So many morons already... I had someone this morning apply for a standard account... they faxed through their application on Saturday... they also faxed through the money order... and couldn't understand why we couldn't accept that... then they were saying, "oh, but you send out a starter kit... so can't we just give the money order to the person why they drop that off?"... and I was saying, "actually, we MAIL the starter kit to you... we will require you to post that money order in before we activate your account."... and then she was saying, "but what if someone steals the starter kit?" ...and I said, "It has as much chance of being stolen as any of your other mail... it's just we need that money order so that we can actually bank it..." It seemed like a really hard concept for her to fathom and it just reinforces the notion that the majority of people out there can be extraordinarily thick. I can understand if they don't necessarily know their login or don't really use their email or any other thing that might make them slightly computer illiterate... but when you don't understand the basics of a money order, you have to worry... I did have one funny experience this morning when I had a woman phoning to renew her account. I noticed her date of birth was the 1920's, and she sounded rather elderly. When I asked for her expiry date on her credit card, she told me it was 1905... I laughed and said, "I think that card might be a little out of date..." before she started laughing and saying, "I'm still just waking up!"... story of my life, sweetheart.
I have to be honest, I was a little disappointed with the tracklisting on the Robbie live CD when I saw it... I was hoping for more of a greatest hits setlist... I mean, 'Rock DJ' was cut from there and I felt that the 'final three' Robbie songs in the show were crucial... 'Feel', 'Rock DJ' and 'Angels'. There seemed to be so much 'filler' from Escapology included on the live album and I tend to wonder why when the set was so much stronger than that. I mean, 'Monsoon'? 'Me & My Monkey'? Even 'Mr Bojangles'? I know that Albert Hall was a crucial moment in Robbie history but in terms of a live album, I just feel like there was a lot of wasted opportunity there that could've made the album so much more essential. Oh well, bring on the DVD...
Entry #3
Context: A fabulous friend puts himself down and I don't tolerate it routine...
I'm not saying it to suck up to you or as some temporary bandaid comments... they're all genuine. The thing is this - I used to do exactly the same thing with myself, and i'm still prone to focus on my negatives too, so I can understand. But i'm certainly vastly improved on my outlook than what I used to be and figure that people are attracted to me for my confidence and fun nature over everything else. Besides, who knows what others find attractive. Personally, I find myself to be pretty much an average looking kinda guy - certainly nothing to write home about - but I hope the fact that I go out and can be seen having fun and enjoying myself is going to be the thing that makes people show interest, cause I atleast look fun... I don't know if that makes sense, but the basic point i'm trying to make is that you've just got fun oozing out of you and so much charisma too... it's hardly surprising that you've ended up with boys like hot butt xxx (note: yes, I can be smutty... don't act shocked now) because they're attracted to the presence that you have... you should work that.
Entry #4
Context: A friend tells me not to 'lose' Ant.
...Yeah, he's a sweetie. I'm not planning to lose him anytime soon. Infact, this weekend was... ahem... one month! It was funny watching Queensland boy trying to pick him up at Piano Bar too. I was surprised at how 'not jealous' I am as a partner... I thought I would be! But I was enjoying it for entertainment value watching him try. I guess I just believe that if I don't trust him, then I really shouldn't be going out with him. Ironically, Queensland boy was at bowling last night... not that I saw him... but Ant ran into him in the toilet and he was getting the third degree from him... 'Why are you here?' (well, 'bowling'... der!)... 'Is your boyfriend here?'... 'Well, it's your loss...' blah blah blah... whatever.
Entry #5
Context: Telling a new US friend about Melbourne.
I guess it is hard for me to fathom, having been born and raised in Melbourne. I'm actually very proud of my home. I think Melbourne has a fantastic arts and fashion conscious. But at the same time, i'm very much aware of the fact that Melbourne is more of a 'town' than a 'city'. It hasn't got the appeal of Sydney, but Sydney and Melbourne are so different in so many ways. I like to visit Sydney, and it's fun for the occasional party, but Melbourne is more suited to me... We're forever being the city that most people can't pronounce the name of properly (it's Mel-burn and not Mel-born).
Entry #6
Context: My weekend just past... in summary
I must admit that it was one very social weekend for me. At the risk of sounding totally teenage, I think I drank more this past weekend than I have the entire year. It started on Friday night when a friend of mine came over for a 'quiet coffee' and ended up with me, surprisingly, at The Laird (of all places... i'm not very Laird... not that i'm not 'manly' or anything... it's just I don't really go with that look either...) Saturday night was the final Piano Bar at Chapel Off Chapel, and since i'd been a regular on and off over eighteen of it's twenty month existence, thought I should pop on down... and then rounded off the weekend by going Bump & Bowling at Strike on Sunday night. For some reason, drinking and bowling goes hand in hand for me... but hey, I started the game off by bowling two strikes and a spare in a row so it obviously works for me. Some of the people in the team left halfway through the game though, and so I ended up picking up their games for them... as a sad result, someone who left half way through the game beat us...
...You will be surprised who you run into there. when I typed in my friends email lists, about five popped up already... wondered why they never told me about it! lol! Or maybe they had and I just hadn't noticed? Who knows? But it definitely seems to be the new trend catching on fast. Between you and me, I ran into xxx and the lead singer of xxx (note: edited so as to not cause mass emailings to them and annoy them) on here... how cool! Got to drop them a lovely little note and get a reply back. Met a few new friends already in the US and chatting away. Its fun to just go cruising around various people's circle of friends and see who is in there, dropping the occasional random 'hi' to people you find interesting... it's very friendly, and not sleazy in any way... I like that... it's bring it back to being about friends and discovering new people.
Entry #8
Context: Talking to an ex-FMR'er about recent feelings.
Had a bit of a horrible experience over the past fortnight. I've been helping Dean compile an updated xxx, and dropped into FMR to discuss the tracklisting with him. The following day, I got an email from him stating that xxx had asked him to pass on to me that I was not to enter the premises anymore. I'm not entirely sure why that hurt so much, but it has gone to the extent of even giving me bad dreams of late, and certain built a touch of resentment and bitterness towards FMR... which is totally irrational and hard and I certainly am trying to cap it cause I know how pathetic it is. I compiled the masters for Dean anyway, especially since out of all the FMR'ers, he is one of the the only ones who has truly made any effort to stay in touch. I know they're all busy and everything, but you were so right - there is so much more to life than FMR and this whole experience has put my priorities into perspective. I feel in some ways like I invested a lot of time and energy not just into working there but into the friendships and relationships with people there and that it seems to have been done mostly in vain... but at the same time, I realise how busy they are... and it especially makes me feel guilty for not having dropped yourself a line earlier when you had left to let you know how much I admired and learned from working alongside you. I don't want to make it sound more overly dramatic than it needs to be... and I can certainly be a walking contradiction myself... but I guess sometimes you think that, if Dean can manage to keep in touch in the most simplist of ways even while he is flat out, it tends to make you wonder why some people can't even be bothered replying to an email saying hi and asking how they are... anyway, enough of that cause i'm sure you were over all this sort of thing months ago and don't need someone bringing it all up again now!
Recent most asked questions:
Question: When do you begin with Shock/CD Fulfillment?
Answer: Oct 8th
Question: What do you think of the new Kylie track, 'Slow'?
Answer: I wrote about it in my blog a few weeks back? Don't you read anything and take it in? Geez... ok then... here is my initial impression as sent out in mass email style to those that I knew would ask...
Can I add that every email I have opened today has asked me what I think of the track. And I guess now, away from FMR associations and back to being 'a fan', I can be completely honest on my thoughts after having been so involved with her Australian releases since 'Spinning Around' (mid 2000... it seems so long ago!) I must admit that there is a tinge of sadness in seeing a new Kylie release out there without my involvement but... c'est la vie... or que sera... or whatever bloody Doris Day cliche you want to throw in there to imply that shit happens and you deal with it.
* Nutshell summary (for busy people): cute pop song, but not overwhelming. Smart choice as lead single. Lends itself to some potentially great remixes. Not what I would call 'classic Kylie' though.
* Marketing bonus points so far: whoever organized for the file to downloadable the night it went to radio... sheer genius! Such a smart step forward for FMR and I applaude it! Even though the track leaked as an mp3 hours before the radio broadcast, it still is an indication of where record companies should be thinking of additional revenue and catering to niche market needs.
* Extended version for those that have the time... (with some cut and pasting from previous emails and discussions earlier to save me time...)
The first time I heard 'Slow' at FMR a few weeks back, I have to admit that I was a litte disappointed. It didn't seem to have a chorus, or atleast a memorable hook, and when I left, I realised that I could describe the atmosphere the song went for well enough but couldn't even begin to remember words, key moments, anything... I had put aside my own expectations, cause we all know the bigger they are, the more you're bound to be let down, but I still walked away feeling that what I heard was a cute pop song but not terribly much more. However, the reaction of some of the FMR'ers seemed genuinely excited (not a company excited anyway) and it made me realise that this track was probably going to cause more of a 'love it or hate it' angle than anything else she could've released... penny dropped - this is perhaps the exact intention...
One slow wait and we skip to the radio release (pun intended), listening to JOY FM last night, I had to admit that it sounded good on air, and it was while I was listening to it this time that I began to realise a key point in understanding this track... if you're looking for melody, you'll be disappointed... but if you focus on the percussive nature of the track (especially the timing in the chorus), you get something different out of it (and hell, if the remixes play up on this percussive nature, they could be mighty damn hot!) Immediate reaction from JOY listeners, as to be expected, was decidedly mixed and usually to the extreme. ranging from sheer brilliance to accusations of mutating her sister Dannii's sound with Justin Timerberlake, it was clearly obvious that everyone had an immediate opinion on the track... smart move, EMI.
By the way, Dean - you sounded great on radio! Side career potential there?
And that is where the beauty of this as a lead single lies (not talking about Dean's radio debut here). It WILL cause comment. It WILL cause discussion. It DOES give Kylie the right to say that she isn't going down a predictable path, but it still is bringing electro music, which has existed for ages but not necessarily been mainstream (especially in Australia) into the charts. They (being Parlo/Kylie) know that she will have pull power just on her name alone, and that this as a lead single will cause discussion and set up this album as being remarkably different from her previous two successes. Regardless of the actual content of the album, which may be more pop than 'Slow', this is the impression that is vital in order to establish a clear progression forward from 'Fever'. In short, while it isn't the most obvious and immediate lead single, it is actually a wise move. I keep thinking back to 'Spinning Around' which I liked, but thought paled in comparison to 'On a Night Like This'... it was only in retrospect that I realise the brilliance there of releasing a strong and competent single as the first one, and THEN taking it up a level with a killer second single to nail it... I feel a repeat in the wings here...
Let's face it - not since 'Some Kind Of Bliss' and the following 'Impossible Princess' album has such discussion been caused by a lead single. And I can't help feeling excited about the upcoming album, feeling that the same spirit and motivation that crafted 'Impossible Princess' has been the element at work in the creation of 'Body Language'. It may not sound like IP, but I have the feeling the level of maturity of this work will be equal to it. So, while 'Slow' is perhaps a bit of a slow-grower, my anticipation for the album has now grown to... er... fever pitch. (Someone just shoot me!)
Question: What is this Friendster?
Answer: Check it out at www.friendster.com and come look for me... It's a fascinating concept where friends can meet friends friends and so forth... the best way to understand it is to try it, so go sign now and then come find me.
Question: Did you have to use part of an email that you wrote to me in these entries?
Answer: No, I don't have to... but these replies often best reflect my own thoughts and what is happening in my life at the moment, which is why I do... after all, I often say it best first time around when it's rawest so I would rather use that than sit here and try writing something processed afterwards. Sure, they're often blunt, raw and honest but that's half the point of this shit, yeah? However, if there is anything you feel uncomfortable about, then email me on lol_at_work@hotmail.com and i'll remove it after calling you a cry baby.
So, I actually thought I had a dinner on last night, but it turns out that I was getting ahead of myself by a week, and that I actually had the night free. I've been suffering from fatigue all week (for some unknown reason), and decided to have a quiet night in.
In the mail had arrived a new mixed CD from Perth DJ legend... nah, GOD... DJ Kinky, and it had more than sufficiently satisfied my need for some butt wiggling music. As I stood there, wiggling my butt in the most funky manner possible in my bedroom, I wondered who I should call. With Micheal 'The Hussey' Ritchie back in town, the answer was clearly obvoius.
Phoning Micheal, he had received a plethora of invitations out, including one to catch up with the gorgeous Angie (think Karen Walker from 'Will & Grace'), and from Kieran & Tim to go to The Laird (a Melbourne mens 'leather bar' for all those who don't know). He was feeling in a similar mood to me... a bit tired... flat... perhaps in need of some company but not too much hassle... and in the end, he popped over for 'a coffee'.
Stupidly, I suggested that we should race across the road to Duncans, the pseudo 24 hour bottle shop from where I live... it isn't really open 24 hours but it never seems to be shut... we picked up a cheap bottle of Cockatoo Ridge and a couple of little bottles of strawberry infused champagne, simply cause the bottles looked nice (yes... yes... yes, we are truly gay men). Settling back at home with my wine glasses that double as swimming pools, we emptied the contents of said strawberry infused liquid into the glasses, popped on some more DJ Kinky action, and got down to some serious one on one socialising.
Note that around this time, the new Tim Deluxe track 'Less Talk More Action' came on... Micheal screwed up his nose...
"I don't like this", he said very matter of factly.
"But it's Tim Deluxe", I replied in the most plea-like 'like me' voice possible... "You liked 'It Just Won't Do'!"
"Yeah, but I got over that."
"You LOVED it at the time."
"Yeah, but i'm sick of it now. I'm not really a Tim Deluxe fan."
"Well...", I said, knowing my Hussey a little too well, "Let's see how you feel about it in a couple of years time when it comes on!"
For those that don't get what I mean about this, you'll realise before the end of the post.
Strawberry champers gone, and working our way through the bottle, housemate and totally gorgeous individual we love named Andrew comes home. We immediately produce a third glass, much to his protests about having to get on an early flight tomorrow morning to go to New Zealand, and fill it with wine.
Hussey and Andrew get along famously, as to be expected as they're both fabulous individuals. Infact, I couldn't be more pleased with the fact that Hussey is home and that Andrew is my new housemate. By this stage, after a combination of tiredness and a light dinner, the wine is beginning to go to my head. I start giggling about stupid things... not finishing sentences... and start to refer to the strawberry infused champagne as 'pink faggot necture'. I convince the rest that we need more, and scurry across the road to buy three more small bottles of faggot necture and another bottle of wine.
By now, Micheal and I are getting nostalgic, talking about nights where previous housemates have brought home dates only to find Micheal and I bouncing off the walls dancing in the loungeroom maniacally (and scaring said date off... we were held to blame for months after that), and even just our usual clubbing habits (propped up at bar... heads nodding... notice both are doing the same thing... let out a stupid giggle... hug... go back to being propped up at bar with heads nodding...) Before long, the idea of going to The Laird is thrown up into the air (fortunately, the only thing that was thrown up all night). I protest I have nothing to wear (definitely nothing in leather). Andrew protests about his early morning flight. I find something that I think is okay in the wardrobe. Andrew phones co-worker to discover that he is out at the Xchange and therefore sees this as permission to go out. Within minutes, we're out the door.
As we're walking out the door, 'Less Talk More Action' comes back on. Micheal lets out a delighted squeal and says something about "lovin' this track". I point out that no more than an hour earlier, he told me that he didn't like it. Ahhh, the mysteries of those loveable but forever mind changing Gemini's. Wonder if Kylie is like that?
Now, let me get this right... obviously I was a bit tipsy as I decided to go to The Laird in a) tan pants with b) a synthetic woollen tan with brown strips cardigan.... I mean... "?" What was I thinking? While I don't think I got too many stares, it was obviously clear that I wasn't wearing the right thing. However, if you weren't wearing half a cow or blue jeans with a Bonds tshirt, you kind of stood out. This was, however, the first time that Micheal and I had been out since his surprise return last weekend, and the first time Andrew and I had been out, so it was a special evening.
We stood in the backroom bar, checking out the boys as they walked around. There was one particular boy in a white tshirt with a sensational body and cute smile that caught all three of our attentions. I loudly said, "That boy in the white tshirt just there is just stunning!" at the top of my voice, perhaps not realising how loud I was. He turned around to see who said it. Micheal and Andrew quickly looked away to avoid being sprung. I was too drunk and so I just kept staring at him grinning stupidly. He smiled back and went back to his conversation with his friends.
I was actually surprised at:
a) how many people I knew were there
b) how many cute boys were there
c) how many cute boys Micheal and I would've jumped only to find that Andrew had already been there
d) how many cute boys Andrew and Micheal would've jumped only to find that I had already been there
e) how difficult it is to get a cubicle there
f) how young the crowd was
g) how much the DJ looked like a Village Person
h) how non-commercial the dance music actually was, and lastly
i) I need, I need you... sorry, had to chuck a tiny Stacey Q joke in there.
Grand final day today, which makes me think of the lovely Charlie Fenn at FMR... she'll be all Collingwood crazy today... rare you'll find me saying this, but good luck to them for Charlie's sake! Infact, the game would be over as I type this, but I have total indifference to it and will probably find out the results on Monday when someone mentions it to me. I love Grandfinal day for shopping... so much easier than any other day.
Anyway... woke up this morning, feeling a little seedy, but toddled off to my volunteer work that I do... all good... and now, just resting up wanting for Ant to arrive and to get ready for the final Piano Bar at Chapel Off Chapel tonight. It's going to be sad but we might as well see it off with a big 'Rah!'
I must admit that the interview with Marilyn Manson on www.theage.com.au has got me fascinated, and I always finds his interviews to be amazingly articulate and insightful. Part of me feels like writing a blog on the misconception of superficial prejudices, assumptions... people would look at someone like Marilyn Manson and perhaps discount his message based on the assumption that his popularity, and dare we say existence, has come about merely through shock tactics. If they were to perhaps discount what they 'think' he is about and perhaps listen to some of his arguements and thoughts, they might be pleasantly surprised at what he is really setting out to achieve. And I think this is a common problem that exists throughout time. For instance, take a philosopher like Martin Heidegger, who is highly regarded as a philosopher, but hated for being a nazi... regardless of his political intentions, does it discount the philosopher he has on being and time? It might sound like a bizarre comparison, but what is the difference between the brand of 'art' that Marilyn Manson makes and his connection to the occult and Satanism, and someone like Heidegger, an influential thinker who also believe in 'the elimination of an inferior race'?
Entry #2
Context: On being able to just do 'nothing' during breaks.
I just enjoyed sleeping and doing nothing. I think I can finally appreciate doing nothing. Took me years to get there but i've finally made it after all. It used to annoy me cause I would feel like doing nothing literally wasted time. I guess now I appreciate it is a good time for reflection or, to the other extreme, to just 'be'.
Entry #3
Context: Experience and the meaning of life...
I guess I always just remember the old cliche in the back of my mind that what doesn't kill us only serves to make us stronger. These experiences may often hurt, or be difficult, but what I stand to get out of them and learn about myself is so much greater. I was always a great fan of the French existentialist writer Albert Camus, and his belief that the meaning of life all came down to experiences and learning from the experiences to help us evolve into greater individuals. In the big picture, this experience will merely be one where I learnt how to tear myself as an individual away from myself as a job title, which is fleeting and disposable at the best of times.
Entry #4
Context: My responce to the upgraded offer on the job front.
I had a speak with the woman last night about what this alternate position is, and honestly, i'm not sure if it fusses me as much. It involves dealing with oil companies and convience stores in putting CD's into their market place. It seems a step back out of the music industry for me. It would be a minimal pay increase, and the potential of a company car, but in order to get my existing car up to a sellable level would cost me a fortune anyway... so i'm not really sure about all that... especially since I want to go back and do study next year too, not sure if I want something that could potentially be time consuming when the other offer is a 9-5 Mon-Fri role.
Entry #5
Context: The new Kylie album
...I don't know actually. I've totally distanced myself from the whole album title/tracklist scenario, mostly cause I don't really care. I mean, I am looking forward to the album and all, but the album will come out in November so I might as well just wait and hear what is the deal. I definitely don't have any ambitions to be a 'Kylie authority' much anymore, and will probably become known as that guy who knows a lot about FMR period 2000-2003... but that's all cool too. I'm happy to just be a fan. It still doesn't change what I think about the music.
Checking the Ezydvd site, noticed that there has been a few new exciting additions before the end of the year, and updates on when we can expect to see some of the tbc's coming out...
Friday, 26th September Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence: At only AUS$15, a very cheap way to grab a great David Bowie film.
Thursday, 2nd October Love Is In The Air: Party Mix: five part series from the ABC exploring pop music's history in Australia, looking at its significant role in the shaping of our popular culture... or atleast that's what the blurb says... haven't seen it but it sounds good, and at 230 minutes, could be rather comprehensive.
The Vicar Of Dibley, Series 1: Dawn French classic series.
Wednesday, 12th November The Simpsons Series 3: So, the US get an October release... atleast it is only one month behind them... notice how fast they're getting all the Futurama's out yet they're taking forever to work through all xxteen series of The Simpsons...
Christmas With The Simpsons: And even more cash in's... although this does have five episodes on it instead of the usual four... but still, it still costs AUS$35!
Doctor Who - The Three Doctors: The Five Doctors was better... but still, a landmark episode bringing the first three Doctors together. Interesting article on Doctor Who here.
Fawlty Towers: The Complete Series: Classic John Cleese series... now complete with outtakes and commentaries.
Thursday, 13th November Clue: 'I hated her SO much... flames... on the side of my face... heaving... breathing... breathless... flames...'
Mommie Dearest: Dodgy but 'classic' cult film based on the life of Joan Crawford... "NO WIRE HANGERS!!!"
Wednesday, 19th November There's Something About Mary: One of the funniest films in the past decade gets a rerelease with an additional 19 minutes of unseen footage included, and a bonus disk of special features.
Soap, Series 1: Landmark television comedy, with one of the first 'gay' characters.
Big Business: And here I was wishing just recently that they would release this on DVD... and not only do we get it, but at AUS$15!
Monday, 24th November Kath & Kim, Series 2: Wasting absolutely no time in getting this one out before Christmas... Classic moment from episode one; Kim's reply to Kath when she asked if she liked 'Shallow Hal' cause she was fat, "No, Mum... it's because i'm shallow... You can be so cruel!"
Love Is In The Air - The Series: It is a celebration of Australian pop music, the meaningful yet disposable sound of the suburbs, the kitsch that became cool. (yeah, I stole this from the sales blurb again...)
No doubt, all of you have heard me bitch constantly of late about the number of birthdays that i've had. Since the last weekend in August, i've had a minimum of two birthdays per weekend, and it is only just now beginning to clear up... although my bank account is certainly feeling the pinch a bit not to mention the fact that I constantly look tired and run down...
Let's have a look at this weekend...
Friday night... I honestly can't remember what I did... but since I had to work for most of Saturday, I suspect it was a quiet night in. Nup... i'm sitting here still thinking... I know I was running around trying to put together some new masters for a compilation that i'm helping out FMR with, and finding it increasingly difficult... it's hardly news worthy, so let's leave that there.
Saturday... got up... went to work for the day... not used to working Saturdays and certainly felt it later that night... finished work... went over to my friend Leo's place to put together these compilation masters since he had the missing tracks that I needed... got home again about 7pm, in time for Matt to pop around with a 'surprise for me'... the 'surprise' in question being the return of our beloved Hussey from the UK. There is a certain level of irony in all this, as just earlier that day, Matt had told me how he was planning to return home to Melbourne in six weeks time (he relocated to Sydney over a year ago). My reply was, "All we need is for the Hussey to return now and it'll feel like 'home' again..." And sure enough, on my doorstep that night, like I had clicked my heels three times and done some chant, Micheal had returned.
From there, I went onto Michael (as in, Michael & Jimmy) party. I felt it was a rather brave move actually... it was the first time I suspect that his family and his 'gay friends' were all in the same room, and certainly if the campness of his friends wasn't an indication, or the obvious dynamic that exists between Jimmy and himself (potentially, the most perfectly matched couple that I can think of), then the music was a dead giveaway. Any play of Kylie is bound to raise suspicion... but then when you have a double play of 'Boom Boom, Let's Go Back To My Room' followed by Man 2 Man's 'Male Stripper', you know you're not in Kansas anymore, Toto. (Note: not sure why I have so many bloody Wizard Of Oz references in this post... it must be something subliminal).
Many highlights for the night... from a few unknown cute boys wondering around the room to one of Jimmy's remarkably accurate 'Beyonce' strolls that he does... i'm not sure if it is a Greek tradition or just handy crafty work that lead to the girls tying the helium balloons around the guys heads, sitting there like multicoloured lightbulbs... At some stage here, it should be pointed out that I told someone that my days of partying till 8am in the morning were pretty much over, and that tonight, I was feeling especially tired and achy. Infact, I began to develope the strangest pain in both wrists in exactly the same spot... have no idea what caused it (and no smart arse comments thanks) but it was certainly causing me a fair amount of discomfort through out the evening.
It was commonly decided upon that The Market was to be the choice of venue post Michael's Star Bar celebrations... and so I quickly raced home to drop off my camera, check my hair, and head on back out.
The Market had some big celebration on... I believe it was to celebrate the birthday of the rainbow flag or something along those lines. I did point out to people that gay men hardly need a reason to celebrate anything. You could tell them that vodka had been invented on that night, or it was the night that Jennifer Saunders first muttered 'fabulous, sweetie darling!', and they would throw a celebration for it. I had arrived at The Market and gone straight in, waiting to hear as to when Michael, Jimmy and friends were due to arrive. About an hour later, there was an sms from them telling me that they were stuck in the queue outside. I had gone out and asked Brett kindly if there was any way they could be advanced, but due to how busy it was that night, it just wasn't possible... and so I went out and stood in the queue with them. I knew a few of Michael's female friends were big QAF fans, and so I 'pre-warned' them that The Market was the closest to the club scenes in QAF than usual. They were pleased to hear this.
Once inside, I found Anthony, who was with his usual partners in crime, Rina and Pat (a married couple who prefer the gay clubs to the rest). I've been rather impressed with his friends... I remember the first week I met Pat, heading to the dancefloor at one point during the night and looking up to see him dancing away on a podium. I thought, "hmm... that's pretty cool." This is where things between Ant and I are working really well... he isn't clingy in anyway, and I think that is an important thing if anyone wants to actually be with me. He comes with his friends and spends time with them... I have my friends and spend time with them... it's not like we ignore each other or don't spend anytime together or with each others friends... but at the same time, we recognize the fact that we have our own friends prior to meeting each other that are important to us, and that these are relationship that we want to see continue just as strongly. So i'd often run up and down stairs, having a quick chat with Ant, then running back to Michael and Jimmy and co, and then over to Steve, and then to the bar or the loo... generally being a social little butterfly regardless of the fact that I was complaining initially about being tired, feeling anti-social and having 'sore wrists'.
My mood did continue to improve throughout the night, and by the end of the night, there was Michael and Jimmy dancing away with Ant and I dancing beside them. I'm sure that people were dancing around us thinking, "freakin' couples..."; but hey, we were having fun. And worst of all, thinking back to a comment that I made earlier, we finally stumbled out of the venue at (ahem) 10am...
It was also a good opportunity to chat with Ant about 'things'... For the longest time, i've known that i'm not a very 'relationship' kinda guy. Infact, I think it is safe to say that I do have a fear of commitment. I'm, strangely, comfortable with this fact as well. But I wanted to tell Ant just so that he knew what he was 'up against', and the fact that armed with this info, he and I might be able to work on this together... I'm not that stupid that I don't realise when i've got a good thing, and Ant is a really sweet, intelligent and likeable guy. I guess it is just one of those Capricorn traits that we are rather viciously independent and take a while to build trust up towards people, even those that we 'like'. I'm definitely someone that people get to know over a period of time, and my close friends are the only people that really get to see 'me'... but i'm beginning to feel myself getting more comfortable around Ant, especially as I discover more about his creative/dancing side. After all, we're talking about someone who has been a dancer in shows like Rocky Horror (with Jason Donovan), Mamma Mia! and Oh What a Night... It was fun dancing with him on the Sunday morning, and certainly his compliment that I was a 'little groover' was appreciated... although all my friends know about my philosophy on butt wiggling.
Went home... went to bed... stupidly... as I had my nephews 18th birthday on that day, and thought I would grab a couple of hours sleep prior... woke up... it was 7:30pm... I cannot begin to tell you the level of guilt that I felt. I quickly phoned Deb to see if it was too late to drop around and give Alex his present, and she said it was... which reminds me that I might see if I can drop around there tonight and take his present to him and personally apologize for not showing. I personally would view my actions as the height of rudeness, and so I really want to make an effort to let him know how apologetic I am. But as I was saying, so many birthdays and celebrations lately that after a day of working, compiling masters and parties the day before, I was just exhausted come Sunday morning...
That night, my housemate Andrew made dinner for me. This is probably the first time in about two years that a housemate has actually made dinner for me, and considering I was feeling like crap, I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciated that. I've come to the conclusion that Andrew is one of the most considerate people I know. Of course, I don't mean any disrespect to any of my previous housemates, who were all fabulously unique in their own ways... but Andrew is the type of person who will phone you if he is at the supermarket to see if you need anything... or sms you to see if you've had dinner yet if he is making something... He truly is a remarkable man and I make no effort to hide the fact that I find him somewhat inspiring of late... he certainly is someone who i'm glad to have in my life at the moment cause I think he keeps me a little more on track.
We ended up grabbing some snacks, a bottle of wine, and watching 'Little Shop Of Horrors' on Sunday night... which seemed like a great way to end the weekend. Monday morning was a little hard, crawling into work and faking enthusiasm to help people. I knew it was going to be one of those days when the first call I received was some kid who must've been all of 13 barking, "My internet doesn't work..." as an opening line down the phone to me. But the week does seem to be getting better. Firstly, I think i've found possibly the most ideal and suitable replacement for me at Alphalink... he says, looking over in the Hussey's direction... and secondly, although I can never be sure this will go ahead, but I received a phone call from Shock today telling me to expect another phone call today from someone as they feel there might be a position better suited for me within the company if I was interested in taking it... talk about thrilled! It's definitely making me feel like I am back in business!
This week... quietish week I think... a bit of gym, if I can (Ant and I are going to help each other there)... have dinner with Kieran and Tim over at Andrew's place towards the end of the week... the final Piano Bar at Chapel Off Chapel this coming Saturday night... and finally get back to bowling at Strike on Sunday. It truly is amazing how much someone's life can change in such a short time, but i've often had these periods before where my world just seems to turn around within a matter of a few weeks. It happened when I first went to Mushroom, getting a new job, home and partner within the space of a month... and now again, I have a new housemate, new job and new partner all within the space of a month... you have to admit, it's kinda spooky... but I just roll with it.
Firstly, I guess my biggest news of late is that i've decided to accept a new role with Shock Records/CDFA. I'll be working in a sales role with their CD Fulfillment team, basically acting as a record store to record stores... I know this is a confusing concept but think of it as me dealing with stores that may be too small to open accounts with the larger distributors, or perhaps may not want to deal with the larger distributors for whatever reasons. I won't just be dealing with Shock stock as well, but CDs and DVDs from all the majors in Australia. Financially, it is accepting a little less than what I am even earning now, but it isn't about the money for me.... infact, working in the music industry has never been about the money, as anyone who works in the industry knows (it never really pays enough to warrant it being about the money!!)
However, I think it is commonly recognized that this is the right step for me... Shock have already acknowledged that I am, in reality, over qualified for the role and are concerned that I might get bored. I pointed out that, while it is true that my FMR role was perhaps far more advanced than this, my current reality involves me getting headaches from spending the day staring at brightly coloured blocks in a day long daring game of Collapse. I just want to be back in the industry... back in 'the loop'... and feeling like i'm on the right path again... even if I have to start back at square one, it's still square one over square none.
Even more exciting for me is the fact that i'll be working under Will Heine, an old friend of mine who was my sales rep back in the days when he was at BMG and I was at JB. He moved onto Zomba... I moved onto FMR... and now we're seemingly meeting up at Shock/CD Fulfillment. I have a lot of time and respect for Will and feel that i'm going to learn a hell of a lot working with him... it makes me even more excited. Add to this that I already know Dave and Geoff at Shock, and I feel like i'm about to walk into a ready made family for me again. I have to thank my friend Marky as well for suggesting me to them, as it was his initiative that brought me to their attention.
They want me to start in one week but I am obliged to give a fortnights notice here at Alphalink. The only problem is that my bosses are rarely ever here. Simon, the main manager of Best St, is currently on holidays (although he seems to spend an enormous amount of time online updating his website and sending through shots of the scenery). Leanne, who is absolutely lovely, is rarely in, to be honest. She usually appears sometimes later in the afternoon, checks her messages, perhaps makes a phone call or two, and then disappears for the rest of the day. I sent her an ICQ yesterday saying that I needed to speak with her urgently, and although I know she was on ICQ, didn't receive any reply. I discovered this morning that she won't be in again today as she has gone skiing for the weekend (trivia fact: i've never seen snow...) This has lead me to send an email to one of the other directors with my intentions to resign as I have no other means, other than perhaps ICQ'ing my resignation through, to let them know and, because time is not on my side here, I need to give Shock a date that i'm going across asap. I haven't heard a reply back from my email yet, but I am determined to establish this fact with them today and hope they don't mind my upcoming departure.
But as i've been saying all along, these past couple of weeks have felt like a period of change coming through. I always laugh when I can feel it coming on and then it all happens. In the space of three weeks, i've gained a new housemate, starting seeing someone, wrapped up the FMR situation (although at a huge financial cost to myself), obtained a position back within the music industry, and even managed to continue my work on Kylie Minogue (more on that after)...
Add to this, there have been a few surprise messages for me too. I had one message passed on through a mutual friend from Darren from Gerling... just asking how I was, and basically saying that they missed working with me... which gave me a lot of comfort, especially since I really miss working with them. 'BadBlood!!!' is such an amazing album... in fact, all of their albums are amazing... and to have even briefly been involved with that band was an absolute honour for me.
And then I received the most gorgeous email out of the blue from Angie Hart, who most of you will remember from the bands Splendid and Frente. Angie and her husband, Jesse, form the band Splendid, who I had the honour to work with back in 1999 when their album, 'Have You Got a Name For It?' was released. I had always admired Angie, ever since some of Frente's earlier work has a personal attachment for me to the only person i've ever fallen for, and so it was just amazing to find Angie to be as 'real' and beautiful in person as she appeared to be in the media the years before. I have a few fond memories of Angie and Jesse... there was one instance where we had gone into Triple J to record a cover of Air Supply's 'Love & Other Bruises' for their Australian Music Week... Angie and Jesse had done two takes on it, and it was pretty much down to a coin flip as to which version to go for as Jesse and I had preferred one while Angie and the engineer had preferred the other... from memory, the version that was used (and ended up as a b-side on their single 'Come Clean') was the version that Jesse and I had gone for... then there was the amazing showcase that they had done at The Continental... and the one at Revolver too, with a mostly industry crowd who were always difficult to control chatting wise... Angie recording the interview with Karen Leng for Saturday Morning Recovery sticks in my mind too... I remember admitting to her in the lift on the way out of that one that I had listened to her version of Dolly Parton's 'Here You Come Again' over and over at one stage, and feeling rather dorky for admitting such things straight afterwards... but the one thing that sticks in my mind is just how amazingly friendly she has always been everytime i've seen her... and I adore her even more for that. And her email this week was just icing on the cake, arriving, strangely, at the right time since I had just been playing the Splendid album at home over the weekend again, and considering my invitiation to re-enter the music industry this week.
I actually dropped into FMR last night after work. I have been helping Dean work on some upcoming Kylie releases still, and dropped in to discuss some details with him. My timing couldn't have been better as the new single, 'Slow', had just arrived for them yesterday morning and it gave me the opportunity to hear it. I have to admit, it isn't as immediate as her previous lead singles. Honest opinion - radio will, of course, jump on it immediately... and it is what the industry likes to refer to as 'a grower'... but I think it is going to surprise a lot of fans as it is a far sight more 'sophisticated' than what many people would be expecting. Many of the FMR crew LOVE this single on first listen. I'm personally not as convinced, but I think I will grow to adore it. However, what it does do is make me truly excited about the upcoming album, as, if the rumours are true, it would appear this is going to be one of the more experimental albums that Kylie has done since the release of KM94 and Impossible Princess in her Deconstruction days. "BRING IT ON!!!", I hear her die-hard fans cry! Parlophone/EMI have, wisely, been keeping things pretty much to themselves about everything to do with this upcoming single and album... I feel even FMR are being kept in the dark a bit about their plans and movements, especially when you consider the fact that much of the news about this single and album seem to be dropped at last minute and held back until considered appropriate. EMI UK have also, and again, wisely, started to watermark their CD's in an attempt to curb leakage happening (about time!) It honestly feels like a very exciting period to be a Kylie fan, and I have 100% faith that this period can potentially be even BIGGER than 'Fever'... this coming from someone who isn't 100% convinced on the debut single... it just has that vibe about it.
I woke up this morning to the sound of my housemate, knocking on my bedroom door, greeting me with the biggest flowers i've seen in a while. Seems Anthony was keen to congratulate me on my new position, and to remind me that he rather likes me. No, i'm not freakin' out (I know my friends well... and know that they know me well... and know that they know that this sort of thing generally makes me uncomfortable.) I must admit that I don't have a vase at home (knew I should've bought one at Ikea recently... although Andrew has been trying to talk me into going to Ikea with him so perhaps this is a good time to go and get one...) but the flowers are rather amazing... they're in a jug at home at the moment. I commented on July 24th this year how much one persons world can change within 48 hours... I bring forward this sentiment again, that it is amazing how much a persons world can change within a short period of time, and I guess it reinforces the importance of being in touch with yourself so that you don't find yourself crumbling underneath all the changes. Change is good... m'kay...
Birthdays... I have Michael Sakellaris actually doing the official party for the 30th this weekend (although many weeks past his actual birthdate... and oh, what a night THAT was!) and my nephew Alexander (or just... Alex) celebrates his 18th this Sunday... oh my god, if there is anything that makes me feel 'old', it is going to my nephews 18th... it was bad enough when I discovered my niece Ashleigh had her drivers licence... ok, i'm realistic about these things... i'm 30 years young and feel 'the best' i've been ever (except for the fact I could stand to lose about 5kg at the moment, but we're working on that)... but there are some things that do tend to make you sit back and think, "CRAP! How did that happen so soon?"
Went to see 'Pop Princess' with David Knox last night. My honest opinion; the show generally felt pretty half baked. There was a moment where Trevor Ashley performed a Nikki Webster song ('Strawberry Kisses') as Judy Garland that was absolutely hysterical and very well done... but on the whole, the show felt pretty average. I do have to give major *snaps* though to his backing dancer/singer/hot boy Matt, who was just one of the most drool worthy creations i've seen on any stage in a long time. This guy was just amazingly attractive, incredible body, fantastic dancer, and played his 'role' incredibly well... I sat there thinking he had a brighter future than Trevor did, sadly... but credit to Trevor for putting together such an ambitious show. I did run into an ex of mine there, and Neale actually loved the show and claimed it was one of the funniest things that he had seen in a while... so I guess that totally counteracts my thoughts on it. But I guess after a few squeaky voiced production numbers and countless errors with the DVD backing video/tracks, it all grew a bit... well... it all grew a bit.
So... i'm sitting here looking into space with a curious look on my face while JP asks me what is wrong, and I reply, "Just wondering if i've covered everything important to me lately..." I think I have... I guess if I haven't, there will be another update soon...
Entry #1
Context: Being too vulnerable and open in blogs.
You know what i've always believed - people can never knock you as long as you're honest and real. I don't think there is a problem in being an open book. They can criticise you if they want, but you can just merely reply that you're being honest with them, and isn't that ultimately one of the highest forms of respect you can give another person - to let them know honestly what you think of them, yourself and the world? That's what I believe anyway. Besides that, people want to hear about other humans, not perfectionists, not experts, but other people who are sometimes funny, sometimes flawed, sometimes scared - but always very real. It's why I think Amiel's album is so good... it's because she may be vulnerable in it, and the 'character' may be flawed, but it's very real and people can relate to that. That's the most important thing. So don't ever be concerned about what people may think cause what they think ultimately isn't important when you are just merely putting yourself out there... they don't need to read it afterall.
Entry #2
Context: My priorities when I go out.
...but you also know what my priorities are when I go out. 1) to dance and be with friends, 2) to have sambuca shots, and 3) to perve on cute boys... that's about it really...
Entry #3
Context: On being described as 'empowering'.
...the reality of the situation is that i'm actually a walking contradiction most of the time. I've been described as empowering and yet I often question my own abilities. I guess a lot of people do that... it's all part of being human and i've come to the conclusion that humanity is very good at contradicting itself. It's all part of that internal struggle where mankind is really not sure about what it wants, where it is going, frightened of the future, yada yada yada... and that's the difference in the two situations - empowerment is thinking about the future and being positive about it while doubt is thinking about the future and being frightened of it. It's all just a mindset really.
Entry #4
Context: Charisma...
...Charisma is an interesting factor... that undefinable 'spark' that ignites a person above the masses from which they've originated. But ask yourself this... are there levels of charisma?... you could argue that a lover would find their partner atleast charismatic to them? It may not necessarily work to the same mass level as someone like 'a Kylie'... but then, why does Kylie have it, but Dannii seem to struggle with it? Both are attractive women. Both have excellent voices. Both are talented. Both have excellent songs worthy of chart success. So why is it that Kylie has seemingly spent her career consistently at the top while Dannii has struggled to maintain a similar level of interest? Is it, in Kylie's own words, 'too much of a good thing'? Some could even argue that some of Dannii's earlier material were perhaps a little more 'sophisticated' than her sisters at the time... I certainly think 'Jump To The Beat' and the excellent Steve Silk Hurley produced 'Baby Love' were far more ahead of their time than they're given credit for... and certainly, in terms of club culture, far more credible. Anyway, enough of my reply rant...
Entry #5
Context: Appreciating Amiel.
She is remarkably mature for her age too. If the truth be known, I believe Amiel is a bit of an old soul. She certainly has a wisdom and articulation about her that most people in their early 20's are not able to utilise, and yet she does it so effortlessly and confidently. Yet, at the same time, she is so vulnerable. Again, it's all part of that human condition that makes us contradict ourselves. I find that I can easily identify with many of the songs on the album... the fact that a 30something year old gay guy can identify with the musings of a 20something year old girl suggests the broader spectrum of which Amiel's lyrics can actually cover. 'Missing The Music' is something I really relate to at the moment. I've certainly been the psycho character in 'Obsession' before too.
Entry #6
Context: Thoughts on wearing a suit...
I LOVED it. Infact, i'm considering going and buying a suit now cause I thought it just worked for me... talk about power walking everywhere, sunglasses on, snotty attitude... I was working it.
Entry #7
Context: Quote of the day (I didn't write this)
"Why is it you can sue McDonalds if you get fat, sue Marlboro if you get cancer but you can't sue wine companies for all the ugly people you shag?"
Entry #8
Context: Mental Health Days.
...yes, up until recently, I had never entertained the thought of mhd's, but now I completely understand why some people DO infact indulge in them... it makes sense and I definitely see it as a necessity. Infact, as warped as it may sound, although I was stuck in tense situations in court houses all of yesterday, it was nice not to be sitting infront of a pc with a headset on talking to knobheads all day too.
Entry #9
Context: Consistency in the music industry.
...I'm beginning to realise, and feel stupid for not realising sooner as the trait has been there all along, that consistency actually doesn't exist in the music industry. We're not always the golden boys. The public will not always be interested. The media will not always play your music. Your bosses will not always support you. Nor will they always keep the same responce or stance. Release dates will not always be set. Nor will prices. Nor love. Nor respect. It just keeps changing to whatever seems 'right' at the time, no matter how wrong it is. I guess that is the same with any industry where passions, egos, and a mistake that your job is actually a lifestyle comes into play. But I am sorry to hear that it all kind of fell flat cause I can understand how excited your were about the prospect of working for xxx... hell, who wouldn't be? We just have to both remain optimistic that we were meant to be working in that industry and that we will both return there... But I guess it is such a competitive dog eat dog industry that it tends to bring out more of the 'dog' in people...
Entry #10
Context: My 'world'...
...Mind you, I find myself still feeling like my current world is all very surreal and wondering when it will all snap back into normal... only to realise that this is the new normal... this is my new 'brown'.
Wanna email me? Do so at lol_at_work@hotmail.com
And lastly... from Yazzi:
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by it slef but the wrod as a wlohe. ceehiro
I actually have the worst headache today. I think it is a combination of many things. Firstly, the constant repetition of my job, asking the same questions in my faux submissive voice...
Me: Welcome to Alphalink... how can I help you?
Customer: Ahh, yes... i've been overseas for a few weeks and have just got back to discover that my internet has been disconnected and i'd like to renew my... erm... er...
Me: Account.
Customer: Yes, thank you.
Note #1: It is extraordinary how many people have just returned from overseas... this isn't just an observation i've made but something the customer support team have commented on. Easily, the #1 reason why an account has slipped is because people seem to be constantly overseas.
Me: Absolutely! Can I have your login name?
Customer: er... I don't know that.
Me: Your email address?
Customer: oh! Wilaabuk (said incredibly fast) w i l double a b u k...
Me: (struggling to keep up) Sorry... could you say that again please?
Customer: (sighing in disgust at having to repeat themself and repeating it like i'm hard of hearing) w... i... l... double a... b... u... k...
Me: thank you. Can I ask what name the account is under please?
Customer: my name.
Me: And that would be?
Customer: Chris.
Me: Sorry, Chris - what's your surname there? (needed for confirmation)
Customer: Wilab.
Me: (thinking 'FINALLY!') thank you. That will be $220 to renew that account... how would you like to pay for that?
Customer: credit card thanks.
Me: Ok, can I have your card number please?
Customer: 4567
Me: Yes
Customer: 0055
Me: Aha
Customer: 6532
Me: Hmm
Customer: 3245
Me: ...and expiry date?
Customer: 0504
Me: and the name on the card?
Customer: Commonwealth Bank.
Me: No, not the bank name... the name on the card...
Customer: er... I don't understand what you're asking.
Me: Is it your name on that card?
Customer: oh! Yes!
Me: Is it just Chris Wilab?
Customer: yeah, yeah mate...
Me: Right... now if you turn the card over, the last three digits in your signature strip.
Customer: er... (silence)... what was that?
Me: The last three digits in your signature strip on the back of the card...
Customer: There isn't any number there...
Me: Look in the signature strip...
Customer: (like he has just found the meaning of life) OH! 4565...
Me: So, 565...
Customer: Yeah, 4565.
Me: ok... i'll just grab a receipt for you.
Customer: what was that?
Me: Receipt... i'll just grab one for you.
Customer: oh, ok...
*Pause while the computer generates a receipt number*
Me: Ok... the receipt number is 207...
Customer: Yeah, hold on mate... i've got to get a pen...
Me: (rolling eyes) ok...
*Another pause, about the same length as the one the computer took to generate the receipt in the first place, while customer finds a pen to write down the number I just informed him I was going to supply*
Customer: yeah, ok...
Me: 207...
Customer: 207...
Me: 086...
Customer: 806...
Me: No, 086...
Customer: 806... 086?
Me: no, 207... 086...
Customer: (obviously not getting it down right still) um... yeah... okay... so that's it?
Me: Yes, you're done for another year now.
Customer: oh, ok.
Me: ok.
Customer: ok.
Me: ok then.
Customer: ok, bye.
Me: bye.
Repeat again and again...
It's torture.
It's the same questions over and over.
And yes, it does tend to be a bit mind numbing...
So that is the first reason for my headache.
Secondly, while I absolutely love the game, I suspect the game of Collapse that i've become recently addicted to is also another culprit. I'm sure staring at fast paced coloured blocks all day is likely to do my head in but it seems fun at the time.
But I am also aware that this game has perhaps stopped me from posting so much crap on here, and let's face it - the information that i've been posting here lately has hardly been relevant to myself. Infact, information on upcoming DVD's might be all well and good for some, but I guess i've been deliberately secretive and enigmatic about my existence of late. And while I see I have perhaps 8 minutes to my working day here today left, perhaps it is a good opportunity to tell you a little bit of what has been going on for me of late...
This past fortnight has been all about change. My new housemate has moved in, and I have to say that he is one of the more remarkable housemates that i've ever had. Exceedingly considerate, he is the type of housemate who will phone you from the supermarket to see if you need anything, or sms you to check if you've had anything to eat while he is preparing dinner. He comes to the supermarket with me and demands on chipping in with the costs. I have to say that I feel very lucky to have found such a wonderful housemate to share with at the moment, and certainly his consideration makes me even more considerate of him.
Things with Anthony have been going well. He passed on Saturday night with flying colours (not that there was any intentional or deliberate 'test), as we went out with two seperate groups of friends but it wasn't a clingy evening by any means. Certainly, I can't stand partners that cling and he is definitely not that type at all. We still caught up often during the night and had fun, but it was as much about our friends as it was about each other, which is what you would hope to expect at this relatively early stages. So, yay to that too! I guess I want to stress that, in early stages, I hate people that suddenly become immediate couples and so it feels good to be involved in something that is more naturally evolving.
The 'FMR thing' is all wrapped up now, and an outcome has been resolved. I guess now that this outcome has been achieved, I can actually start writing about what happened now, but I guess that is for a little later on as it is rather involved and complex. And honestly, I think I have to be tactful and diplomatic about how I word things all the same. Regardless, it goes without saying that I have a lot of respect, love and passion for FMR, but certainly feel that this whole experience has taught me a lot.
Lots more going on that i'm not sure I really want to talk about right now for fear of jinxing myself, but as I said - It feels like a period of change. Here's hoping for more optimistic updates abundent with change soon. Now, to go play those blocks again...
September 15th Dick Tracey... although some argue with me, one of Madonna's more watchable films (but yes, yes, yes, 'Four Rooms' is better...)
The Ref... great Denis Leary film
Ruthless People... 'I've been kidnapped by K Mart...'
September 17th Chicago... still maintain that Renee wasn't the best choice, but hey - it's a faithful rendition of classic Fosse.
September 24th Annie... more musicals... one would suspect i'm a showtune queen.
Futurama Season 3... Bender! Bender! Bender!
The Simpsons - Risky Business... bit expensive for four episodes but it IS Simpsons...
October 1st Matrix & Matrix Revisited... I'll be buying this version thanks to the knobhead that stole my copy of 'The Matrix'.
October 8th Valley Of The Dolls... inspired a million and one drag shows... I don't know if I should actually thank this film or hate it.
Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls... inspired the remaining drag shows... all drag shows can be traced back to these two films and Barbarella...
Moonstruck... and this one... come on, it's Cher! You have to love it. Snap out of it!
October 14th Cher- The Farewell Tour... hmm... final Cher... have to love her... she's all of 50something years old and still making Britney look like a has-been...
October 15th Vision Quest... Strangely, also released as 'Crazy For You' (the European title) locally on the same day, with the same cover art... can you say "milking the Madonna fans dry", boys and girls...?
True Stories... David Byrne from Talking Heads rather fantastic (if not bizarre) film... and very cheaply priced too!
October 22nd Family Guy Series 1... FINALLY!!! Even just for evil baby Stewie, this series is a MUST HAVE!
October 29th X Men 2... BRING ON MORE CYCLOPES!
Yong Talent Time - The Collection... Even just to laugh at Dannii's awful outfits and hair... and shoulder pads...
October 30th REM - Greatest Hits... even just for the fantastic clip for 'Imitation Of Life'...
And although they're not listed, expect these before the end of the year:
Erasure greatest hits 2CD set (Oct) - ALL the videos AND hours of television performances
Depeche Mode 101 2CD set (Oct) - Classic concert movie complete with a bonus disk of rarities
Simpsons Series 3 boxset (Oct)
Pet Shop Boys Greatest Hits (Nov) - ALL the videos
Robbie Williams Live At Knebworth (Nov)
Kylie Minogue Greatest Hits 87-98 (Nov)
Tip: looking for the cheapest priced DVD from anywhere 'round the world? Check out Happy Hunter and CDWow.
AUSTRALIAN record companies will not follow US leads and sue music file sharers.
The Recording Industry Association of America took court action against 261 Internet music file sharers yesterday. It also announced an amnesty program for file sharers to confess to sharing music illegally.
Late yesterday, the Australian Recording Industry Association said it would not follow suit.
That decision comes amid research figures that say 3.4 million Australians illegally downloaded music in a recent six month period. Last year, music sales fell by 8.9 per cent, from $629 million to $573 million.
ARIA's anti-piracy unit's Michael Speck said its web surveillance program was adequate enforcement. ARIA has worked with Internet service providers since 1997 on copyright.
"We have been successful in identifying targets and dealing with them one way or another," Mr Speck said.
"We rarely find an Internet infringer who wants to argue the point. There is no grand philosophical debate about their right to be around.
"The minute we identify them, they disappear."
Mr Speck said the RIAA's actions "should not be seen as controversial in the least".
Let's face the reality of the situation here. Regardless of if you believe file sharing is a good or bad thing, there is no way now that it can be stopped unless (and this does sound dramatically drastic) they were to actually dismantle the internet. Like all great situations, both sides actually have strong cases. On one hand, we have the peer-to-peer (from here on known as p2p) users who are taking money away from the artists and the record companies, creating job loss and huge debt. On the other hand, we have the money hungry and egotistical record companies who believe that, because of their size and might, can't be taken out by the slingshot armed p2p users. Thanks Goliath!
When Napster first arrived on the scene many years ago, it was literally a revolution in music. For the first time ever, many people could access music that they had a passing interest in, or that had long been deleted. As a result of this, there was actually an increase in music sales during the first year, as people became fans of newer and more diverse music, and continued to feel that a file on a hard drive wasn't really a 'real' thing. Additionally, for the music collector, it created a utopia where rarities, white label mixes and live recordings were merely a few key punches away. Even to this day, mp3 is the most searched term on the net, even more than sex, and certainly much more that www.lol73.blogspot.com...
It was at this point in time that the record companies in the US should've worked in with Napster. Napster was insanely popular. It had a massive user base. If a record company had come in and remoulded this working distribution model, it would've been the breakthrough that both modern technology and the music industry needed in bedding their relationship. Instead, the US record companies raised their pig headed arrogance and demanded the death of Napster. Not happy until Napster's head was brought to it on a plate, they slaughted Napster without thinking about the possible ramifications that could occur. Sure, they may have killed Napster but it was a very empty victory, as the reality of the situation proved to sway far more in favour of the p2p users.
Almost immediately, alternate p2p programs popped up to replace Napster, from Audio Galaxy to Soul Seek to KaZaa to Morpheous to Win MX... And as they had scattered like a sworn of bees when the Napster hive was shattered, it was harder to try to stop one entity when there were several that were constantly growing out of nowhere. No matter what action the RIAA take, it still will not kill the p2p movement. It may drive it a little more underground, but for each step forward they take, it is only a matter of weeks before creative and innovative programmers take it five steps forward for their cause. Additionally, it could be argued that their hardcore tactics in trying to cease p2p file trading could only lead to a stronger resentment towards the RIAA, which is perhaps something that they would need to address.
Now, don't get my rants and observations wrong here. I'm certainly not trying to speak for or against the act of p2p trading. However, as an observer, I can recognize the pros and cons to both sides. The situation does need to be addressed. While people my age and slightly younger will probably always prefer a hard copy arted finished product of our favourite music, we are breeding a generation of kids who not only will be happy with a file on a hard drive, but who will honestly believe without moral objection, that music should be free. Of course, if you were to draw an analogy between them working for free and artist working for free, they'll throw their hands up in disgust stating that it is an entirely different situation, and of course most already resort to blaming 'greedy record companies' as an apparent valid reason to commit this act.
However, we also have to look at the attitude and actions of the music industry, who are entirely behind the eight ball with modern technology and have been resistent in addressing the situation for the longest time, mostly, one would suspect, from a lack of truly understanding it. It was only a few years back where if anyone working in the music industry dared suggested that there was some merit to p2p programmes, they were labelled a rebel (you're reading the writing of one for a start). They foolishly believed that the threat of copyright infringement would honestly be enough to deter people from downloading and then scratched their heads in confusion when their well meaning campaigns about 'stealing' music didn't work. Perhaps cause you're insulting your customers, morons! And certainly labelling them criminals and taking them to court isn't going to encourage them to support the music industry either. I guess it hadn't occured to anyone to actually try to make people aware of what record companies actually do, what they spend their marketing budgets on, and how the whole industry works... what kind of jobs exist now... and what kind of reality that industry face if the threat of revenue loss continues. How many people realise the multitude of roles in the average record company, made up by hard working people who are not all greedy money hungry corporates, but by people who care about their artists, care about music, and are generally in the job because they want to be part of music history and make a difference. I never wanted to get into the music industry to be rich, and god knows it never made me rich either... I wanted to be part of something bigger; to be part of seeing an artist develope, grow, and become something universally acknowledged... that was my dream.
I still remember when I was working in music retail, there was one evening where a group of young teenagers came in. They stared at the latest Human Nature CD that was out at the time and made comment of how they didn't want their money supporting them but then went on within the same breathe to acknowledge the new Something For Kate, who were still relatively unknown then, and how they should be 'more popular'. The irony is this - both acts are through SONY. Now, what they fail to often understand is that it was the success of artists like Human Nature that helped fund the way for acts like Something For Kate to become as successful as they are. Infact, from my past experience, I would often estimate that for every five to ten acts that a company may try to establish, one or two will work. The rest will be, sadly, a loss. Without proper funding though, there will be little option other than to drop those acts in the future, thus cutting their careers increasingly short. There will be unrecouped costs that the band will never make because their albums didn't sell. Sure, at the end of the day, it is a 'business' and you have to take calculated business risks... but then people shouldn't get so upset when a business also goes out of it's way to protect it's interests.
If you don't support the artists, how do you expect them to continue creating? As much as an artist creates to articulate their soul, they still need a roof over their head, food on their plate, bills paid, and perhaps a bit of luxury for the disadvantages of the lifestyle that they (potentially) end up leading. Even aside this point, would you work for free for the love of it, no matter how much you enjoy your job? It just isn't really a realistic prospect.
And then there is the basic misunderstanding of what a record company actually does and how it operates. Niave artists are saying that the internet will serve to be their liberation... from what exactly? Yes, there will be nothing like having a million and one bedroom musicians flooding the net with their half arsed attempts at 'music' with no one actually having any way to decipfer the difference between the good, the bad and the just freakin' ugly. Have you tried downloading some of the (ahem) 'white label bootlegs' that appeared on the net? Someone out there actually created that gobshite, thought it was good, and put it on the net with their name to it for general consumption... and you expect them to be any different when they suddenly develope stars in their eyes and think they can make a career as a serious musician. Isn't it bad enough that we already have people like Saint Ken in the world who think their 'dance mixes' are actually worthy of any level of credibility? No, Amnesty International should be brought in to deal with people who torture the works of art in the way they do. Sure, they can remix for the fun of it, but please don't inflict it on innocent people, and especially those with limited bandwidth...
So, first point - record companies distinguish (and yes, this point is debatable) between the good and the bad. They then use their marketing prowess to help establish the acts in the media sectors (radio, television, print media, cyberspace), retail sectors (record stores, cyberspace again) and anywhere else that is possible. They help define the artist, fine tune their abilities, and assist in trying to create for that artist a long term career... something that is getting increasingly harder through a combination of many factors, namely the fact that kids are judging artists moreso on a song by song basis lately (easier to download) and the fact that established long term artists are losing sight of what kids out there actually want.
I won't sit down and go through an average album marketing budget now... that could be a whole other blog... but you can rest assured that money goes very quickly in the world of artist marketing. This notion that record companies are swimming in money is certainly an inaccurate one, especially in Australia, and people would probably be more likely to question the costs third parties charge than to point the finger at the alledged greedy record companies. It certainly doesn't help when companies like Universal in the US suddenly create a new industry standard by dropping their CD prices by 1/4, a move that will effect every other company in the US and potentially filter out to around the world, dropping the available budgets companies have to market and get their artists out there. If people are complaining that the quality and choice in music now is pretty dire, I can promise you that it will only continue to get worse as companies are limited in their resources to help cultivate and develope new and relevant talent.
But back to the point at hand... or the point of this thread... record companies, the internet, and the consumer. The recent Apple Ipod stores have developed the right idea, and seem to be working accordingly. There is little doubt that, if the price is right, people will use the technology in a lawful manner and continue to pay. On the same token, record companies need to start thinking about new and innovative ways to package and present their product. The fact is that there is so much more now for the average consumer to contemplate now than there was even just a decade ago. Now we have not just music, films and social lifes, but mobile phones, the internet, playstations and gameboys, broadband, DVD, and all manner of new technology that is rapidly changing that will win the limited dollar. Apart from the fact that this is slowly going to change the way business operates, and therefore the way people actually live, technology has moved faster forward in the past ten years than it ever has before and many industries have both benefitted and suffered as a direct result.
Now I feel spent... but I guess i'll end with this point, as someone who until recently worked for a record company... it is too easy to assume that when an artist releases something and it is received brilliantly, it is because the artist is a genius, and yet when an artist releases something and it bombs, it's all the record company fault. All i'm saying is that there are always two sides to a story and it's too easy to make a scapegoat...
Entry #1
Context: Stressing over the little things
Seems to be a fair amount of knobheads on the phone. I can't believe how cynical I am becoming again already from dealing with the general public. The problem is this - working in a record company, if anyone was being rude, you told them that they were rude and let them have it back. Here, the customer is always right. They can be as rude as they want and you generally have to grit your teeth and just be politely firm. That annoys me. Knobheads should be told when they're being knobheads or else they will continue to show a lack of respect towards others. Some people may be doing it unintentionally, and that's fine cause that happens... but others are just outright rude people who only make me wonder why they have so much unnecessary stress and anger in their life. Is their world SO bad that they need to take aggressive stances against someone they've never met and don't know on the other end of the phone? Some of them truly need to get a bit of perspective on what is and isn't important in the scheme of things. I don't want to play the old 'there are kids out there that don't have a home' routine, cause it is becoming a cliche although it's true... but realistically, if the biggest problem they're facing today is that their internet keeps cutting out every couple of minutes for the first time since they've owned it, they should be freakin' grateful. I just had a woman phone me to complain because *gasp* we had disconnected her after her account expired! I mean, how dare we! She wanted to know why we hadn't given her a week like we used to. I explained that they have an additional day post the expiry date to pay. She explained that she was on a pension and that just didn't work for her, before sighing and saying "I guess i'll just have to place it on my credit card then..." As I said... knobheads... but I don't want to sound cynical. But some people SHOULD NOT be allowed to breed.
Entry #2
Context: A friend admits he spent 12 months as a podium dancer.
I have an aversion to attention in that way. Infact, the most common place you'll find me on the dancefloor is on the outskirts, near the air conditioning (I mean, why look sweaty when you can just look funky?) The only exception is at The Market where, on selected nights, the stage rides up and down and generally gets crowded with people wanting to go for 'a ride'... we'll race over to the 'surely unsafe' thing, jump on and dance away... but again, i'll be at the back of the stage cause i'm going for the ride and not for the attention... yay! love that stage!
Entry #3
Context: what stresses me now.
I must admit, i'm feeling like I look crap at the moment. Too many late nights... too much unnecessary stress... too much stress about how little stress I feel... too many concerns about where my 'career' is going (or not going) now. Atleast my home life is sorted again, with a new housemate moving in this weekend. I'm actually excited by the prospect because he seems to be a really cool guy and 'gets' my humour immediately. Now I just need to sort out where i'm going career wise, and frankly, that is the more difficult of decisions at the moment.
Entry #4
Context: Madonna, Britney and Christina's performance at VMA's
I only just got to watch it on Monday night, and while it reeked of 'look at me, look at meeee, kimmie!'... it still was a fun performance. Although I couldn't help feel that half of the room was enjoying it and the other half a room was laughing at it. The look on Snoop Doggy Dog's face was rather interesting, and the facial expressions Justin was throwing screamed of 'issues'. Speaking of 'issues' - what brand DVD player did you get?
Entry #5
Context: Downloading off the net
It's not so much the sharing of older pre-existing stuff that is the concern, although obviously catalogue dollars do aid the company. It's the kids downloading the new acts that is the big issue. They download and don't support the artist... the artist never remakes their money... neither does the record company, who has spent a fortune trying to get them up and running... and it just all falls apart. Go to any web forum - they don't recommend to each other to go and buy something or order it online, they recommend to 'go and download it'... it's seen as the acceptable norm and trying to explain to them why it is wrong is greeted with the old 'but record companies are greedy' excuse. It's just so convenient for them...
Entry #6
Context: Record companies being behind with technology advancements.
It is only through the pig headed narrow minded pride of US record company execs that Napster wasn't given the right to become a fully fledged fully functional working digital distribution model that it could've become. By 'killing' napster, they've only made it more difficult to contain the digital p2p outbreak as it just continues to spread. They had something that was popular, easy to use and everyone was using it. If they had gone to bed with Napster, it would've been raking in a profit now... but the idiots had to try to stop it instead, forever resisting forward movement. Can you tell I don't go for them?
Entry #7
Context: Literature
The other good thing of late is that i've seemingly taken to so much more reading. I used to be a big reader anyway, hardly surprising considering I studied literature at high school and uni. But during the 90's, I can't honestly say that I ever seemed to find terribly much time to read. However, i'm reading about five books at the moment and enjoying taking a bit of time to go to bed and get into a book of late. Besides that, it always provides an additional conversation point at dinner parties and things like that... I mean, what can sound more cultured and conversation provoking than breaking out into a discussion on various concepts of philosophy (ok... perhaps I may be the only one to actually find that interesting but I still maintain that more people should take an active interest in the art of thinking).
Entry #8
Context: My thoughts on relationships.
Relationships... well, let me put it this way. I was recently chatting online when someone asked me what I was looking for. I replied that I wasn't looking for anything, I was just going with the flow. I'm in no rush to settle down, but at the same time, i'm not going to turn away someone if they happen to pop up into my life. I am a fairly typical Capricorn, and so we tend to be fiercely independent and overly cautious. They always say that Capricorns generally need people to earn their trust, but once they're in the 'inner sanctum', so to speak, they remain there and gain a loyal friend out of the Capricorn. This tends to reflect my relationships too... the last guy I was seeing started to say rather full on things to me after just two weeks, and while I appreciated it, it honestly did freak me out a little as I felt it was WAY too soon. As I say, I just go with the flow and if my intuition tells me it's right, I go with that.
Entry #9
Context: Why blog?
On this thing, this is meant to be about sharing and exposing what makes your mind tick... what currently interests you... or disgusts you... or what is essentially YOU... which is why the whole blog phenomena currently interests me because it is all about people letting others know some of the things that they might not normally say otherwise. That's an exciting concept to me. It's also shamelessly self indulgent but you can cover it all up by saying that you're creating social commentaries.
Entry #10
Context: A friend comments on how shocked he is about how much he wrote for his first blog.
It shouldn't scare you with how easy it is for everything to come out. I'm constantly encouraging people to just write, for no other reason other than to see what comes out of their mind. And they often experience the same thing, shocked at how much is actually in there wanting to come out. That's the secret to writing really... just finding a topic and then letting your mind speak it's thoughts... and then 'writers' tend to just go over it again and again, focusing the piece and making it tighter, but essentially, I believe everyone has the ability to be an articulate writer (how Neitzsche of me...)
