2007 Budgewoi Open

another year and another Budgewoi Open has come and gone. Despite the rain not affecting the game, it's fair to say that tennis was the loser this year, while the local chicken shop may have been the winner. Hmmmm, not a good sign boys. And as has become custom, Ronaldo Joyce took out the annual body surfing competition, with Dave running in a credible second.

Ghost Rider, Match Point and Underworld all got a viewing, but in a slight variation this year, not only were movies watched but the finishing touches were put on the latest "Love Your Work" production (photo of Director Joyce hard at work above) - rumoured to be tentatively entitled "The Grave Secret of Prairie Dog Hill".

Wayne surprised everyone by only being 6 hours late this year, while the character of the whole Open was diminished by the absence of Greyham "I-think-I'm-going-to-die" Stoney.

The organisers were happy to declare 2007 -
"the most relaxed Budgewoi Open ever"

(other than the part where Charger managed to get all the way to Budgewoi before remembering to check for the keys)

Meditatio

In the back’s low hollow sometimes
a weightless hand guides me, gentle pressure
so I tack soft as a sailboat. (Go there)

Soften the space between your eyes (smudge
of eucalyptus), the third eye
opens. There’s the wide vermilion sky

by Mary Karr

procrastination tool #277

to commemorate the ending of another cricket season, and the joyous return of footy (Swans v Pies tonight in a practice game at North Sydney Oval) - procrastination tool #277 is test catch cricket.

What's for dinner?

Tagged by Rah to answer one of those perennial questions - "If I could have four people to dinner (past or present people) who would they be? And why?"

Hmmm, now I could simply pick from my usual A-team list of friends and family - but I suspect that that's not the point of trying to weasel out some fascinating angle of my personality that I haven't written about endlessly (though clearly Nicole thinks that's already happened way too much ; )

So,

Walter Brueggemann - because he's a mean story teller; he holds a heap of wisdom; and I've used his work and quoted him so much that I probably owe him a few shouts here or there.

Billy Connolly - another great story teller; makes me laugh till I break; and I love that accent.

Myf Warhurst - Presenter of Spicks and Specks and the Triple J breakfast show. Loves her music, good interviewer and slightly funky. Would be a good foil to the other personalities, let alone a fascinating person in her own right with a thousand stories from the Australian music scene. Keeps it grounded a little more.

Sean Penn - a fascinating mix of progressive political stances, a history of really powerful acting roles, an inside into the cult of celebrity and a seemingly prickly personality. Love to know what makes him tick.

So there you are - sounds like quite a dinner, and for once I haven't named Jesus, Bono or Mick Malthouse? And in the grand tradition of tagging I nominate Jeff, Ray and Linz.

(Photo courtesy of LynnInSingapore - check out her other cool photos!)

Cover of the new album for French rock band, One Chair Left
(notice the photoshopped version of this urbanstone photo)
Not really sure what they're like, but I'm waiting for a copy when the album is released.

movies, movies movies

1. One of the SMH blogs raised the topic of wisdom from movies to live your life by. All the usual suspects are named - American Beauty, Ferris Bueller, Shawshank Redemption and Fight Club. Raises a few thoughts though - which movies, what wisdom? (As I have admitted many times before, much of my theology is drawn from Lord of the Rings). However it was this discussion of Star Wars that was most disturbing - "A movie that taught us to believe in ourselves. Like Luke Skywalker, you too can succeed, even if you cause the deaths of your uncle and aunt, tongue kiss your sister and murder your father." rrrright...


2. By contrast, Jimmy has finally seen Donnie Darko and is trying to work out if it actually made any sense, or just looked really cool. Anyone game to give us a summary of what it's trying to say?

3. As for me, well, like Darren I saw "Pan's Labyrinth" recently. Now that is an incredible film. It doesn't really fit into the usual categories - as it has elements of a violent drama set in the Spanish Civil War, a very powerful statement on the role of mythology and story, a fantasy adventure and a commentary on the current western political situation . That's quite a mix. Which is the beauty of the film. It tells a strong narrative that allows you to be drawn into the story, which you know is an important story to hear, but it is one that allows you to draw your own meanings and conclusion from it.

Which is sort of the point to this rambling post. There's no doubt that there are times for a story that is fast, colourful and fun - think Indiana Jones, Miami Vice, The Holiday or Sahara. A 1-2 hour jaunt where you are pleasantly distracted, your adrenaline is running and the dilemma's are generally overcome neatly by the end of the film (except where a sequel is subtly pointed towards).

But for me, the stories that linger and play out in my mind are the ones that don't fit all the categories. The stories that are intentionally ambiguous enough to make me wonder. What was Donnie Darko about? I'm not really too sure - but it makes me feel that sense of adolescent dislocation and disturbance. Pan's Labyrinth? Questions of family, loyalty and the power of myths. But only in the hints and questions behind the story.

Stories that create mystery and unsettle me are the ones that actually ask me a question and change me. This divine dissatisfaction is why I believe story, myth, narrative - even movies are some of the most powerful tools that exist. Which are the stories that most drive us and shape us?

Rob's Top 5 shithouse movies that he loves...

Rossy's question continues to fire up some minds and trawl the cinematic depths - Rob has certainly brought new fodder to the table - check out his contribution here.

"A church which pitches its tents without constantly looking out for new horizons, which does not continually strike camp, is being untrue to its calling... [We must] play down our longing for certainty, accept what is risky, and live by improvisation and experiment"

- Hans Kung, quoted in "The Forgotten Ways" by Alan Hirsch.
(just started reading it - will report back later)

One Crowded Hour

click here to see the video of the #1 song for 2006 (as voted by the Triple J Hottest 100 and myself!)

A Farewell To Sam

(otherwise known as "Hello to Buff Bollywood Boys"). Our favourite Novacastrian refugee in Melbourne, Sammy C, is preparing to take off to India for a year to work in a variety of settings. But as is obligatory before such a bold and adventurous move she had her own East Coast farewell tour. The highlight of course being to sample the extraordinary Crawford hospitality with a host of good friends, great wine and truffle butter (no Crawford event is complete without some gastronomic gourmet delight that is almost beyond belief for us mere mortals used to Vegemite toast)



Unfortunately no photos recorded the impromptu Funky Chicken war cry led by the ever shy duo of Kent and Dave.



Also spent the day in the Blue Mountains, hosted by Tour Guide Smith - large breakfast, plenty of coffee, a secret location, and incredible chilli chocolates. Nice work comrade.

Good luck Sam, we all (especially Nic) look forward to the arrival of your blog, and the tales of wonder and excitement to follow! (and of course the safe return of your renewed and transformed self)

Bronte Beach

Next stop, Tehran

Another commentator points out the likelihood of US/UK military intervention in Iran based on the current movement of troops. Please God, say it isn't so.

rain

pondering the rain, originally uploaded by urbanstone.

another summer afternoon in Sydney

another summer afternoon in Sydney, originally uploaded by urbanstone.

"Photos: Kill Your Darlings"

An interesting piece on how to judge your own photos (hopefully to push yourself to take better ones) from Mark Waddington via Jonny. It uses the tool of looking at the photos from the perspective of the inventor, the child, the lover, the craftsman and several others (makes sense when you read it, don't worry). Definitely worth a look if you're into photography!

2006 Raymo's

Ray has listed his top 5 cinematic moments for the year over at OneRayHill

2006 top 5's

You know I can't resist a good top 5! Lots of the usual suspects, but that's because I love 'em! So here goes the summary for 2006...

Top 5 Movies
1. Brokeback Mountain - tragic, slow paced film that allowed you to think and imagine rather than spelling everything out in block letters. Loved the wilderness cinematography.

2. Water - up there with "Three Colours Blue" for the most visually beautiful film ever. A riot of colours, set with an intensely original story of widows in India.

3. The Prestige - Christian Bale and Christopher Nolan can do no wrong! The makers of "Batman Begins" gave us another intelligent adventure - thrilling with a great twist.

4. Goodnight and Goodluck - compulsory viewing for anyone living in our times of the "War on Terror" - history doomed to repeat itself.

5. Ten Canoes - no description - just go and see it if you haven't. My favourite Australian film in a long, long time. I expected a politically correct "moral" tale of Indigenous Australia - but found something so much more than that!

Honourable mentions: Syriana, Walk The Line and Kenny.
Surprise of the Year: Miami Vice
Dud of the Year: Marie Antionette - (story line? who needs a plot when you got lots of frocks!)




Top 5 Albums
1. "Days to Come" - Bonobo
2. "Desert Lights" - Something For Kate
3. "Moo you bloody choir" - Augie March
4. "Synaesthesia" - Matt Tonks
5. "Convicts" - You Am I

Honourable Mentions: "Collected" - Massive Attack, "Little Cloud" - The Whitlams, "Fire Shepherds" - Loka.

Top 5 Books
1. "How (not) to speak of God" - Peter Rollins
2. "The Fourth Bear" - Jasper Fford
3. "Three Day Road" - Joseph Boyden
4. "The Reformation" - Patrick Collinson
5. "The Formfulness of Grief" - Walter Brueggemann (really an article rather than a book - but it was so damn good that I had to include it!)

tricolour family

tricolour family
Originally uploaded by urbanstone.

christmas in frankston with the full deck of family cards

5 things

I've been tagged by both Dave and Craig to name 5 things that you probably don't know about me... (only being the ones that I'm willing to admit to)

1. I've had plastic surgery (yes, yes, join the chorus "and you got that face?") - thanks to a mis-timed hook shot that resulted in a smashed cheek bone back in 1996. Still got the scar on the side of my head.

2. I love bodysurfing in the ocean - and love getting dumped by the waves just as much.

3. In 1999 I used to take a day off once a month - wear a suit and spend a day visiting the top hotels in Sydney. I would pretend to be planning a large event, and then be taken into the best function rooms and given a free coffee or drink while the staff ran through the various options. I would sit, nod my head, enjoy my free drink and the best views in Sydney!

4. I love hiking, but I am scared shitless by snakes. (sidenote: one of my dreams is to walk across Scotland)

5. I've spent a night in jail on two separate occasions. The well known one is as a result of a protest against Australian international weapons sales in Canberra back in 1991. The other one, well, that's a conversation best conducted after several glasses of red...

In turn, I tag Jimmy and Ray!

2006 a scattered recollection

2006 a scattered recollection
Originally uploaded by urbanstone.

a week remembered

a life celebrated and a death mourned...





another life so full of energy and wonder



love takes so many guises.

Australia strikes back

a brief history of the Ashes as it really happened.... ; )

2006 Pie Recruits

Welcome to the new boys down at Collingwood from the 2006 National Draft. Profiles available at Collingwood homepage or on the Extremist's site


Ben Reid(#8) & Nathan Brown (#10)


Chris Dawes (#28)



Brad Dick (#44) & Tyson Goldsack (#63)

Bonobo - pick up

Top 5 Shithouse movies...

Ok, so it's been a while coming - but in response to Rossy's challenge, here are my top 5 shithouse movies that I love to watch...

#1. Without a doubt has to be Starship Troopers. I resisted Rod's claim that this cinematic gem had "deep and underlying themes" for a long time. But stuff-me-mushrooms was I wrong! This film not only meets the "it's-so-bad-it's-kinda-right" criteria, but it actually is a brilliant little educational tool for how propaganda and enculturation actually work! Just pretend the bugs are asians, and there's your One Nation recruitment drive; or change those bad bugs to jihadist muslim terrorists and I'm certainly feeeling both alarmed, alert and with a slight giggle. Change the nasty bugs to right wing economic rationalists with big badges saying IMF and Murdoch - now I'm really starting to panic... I'm pleased to say that Troopers was used by the NSW Youth Unit for several years as a part of its cross-cultural relationship workshops. (As in how to deconstruct such alarmist shite). Pretty sure that's a world first

And in a lovely c-grade acting twist, Private Ace Levy is none other than Jake Busey, son of Urbanstone's favourite b-grade man , Gary Busey! None of which is to take away from the fine, fine acting tour de force that is Denise Richards as Carmen Ibanez. Ah yes, indeed - such quality in shite movie. More to follow soon.

Silverwater predawn

Ray's top 5 crap movies that he loves

In a slightly surreal continuation of Rossy's "top 5 shithouse movies that he loves", Ray has posted his top 5 here. Just be warned, while Rossy brought us into the world of creepshow, Ray has taken a slightly alternate path... Spiceworld anyone?

and may God have mercy on his soul...

the newest sleepy jackson?

A huge welcome to the newest member of the urbanstone photography team - Henry Charles - son of Jeff and Sue. Born 28th Oct!

Stern Review and global warming

The UK government has released the "Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change". I have to admit to being quite surprised by the honesty of an official report to outline the immediate environmental future that faces our world. It outlines not just the usual disastrous environmental consequences but also the economic, social and cultural consequences.

However, since you're all busy tracking down your top 5 shithouse movies, there's a nice short summary of the reviews main points here. It is worth the few minutes that it will take you to read, as this is the sort of planning that Australia desperately needs to engage with.

Rossy's Top 5 shithouse movies that he loves...

That marvellous purveyor of all things wondeful that the internet has to offer - Mr Peter Ross - has taken it upon himself to launch the next top 5 challenge - "the top 5 shithouse movies that you love". I'm a little lost for words at this idea, so I'll let Rossy speak for himself...

"I have seen a lot of crap movies in my time, some bad, some badder, and some downright crap (yes, some of the latter were hired by Nick or Jono, namely Kiss of the Spiderwoman, or that dodgy irish one that went for about 20 hours). But there are a few that reek of a certain crappiness that they are worth remembering, and yes, worth quoting. Sometimes I feel the need, when the world really gets to me, to unstrap my brain and float it in a schooner on the coffee table, while I rewatch these "fine" tales....

It's hard to narrow them down to 5 but I think I've done it... In no particular order though....

1. Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigalo - So so bad, but sitting around having dinner with Shaz's family we felt left out when her sisters could recite so may lines and we couldn't resist.
We borrowed it again, and along came the quotes.... "aaah Cakes and Pies Cakes and Pies"

2. Mad Max - Every time my cousins came over when we were kids, we'd throw on Mad Max. Quotes like "We're out of the Game. Unable to continue the pursuit. You'd better send a meat truck... Charlie's copped a saucepan in the throat", and "This... is Cundalini. And Cundalini... wants his hand back!" spring to mind.... but I could recite the whole dialog if needed.

3.Office Space - Another brilliant dvd passed around our office, all about office workers. So easy to relate to.
"What would you do if you had a million dollars?" "I tell you what I'd do - I'd do two chicks at the same time".

4. Creepshow - Short horror stories of pure sh!te-ness...
"I WANT MY CAKE!". [ed. note - apparently there are creepshow deleted scenes on youtube!]

5. King of The Kickboxers - This early 90's movie has it all! Bad acting, mullets, a bad Muai-Thai kickboxer who kills his opponents on VHS for the black market, the little brother wanting vengance for his brother's death at his hands, and a drunken master who must teach him the special flying 3-kick move to bring down the bad guy... all to the tune of late 80's synthesiser pop & soft rock. Can't wait to watch it again, as I can't remember any quotes right now!

Rossy"

i choose to live

Cheryl has an article in The Age today. It's another brilliant reflection on the reality of choosing to live out of faith even with all the doubt thrown in with it...

"I am envious of those for whom faith is optional. Countless times I’ve longed for either a simple faith - for unquestioning belief – or for no faith at all. I have tried, often, to live both, but have found myself in neither. Faith seems to have its grasp on me, even when I would not choose it."

Read the full article here.

French Connections

Cousin Jimmy - the ridiculously talented one of the family (if you don't count Dave's ability to yodel with his mouth shut) - has landed in Paris. In a lovely coincidence, Jimmy has combined his need to flee the country from irate makers of Lipton teabags and fundamentalist Christians (see here) with his desire to be near the lovely Cecile and his newfound career as a tour guide on the Paris "Da Vinci Code" experiencee. Certainly should make for interesting reading on his mandatory o/s travel blog.

Recovery

Ok, so no posts for the last little while, as I found myself enjoying a lovley little bout of bronchitis. But it has given me time to think about an invitation I received to enter some shots into a photographic portrait competition. Not something I've done a lot of so far. But could be interesting.

Strangely, most people who I've asked to be one of my subjects for a shoot have run screaming? So, I may be tracking some of you down soon. Any takers?

procrastination tool #276

urbanstone favourite - Neave - provides yet another brilliant manner in which to waste time on the web (v necessary when your prime source of dodgy and weird emails [Rossy] decides to become a father and for some reason devote less time to his e-trade)


Asteroids! The Atari classic is mind numbing fun - even more so when your avoiding an essay and doped up on cold and flu tablets (thanks to the Thomson clan for sharing!)

Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty...

Our boy wonder, Comrade Geoff "Samwise" Smith, has continued his return from retirement with an incredible follicle transformation of the highest order. 3 years of growth, shorn in the name of fundraising at the Song Cafe (see below). People paid good money to see the public snipping spectacle - so much so that money came in from across Australia raising over $700. Not content with that contribution, the hair itself will be sold to a wig maker!?

Just the thought of someone wandering around with a Smithy hair transplant...

Song Cafe

Last Friday night saw the Song Cafe run for the first time. A cast of musical talent - from Jorge Rebolledo (with Steph Gesling on the right) through to our personal rock gods - a thousand lights (above). Mixed in with some Tongan dancing (who knew Kamaloni was such a show pony?), the inevitable food and a cast of loyal regulars from Centenary Uniting it was quite a night. Of course the highlight of the night was the ritual shearing of Geoff Smith's locks - but more of that above.

Many of the international students at UTC are from poor nations in the Pacific or S-E Asia. Added to their cost of living and studying in Australia, is the fact that many of them are here on visas that do not allow them to work at all. The international flavour of UTC is one its great gifts - which would be a terrible loss simply for a relatively small amount of money.

The Journey

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice –
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
“Mend my life!”
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognised as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do –
Determined to save
The only life you could save.

Mary Oliver

sacred spaces

Darren has some photos up on flickr of the sacred space he's just finished hosting at Blackstump this weekend. No doubt he'll post about it soon enough at Planet telex. But for now there's some great visuals of what alternative worship might look like.

"Days To Come" released!

The new album from Bonobo "Days To Come" is released today! He's achieved the difficult balance of continuing within the same vein as his first two albums enough to be recognisable, and yet pushing the boundaries enough to find some new territory.

There is the familiar gentle rolling melodies and jazz rhythms of "Dial M for Monkey" - that ease you into the evening. But added to that, Bonobo has brought in vocalist Bajka for a number of more smoky, soul-laden tracks that hold bigger beats and a darker edge. Love the experimentation. Now if we could just convince Simon and his live band to come to Australia...

Macquarie Lighthouse, South Head

Spring bursts forth - with its seasonal riot of pink - cliched and wondrous at the same time!

let a hundred photos bloom!

In one of the more wonderfully absurd turns in my life - it seems that I've been contacted by a couple of different groups interested in buying some of my photos for the covers of gardening magazines, advertising brochures and annual reports? Oddly, they're all Canadian groups so far (all ways did have a soft spot for Toronto, but that's another story ;) So Urbanstone has gone international!

And in a fit of springtime inspiration, Sydney Swans Assistant Coach (Strategy and Hot Dogs) Jeff Jackson has taken to the garden and up-ed the ante with some incredible shots! I can hear the public clamouring for another urbanstone exhibition... perhaps in Melbourne.... Check out his shots at frogmouth or visit our joint smugmug site - either way, leave a message of encouragement for the maestro! (BTW the photo to the right is one Jackson's current crop, brilliant eh?)

Not to be outdone, Rah has also finally got her camera back from its extended holiday and indulged in some springtime snapping, with some pretty damn impressive results. Check them out here and while you're there, make sure you read her story from Sept 19 - still spinning my head around...

Where, else will a hundred photos bloom? Perhaps our northern comrades (hint hint Tiff) will finally share of their artistic endeavor? It's time people... If you need some more inspiration, then take a look over at flickr - two of my personal favourites Kriziaa and shoothead (his shot on the left)- if they don't get your creative juices going, then make anappointment to see your local doctor.

Darfur, Sudan

In the Darfur region of Sudan, one of our time's worst genocides continues to unfold - and yet the Australian press is still more concerned about Naomi bloody Robson and her pitiful excuse for tabloid shite.

There seems to be a whole lot of possibilities beginning to emerge for some action there - I just hope it's not too late. Anyway, if you haven't heard much about it - or would like a good update on what the conflict is all about - check out this interactive report from the Guardian. (you need flash player and broadband).

night at the beach

night at the beach
Originally uploaded by urbanstone.

Tell me I’m alive
Speak and shout and caress
Laugh and scream and kiss
Just tell me I’m alive

Not them, or him or her
But me.

Speak to me of dreams and plans
Impossible hopes to fly so high
And damn Icarus and the Gods as passionless fools
That never knew.

waiting for the dawn

waiting
Originally uploaded by urbanstone.

respect-a

Dave turns 31...

"Dave Johnson was the greatest footy player to never play for the Pies. We all feel that loss." - Eddie McGuire.


Birthday shout outs to you little boggie (hope that you've survived the other night). Your turning 31 today makes me feel rather old (so i can't even begin to think what that says for mum and dad?) But with any luck, you're avoiding work (unlikely) and planning to relax with your girls tonight. Unless Kev buys you too many drinks after work of course.

And so, while we're on all things family - congrats to Fie and Pete for producing young Anna into the world on Monday. Another Pender woman let loose - God help us all. But as yet, I've seen no photographic proof of the Berry Beauty... so instead, let's all (and by all I mean, the seven of us who were there) trip down memory lane to a young Dave and Fie...

ah the eighties could be so cruel - mustard yellow track suits.

... with an elephants head

... and brown school shoes to match

it explains so much.