Summer days are hear again!!!!!

Monday morning. Sun is shining, ipod is dying (thank goodness for my external battery pack, even though now I look like I am holding an old Motorola mobile phone from the late 80's!) and I have a new job. A Fulltime job with healthcare benefits! (As Will, Laura and I were discussing over a FANTASTIC episode of 'Charm School' last night, Its funny how that is such a point to get excited about in this country!)

Will & I saw Spiderman 3 with his father, Robert and Kariya yesterday. Intresesting. Its a great series of films, didn't feel let down (like 'X-Men 3'), however I wasn't blown away. 2 was still my fav!

So in honour of the sun, the warmth, and my general good mood, its time for a little 'Sneaky'! One of my fav tracks from last year, and always reminds me of life and fun in Sydney. And FANTASTIC memories to dancing madly to the guys at 'Good Vibrations' with MJC in the pouring rain, covered in Heiniken & mud! I LOVED IT! (Hanging with the lads is great fun too. A lot of laughing, fun & frivolity! Typical Sydney partiers) Check them out; Sneaky Sound System and "I Love It"

Music quote of the week.

"I had bought six ostrich eggs and I was dropping them carefully on the red carpet. Other people's bodyguards kept picking them up and saying, 'Scuse me, mam, you dropped this."

Bjork looks back on Oscar night.

Times are a changing...again...I hope!!

Again, I am restless...I am eager to be stimulated. Many people I know are unhappy in their current jobs, and this won't be news to anyone who knows me, but so am I! Not so much unhappy..just not stimulated. Whilst I am here in the USA, I wanna do as many different varied things, preferably paying a little bit more than the Chicago Symphony. And preferably with a health care plan!
Any suggestions people?? I am out for another challenge...

A Bev Knight Double Play

Two songs for the hurting...one for those we have lost, one song that gives hope. I heart Beverley Knight.

A new search....

OK, so a couple of mates and I are trying a new venture. Its pretty much going to utilise the web quite a bit.
One of these projects that is in the final stages of development is an Artist Management Agency. It will be based out of Chicago and Sydney, yet will be a truly global venture. The website is being constructed as we speak, the partners are starting to lay out the business model (whenever we have a moment in our already crazy, insane lives...but its happening!) We have a recording studio in Alexandria, Sydney, however primarily starting the search for a singer or two.
So here is where I put it out there in the blogosphere....

If you know of anyone who has a voice, a look, or both, I would invite you to seek them out, and have them email an mp3. or organise for me to have a listen to and/or come and watch them perform wherever it may be...in the Chicago/DC/NY region to start. This is not a race, we are not in a mad frantic hurry, we are just inviting submissions. We are not looking for a flash in the pan artist...we are looking for someone who is versatile enough to work with electronica artists, as well as rock. We want diversity! We don't want diva-ish or drama queen behaviour.

Email : rjmpresents@gmail.com

Now you may ask, what experience do we all have?? Very good question....
* I helped establish and run an Independent Record Label in Sydney in 2005. Our artist entered at #1 on the ARIA singles chart and #2 with her debut album. I was primarily involved in the Promotion/Radio Plugging/Marketing/Licencing/Events, as well as assisting in Managing the artist as well as an Assistant to Artist. Yup...a jack of all trades, however am looking to share the load and still maintain my sanity & life!
*My partner used to run an Entertainment Industry Law Firm, whom our label was client, as well as a Marketing Company. He knows his policy and procedure, and is just as passionate about finding the right talent as I am.
*The third partner owns a recoding studio in Alexandria in Sydney's Inner West, and is a producer and engineer. Lets just say we are equally passionate about our artists.

So the search is on...and thanks to everyone out there who reads this and passes the email to anyone who may wish being represented. C'mon...you gotta know someone...lets make some music....

Boy George 'cuffed me to a hook'

...now THERE'S a headline you don't read everyday!!! (smh 1/5/2007)

'British pop star Boy George has been arrested over allegations that he held captive and assaulted a man reported to be a Norwegian male escort.

"It's ironic that his biggest hit was Do You Really Want To Hurt Me? - because I'm sure he did want to hurt me," Mr Auden Carlsen was quoted as saying.
"I was convinced I was going to die."

The UK Sun newspaper said Mr Carlsen claimed George then pulled out a box of whips and sex toys.

"Now you'll get what you deserve" George is alleged to have said.
Mr Carlsen said he was able to escape after pulling the hook from the wall and raising the alarm from a nearby newsagency.

The thing is...was he still in an compromised state of dress as he ran to the Newsagent?? I can just picture it..."hello, I have been kidnapped by that kinky Boy George...can you help me??? Oh, and while I am here I will pick up a Double Decker, a packet of Polo mints and 20 Silk Cut Extra Mild. Can I pay that off by sexual favours??"

Hello May!!

A new day, a new month! I was able to walk to work dressed in a T-shirt and jeans! What a rarity at 9am in the morning!! Its a sure fire sign that Summer HAS to be well and truly on its way! (surely...please??? No more rain!!!)

So to pass a little more time before bed last night, I popped on 'Sleeping Dictionary' staring Jessica Alba and Hugh Dancy. Hmmm...I thought cuties Alba and Dancy would at least make good eye candy, but seriously, after 20 mins it HAD to be ejected from the player and popped back in its Netflix's envelope! Jessica's WOEFUL Malay accent was enough to push me into a crazed state of waking up this morning telling Will "me your Sleeping Dictionary. Me teach you Enngrrrish and me lubbe you looong time!"! (Mornings have been known to be my craziest time of the day...then and when ever I watch Family Guy!)

But in all seriousness....don't watch this film. Acting is awful, story is awful, and I really don't wanna see Ms Alba as a discreet Malaysian hooker! BAD!

NEWS FLASH! Will Chicago come down with huge amounts of salmonella/bacterial poisoning today?? Promotions groups were handing out samples of Oscar Mayer's Deli Creations Hot Sandwich Melts with shaved Turkey and Monterey Cheese at the Adam's & Wabash El stop! Hmmm...after my food poisoning incident two weeks ago..I am a little apprehensive about eating it! NB...the actual pic is NOT said sandwich...just the closest thing I could find to it!
Songs Of The Day - 'Lay Your Head' & 'Never Running Out' - Athlete

Tuesday Tunes : Eskimo Joe's NY

Here is the new Australian single from Eskimo Joe's fab 3rd album 'Black Fingernails, Red Wine'. Stay tuned for a Stateside release of the album in August 2007, as well as a US tour....bring it to Schuba's is what I say! These guys not only rock large gig's but they are sublime in an intimate venue.

Goodbye April!

Nothing new to end the month with, except if you get a chance to see 'Flavor of Love Girls Charm School' on VH1...WATCH IT!! Its skankilicious..

Pic is 'Hottie' aka Schatar...the biggest waste of air on this planet, well, ok, close second to Dubya!

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!