of my nose for the last few days.

Blog-a-Day May: Day Nine: Today's Humilliation

Day two with the flu.

It's gone from man-flu to the actual flu. Cough, sneezes, temperature, aching all over, no appetite to speak of, can't get warm, taking showers every two hour just to feel fresh, head aches... it's the flu.

Thing is, living alone, if you need anything, it means getting out of bed, getting dressed and going out yourself.

So, after a long coughing fit, after dosing myself up on that wonder drug, Disprin, when I came to the end of an episode of Rake (up to Season Three) I had my fourth shower of the day, put on some clothes and drove down the street. Supermarket for milk, something that only required microwaving before serving and more tissues.

Also had to drop into the naturopath to change an appointment and to pick up some mixes.

Took every fibre in my being to make it up the stairs.

Pete, SuperNaturopath, greeted me with a "Shit, you look awful."
"Thanks."
"And you sound worse. This aint a head cold you know."
"Yep."
"What are you taking?" he asked, backing away from the counter.
"Disprin and Ease-A-Cold".
"Good. Disprin fixes everything."

Pete comes from the same medical school as my mother.

I'll highly recommend Ease-a-Cold - a herbal version of Codral cold and flu (or Lemsip) which works just as well if not better as these without the harsh chemicals.

Being the flu, the doctor-doctor is going to prescribe disprin and something similar to Ease-a-Cold too.

"So what are you doing for the next few days?" he asked.
"Lying in bed, using boxes of tissues binge and watching Rake and Breaking Bad."
"Sounds like a good thing."
"Only came out because I've run out of milk, tissues and loo paper."
"Yep."
"Joys of living alone and getting sick."

I stood there in my trakkie dacks and windcheater and started to cry. Head down, shoulder slouched, tears pouring down my cheeks.

"Oh, poor possum. I'd give you a hug but I don't want to get what you've got. Looks disgusting."

That made me smile. He called me "Possum."

I recovered myself, regained my composure, bought my stuff and made my way to the supermarket.

Living alone is great until you get sick.

I do feel a little bit better about showing my vulnerability to somebody who's known my for years, but still. Even worse than feeling sick is when you feel sorry for yourself.

Called Blarney when I got home - she's in bed with this too. Would have asked her to bring around Maow Maow to look after me.

Jonella said she'd bring some Jewish Penicillin tomorrow morning.

Mum calls every morning to check up on me.

Just want to get better so that I can write about something better than being sick.

Hopefully tomorrow some of my strength and appetite returns.

Blog-a-Day May: Day Eight. Man-flu

If nobody sees you ill, do you actually have man flu?

Started a new job today - was told to go home with some documents at 10.30 am. Have been in bed ever since.

I ache all over.

I'm going hot and cold.

I'm producing more slime than an MTV Teen Music Awards.

I can't breath properly.

My throat is full of razors (metaphorically)

After four hours the disprin and Ease A Cold wears off and it gets worse.

Standing under a hot shower gives a little bit of respite.

I'm not hungry at all.

There is nobody here to see it, so I must have just the normal flu - not Man Flu.

God I hate this.

Even worserer, there was a letter from the estate agent saying I have an inspection on Tuesday.

Life has just got a bit more surreal.

Back to bed to try get warm.

Hmph.