Recipe for Lovin'

It's been hard not to get caught up in the cooking hysteria that is masterchef, my own dad lost it when he got his own master chef official apron, but rest assured this post will expand your mind beyond the musings of Julie Poh or even Justine (Who I thought should've won, but let's face it in reality shows I always think the hot chick should win....)

People have been cooking by recipe for centuries. I reckon even Cave people when they decided to cook meat once upon a time, wrote down how to do it and passed it to their neighbours over a cold beer.. I feel like it's safe to assume that most people don't want to pass on a bad recipe, so wouldn't the world become a Darwinesque survival of the fittest (tastiest) for recipes? Wouldn't eventually we have only good recipes? Going on my family kitchen this isn't the case we have been through our share of bad recipes. But we throw them out. where are these bad recipes coming from?


As has become standard for my blog, i'll pose that question and then now answer it. I think recipes are a mere player in the grand narrative of global cuisine. Recipes are written but become dated as the narrative progresses. A bad recipe now may only be bad because the narrative has changed and microwaving everything is no longer a fascination or even appropriate. The narrative of food at the moment is Fresh and seasonal is the best, good ingredients result in Good dishes. The head to tail thing is big at the moment too. (yeah I ate cow tongue, and goat meat) There you have it now i'm off to cook some nasi Goreng 2 minute noodles.

Aaron Aaronson

A large part of my working day is spent reading what people's surnames are. Thrilling stuff I know, but it made me think of the lineage of surnames why they were chosen and where they came from.

My name is derived from the occupation a 'clerk' and the 'e' I heard denotes landowner. (Alright!) In my ponderings I wondered whether new surnames are still being invented and if so how?

My Name is from my parents and that's how it works for everyone so wouldn't it be right to assume that all surnames have now been thought of? When they first started using surnames did they just make it up? used something about their personality or occupation?

Taking this line of thought to a hyperbolic conclusion (quite common in my blog posts really...) If there is indeed a finite amount of surnames, wouldn't it lead to a homogenisation of surnames and eventually everyone would have the same one?

Names are changed through marriage and surnames die out, some surnames are more common then others and therefore with a higher number of people more chance of that name surviving. Common surnames will become more common and eventually everyone will have the same one! wouldn't that be rad!

New name!

Turns out i'm moving away from the train moniker, I found it was a little confusing and tryhard especially when the only people who read this are people I know, so why blur it with a nickname. The new name is a clever (clever because I thought of it) pun on the film the sum of us. This movie i've never seen but i'm pretty sure Russel crowe was in it. It was about relatinships between father and sons and voyage of self discovery. I'd love to know if it's any good if anyone's seen it?

While thinking of my new name I googled 'Gus' to see if I could find a pun using my name. I didn't, but I did learn that Gus is Macgyver's first name, and Gus was the original animal playing sports movie. It involved a horse kicking field goals for a gridiron team. DOn't make them like they used to.

The photo above is another Chinga special, from his travels. I feel like they're too good for facebook so i'll post my favourites on here.

Hero's in a half shell

Sydney is a city of festivals. I feel like Sydney has a festival for everything. Tropfest, Field day umm the Sydney Festival and it's great, it's almost at a point where at any time of the year there will be some kind of festival on to keep bored Uni students and cultural sydney siders occupied. After attending the Livid festival of light in the City I couldn't help but feel that the festival facade was a temporary cultural expression that imposes itself intermittantly on Sydney's architectural foundations like the Rocks and Circular Quay and any number of venues across Sydney. This may seem a little negative but I feel like Sydney lack's a cultural soul. Cultural events come by, impose there creative world views then leave Sydney as an empty cultural shell waiting for the next pearl to arrive (nice mixed metaphor gus man)

The good part of it is that Sydney is incredibly dynamic and flexible. The venue which entertained tween's with the wiggles can transform at night to a haven of filthy electro heads. Many of the biggest bars and clubs fail to attract a regular crowd and are forced to rely on promoters and the acts they can book. Tank night club which I feel is a great venue and as Sydney as it gets, relies on club nights like the RnB super club and One love to fill it's floors rather than having a crowd for the venues sake. One love could move and Tank would be empty.

Anyway Here's an awesome song for those that like to kick it oldschool

Run DMC- My Adidas (pilot priest remix)

YO-YO Yayoi Kasuma

It was a thursday or friday and with some recession related free time on my hands I went down to the recession friendly Museum of Contemporary art in Circular quay to check it out and see what I could see. An exhibition showing by artist Yayoi Kasuma or Kusama (No idea who that is, is she famous?) called the Mirrored years was on. I didn't expect much from my maiden visit to the MCA but it turned out to be a quite the thought provoking play date. The exhibition was mainly based on installations as opposed to paintings, which is awesome since the best painting I ever did was mis-interpreted as an umbrella (yeah it was a boat). One of the installations which is pictured (taken from Yayoi's website) actually made me feel an emotion! I know isn't that impressive! The huge room was filled with Inflatable "clouds" that were black rubber boat material blobs with white painted on. The environment was so far removed conventional Museum spaces, and anything I had experienced and it was hard not to be taken away by it all. It showed a tension between the fluffy bubbliness of clouds, and the dark ominous feelings they can bring before a storm an emotion that I experience as I walked through. Pretty rad and arty hey!



It made me think of how aspects of design ellicit an emotional response. No doubt they tell you this in the first lecture of Design 1001, but it parrallels the way which literature is designed to do the same a notion I am familiar with from doing English at Uni.

Apparently my Post's are too long

My Back Hurts! My back Hurts!

So I know it's been a while between drinks here at the Train, and while most would assume that my absence has been due to laziness, it's been more to do with lack of inspiration. I try to avoid complaining about things which has cut back a load of material there's enough complaining on the internet already! I've got a few things I would like to write about coming up so I should be right for a while. I'm thinking of re-branding the train It's a little unecessary to have an "avatar" as they say, chances are you know me anyway!

Here is my friends website of graphic design stuff has a few pics of stuff she's done which is pretty cool. Not cool enough work on this blog's background though....Caroline's web site

I see red I see Red I see Red

It makes sense that business often choose primary colours for logo's and design. By using these colours, the strong meanings of power, passion and strength are transposed from the colour to the brand. I wonder why then if these colours are used so regularly why have they not become overused, cliched and maintained they're stature and meanings? Surely if everything is red red's meaning of passion would be lost?

The meanings of these colours were often derived from the ability of man to procure them. gold as a colour is a rare find in the natural world and as such denotes stature and wealth. Now we can paint anything we want gold for around the same price as any other colour so how has gold maintained this stature?

I guess afte centuries of reinforcement the meanings are consistently reinforced. Gold medals, gold coins but why is the meaning of colours not cyclical like most aspects of design? Why do companies continue to use strong reds and blues even though it seems everyone is using the same reds and blues?

Anyway there's some food for thought. The photo at the top was taken by chris, notice how red is a primary colour and makes the plant's stalks seem to emerge from the water with strength. I wonder if the image would appear the same if the water was red too?

Can you read me private? hello, who is this?

The other day my phone rang but it was a private number so I put my phone back down and didn't answer it. I feel like there are a lot of people out there that do the same thing, and I questioned why people do this? In the days of the home phone, you would never know who the person on the phone was, but you'd answer it and find out who it is for so why is it different for a mobile phone?

At home I hate answering the phone. It's the worst. It's never for me so why would I answer it. The not answering a private number could be a symptom of past grievances at phone technology that have led us to talk with telemarketers and estranged family members.

Traditionally, phone numbers were linked to a distinct geographical location the home. Now they are linked to an individual and you'd think that as such we would be more open to receiving calls as they are specifically directed towards us personally. Then why don't we? It can't only be call screening so you don't have to talk to battlers!

Eureka! I've figured it out. Now that we have the ability to answer the phone wherever we are, I would only want to answer calls which relate to my location. If i'm meeting a friend for a drink, i'd answer their call, but I would be hesitant to answer the call from a relative asking for help moving house. I could answer it straight away but the chances are i'm not going to be able to action it promptly so it's better to put it in the virtual in-tray of message bank and get back to them.

I'm glad i've solved that one. I feel better now. I know one thing though, i'm going to answer private numbers now. They are for me after all!

p.s who am I kidding, no one calls me! haha

Survivor: Outwit Outplay Outlearn??

Postmodernism is something I have discussed on this blog a few times. Millions of people will speculate as to where the world will travel from here, and here's one for the pile. Currently many critics would argue that Postmodernism has created mass culture that is targeted towards the lowest common denominator with appeal that is as broad as possible. But where to from here? The only way forward as I see it, is up. I think that this mass culture will create a hunger for higher brow topics to be discussed within the masses. the lowest common denominator will eventually scale the heights of knowledge and cultural value.

Already reality TV which is often regarded as low brow mass entertainment, has drawn huge success from topics that are more culturally valuable. Dancing with the stars has taught children and ill educated housewives the intricacies of the foxtrot and you could often hear the comments on So you think you can dance refferring to the extension of the dancers plie.

Lifestyle shows have become less about prettying up you're patio and more involved with design elements that are motivated by forward thinking culture of design and architecture. (Grand designs on lifestyle is the bomb)

The thing that sparked this blog post was iTunes. They now have a section in iTunes dedicated to University lectures. You can attend classes from the world's best University lecturers. I watched a physics lecture from MIT and actually understood most of it, and it was actually really interesting! Wouldn't it be crazy if through this, these lecturers became famous and were the new celebrity! pretty cool stuff!

anyway here's a youtube I stole from Nic's facebook page a sign of the times perhaps?

Bricks and Mortar Boards

After 5 regularly sized years, I have finally completed my Univeristy education at Sydney Uni. Totally exciting isn't it!

It's times like graduation that make you appreciate going to Sydney Uni. Harry Potter-esque buildings,Harry Potter-esque lawns and a disproportionate level of blonde girls made for a top notch setting for wearing awkwardly fitting clothes and trying to remember that randoms name you took sociology with in first year.. (Seanpaul was it? no idea.)

Oddly enough they offer three guest tickets. I only have two parents so who to take! Bit of miscommunication and last minute invitations my sis got the spare one. Handy that she's also the one that can take photo's isn't it...

On arrival feeling a little uninformed wearing my suit I stroll into uni feeling like those people that have a job interview after a lecture so end up really overdressed. I was at sixes and sevens when I saw a guy in his academic dress, wearing trakkies and a polo underneath... Am I overdressed or is he just a massive battler? (can't believe that guy has a degree)

So I try on my academic dress, and it turns out dress is a good word to describe the colour scheme pale yellow and white. Couldn't it be something a bit tougher? Apparently that's what I get for being a big girl who majored in English and studied Gender studies!

Oddly enough the highlights of the experience were the people I got to sit with. A result of such a huge Uni is that I didn't feel connected to my graduation "class" and it was only by chance that I knew anybody at all! The pre-determined seatins arrangements worked to perfection. To my Right was Corinne who I have known for 22 of my 23 years or thereabouts, and thankfully brought her parents who did well entertaining mine! And to my left was Sean Paul who I began my tertiary journey with. As a pair we formed the least likely people to actually graduate out of our entire class from back in Orange days but there you go we made it!

The great hall lived up to it's name. It has a really high ceiling and big chairs for people to sit in. The academic procession strolled by including the crown on a stick (a massive sceptre I guess) couldn't help but notice none of them had a Liberal studies gown on :( haha!

Spoke to my mate Marie Bashir she seemed quite adept at congratulating people with which she has nothing in common with. "Interesting mix of majors, you have" was a comment made to Sean-Paul (so jealous I only got a congratulations....silence) Afterwards Mum and Corinne's mum Deb got sucked into the occasion and bought everything with Sydney uni on it. Including plaques, teddy bears with mortar boards, photos champagne and a trip to marble bar. After a nice dinner and a quick photo pretending to get in my graduation present Ferrari the culmination of my tertiary education was over. It's funny how throughout Uni, I was a mere number on a transcript (0430519) but to me Uni was a life changing experience. My degree has taught me skills that are helping me daily but it's impact on my view of the world that will resonate within me for years to come.

The Share house with no felafels

Hey guys sorry it's been awhile, I blame a combination of Easter laziness, and a guilt for not writing more important things. (notably my application for masters of business).

Anyway it dawned on me the other day that I live although I remain living in the Family home, the same one I've occupied for going on 15 years, I in fact now live in a share house.

1. My family has progressed from a Young Family (School age) to just a regular "Family" (Kids left school but don't have their own kids) our house is one entirely occupied by adults. This is a cornerstone of a share house. I don't know of any share houses that have kids in them.... If they are they are likely to be those 4 year olds on acid like in that book i read about the 60's in English. (Joan Didion's Live and Learn for those playing at home)

2. People seem to be doing their own thing, coming and going if they miss dinner they get some themselves but if you need a lift to the pub or a shopping buddy, there is usually a housemate there to help out.

3. Household errands are a point where my house strays from a strict share house definition since mum does most of the things that stop us from becoming homeless, but household errands are increasingly delegated to the person with spare time. hen I was at uni I did errands because uni doesn't take much time. It made me feel less like a burden, which was nice but how many times can I visit the Optometrist for contact lenses which aren't mine! Disclaimer: was that a whinge? I hoppe it wasn't too much of a whinge because I really try to avoid it. There's enough whingeing in the world. I think working is making me whinge more often then I would like to.. But I digress

4. House parties at my house typically involve people a combination of My friends and the friends of my housemates rather than exclusively the host's. I like it, You get to meet strangers who might be hot, and you can have you're friends over so you will have people to talk to. It's great!

So there's 4 reasons why I live in a share house. And before I get Flooded with emails..... I am well aware that mum and dad pay for everything and my house is nothing like a share house in that sense (There are still the same arguments over phone bills!)

I wonder if someone moves out if we should rent out their room! that'd be fun!

Bye!

References:

He Died with a felafel in his hands by John Birmingham
Live and Learn by Joan Didion

(Go back to Uni G-Train)

Stop collaborate and listen!

After a recent trip to the US and Billy Joel and Elton John's face to face concert, My brother regailed me with annecdotes of his experience, I couldn't help but notice the highlights tended to be when the two Piano men sang songs made famous by other people. Billy Joel doing a section of journey, and the beach boys were clear highlights and this year's Grammy's was the year of the collaboration. But what is it about collaborations and covers that are so engaging? For me they provide an insight into the person's musical personality. If the chosen cover or collaboration is with an artist you appreciate aswell it's automatically an intimate connection between the audience and the Artist. As most of these events occur live, it's also a unique connection. Audiences are well aware that bands play endless tour dates and end up playing the same songs night after night and want to make their experience a unique one. Covers and collaborations are a great way to do this. At Sound relief, Coldplay used a collaboration with a local legend John Farnham that instantly took their great festival set to a level above. The shared connection between the audience and Coldplay via a shared love of The voice, made for a more intimate relationship that created an atmosphere of uniqueness that is unrivalled. (Shane warne Cameo at the concert was an attempt but....) Other instances include Daft punk and Kanye at the Grammy's, Elton John and Eminem at the MTV award's doing Stan aren't collaborations fun! No Doubt you've heard T.I and jizzle tizzle 's Dead and gone being thrased on the radio is T.I stealing Jizzle Tizzle's coolness? Maybe but hey I had no idea who he was before this song.

ColdPlay Feat Jay-Z- Lost

Eminem Feat Elton John- Stan

That's what she said

That last one was pretty long so here's a website for you. Basically it's a summary of all the music blogs in the world and has all the remixes you hear when you go out. Shout out to Megan for this one



The Hype Machine

Roland Roland Roland Rawhide!

Now it's time for another installment of things I leraned at uni. This one was taught to me in an English Course on Postmodernism but is applicable to broader philosophies of society and culture.

During the height of modernism, popular literature was often seen to be written by well-educated literati, and was often associated as being only accesible to them. From an "Ivory" Tower, literature was used as a device for educated people to write with a degree of introspection that often caused a separation between the writer and the common people. This was extended as a result of most people being unable to read at all. Authors were seen with high regard and there was a distinct barrier between writers and their audience. (Think travel writing, and the Canterbury tales, Chaucer anyone?)

What is Post-modern about that? Well nothing, but it helps to know that to understand the next part.

Fastforward to the 1980s-2009 (learned the other day that the 80s isn't finished yet, i'll keep you psoted). Literacy is close to 100% in western nations, and through the wonders of youtube and reality TV, anyone (including yours truly) can be a writer. The barriers between writers and their audience has been broken down. Where previously it was the role of the author to direct a reader what to take away from their writing, the reader is now empowered to draw meaning from the vast catalogue of information available to them. This was thought up by a guy called Roland Barthes, and named the Death of the Author. Cool stuff.


So where does the death of the Author leave me?

While some would suggest that this has caused a society with a lack of a centre or direction since i'm privaledged enough to be well educated....

I'M FREE!!

Although many will despise the downfall of TV through the reality toilet, the cultural value of such programming is made by YOU! See if you sit there watching SO you think you can dance, and look at the pretty colours and say hey he's a good dancer, the cultural value of that show is still relatively low. If you sit there watching and are discussing the sexual politics between the male and female dancers, and commenting on the use of music and costuming to heighten the choreography's expressiveness, you are gaining significantly higher cultural value!

Now I have an excuse to watch Australian Idol so leave me alone!

new songaaaaaa!

That last post was pretty long so here's a reward for your troubles!

Breakbot was out on the weekend I didn't go but I looked into his stuff and it's rad.

Here's his remix of Justice let there be light, it is cool enough that I'd argue it's a new song. I wish more remix's were this detailed.
Justice- Let There be Light (Breakbot remix)

Teen Drama: A Comparison

The Teen drama has long been a staple of weekly television. From the early days of Melrose, Teen drama has repeated the same stories of lost love, teen substance abuse and overbearing parents but how have they stayed popular and relevant? My answer is in the "how". It's not what you say but how you say it.

The way which different show's decide to explore teen issues, each have their own positives and negatives and can leave you detached or with a weird "what's going on, can they do that?" feeling.

The OC

This show was massive, I remember being at uni and everyone would gather around to watch and wonder whether summer and seth would ever hook up. Gripping stuff. The reason people liked this was because it's setting was surreal in that Marissa strutted the halls of high school with a chanel tote (I know what that is because of the OC) but in spite of this setting of unattainable wealth (for most) the characters were still so relatable. I think thanks largely to the Cohen's sense of Humour and overall kind philosophy. Man Marissa got annoying though. Awkward moments came when the "kids" would be at the night club, and you were never really sure if they were drinking. The downfall of the OC was an age old one. The climax of the end of high school coincided with the death of the main character. No one really cares what summer does at college! So the OC was gone and I have nothing to show for it but a knowledge of designer handbags, and what a Christmukkah miracle is.

The OC- Caleb Dies and a cool song plays I loved that OC had great climatic moments Set to some great music. This one by Imogen Heap is awesome.



Gossip Girl

Done by the same people as the OC, and it seems like they are trying to start the whole thing over. The character equivalents are blatant and obvious but there are a few changes. The gimmick of Gossip Girl pisses me off. Am I supposed to believe a blog about NYC teenagers is more popular than this blog, the Train? I think not. This time round however they did heighten the average class of the characters but we remain too distant since the characters are missing the Cohen charm. Easy choice to set it in New York, in an attempt to distance itself from it's east coast cousin. What's the deal with all of them drinking freely at New York Night club's? It makes me uncomfrotable! Gossip Girl does have potential for continuing passed high school, through their character of little J who's fashion career was fun, and they've set it up so most of the characters will be at Yale together. Same Same but different. Serena is just as annoying as marissa. Chuck is way cooler than Ryan. Seth Cohen is way better than lonely boy's dad the musician. I don't even know his name.

Unfortunately Gossip Girl lacks the climatic moments of the OC and couldn't think of a clip worth watching. Here's a clip using the Imogen Heap song parodying the OC's drama. It's pretty funny.

Andy Samberg et al- An SNL digital Short


Skins

Through a change of continent, Skins, from the BBC uses design features such as fashion sense, lighting and mis-en-scene (look it up) create an environment that is a departure from the overtly functional basis for the OC or Gossip girl. This quirky environment allows the writers to use unconventional plot and make it seem believable. The School trip to Russia is a great example. Could you imagine Seth and Ryan sneaking into a Russian man's house to rescue his enslaved daughter? wouldn't think so! Skins doesn't look into the parents lives unless it's through the kids perspectives which I appreciate as in other Teen drama's the storylines of the older people often got boring and unrelatable. With a broad cross-section of characters (homosexual, eatingdisodrered, Indian,) A wider variety of issues can be looked into and makes a complex intertwining as the characters interact. Skins is great!

Skins- Party trailer, watch this and you'll be hooked

Work it make it do it makes us

I feel like it's been awhile since I posted last, so this link should keep you entertained until my next post on the OC vs Skins. This comes courtesy of Caroline who is possibly doing some graphic design for the train!

Daft Punk Virtual sampling machine! yay!

Hunters from mars, gatherers from venus

I was sitting at work today (wasn't a busy day) and after a lot of thought about future careers and such, i've noticed that some industries are dominated by feminine people while others remain predominantly masculine. After a further daydream and subsequently risking looking extremely sexist, I thought in caveman days the men were hunters and the ladies were gatherers and preparers. Nothing major there. This then progressed into modernity where the female "space" was in the household, ie cooking, cleaning. Where the males, "hunted" the finances with which to provide for their "tribe" (great parallel with the merril Lynch bull here)

So I had lunch. And sat down again.

Where does that leave us now in the 2000's where women are becoming/are a consistent figure in the workplace? I then segregated various career paths according to the sex, which is perceived to be overepresented in it.



It is easy to see that women run the fashion industry and is it too much of a stretch to see it's link to a housewife's "role" in household duties. Washing and ironing clothes ensuring the family is presentable has clear links to designing them. (I'm glad no one reads this, I don't think I got away with that one) I know that my own mum was for many years the only reason I left the house wearing anything at all, is it not foreseeable that an extension of this role, would be in the fashion industry, which is predominantly run by women?

In history class when they say "women gathered and prepared the food" that for me echoes the PR and event planning industry. PR is a little more modern, but I remember when I was a kid if a sibling did something bad, mum would give them some family PR to keep the peace. Most events were planned and catered for by Mum, and if this task was being done in a professional environment, it would be done within the PR/events industries.

Men on the other hand, are bankers who hunt for "bull" markets, and are the wolves of wall street (read that book, it was pretty good) who stalk their prey and provide their tribes with the resources it needs.

I know I have absolutely zero facts to back any of this up but there's a thesis in here somewhere I know it!

As our lives change, come whatever, we will still be, friends forever

In the mail the other day, I received an invitation to my graduation. Not only does it confirm that I have actually finished, it has set in motion a series of reflections over things i've learned in my time at uni. This post marks the first in a series on interesting things I learned over the last few years.

First up, when I was doing geography it was fairly typical to come across discussion of Sustainability. Actually sustainable development was a theme in most of the courses I did.

Anyway here is my perspective on the whole, climate change, "Green" debate that will hopefully sort out those battler old people that call up talk back after making up things and being mis-informed by crappy newspapers and other mis-informed old people.

First of all climate change. Way back in year 5 or something I did a project on the greenhouse effect and climate change. In terms of my lifetime nothing has changed since then and as a result I don't feel like it's a major issue. Too many people link climate change with green culture but I feel they are sepearate issues and it is more effective to treat them that way. However the solutions to each will have some things in common.

For me, Green culture is about increasing the environmental efficiency of everything we do. From turning out the lights in an office building to fuel efficiency in a Prius. By implementing things such Hybrid cars, and using those twisty light bulbs we have economic benefits, that have a by-product of being good for climate change (If it exists). If a business is being inefficient by employing too many temp workers, or having a poor business model, good management would change these in order to seek greater efficiency. So good management should ecompass energy efficiency and will in turn help out the environment. Makes sense to me.

So to those old people that are worried about having a shorter showers or sitting in the dark. Chill out (pun intended) Green culture isn't about reducing your level of comfort or luxury, it's about providing the same standard of living in the most efficeint way.

I promise my next post on uni will be a little more lighthearted but suck it up!

Back to the Future (music)

So in we're in the middle of a blog renovation and in the rush I forogt I went to yet another music festival and you get to hear about it!

It turns out Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso are really really good dj's. One of their biggest songs for the day was a bootleg they made 2 hours before they went on stage. They played for ages and it was awesome. Go see them play music. They're probably the most tech-like DJ's that I can get into so far but they remain accesible by playing show me love, be, and assorted classic dance songs.

Not even sure if they played this at future but I found it in the lead up. Pretty heavy but heaps of energy.
Body Crash- Angello and Ingrosso

This song is called be. It is pretty good.
Steve Angello and Laidback luke- Be


So Angello and Ingrosso finished and I was wandering around with Laura. These drunk randoms came up to me and say "is this your girlfriend?" To which I reply "yeah" they say "You must be really funny or something..."

Major Burn from drunk randoms that wore matching shirts. Ego bruising stuff. Let's get vodka to drown my sorrows!

Next I wandered around alone for a while talking to strangers and testing out the facilities. Not too bad. I'd say better than Good Vibes, not as good as home.

Found my way to the front for N*E*R*D. Apparently i'm black and cool because I like them.

Made famous by Girl Talk, N*E*R*D's Everyboy Nose was my highlight. N*E*R*D- Everybody Nose

To be honest the Girlt Talk version is way better. Pharrel pulled this chick up on stage and hooked up. I wish I could do that.

Next up was CSS, for me the find of Future. They were really fun playing to a big crowd. Heaps of people on stage inspired me to get their album. CSS- Rat is Dead

Ladyhawke-esque fun afternoon festival stuff.

So met some strangers and went with them to Basement Jaxx. They were really nice. Laura worked for ABC doing radio something. Shout out! I found Basement Jaxx's set a little indulgent. Playing too much newer stuff and lacked a bit of energy. Which is annoying since there are so many people on stage surely someone could crank it up a bit. Highlight was astripped back version of Romeo. The original is a bit cliched now but this one serves as a reminder of the good times you had when that song was playing.Basement Jaxx- Romeo


I wish I went and saw the Fricken Cube!

It's rad.

Etienne De Crecy- the fricken cube dammit!

The appocalypse! HELP!!!

Found this video through a competitors blog. I would tell you where but I'm not stupid. When the appocalypse comes will you be prepared?


Are Violent Video Games Adequately Preparing Children For The Apocalypse?

Gender and music

Awhile ago while reminiscing about my school Jazz band (who were really really good) I found myself comparing to similar bands from girl schools and questioned why they didn't appear to be as musically sound. Initially I thought I was just being sexist but I transferred this to the world of popular music.

Why is it that the biggest bands in the world are predominantly male?

U2, The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Green Day (when they were big), Queen all were male only bands (For argument's sake Freddie Mercury is a guy). Where are the girls? They represent themselves. Madonna, Pink, Kylie, Beyonce (I guess Destiny's child were an exception). The Biggest Girl band ever was the Spice girls and it was used as a gimmick. It was there point of difference of Girl pwoer that made them popular. Why is this so? I guess the concept of a powerful woman is acceptable when they're on their own but in a group that upsets the dynamic too much.

anyway just something to think about. Perhaps if I was still at uni my next assignment would have something to do with this...

New way of posting!

Instead of putting up the youtube video's I find i'm changing them to links. Apparently people don't always watch the videos. Losers!! So instead of video's I'll try put up photo's for you to look at. The trouble being I don't have any of my own... Does anyone have suggestions on how to source photos? I don't think it's good etiqutte to steal from facebook or other websites.

Quick reminder you don't have to sign up to blogger to comment, just write your name and click post.

This is what the new links will look like



Amazing Song Youtube video!

Johnny Cash

This song. wow.
Johnny Cash- Hurt

More from Laneway

So I got heaps of emails and comments saying "why did you stop talking about laneway??" so here's a bit more from the best festival I have been to. (yeah I said it)

The night before Laneway I had four hours sleep and wasn't feeling crash hot. Lanewy rescued me by ony serving Tiger Beer. Good Beers are better on a hangover.

After Jack Ladder, went and caught the end of the John Steel singers. They rock! Had great stage presence and energy. At the end of their set they fill the stage with randoms and give them assorted musical instruments. They guy playing the glockenspiel. Wow.

John Steel singers- Rainbow Kraut



After that more drinks were had and wandered around, went to the markets and spoke to a lovely lady selling jewellery. Actually that was a little odd.... Tried to go to Port o Brien but there was a line. hence more drinks.


Later I saw a band called Temper Trap who were surprisingly awesome. I had no idea who they were but their sound was a cross between Phoenix, and U2. pretty awesome combo. Turns out the drummer is Amy's cousin which is cool. They are playing V fest if you want to get me a ticket.

The Temper trap- Sweet disposition


Next up was Architecture in Helsinki. Not only do they have a cool band name, they have a saxophone section and some awesome tunes. Most would know Heart it races which was great, but all their songs are so much fun. such a good way for the sun to come down. Girl Talk cameoed for a rap, and they did a cover of nothing gonna break my stride. I love that song.

Architecture in Helsinki- do the whirlwind Not the best known of their songs but it's bitchin. Loving the cartoon film clip that reminds me of this crappy internet game that I used to play called Sushi chef where you make sushi. It's a wicked game get involved.




Enough from Laneway it was amazing but i don't think you hould go. Any more people and i would have been writing about terrible drinks/bathroom queues and wouldn't have acutally seen any of the bands I have mentioned.

bye!

Presents from youtube

Sebastian Tellier is pretty sick, he's basically filling the void until the new Phoenix album is out.


Sebastian Tellier- Kilometer (a-trak remix)



Berries and cream



It annoys me that this post is pretty much what advertisers want people to do. Spread ads on the internet. It's basically fdree advertising. Bastards! A maths equation reveals 5 things in this post that could count as free advertising. I should get a job at Leo Burnett....

Laneway Festival!

I went to St Jerome's Laneway Festival on Sunday and it was perhaps the best festival i've been to. Good crowd, no posers, awesome music and I had macca's on the way home. Can't beat that!



I went into the experience knowing Girl Talk and Architecture in Helsinki pretty well but keen to hear some bands that I didn't know and see if they were good. I had a very open mind about the event which was definately a good thing, and going with the other half of my DJ crew was also pretty good because we have a similar music taste, which led us to the basement to hear a guy called Jack Ladder.

Jack Ladder played in the basement, which wasn't too crowded (it was early). It was great to see bands being their own roadies and having technical faults. It makes a gig seem more intimate and real. Most bands at festivals I doubt would do their own setup entirely. It was a pretty decent crowd but to start he says "Thanks for coming, ah who am I kidding you're only here because it's hot outside". Pretty funny guy. the drummer was wicked and could hardly sit down which was cool. Went to get a beer and didn't even bump into anyone on the way. There was pretty much a human made aisle to the bar. Amazing! I think I was busy soaking up atmoshpere rather than listening to him play though as I don't have a great recollection of the music. Spaz attack has the album which i'll borrow. In the mean time here's the link to his myspace, I think cased closed is my fav.

www.myspace.com/jackladder

Stay tuned for more cultural and musical musings from Laneway including, Architecture, bathrooms, and force fed Tiger beer.

Photo stolen from fasterlouder.com.au taken by Spinal Faun. I couldn't stop looking up at the buildings all day and this photo captures it so well.

Books: me reading them

I think I should read more books. Any Suggestions?? I'm trying to read Shantaram but get sidetracked to easily and end up going out

Two oh oh Nine

Hasn't 2009 been great

On average best summer weather for years

My friends are awesome and have met heaps of new cool people to keep me on my toes.

I have a job and am now contribuing to society (two days a week anyway....)

the music Field day, Laneway, Good vibes, Girl Talk

I'm pretty easy to please aren't I.....

Daft Punk

It turns out i really really like Daft Punk. DUH! I hear you say but when I say I really like Daft Punk I REALLY like Daft Punk. They came out to Australia that time and everyone goes "yeah I know Daft Punk sort of, but hey the Presets and muscles are playing". Lame. It annoys me when dj's play Daft Punk as a go to dance floor filler, then don't understand when people don't go crazy. That's what you get for abusing the power of Daft Punk. People can sense an abuse of power a mile away. YOu're dj-ing at Cabana don't think that by playing Daft Punk people will mistake your for them. I once read their entire wikipedia post. I really need to get out more....


I did learn that the guy from Phoenix was in Daft Punk but left because he wanted to play different music.

Girlt Talkaaa!

Hey guys I went to Girl Talk on friday night, he plays heaps of songs in a short space of time. Here are a few that I thought were rad.

Journey- Faithfully

The band that brought you Don't stop believin'. Top way to finish a concert.



Aerosmith- Dream on (Eminem cover)

Girl Talk played the original but it reminded me of this Eminem song. Dream on Dream on



Lil' Wayne- A millie

Shout out to Caro for this one, I'm not big on Lil' wayne in general (pun intended) but this song is pretty sweet



Dream on! Dream On!

Arty Weekend Part 2

A few Posts ago I talked about my trip to the art gallery. Displaying what can only be described as an arty or cultural streak the same day rather than embrace the sights and sounds of the windy city (Cargo) I would head to Balmoral and see a production of Romeo and Juliet. Not a typical setting for watching Shakespeare I admit but what was surprising was how much I got into the story even though it's a story as old as time and the setting had a million distractions (every car that went by I looked at just to see what they were doing). by the end of the show i was sitting there internally shouting "No Don't drink the posion you don't understand!"

The famous line "Romeo, Romeo, Where for art thou Romeo" for me has been destroyed and I would be tempted to omit it completely it's so distracting and cliched. Which is sad. I prefer this quote
Juliet- "My only love sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown, and known too late!"

This simple phrase instantly draws empathy from the audience. This one sentence describes the main theme of the play perfectly. Can I say perfectly? Whatever I just did.

See Baz Lurhman's Romeo + Juliet.

Stay tuned for posts on my new job, Laneway festival and some other stuff that might be cool. maybe Australia day or something.

Love You!

New Layout

Hey Everyone as you may have noticed The G Train is remarketing itself. First up, new background and Layout! It's a work in progress, The picture I took myself but i'm trying to figure out how to make the rest of the Layout cool. Current disappointments include the colours and fonts for the heading. Suggestions would be appreciated tell me your thoughts!

Love You!

My arty weekend Part 1

So last weekend turned out to be very arty and cultural. First I went to the Art gallery to see the Monet and the Impressionist's Exhibition then went to watch Romeo and Juliet in a park. I learnt a few things.

The painting above is one of Monet's most famous, but it turns out there are heaps of them. The whole concept behind Impressionism as I understand it is that the artist is giving an impression of a scene rather than a recreation of a scene. Monet painted scene's during different periods of light to show how light effects the Impression you get from a scene. yeah he's ok...

It's funny the things you notice whilst in the presence of paintings that have had such influence, and here is a few.

1. People are poorly dressed- admittedly i asked a friend the appropriate dress for a trip to hte art gallery, but the amount of people in thongs and shorts! It's almost rude to be in the presence of such Artwork and not be dressed appropriately. (am I old fashioned??)

2. I had no idea how many people would be there- I got to the art gallery and there were people everywhere. I was amazed at how a painting of such simple things as a bridge, or haystacks can ellicit a reaction that will leas so many people to spend their day off looking at a painting. Pretty cool.

3. Young families- There were way too many parents with prams. Why you a 3 year old want to go to an art gallery ever! I figured the parents really wanted to see it and had no choice but to bring their kids but seriously!

4. Monet isn't my thing- As much as i can appreciate Monet's work, I learnt that i prefer abstract and emotive work. I want to see painters express themselves through colour and form like Pollock and Kandinsky. Fruit in a bowl does not excite me. I found my self more attracted to the sculptures on the way out.

L'altra figura- Giulio Paolini



As you walk passed this sculpture you are drawn in by the smashed sculpture on the ground and gaze down with relief that it wasn't you but hope that someone is fixing it to realise that it is a part of the sculpture. It was Rad!


That's about all fromt the Art Gallery, stay tuned for musings on my trip to watch Shakespeare in a park and maybe even something on my new job, or Laneway festival next week!

Love You!

The quick brown fox

I watched a movie last night that mentioned that sentence you learn as a kid that has every letter of the alphabet in it once. "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" It made me wonder why this is the sentence and whether there are any other sentences that use the alphabet in this way?? Did someone think of it and go "that's it!" and no one ever tried to find another??


hmm....


Stay tuned for my posts about my trip to the art gallery, and watching Shakespeare in a park.

I got my Marks back for uni finally!

Love you!

Bee movie and family values

I watched Seinfeld's Bee movie the other day and found it to be enjoyable and wait for it, actually funny! It has been a trend in kid's movies to introduce subtle irony and pun to make movies that entertain not only the target audience (littl'uns) but also their babysitters. It made me think of what this does to the movie experience. I thought maybe the kids would feel separated from the story and feel a bit left out of it if parents enjoy it too much, but the success of these movies disputes that. If both kids and parents enjoy a movie equally a trip from the movies can turn into a shared interest or experience resulting in a closer family relationship. Maybe that's a bit of a stretch but I can remember being taken to see power rangers the movie and being pretty excited, i highly doubt mum shared this excitement. hmm just a thought.


Also My blog got a comment! Thanks Carl! Just so you know, you don't have to sign up to comment all you do is write your comment and leave your name. Maybe people actually read my blog?!

Field Day vs Falls Festival

With every new year comes an increasing number of people casting of the shackles of a Sydney Harbour NYE to embrace the isolation and adventure of the Falls Festival in Lorne Victoria. I feel more and more pressure to head to Falls but I just can't do it! Sydney over New year is Sydney at its best. Best Weather, musically Sydney NYE has everyone who's anyone playing somewhere and then you can back it up at field day which at the Domain is a wicked Venue and not far from home if you get over it. Falls on hte other hand is really really really far away such a commitment to make. A committment to shitty weather, bands that i don't relate to and camping (camping sucks major ass). I feel if i cave in to Falls pressure i'm just a bandwagon jumper and would go for the worst reason ever, because everyone is going. Therefore, next year although I may face a New Year alone, at least i'll be in the best city in the world rocking out and sleeping in my own comfy bed!

Here are a few tracks i picked up whilst at Field Day hop-e you like them!

Feist- My moon My man (Boys Noize remix)

As much as I hate the phrase dirty electro, Boys Noize is good dirty electro! This was played as the last song of a huge set, following their massive Justice remix of Phantom part 2. This song Rocks!



Jamie Liddel- Little bit of feel good

This guy played out the back on a smaller stage and was really cool. His band rocked and had hte crowd going until he went off on a musical tangent by himself and a vocoder. I now think he is a self indulgent wanker. But hey the music is cool and the band were great. I love their laid back happy jazz style.



Fake Blood- Mars

Fake blood played parklife this year. I didn't see them but I would like to go to Parklife again to see everything I missed. A friend saw them and they rocked. YOu may wonder how this into a Field day Post, but almost every DJ all day played this at some point.



Love you!

More Hottest 100 songs!

Here are a few more from my Shortlist! help!

Boys Noize- And Down

I'm really voting for this since i saw them at Field day and their remix of Feist's My moon my man changed my world perfect mix of dirty electro and real music. And down is a wicked song but i felt Boys Noize had earned my vote.



Empire of the sun- Walking on a dream

This is my tip for number 1 and definately the song of the summer i've heard it so much this summer but it's for a reason!



Flamingo Crash- It's mystery music

Reminds me of Phoenix went to see these guys early in the year and like to support local bands and love the Sax part (I played the sax for 10 years). Don't think it'll get a run in the top 100 but hey it's not a popularity contest....



Flight of the conchords- Business time

This show made my 2008. Hilarious from start to finish loved it. damn those New Zealanders! I'm a bit worried that since it was from early 2008 that people my have forgotten them. so shout outs Jemain and Brett no doubt you're reading this...



Jackson Jackson- All alone

This song is fun don't think i'll vote for it though i've gone off it a bit. I prefer their song Eliza it has a killer bass line and more energy.

Christmas Eve Eve 2008

Every year I am fortunate enough to host a christmas party the day before Christmas eve. The party had it's first year when i was in year 11, and was sitting at home thinking. Man holidays are a little non eventful I feel like i'm just sitting and waiting for Christmas to be over so i can enjoy summer. So I thought to myself, why don't I invite some people over for drinks, It can be BYO and all tres Casuale. 5-7 years(Not sure how long)later Eve Eve has become an institution Every year getting better and better. Here are a few stories from Eve eve's past.

At the original Eve eve a friend was out the front and thought they got the day wrong because all the lights were out and there was no noise. (nice!)

My Cousin brought along tequila for tequila shots all round. Suicide Shots and genereal looseness ensued.

One year we decided that Christmas dress was a suitable theme, to which Chris responded with a human christmas tree with working lights and presents for shoes accompanied by a wheel barrow of jager bombs! (eve eve hero)

Dig Drevo dressed as Santa after most had headed home climbed through my sister's window shouting It's Santa with some presents for all the girls! (Hilarious)


This year was one of my favourites, drama was minimal although I got red and green paint everywhere! We borrowed a killer soundsystem from Lindfield rugby which helped with Billy Joel renditions but annoyed the neighbous. (worth it) And i wasn't sunburnt or hungover from Boat party the day before! yay for eve eve! be nice and you might be able to come. Leave a comment with your eve eve stories if you like, you don't have to sign up!

Love you!

Triple J's hottest 100

So on boxing day the votes are open to vote for Triple j's hottest 100 songs of the year. Each person is granted 10 votes which I think is great that way the number 1 will have a larger number of votes and it gives smaller songs a chance as everyone might have it on their list but it may not necessarily be their favourite of the year.

Here is my short list can you help me reduce it to 10!!

Archictecture in Helsinki- That Beep

Only a recent addition but i really like it's overall happy vibe and there's a killer remix i've heard somewhere. Probably will be culled. but it doesn't mean it's not good!



Bag raiders- Turbo love

A fun song from the bag raiders, I think I just like the idea of voting for a song that's lyrics are pretty much unrecognisable.



C.W Stoneking- The love me or die

I want to vote for this for 2 reasons. the first being i love the dixieland jazz vibe and want toh ear more of it. The second is C'W's story, he was once on a pirate ship of the east coast of Africa that got shipwrecked he swam back to the mainland and met some natives and stayed with them for 3 months playing music and drinking. What a cool dude. He also did a wicked like a version of seven nation army. Check it out on youtube too. (sorry for this vid it's not great)



Ben Folds- Hiroshima

This song is amazing. I love that Ben Folds takes risks and is clearly a musician. he clearly loves music and plays songs he believes in. This will get a vote for sure. This is a live version but the real video is on youtube.



The black Kids- I'm not gonna teach your boyfreind how to dance

This song rocks! it's so fun and happy and has heaps of energy. haven't heard much else from this band though. This video doesn't really do the song justice, it's a bit tinny but the real video is lovely I promise!



There's plenty more where this came from but i'm tired.