This particular blog entry, however, is about the second part of my holiday in Melbourne (not my most recent trip) and if I don’t write it down now, I think it will fade from the annuals of my memory entirely (especially as the past few weeks have become nothing more than a frenetic blur.) So I’m going to just dive straight in (Alzheimer’s permitting), from where I left off last time.

So, day number two in Melbourne commence with a brisk and vigorous search for breakfast in the city. As I’m sure you’ve been told, Melbourne has a wealth of cafes dotted between various side streets and alleys, perfect for that mid morning brekkie urge, when you’ve woken up with the munchies and an intoxicating need for bacon.

After looking at the menu at Hairy Canary (I don’t know why you’d name a cafe that either, but there you go) it instantly got our seal of approval. Their menu laid out a utopian breakfast in such yummy and intricate detail, that it actually made you MORE hungry as you were reading it.

Perfect way to start, what would become a busy Sunday.

(Or so I thought.)

I sat there, partially drooling, my mind clouded with thoughts of the wondrous gourmet feast about to make love to my eyes, the sizzling bacon, the warm fluffy scrambled eggs & the crunchy sourdough toast.

And then, without warning,  I was suddenly hauled back to reality, with a stiff and firm clunk. My ‘breakfast’ had finally decided to emerge from its former home, the clattering & quarrelsome kitchen.

I’d chosen the “Big Brekkie”, which essentially is bacon, roasted tomato, sausages and eggs – a heart-attack on a plate I’m well aware, but so utterly amazing you’re willing to run the risk.

Well, usually.

However, the big brekkie that half-heartedly stared back at me, wasn’t ANYTHING like I’d imagined. Served in a mini frying pan, everything was literally fused together, in a sort of pan-fried vomit ensemble.

The eggs were poached (not scrambled) the bacon was mere strips of fat in disguise, the tomato looked like it had been microwaved to within an inch of it’s life and the sausages took the form of some strange phallic-shaped Spanish salami.

W.T.F indeed.

Apparently, at least for the chef’s at Hairy Canary, this is gourmet breakfast Melbourne style. But as I nervously poked and prodded at it, my stomach rumbled with the almost instant realization, that it was going to have to go on being hungry for a little while longer.

I left the Hairy Canary feeling almost as empty, as when I went in. Not the ideal start to the day I’m sure you’ll agree.

Along with it’s cafe culture and boutique fashion stores, Melbourne is also predominantly known for embracing of all things arty. If you’re an artist (in whatever form) in Melbourne, you will get numerous fuzzy hugs from the arts council and even more opportunities to display your wares.

There are galleries, live venues and stand-up clubs all scattered around the city – infinitely  more than there is in Sydney. In fact,  even graffiti is promoted as a tourist feature and in the case of Melbourne at least, with good reason.

There’s the famous ACDC Lane (named after the band) which showcases some of the cities upcoming graffiti artists, but there’s several other lane-ways and passages nearby which are home to hundreds of vastly more intricate and interesting characters. Each have been spray painted with care, ablaze in colour with many of them peaking from behind recently pasted band posters.

You can tell many of these wonderful and often mischievous characters are the result of a generation who’s youth was spent watching trippy 80’s cartoons, daily doses of  Seseme Street and endless hours spent playing Mario Brothers, Pac-Man, Sonic The Hedgehog, Alex Kidd and Donkey King.

You can see more images from the streets of Melbourne, in the slideshow at the bottom of this blog and here

Now we’ve covered ’static’ art in Melbourne, it seems only appropriate that I shed a bit of light on some ‘moving’ art we took in as well. Centrally located, the Australian Center For The Moving Image (more commonly know as ACMI) really was a highlight of the trip.

Admittedly, it’s name is rather pretentious, but once you get inside the center itself, it all begins to make sense. Throughout the entire exhibit, the history of “the moving image” is showcased. From its initial incarnation of shadows and puppets, through to the arrival of TV, its expansion into movies, strobe lights, delay effects all of which which lead onto video games, personal computers, the birth of the Internet, wireless devices and motion capture technology.

And far from being one of those tedious galleries where there are simply pictures and information heavy wall mounted plaques everywhere, the ACMI has models you could touch, twist, turn, rotate, pull, press and interact with.

ACMI – Matrix Stop Motion

Alex | MySpace Video

We even shamelessly played a few rounds of Pong, danced in front of a screen as giant Godzilla shaped shadow (complete with sound effects) and jumped very briefly into a starring role in The Matrix movie.

It’s the type of place where as a kid, you’d be unable to contain yourself, destined to walk around with your eyes wide open and a huge smile swept across your face and in fact, even as an adult, you’d be hard pressed not be impressed by the sheer fun and trip down memory lane on offer.

Next door was an exhibition by NZ artist Len Lye. Now I freely admit I’d never heard of the chap, indeed when I walked into the first room featuring his work, I rashly came to that conclusion as to why that was.

Projected onto the walls, was a collection of video displays featuring various coloured slides and shapes, in random patterns. It was tedious, directionless and incredibly uninspiring all at that same time. “I could have done that.” I thought and judging by the disappointed and weary looks from everyone else in the room, they all collectively agreed.

But how silly I was judge Len Lye with such flippant disregard, because as I rounded the corner into the second room, I was greeted with a spectacle that really did make change my opinion of him a complete 180 degrees.

The room was covered in dark grey carpet surrounded by even darker walls, 6 or so high intensity spotlights projected downwards onto 6 metal sculptures, all of which moved with a calm kinetic energy entirely of their own accord.

Sheets of metal that waved violently as you walked past, tiny strands of steels the width of your hair that shimmed as the air flow changed direction – it was as if every object had a personality, a mood and energy of its own. Beautifully done, crafted to perfection and mesmerising at the same time. The inanimate, literally coming to life.

The final part of the day, was spent under the band of a blurry rainbow, as we traversed some small market stalls, saw a lifesized cardboard castle / art installation (sounds exciting but it wasn’t lol) and then headed back late afternoon for a seriously yummy Mexican dinner in South Yarra.

Later that night we went and saw the second Marilyn Manson show in Melbourne (we had seats this time) and I have to stay it was a marked improved from the night previously. The band seemed to put more effort in and the sound was noticeably better. ( Still not a patch on the Sydney shows though.)

After the show, we found ourselves back at the Crown Casino (the only thing centrally located that was open past 11.30pm on a Sunday) having the few drinks in the lobby, surrounded by the constant whirring of machines and squeals of delight as people hit numerous jackpots.

There was even a famous b-grade actor floating around, I have no idea what his name was, but his ADDIDAS tracksuit and Brooklyn accent lead me to believe he was probably in The Soprano’s or another mafia / gangster affair. But probably the funniest part of the evening, was reserved for the food court at the casino.

Imagine the type of people you’d get in there at 2am, ties all loose, bloodshot eyes, empty wallets, high heels in hand, ordering kebabs and a chips whilst wearing suits and sequins! If I tried to remember all the wonderful characters that were stumbling around at that hour, I would be here forever – but the stand outs in my mind, would have to be the guy in the baby blue, one piece suit with trainers on and SERIOUSLY a cougar version of the lovable Vicky Pollard from Little Britain. I can’t tell how upset I was, that I didn’t have my camera on me

And then, Monday, quick breakfast in the city (yes, it was MUCH better than Hairy Canary I’m please to report) before leaping on the SkyBus and heading back to the airport.

It had a been a quick holiday, but a much needed break. I think looking back on it all, Yummy Yasmin and I really crammed in a lot of things during such a short stay, I only really went down to see Marilyn Manson, so it was great that we got to do all that extra stuff in between.

Melbourne then….would I live there? Probably not. But do I think it’s a great place to visit? Absolutely

Alex

You can see more photos from the trip here, or by hitting play on the slideshow below

Giving a demo at the MySpace Music press conference October 1st 2009

It’s been a hectic few days, in fact the last couple of weeks have been somewhat of a blur. This is largely due to spending excessive hours @ work, in preparation for the launch of MySpace Music in Australia and New Zealand.

On October 1st, key media players across Australia were invited to come down for the great unveiling and celebrate it’s arrival at the press conference. From the major record labels (who have equity in the venture) through to established news outlets such as SMH, News Ltd, to industry coverage from the Music Network and support from the ever dependable ABC, everyone, who is anyone in Australian media, was there.

As you’d expect, there was a tremendous amount of excitement, fanfare and relief on the day. The product had been in development for over a year, with on-going rumors raising the expectation levels each and every day, however, I’m delighted to say they’ve been met & even exceeded with it’s launch. It really is a fantastic avenue for musicians and there’s little doubt in my mind, that it’s a massive step-forward for individuals who are fans of music and want free, quick and easy access to it.

As a result, Australian and New Zealand MySpace users can listen to songs & albums from over 5 MILLION artists on the site, including their extensive back catalogues.

It’s mind-boggling trying to even begin to comprehend that isn’t it

To give you an example,  Elvis Presley alone has 121 albums available on MySpace all of which you can stream in their entirety, unlimited, legally and for free.

(I’ve been listening to Daft Punk’s 2007 Alive album religiously recently).

Plus you can create your own playlists and share them with friends – just like you did with those old-skool mixtapes back in the 80’s & 90’s. Even Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has put together his own personal playlist on the site, respect!

Those two quick examples alone, should demonstrate the reach, influence, impact and potential MySpace Music has. It truly is instant and free access for everyone who is a fan of music. Come and try it out.

Exciting times ahead

Speaking of exciting times, in under a week, I’m heading down to Melbourne to go and see Marilyn Manson play two shows there, how is that for dedication hehe, I seriously can’t wait, my version of a mini-holiday.

I’m actually seeing him twice in Sydney, so all up 4 times in 5 days, and if I’m really lucky who knows, I might even get to meet him again. If I do, rest assured I’m going to send the world the photos! His new record ‘The High End Of Low’ just keeps getting better and better with each listen.

I’ll be updating and using Twitter whilst I’m down there, so please do stay in touch if you don’t already. It blows my mind that I can take a photo from my Blackberry, send it to Twitter, which then syncs with my MySpace and Facebook accounts, allowing you guys to all view it.

I used it today actually.

I found this chap, around the back of Oxford Street, left for dead on the side of the curb, after a big night out. So I took it upon myself to prop him up and arrange him in a manner the locals would approve of….

I left him there like that, so here’s hoping he gets lucky tonight.

It’s true, I rarely fail in finding ways to amuse myself haha!

Alex

p.s. Today I watched my beloved Sydney FC return to the top the league, Arsenal hammered Blackburn 6-2 and EVEN Norwich City won 5-1. Talk about a great weekend of football!

Aside from the fact that I woke up today, to see this is anyone else feeling a little shocked it’s nearly October already?

It seems only moments ago that I was thinking about what hidden surprises 2009 might have in store, yet here we are, with less than 100 days to go until Christmas.

I feel if I’m not careful, I might close my eyes for a few seconds, only to wake up in the future, reclining in a nursing home, with a Yogi Bear cookie jar next to me and a mangy moggy on my lap, who goes by the name of Mr. Bigglesworth….imagine the thought.

One thing I often DO imagine, is the first impression people have when they stumble across my Flickr page. They must genuinely think that my friends are entirely comprised of some of the loosest drunken pirate fiends in the entire Sydney metropolitan area.

I wonder where they might have potentially got that idea from?

But enough of dust, cats, old men and drunk people, there are more important things to consider in this world aren’t there? Specifically, hehe, that back in June (just realizing it’s been THAT long already baffles me) , I mentioned that I was starting work on a new little project . Since then, there has been some seriously late nights spent beavering away, and whilst the timeline has moved a little, I’m really pleased to report that we’re looking good, to potentially reveal all before the end of the year!

It’s been really fascinating watching it develop over the past few months. You feel as if you’re achieving something as each little piece slowly slots into place. But until nearer the end of the year, I’m going to keep you in suspense about any further details. As the below picture shows, I’m all about keeping things on the down low haha

And finally, to recap on worldly matters since my last post

HIGHLIGHTS
I’m playing tennis again (Yes, even I was surprised!)
Sydney FC are top of the table
Got a decent return from Mr Tax Man
Credit Card balance $0.00
Bought tickets to Marilyn Manson
This photograph of Barack Obama

LOWLIGHTS
Still need that new bed
Fucktards who use Facebook to tell me things like this
Tax return is going on dentist
Waking up to the Sydney Dust Storm this morning!
My body trying to reconcile the notion of “exercise”

Hope all is good in your world, over and out

Alex

(An article I wrote during the middle of 2008, which I thought I should share with you.)

NOBODY EVER TELLS….

There was no warning, but the alarm bells are already ringing.

The circumstances and situations of the past couple of days, have only hastened the urgency with which I write this post.

Whilst the world is holding its breath waiting for Obama, I’m encouraged to let you know that aliens haven’t landed to assume control of Earth, nor is there a gigantic and terrifying monster tearing down skyscrapers in the distance. So in terms of terrors on that scale you’re safe………for now. In fact, the crisis we face won’t be broadcast in the media. They won’t set up committees to talk about it. They won’t brief the President or assign a special task force with bullet proof vests to disarm it.

Despite going through years of quality education, even YOU haven’t been fully made aware of the impact of this imminent threat. It’s unnerving, stealth like, a necessity and above all unquestionably unavoidable.

So what exactly IS this danger lurking in our midst?

It’s called OLD AGE.

Simple, hardly shocking and yet it’s an issue which will plague and vex you for years to come. And nobody can genuinely prepare you for it. In fact since you’ve started reading this blog you’ve just stepped a little closer to that retirement village – horrifying thought I know, but alarmingly real.

I’ve been given a few glaringly obvious reminders of my mortality recently and I can’t say I’m particularly enjoying it.If you’re on a social networking site, if you’re looking for people, if you’re on a dating site, if you’re filling in a form, there is always the 18-25 field. When you hit 26 and beyond, suddenly you are in an entirely new realm, a new demographic, part of a new target audience. It’s one which is both intimidating and wildly perplexing.

I’ve noticed that hangovers last half the day, rather than half an hour the next morning. Staying out until past midnight suddenly seems like a big night, where’s before it wasn’t a night out until the sun came up. Music at gigs has become just “that little bit too loud” and you’d rather watch it with a beer in your hand at the back, than be at the front getting crushed.

You let out a huge sigh as your body creeks when sitting down and make a muted grunting sound when getting up. More worryingly your tongue comes out to meet the spoon first and you start buying different flavours of tea because “you really like the peppermint kind”

You meet people only 3 years younger than you who haven’t heard of half the bands from the 90’s. You get told it’s not “Fluro” it’s “Neon” and when you go out, strangers morph into you what you looked like when aged 18, except with tighter jeans and more angular haircuts. Grunge is out, electro is in. At 26, chances are you don’t own a home, nor have much in the way of savings. You need a holiday but pay so much rent you can’t afford one. You don’t want a one night stand, but a one woman man. Venues which you revelled in 2 years ago seem strangely tragic and desperate.

Posters of bygone tours are still stuck on the walls depicting happier memories of headier times, clash violently with a dude in a tracksuit handing you a flyer entitling you to a free can of VB at the “exclusive R&B Superclub VIP lounge”

WTF is going on here?

But you’re not overly worried right? It’s a natural progression.

You’ve lived it up from 18-25, it’s time to start taking life seriously – it’s time to plan for the future, 30 is merely around the corner right? That’s when it “all begins”

You have a career now right? Or rather HEX debt and the bleak reality of working through the ranks of middle management for the next 5 years, simultaneously working long hours to show your commitment whilst the temp receptionist takes home more per hour. You’re old enough to know better and still young enough to be stupid. You might believe you’re mature, but you’re not wise. You’ve come to learn actions aren’t without consequence and that inaction is far more predictable. And whilst you’d like to delude yourself into think you’re fit, those visits to Macca’s in your youth are rapidly making themselves known around your waist.

So what DO you do between 26-30 to pass the time?

When nightclubs feel like high school proms and bars seem like too much hard work, apparently the trick is to take up a peculiar hobby. There’s a whole gamut actually; Thai kickboxing, book clubs to join, burlesque dance classes to attempt, knitting groups to bond in, Bondi boot camps to get yelled at, salsa lessons for the sheer novelty of it all, wine tasting to be snooty about oh and you can become a Buddhist at the weekends.

Pretty much all the activates you could have done at any age, but when you were younger, well, you just had vastly more interesting things to do. Trying to get laid, drinking copious amount of alcohol unaided, annoying your parents or learning to drive badly. By now, you might have experienced love, yet seldom lived with it. You’ve travelled on that Contiki tour of Europe, but at times still feel lost. And all that was once a blur, shifts to a slow motion capture.

“Adulthood”….sounds so medieval doesn’t it? A time of pomp and ceremony blended with tradition and presumption. We all know that at age 18 you are considered an adult in the eyes of the law. But if being an adult means my ability to drink beer, use scissors and watch Terminator 2 legally, is offset with having to pay bills, glorious fluro lit office cubicles, unsettling bank loans, the potential of going to jail and overpriced rent – then I’d rather stay as that kid who will forever be enthralled with his LEGO set.

Society as a whole, dictates that to take another life is wrong, that conceiving at 14 for example, isn’t recommended and that fundamentally you should treat everyone as an equal, we have courts, laws and government to safe guard these Western-held views.

Religion in its truest form is a shining example of the masses following the ideals, opinions, stories, aspirations and societal norms set out and decided by others, often from an entirely different time period. But for those of you who don’t subscribe to the imaginary friend that is “Jesus”, there isn’t a book for how one should ideally lead your life let alone how you’re supposed to act at a certain age.

There are as I mentioned, certain guidelines coupled with the weight of expectation from peers, friends and family. And these are the very values we install in ourselves and try to adhere to. Nobody truly likes being left behind or whispered about unfavourably behind closed doors. Nor does anyone set out to become the black sheep of the family, that underachieving friend for whom all hope is lost. So we lead our lives, in a very general way, according to what is deemed acceptable by our peers.

There is tremendous amount of pressure, that at some point we will all be subjected to and it comes in the distilled form of living up to the expectations we and society places upon ourselves. We all seek approval, attention and respect, even in the mildest of forms. The liberal point of view verses conservative point of view, will be fought right on your doorstep. When will YOU decide when political correctness goes too far?

At aged 26, I am finding myself frequently asking myself, what exactly IS expected of someone my age? What is the common bond that links people in that bracket between 25 and 30?

Rather disappointingly we can’t ALL be born into untold wealth like Paris Hilton or hold the ability to become a musical prodigy like Michael Jackson once did. We have to find something else and to me it seems, we spend most of our twenty-something’s try to find out WHAT that is. That individual spark that makes us unique, whilst not casting us out unto the outer fringes of society.

I’ll get back to you once I know, I promise.

Alex

Hey Everyone,

I’ve just updated MySpace Arts & Culture with some new artwork – honestly the imagination and creativity I see each week from people on the site utterly blows my mind.

This week I chose to feature a guy called Joshua Clay, who is just immense – I wish I could have 1/10th of his talent. You can view his artwork here.

Check out more artists & view brand new artwork on myspace right here.

Alex

ICE AGE 3

The sub-zero heroes from the worldwide blockbusters “Ice Age” and “Ice Age: The Meldown” are back, on an incredible adventure…for the ages.

Scrat is still trying to nab the ever-elusive nut (while, maybe, finding true love); Manny and Ellie await the birth of their mini-mammoth, Sid the sloth gets into trouble when he creates his own makeshift family by hijacking some dinosaur eggs; and Diego the saber-toothed tiger wonders if he’s growing too “soft” hanging with his pals.

You can see the hilarious official trailer here, or just view it below

Ice Age 3 – Kinostart am 2.7.2009

Isn’t that clip awesome!! Poor little chap. Haha, I love the Ice Age films, out of all the kids movies, they are often some of the most amusing, and the animation is at times simply stunning. Now if you liked Kung-Fu Panda for example, you’ll be a fan of Ice Age 3, so make sure you go see it when it hits screening in July this year – I will be

Alex

Listen to Bon Iver here

Bon Iver is currently touring Australia as part of the Sydney Festival, he was one of the most talked and blogged about artists of 2008.

I was lucky enough to see him last night at the Sydney Recital Hall, and it was truly one of the most expansive and epic gigs I’ve been too. It sounded ethereal due to the location and his stunning voice (it sounds unlike anything you’ve heard before). Swirling synths, blasts of white noise, fragile melodies, intricate rhythms and genuine heartfelt lyrics.


The highlight was when he walked right to the front of the stage, no mic and just sang this beautiful melody (you could honestly ear a pin drop.) and as if by magic everyone started singing it back to him – no amps, no band, just him and the crowd, in this amazing Sydney Recital Hall.

I think he was truly touched by the response he got and as you left that gig, I think everyone really felt like they had just witness something special, a gig which years into the future people will still reference.

If you’re not familiar with the band, watch this exclusive MySpace Transmission’s performance, it features live tracks, interviews and live performances – everything you need to get acquainted with one of the most talented artists in 2009.

Alex

I’m so happy for America, for Obama and for the world right now. Read more here
Alex

Omen

What do you think?
Alex

Drinks with friends

On friday (16th January) I went along to loveable Lisa’s 25th birthday party. Oh to be 25 again ha. I think everyone had a blast, there was drunken make out sessions, even some chest hair brushing going on – don’t believe me? I’ve got the photos! Honestly, some are hilarious.

Booth Buddies!

They are all in my gallery on MySpace, whilst some of my favs are now up on my official Flickr Profile.

Hope you had a good weekend as well, although I’m wondering who is the muppet who decided it would be a great idea to have 5 days WORKING and 2 days PARTYING.

They ruined it for everyone!
Alex