I would have stayed with the car....

Movie night # 2.

'Vacancy' staring Kate Beckinsdale and Luke Wilson. A genuine thriller that kept Will & I on the edge of our seats, and gasping for air! A Hitchcock-ean start, suspenseful and believable acting led to a great psychological thriller! The chemistry of a divorcing couple played by the lead actors was totally believable, as was the fear of the events that were to follow. I LOVED it! I love Luke, and Kate!

Songs of the Day: Iodine - Siobhan Donaghy; Indefinite Leave To Remain - Pet Shop Boys

Pics Of The Week

Some might say the sun should be enough to lighten my life after the HIDEOUS winter, but here are three pics that are bringing me happiness right now and generally make me feel good. Miss Chloe on her horse riding expedition in Centennial Park, Sydney, Miss Emma waiting for the day that she can join her big sis, and Miss Tracey (aka Coconut or Polly-Nessia!) and two of her buds puppies, Sunday & Tikki.

Hot Fuzz...and Salmonella!

After an interesting week of one very, very poor stomach, which was finally diagnosed on Friday as acute food poisoning (which ended up with One Lil Aussie needing IV re-hydration and no food at all for three days...talk about crash dieting!), Will & I saw 'Hot Fuzz' yesterday, and as I was totally wrapped and stoked!! A hilarious comedy from the creators and stars of 'Shaun Of The Dead' is the story of an English 'Bobby' who had too good a track record with arrests, the London Met shipped him off to the 'sleepy' village of Sandford. A series of hilarious 'accidents' take place and lead to an unavailing of the seedy underbelly of life festering in this quaint English village. With such a great cast including Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, Bill Nighy, Timothy Dalton, Jim Broadbent...this film is a DEFINITE for fans of humour from 'Old Blighty'!

Song Of The Day:
Out Of Reach - Gabrielle
A 'melange' of Nitin Sawhney (Prophesy, Philtre, Human & Beyond The Skin.)

Random Tuesday.

Thank goodness, the sun is still out! Since the weather has improved, I decided to try walking home from work yesterday afternoon, which was simply beautiful! This morning I decided to do the same to work. It's so great to clear the head and get the blood pumping through my veins. I felt so good. The soundtrack to my walk was the sublime "Human" by Nitin Sawhney, perfect zen walking music.
So as nothing really groundbreaking has occurred in my life over the last week, I have decided to use this post to say random things. Except that Chicago has won the USA bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games...GO CHICAGO!!!!!

1. Sunday morning I was spoilt. Will treated to an hours Aromatherapy massage at Spacio for my B'day. It was just what I needed, considering that the last time I had one was before I left Sydney in November. Totally relaxing, and left me on a cloud all day! This place rocks!!!

2. Tocca Candles are the hardest thinks to come by in Chicago! I know I am not a really girly guy, but I have a fetish for scented candles, especially Tocca Grace Candles. The scent calms me, reminds me of Will's and my time between NY and DC two years ago, as well as Miss Ceire, and takes me to a happy place. After searching on Saturday along Michigan Ave, I finally found them yesterday in Saks Fifth Avenue. Balance was restored with the lighting of it last night.

3. Laura, Will and I have started a new Sunday night tradition of watching 'Charm School' featuring the 'ladies' from Flavor of Love (a reality show featuring skanks all fighting for the affections of Public Enemy's Flavor Flav) This show is TOTALLY skank-tastic!!!!! Even though a few more brain cells were sucked out by the end of the hours viewing.

4. Congrats in order to my sweet Nicole, who has graduated from University and is ready to set the teaching world on fire, as well as escape the clutches of the Sydney Opera House! Well done love!! I had to include this gorgeous photo of her on Grad Day! (Will's and my love to both you and Mark also! We miss you!)

Music flashback

A blast from the past for me. 'Love On The Run' by Chicane. (Vocals by Peter Cunnah from D:Ream)

Friday, Friday Friday...and the sun is shining!

The sun is back! Yipppppppieeeeeee, is all I can say!!! I know it could possibly be short lived, given the weekend forecast is a little mixed, but today, I don't care! Its amazing how much it can lift a persons mood! I am actually smiling AND being nice to CSO patrons!!! (Ok, I am always nice, but I am feeling relaxed at work today!)

So, the only news which is REALLY exciting me at the moment is that tomorrow morning, Saturday 14 April, Chicago finds out whether it is the winner of the US bid for the 2016 Olympic Games. I am totally up for this city winning over the skank hole that is Los Asshole-es. I mean , seriously, LA is such a pit, I have NO idea why the IOC would want to give it to them for a third time, when in the summer time, Chicago is so pretty, has architecture to die for, has culture and events galore and of course, The Lake! It truly shines!

I had the chance of a lifetime to work on the Entertainment Program on the Sydney 2000 Olympic & Paralympic Games, and it was the time of my life!!!! Sydney shone and blew me away. I think everyone in Sydney would agree. All the bullshit about letting terrorists in, transport not coping, the city would be a mess...blah blah blah...scare tactics by haters. They ate their words! I have no doubt that Chicago would excel also! And if we get the Games I want the opportunity to work on my second!

BEST OF LUCK CHICAGO!!!! My fingers, toes, hair and eyes are crossed for you!!

Missing Australia..

I received a care parcel from my sister yesterday. A Country Road t-shirt and three blocks of Cadbury chocolate and Easter Cards for Uncle Richie and Uncle Will lovingly made by my gorgeous nieces, Chloe & Emma. I am missing home BIG TIME right now. I know it will pass. So now its time to go and eat me some more Vegimite on toast.

Lollapalooza lineup was released today, and as well as fav's of mine such as Paolo Nutini, Amy Winehouse, Kings Of Leon, Muse, Cold War Kids, Peter Bjorn & John, Peral Jam, M.I.A. and Daft Punk, Silverchair will also be performing! All I would have needed would have been Eskimo Joe and it would be the ultimate Festival

So to help me through my 'homesickness' here is the fantastic new single from Missy Higgin's second album, 'On A Clear Night', titled 'Steer'. Enjoy!

New music! Pop Edition

Ok, whilst I bitch, moan and complain profusely about the weather over here, I just wanted to share three new tracks which are totally 'pop-tasticly' rocking my ipod at the moment. Each track has me tapping my feet and singing along in a strangely psycho fashion...this however just to keep me warm!

Mutya Buena - Real Girl.
After releasing the duet 'This Is Not Real Love' with George Michael, Mutya is back with her debut solo single 'sans' Sugababes. A track that makes me tap my feet and feel good all over. (Also helped along with thanks to a sample of 'It Ain't Over Till It's Over' by Mr Lenny Kravitz!)


Siobhan Donaghy - Don't Give It Up.
The first release from founding Sugababes member's 2nd solo album 'Ghosts'. An ethereal track which is haunting yet delicate. I don't imagine it will be a radio-play hit, but Siobhan deserves to succeed.


All Saints - Chick Fit.
STOMPING!!!!! For some reason this track just totally gets my heart rate up! The steel drum percussion, the girly-rap by Shaznay, the combined vocals of the Appleton's and Mel Blatt, echo's what greatness the All Saints can produce! (see:, Black Coffee, Pure Shores, All Hooked Up, Rock Steady!) Just a shame after the release of this track, the girls were dropped by their label...whaaa whaaa!

MORE snow and cold!

Ok, so everyone I know here is bitching and complaining about the weather...and here is mine...

I AM SO OVER THE COLD AND THE SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JUST BLOODY HURRY UP AND GET TO SUMMER, FOR GOODNESS SAKE!!!!!!

I hate the cold...and the wet...and the grey... sigh!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

This is the first Good Friday I have worked in my life! (Unfortunately America really isn't the Christian country it says it claims to be, given the second holiest of days on the Christian calender isn't even acknowledged. Sheesh! Its also bizarre how one can't say Happy Christmas over here, yet you can still say Happy Easter! Hmm..Tres odd!)
Boy, I used to LOVE the four day long weekend over Easter...Good Friday through to Easter Monday. However I will have to make do with a standard two day weekend this year. But that ok, cause I will be with my sweet William, Fred & Laura and FOOD!!
So to all, wish you the Happiest of Easter weekends. Enjoy your time with your loved ones, and all my love transcending the miles and oceans to my sweet family!
HAPPY EASTER!!!!

Thursday's Oz Music Flashback

Before he joined forces with Natalie Imbruglia's hubby Daniel Johns to form The Dissociatives, paul mac released this stomping ode to finding 'just the thing' to get you through a relationship break up! (Juicy little known tit bit...It has been said that he poached the title of his debut album '3000 Feet High' from a DJ/Producer mate of mine, who will remain nameless! That's the Sydney music scene for you...small and incestuous!)
I love this track! Even though it was released in 2001, it is still a fresh and full bodied track! I always enjoy revisiting my paul mac catalogue! Just a shame that it isn't warmer over here...perfect summertime music!

I know how he feels...

This week, I decided it was time to start to wean myself of caffeine. So far so good. Its Wednesday and I have only had one cup. I am also eradicating refined sugars and a few sweet things, however after last nights two donuts I don't think its a very successful start.

News story of the week:

Tour guide stabs 15 tourists

SMH. April 4, 2007 - 12:53PM

"A tour guide in southwest China stabbed 20 tourists and locals in an attack blamed on a row over kickbacks from souvenir shops and possibly linked to an unhappy childhood, Xinhua news agency said on Tuesday.

Xu Minchao, 25, was leading 40 tourists through Lijiang, a World Heritage-listed tourist destination in mountainous Yunnan province, on Sunday when he suddenly ran into a souvenir shop and demanded a knife, Xinhua said.

"Not realising the man was ready to kill, a girl in the shop gave him one and was stabbed immediately in the arm," Xinhua said.

Xu ran back out onto the street to stab and slash four residents and 15 tourists. Two boys were seriously injured, including a 15-year-old who remained in critical condition in hospital after suffering brain injuries, Xinhua said."

Songs of the day :
'McFearless' & 'Knocked Up' - Kings Of Leon
'Going To A Town' - Rufus Wainwright
'No Man's Land' - Beverley Knight

*NB - 'Sleepy Panda' not implicated or involved in above incident. I wasn't able to find an angry Chinese fellow, and she is cute, isn't she!!

Stop The Madness...someone should have stopped this song!!

How ironic, Ms Houston!

The Change

Right. So here it is. After much deliberating the pro's and con's of my job with CIF, I resigned today.

The job as a Life Skills Tutor was a huge challenge, and one I could no longer do effectively. I have thought to myself what a failure I was for not being able to make it work, but truth be told, it is an extremely hard job to do emotionally and mentally. Most people know me as an extremely caring and compassionate person, for which it is harder for me to digest the fact that I couldn't make this job work. It was compounded by the after effects of having to get settled in a new country and in a new life. But hey ho, we all have little lessons along the way. Mine so far, that I am not meant to be helping people out in that way. There is a little 'tidy up' work I have to do with one of my students over the next two weeks or so before he moves into his own apartment, and goodbyes and explanations to my other ones, so its not quite over yet!

For now, its back to the wonderful world of ticketing at the Chicago Symphony. I also have a wonderful recruiter looking for full time positions for me.

And a final note which is soooo Richard. As I was getting ready for my work meeting this morning which I couldn't cancel, my recruiter called needing someone to fill in today at MTV! Bummer!

Songs of the day :

Single - EBTG

Grand Canyon - Tracey Thorn

No Man's Land - Beverley Knight

Kylie Flashback

I was on my way downtown on the El to the Chicago Symphony this morning, when a track on my ipod spun me around and got completely stuck in my head, I had to listen to it three times...even pausing on Michigan Ave and not walking into the building until it ended. This track was Confide In Me by Kylie Minogue. Not just your regular run-of-the-mill Confide In Me, but the Big Brothers remix. A track totally reworked and reinvented into a bigger stomping dance anthem! 10 mins and 27 secs of aural joy...ahhh...how it took me back to many a Sydney Summer gone by! And who would have thought that Kylie would crack the Triple J market with said track! Bless you Kylie, cheers for the memories!

Tracks listened to on journey home: (besides one more listen to the above)
Stupidisco - Junior Jack
One More Time - Daft Punk
Lola's Theme - The Shapeshifters
The Ladyboy Is Mine - The Stuntmasters
Lost - Roger Sanchez
49 Percent - Royksopp
A-Z - Tracey Thorn

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

Shit still surprises me. I had a desire to help make a difference in people’s lives, however I have had to face my misconceptions about what I thought I could handle. Over the last week, I have made a few modifications in my life, job wise. Stay tuned....

If you like blissed out electronica, check out The Bird & The Bee. Niiice! Head over to their website and register for a free mp3 of their track 'Because'

(Thank you Will! I love you!!)

Those Poms!

Monday's Music Mojada!

Monday tunes, with a distinctive summery aftertaste! Loving Mojada and Put Your Hands Up. Support these cool Bondi boys!!

T.V. How much reality is too much?? Really??

It's a sublime 24 deg day here in Chicago. A totally perfect Sunday. I woke up, lounged in bed for a bit, got up, ran a few errands dressed in a t-shirt, jeans and flip flops (first time this year!). Then Will & I took a long leisurely walk around the Lake front laying in the sun for a bit..just generally enjoying the beautiful weather. Then it was time to come home and whip up a late afternoon brunch of bacon, scrambled eggs and biscuits. Another couple of days like this and my batteries will be well and truly recharged. However, its back to work tomorrow, but here's hoping the weather doesn't change.

Saturday morning was a different story however. So every now and then, I get a chance to lay on the couch and do absolutely sweet F.A. except flick through our free cable channels. Today was one of those. Upon my morning channel surfing, I stumbled upon Gene Simmons Family Jewels
Ok, now I said I was addicted to 'Bad Girls Club', but I have not watched an episode since my sick day. However THIS will be one show I will be locking into my television watching schedule! The only drawback to the commencement of series 2 tonight, is that it screens the same time as the new series of Family Guy. ARRGGHH..the dilemma!

Peoples.

I feel very lucky. When you need them, family and friends are there for me, as I am for them. No matter where in the world, no matter what shit is going down. (Thank the stars for my LP, 5of9'er & The Browler. Back home my Farting Puppy Princess, MJC, Boo & Nicole, UK-Love Wifie & Cells) However thank goodness for the Aussie change to daylight savings...easier to skype back to my family all!!

Today's post is just to serve as a bit of a love fest..tell someone around you that you love them, and how stoked you are to have them as apart of your life. It makes the world a much nicer place.

Will. I love you so much. Cheers for all!

'Get Around To It', 'By Piccadilly Station I Sat Down & Wept' and 'Raise The Roof' - Tracey Thorn (always innovative, never boring! Biggest musak-love-fest there!)

'Wake Up'! Its Fav Music Tuesday

Eskimo Joe. Please enjoy 'Wake Up' off their debut album 'Girl'. This song that made me such a HUGE crazed fan. Fun, summery and typically Australian! Great, great pub band who make the transition to much larger venues and festivals with unprecedented ease. Fun lads too!

I have Bond...

I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it, I'm about to loose control and I think I like it!! I own Casino Royale on DVD and I am a very happy camper!

Plus I am loving the Sunday night Fox double, new season of Family Guy followed by The Winner, by the same writers of F.G.!


And to top it all off...my new found addiction are Pickles. Straight from the jar, Vlasic Zesty Spears


I feel so naughty when I sneak one, and Will catches me devouring it over the sink. Sorry Lil Debbie, you and your Honey Buns have to take a back seat to the zesty green spears!

Songs For The Week:
Glory Days - Just Jack
"The Take Over; The Breaks Over" - Fall Out Boy
Tell Me What We're Gonna Do Now? - Joss Stone feat. Common
New York - Eskimo Joe

Fainting Goats??

A Friday funny...for all those animal lovers out there!! (Cheers for this my dear Farting-Slightly-Larger-Puppy!)

..ooop...forgot Scissor Sisters recap!

Friday night, The Riv and they were as FANTASTIC as ever! Never ever do they disappoint with their live shows! Naturally I was suitably drunk and sang & boogied to my lil' hearts content! I had a blast! Here are Dop, me, Will and Kevin as we were about to run out the door to ensure we were there in time before they hit the stage!

"Doctor, is my O.C.D the reason I horde paper napkins??"

There are a number of strange traits I have, my parents, good friends and boyf will identify with each of these...

- Won't touch metal poles on public transport. (DUH...how many people have you seen sneeze, cough, scratch their arse and then grab hold of the same pole that thousands of others have touched, with the same bacteria on their hands??? YUK!! Thank GOD for Purell!!)
- I HATE public bathrooms. (Unsanitary for oh so many reasons, a number of them stated above!!)
- I check the stove top AT LEAST four times before leaving the house. (and check the front door is locked at least twice!)
- I don't like using common-pens, like in banks or anywhere that requires me to sign a credit card charge. (I always carry my own.)

- I have an intesnse fear of snakes (severe!), falling and cracking my head open, I hate and am afraid of knives, I NEVER eat anything that is even one day out of date, or that has been in the fridge longer than two days. I have a fear of Salmonella poisoning.

Thank god I can put on a good facade! I would appear to the outsider a freaking wreak!
However, my latest obsession, or at least one that has been manifesting itself over the last year, is a strong urge and compulsion to collect a hand full of napkins wherever I go! Cleaning out my work bag on Saturday morning, I noticed a HUGE wad, and I mean HUGE, of all sorts of napkins. Seattle's Best, Peets Coffee, Starbucks, generic brown and white ones...even a McDonalds one. What the hell is my problem?? Is it I am afraid of being caught with a dripping, snotty nose, that I am now obsessed by collecting napkins???

Hmmm....maybe I need more therapy.

Quote of the Day:
"Tuesday, kill Lois, Wednesday, try on all her shoes!" - Stewie Griffin, 2005

Songs Of The Day:
Keep The Car Running - Arcade Fire
Amsterdam - Peter Bjorn & John (The album 'Writer's Block' IS A MUST HAVE of 2007..much like Mika and Amy Winehouse...and Cold War Kids...)

Man burns genitals in Jackass stunt

Attempts to duplicate a stunt from Jackass landed one man in hospital with burnt genitals and left another facing criminal charges.

The men were trying to do a stunt from one of the hit show’s movies, in which a character lights his genitals on fire.

Jared W. Anderson, 20, suffered serious burns to his hands and genitals and Randell D. Peterson, 43, who sprayed lighter fluid on Anderson and lit him on fire, was charged with felony battery and first-degree reckless endangerment in Eau Claire County Court.

Witnesses told police that Anderson, who was drunk, volunteered to do the stunt after watching the movie, the complaint said.

After Peterson ignited Anderson, he ran into the bathroom, jumped into the tub and put the flames out, according to the complaint.

He was taken to Luther Hospital, and eventually treated at the Regions Hospital Burns Unit in St. Paul, Minn., for second-degree burns.

Anderson told police that he did not want anyone to get in trouble because of the stunt.

Peterson was freed on a $US2,000 bond. He has a hearing scheduled on April 16.

If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

WHAT A FUCKING TOOL!!!!! Its no secret. I hate and have always hated Jackass! A show appealing to the lowest common denominator. (maybe its a frat boy kinda show, and thus typically appealing to America's dim wits! Don't ask me, I am still only a stranger to this country!) Seriously....If people think those knobheads on that show are people they should emulate, what the hell is this world coming too???? These people shouldn't even be offered this thing called 'celebrity'. They are about as useful as Paris Hilton, the Playboy bunnies, Dick Cheney and every other useless wannabe!

...speaking of 'tools'...here is a pic full of useless pricks to brighten up your day! PRAISE BE THE SUNSHINE!!!!!!! Happy Friday, everyone!

Manners...or lack of!

Yesterday as apart of my weekly tutoring sessions, a student of mine Patrick and I are learning how to ride the El and head downtown to Chicago from Evanston, in order to visit the Epilepsy Association of Chicago.

So our trip started slow yesterday, due to the inclement weather, and we were both laughing at how slow the day was feeling, due to the slow journey of the train! The train started to fill up around Belmont (my stop!) and this older gentlemen got on (gentleman..a term I will use very loosely). So me being an agile (yet not very coordinated) young man , I offer my seat to him, next to Patrick, to which I have barked back in my face ' NO. NO I don't WANT to sit down'. Now if said man had quietly said this to me, even with a slight smile on his face, or recognition of someone doing something polite, it would have been cool. Instead he raised his voice, made no eye contact and tried to embarrass me in front of the rest of the carriage. This prompted a response from me of 'that is fine, no problem at all, but did you really have to be THAT rude about it!?? Older people today!' (this is is retaliation to the fact that it is usually the younger population that are seriously lacking in manners, and we are quick to jump on them!) The response I got?? A huff and a view of his old back.

Mine was not the only 'random act of public transport' kindness to be thrown back in ones face. A girlfriend Sara received a similar response to an older man as she offered her seat to him on her commute on the bus! Wonder if cranky old fart gets around?? Or is there something in the air???

Some other random happenings from yesterday:

- I still have trouble with mirrored walls in department stores, walking into one as I took Patrick around Old Navy. For some reason my brain doesn't like to register that it is a mirror in front of me, and not a thoroughfare.

- I start a new part time job on Monday, back in the wonderful world of Ticketing with the Chicago Symphony. The Arts. Its like a drug...highly addictive, bad for you, but for some reason, is embedded in your psyche as apart of your life forever!

Song of The Day:
Addicted - Amy Winehouse
Just - Mark Ronson feat Alex Greenwald
Walk This Way - Girls Aloud V's Sugababes

Things (or brain farts!)

Random lists of useless information have been swirling around in my head this evening as I type and sort out domestic shit, like laundry. But as I get ready to close down the computer, finish watching the snow fall and head to bed I want to share them with ya'll, even if they are just brain farts.
This country has some great things going for it...
Will (duh!)
Entenemann's Chocolate Chip Cookies and Milk
The cottage up in Indiana. Summer weekends swimming in the Lake are sublime!
Family Guy
The beauty of the hills around Forestburg
Lollapalooza in Chicago's Grant Park, and The Taste Of Chicago Festival. (summers here, in general!)
Schuba's
Our apartment
Lake Michigan
Snow (even though I am over winter, I am a sucker and love snow! But as said yesterday, I need some more sunny days.)
Pilsbury Biscuits
Little towns on the highways made up of petrol stations, motels and take away food eateries! Amazing! In the middle of nowhere!
The price of the El (Chicago's train system for those of readers of mine who don't "comprende".)

Things I dislike enough to say hate:
Lack of universal health care. Sucks. Full stop.
Grey, sometimes wet days that carry on for a good stretch.
Drivers and their love affairs with their horns! Get the FAAAARRRK over it!!!! ('scuse me Mum!)

Things I DEFINITELY hate:
Dubya
Cheney
Rumsfeld

Things I miss:
Family and good friends
Cadbury chocolate
Vegimite (whenever, as much as you wanted to eat, not having to be rationed)
Sun. Oh, my god yes...
The beaches & surf
Sydney Harbour

Things I long for:
Full time employment
Summer
London again. I still miss England.
Visiting family et all for Christmas in Oz
Cancun, 2008! With Will's ever-so-funny best mates, Sara, Corey and Shannon!

And to end it, here is a pic of the apartment from the living room, looking into the dining room and kitchen. Still getting settled, but very comfortable.

S.A.D & 'Rehab'

I am suffering from a serious case of Seasonal Affective Disorder! The first winter I have had in three years and it is a brutal Chicago one. What a shock for One Lil Aussie...
All I can say is BRING ON SPRING!!!! Thank goodness also that the next week is forcast to grace us with predominatly sunny skies, even though it will still be chilly. (the cold I can handle...lack of sun bringeth me down!)

And having such a wonderful album to listen to as Amy Winehouse's Back To Black perks me up a treat, old Mowtown sounds with such killer tracks as 'Rehab', 'You Know I'm No Good' and 'Addicted' funkify my day...I LOVE this chick! (Classy...check her out!!)

New Music - Kaiser's & Ruby

Kaiser Chiefs - Ruby...great indie pop. Full stop!

Jay Kay Quits Music. ...or does he?????

Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay has announced he is retiring from music. This is a sad sad state of affairs for one of the industry's most talented performers. Admittedly he has not always produced outstanding works, some a little patchy, but on a whole one of the most vibrant, and energetic live performers around. And a temper to match.

As reported on 1 March Undercover Music News...

"After recently parting company with Sony/BMG, the singer announced, "I don't know what to do next. He added that he was looking forward to "having kids and finding a good woman." Hopefully someone will remind him that it generally doesn't happen in that order.

"I haven't been happy there for a while," he mused. "I've had some ups and downs but in the end the downs were just too many. When we talked about me leaving, I jumped at the chance."

Yet on the same website on the 2 March, the following was reported...

Britain's 'Daily Mirror' newspaper initially reported that the singer had changed his life priorities and was looking to settle down and raise a family. "I've had some ups and downs but in the end the downs were just too many," he said. "When we talked about me leaving, I jumped at the chance."

But he has since dismissed the claims as, surprise surprise, a tabloid media beat-up.

"As usual they got it wrong for a cheap headline!" he said on the Jamiroquai website.

"All I said was that we're taking a bit of time out to get the studio refurbished and we'll be back making music in a few months time. There's no way I'm quitting the music business – now I am out of my long contract with Sony/BMG we have so many options open to us we're just going to take our time and get it right – it's just getting interesting!"

Sheesh! Talk about sensationalist reporting.

I am somewhat relieved that Jay Kay ISN'T quiting music...bloody Fleet Street Media!

Bad Girls Club.

Laying on the couch yesterday recouping from long weekend of moving and extreme fatigue I became nauseatedly addicted to Bad Girls Club on Oh!. A marathon six episodes of this 'riviting' reality show have rendered me certifiably brain dead!
And these days are supposed to help make you feel better.

'Phew...'

What a relief! Its done! We got back from DC Sunday evening, unpacked the van, drove it South, back to Will's parents, and started to get the apartment together. As well as watching the Oscar's. I don't know why I always think its going to be better than it actually is! So bloody long. I was happy for the the winners...good choices! And always good to watch for fashion faux pas and thumbs up's. (Reece Witherspoon, Penelope Cruz, Helen Mirren and Cate Blanchett looked fantastic!) The lesbian presence was commendable also. (Ellen, Jodie, Melissa, Pen..Ooop's!)
However as a concequence, now we are both suffering from....

Was really really wonderful though to catch up with Jase, Pablo, Mr Suprise, Greg, Christina, Sarah, Brandon & Becky for brunch before the long journey back. Miss you guys.
And dispite all the snow and weather warnings, we only encountered 2 patches of rain, which prob lasted the most 3-5mins. Amazing. Luck was finally on our side! And we have both retained and possibly regained some more of our sanity.
Side effects of us both hardly being able to move now, and feeling 'tres poorly' are so minor compared to the joy of FINALLY being able to get settled.

Soundtrack to the Trip : Life In Cartoon Motion - Mika
Song of the day : Catch You - Sophie Ellis-Bextor

'Happenin' All Over Again'

So here we are. Thursday night. Poised for a return journey on the weekend to DC to pick up the boy's Dad's mini van and drive back with furniture, belongings and more importantly our sanity intact. I am posting tonight, as we are heading down to Will's parents to stay after work tomorrow night, as they are closer to Midway Airport for our 6am flight.

We have made the wise decision to fly in early Saturday morning, where we will be met by Jason, head into Virginia to pick up the van, then never let it out of our sight and catch up with the DC crew at 'Rose, Mary & Thyme' for food (thank you dear Pablo for organising brunch..your a treasure and massive hugs coming at cha!!). It will then be time to make the 12 hour road trip home. We have also made the logical decision to stay at a Motel halfway (prob Ohio), and then continue the rest of the drive Sunday morning, where we will also hopefully stop in Indianapolis and have lunch with friends Stacey and Greg, and their kids Max and Audrey. The main plan is to make it back in enough time to watch the Oscars and consume some of Laura's 'Oscar the Grouch' cupcakes!

Final tips on who I think should win the coveted statue's...

Helen Mirren, Forest W, Little Miss Sunshine (long shot, but would love it!), Volver, Alan Arkin, Scorsese, Jennifer Hudson, The Queen, Children Of Men and Happy Feet. These are people and films that I hope they read out upon opening those lil gold envelopes...

"I Don't Feel Like Dancin'"

I love this performance by the Scissor Sisters of I Don't Feel Like Dancin' at the 2007 Brit Awards. They can do no wrong by me...

Some horror stories!

As I was doing my morning wake up routine; open my eyes, turn Hamish on, and peruse the Sydney Morning Herald, BBC World and certain morning blog reads whilst having a glass of water and a coffee. Today, two friends blogs had very different 'horror' stories. This triggered me thinking about the nightmare trip to DC two weeks ago where Will's Dad's van was broken into and vandalised right outside his house, whilst we were inside having a couple of hours sleep since we had been driving all night. Truly horrific, as we were shitting bricks in DC and needed to get back to Chicago to take over the lease on our new apartment. We then had to fly home to Chicago on the Saturday night.

Now this weekend, after much drama with insurance companies, Chrysler dealer in Virginia, DC and Virginia's sweet police forces, we have to fly back and pick up the van, plus Will's belongings and some furniture and drive the 12 hours back. A stop overnight at a Motel in Ohio, plus a lunch visit with some friends of ours in Indianapolis, and we should hopefully hit Chicago in time to watch 'The Oscars' with 9'ner and LP. Here's hoping that this is smooth sailing...I could do without another horror story.

As Yazz & The Plastic Population would say '..the only way is up!' Which leads us to a flashback Wednesday.... I LOVE the bike riders cap & lycra combo...I must have it...

Tuesdays Latest Sounds - 'Look Up'

A song I love which is only due for release in the Australian market next week sadly is Toni Collette and the Finish with a fantastic highlight from the album 'Beautiful, Awkward Pictures'. Look Up is a soaring anthemic song that gave me goosebumps when she performed it live last year. She really enjoys singing it, the band enjoy playing it and it shows! I hope you like it.

Nachoooooo...

Australian health authorities have warned against eating a brand of pre-packaged nachos, after a Melbourne man was struck down with potentially-deadly botulism.

The 26-year-old from Melbourne's western suburbs has been in intensive care for more than two weeks after being diagnosed with the rare, but dangerous condition which usually leaves survivors with long-lasting symptoms.

The Nachos to Go products marked "best before April 19" should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

Evidence so far suggested the cheese component of the product may have been responsible for the condition, which can lead to death.

I love the way they say the 'cheese component'...

A Life In Pop.

The Pet Shop Boys to me embody all things that a pop act should be. Intelligent, witty storytelling with infectious electro beats, or lush orchestration.

We just finished watching 'A Life In Pop', a documentary commissioned by Channel Four in the UK. A comprehensive time line of all things Pet Shop Boys (excluding anything about the cheesy Comic Relief single 'Absolutely Fabulous')

I love this group. Their books 'Literally' and 'Pet Shop Boys V's America' are witty and insightful and addictive. Their grasp of live theatrical performance wonderfully refreshing. I can always remember being in front of the stage at their Australian leg of the 'Discovery' World Tour totally enthralled and elated the whole way through. They have worked throughout the years with the likes of Scissor Sisters, Dusty Springfield, David Bowie, Robbie Williams, Liza Minelli, Rufus Wainright, Boy George, Kylie Minogue, Johnny Marr, Benard Sumner and Madonna and still maintained the edge, even if it was lost in the translation for a number of years. They have performed at Glastonbury, Creamfields and at the end of March at V In The Park in Centennial Park, Sydney. The talent to compose an original score for a silent black and white Russian film, Battleship Potemkin and the Johnathon Harvey Musical 'Closer To Heaven'. Then perform with the BBC Orchestra. Is there anything these guys don't excel at??

So in honour of Neil and Chris, here is a list of my Top 10 fav Pet Shop Boys songs, and Top 5 albums.

...I wonder what 'Rent' would have sounded like if it had been recorded by Madonna, the person it was intended for??...hmmm...

Songs.

1. Being Boring - (Behaviour)


2. Jealousy (Behaviour)
3. Home And Dry (Release)
4. Domino Dancing (Introspective)
5. Bright Young Things (Numb EP)
6. West End Girls (Please)
7. It Couldn't Happen Here (Actually)
8. Flamboyant (Pop:Art)
9. Heart (Actually)
10. Shameless (Very: Further Listening)

Albums
1. Behaviour


2. Actually
3. Fundamental
4. Very Relentless
5. Introspective

A wee treat. At the end of the docco we are introduced to a tribute band, The Westend Girls, who recorded their take on 'Domino Dancing'.Ahhhh...bless those crazy Scandinavians! Enjoy..

Weekend DC Update coming up...and it ain't pretty!

So stay tuned, bunnies...a hint in the (not actual)picture below...


Its -6degC right now. Been snowing something chronic here...all day, really high winds, a true extreme winters day! Boy was it fun driving Simon in it...a true boys day, driving in the snow! Oh, and the great Internet connection I thought I had at the new apartment ain't that good after all! Tres patchy..this will be eradicated soon enough we hope!

Song for the day: So Not Over You - Simply Red

IL to DC

The boy and I are off on our road trip to DC tonight after work to collect furniture and belongings, and of course to see dear, dear friends! Fun fun fun!!

Now just a days work to get through...and then we are on our way! Roll on 6pm...

Its All True

I'm a sucker for a well choreographed video...and Ms Thorns vocals...reminiscent of early PSB with a definite electro edge. (I can imagine Ben Watt working his magic on it as some fat house tune!)


Ben Watt...always reminds me of you Mikey...MJC...The Clapmeister! Miss you! Good times...

Moving...

As I sit inside in the warmth, as the snow steadily falls outside (its so beautiful, - that real light fluffy snow, laying a white sheet over everything) I am contemplating getting started packing. That's right. Packing. Will and I are finally moving into our own place this coming Sunday. After a week of the landlord pissing us around, we received the good news yesterday afternoon. Its very exciting! We both immediately felt warm, comfortable and 'at home' when we inspected it, and everything else has just paled in comparison. (This is except the first place that we put in an application for in the De Paul/Lincoln Park area..similar to Paddington/Double Bay. Great shops and 'rool classy' stuff!)

However now in the new place we are 5mins walk from the Lakefront, cafes and our fav movie complex, but I have also cut my trip to work in half! only 15-20mins drive now, however has increased Will's to 15min walk, 15min train! But its so worth it. We are just glad that we have it!

Ahh...now we have a road trip to DC to partake in, leaving this Thursday evening after work. A good 10-11 hour drive and we are taking Will's fathers van. It should be quite fun! I am looking forward to catching up with everyone in DC, as well as driving through all the other states to get there! Its just a shame we have to leave early early Sunday morning..but...oh wait how exciting...we move into our new place on Sunday afternoon/evening when we get back!! Its gonna be a busy but eventful week I am sure!

Songs of The Day;
On Call - Kings Of Leon
(Don't) Give Hate A Chance - Jamiroquai

Excorcism-ise

Friday-itis!

...and the slogan for the day is....



Songs for the day & the SuperBowl Weekend: Music, music & MORE music!!!!
This Ain't A Scene, Its An Arms Race - Fall Out Boy
Glamorous Life - Shelia E
The Prayer - Bloc Party
It's All True - Tracey Thorn
Happy Endings - Mika
Martika's Kitchen - Martika


Oh...and before I forget...
GO BEARS!!!!!!!!!

I heart Paolo & Joshua (and maybe even Schuyler!)

Ahhh...live music is back in my life!

After my three gig fest before leaving Sydney in November (James Morrison, Toni Collette & the Finish and Kylie Minogue), live music made a welcome return to my life.

Last Thursday, Will & I went to Double Door and saw one of the most exciting singer/songwriters around today, and a massive fav of mine, Paolo Nutini. I have been a huge 'Paolo Nut' since I found about him early 2006. Between him and James Morrison, I did a massive 'your gonna love these guys' campaign amongst all my mates burning music left,right and centre. Let me say...his showmanship, and execution of his songs was delicious! An aural treat! I was not let down in the least.

Last night was Joshua Radin's turn, who Will introduced me to late last year. Another superb talent, and in such an intimate venue like Schubas...sublime! He was supported by Schuyler Fisk (daughter of Sissy Spacek and who stared in 'Orange County' with Jack Black) and she totally blew me away. She has one of those deep warm smokey voices, which complemented Joshua's nicely! Just lovely!!

I wish I could spend more winter Chicago nights doing this!
However next week will be fun when we join Dop, Kevin & Jessica for 'Top Design'!

Song of the day:
Acquiesce - Oasis (Sony/BMG)

(A MASSIVE mini hello to Princess..I know I haven't had much contact lately...I am thinking about you, however! Will be in touch 'toot sweet'...promise!)