Car Shopping and Wii'ing in the Wind

Another Monday is upon us, another week filled with funfare and festivities to fill in the minutes until Friday-o'clock. Had a great weekend beginning with a casual Friday night playing the lounge room arcade and making a few beers disappear.

Saturday we went out to Bakers Hill (drive west until you hit Toodyay, do a u-turn and drive back 5kms) to pick up a fibreglass roof for the Moke. It's pretty basic but fits nicely and only needs a small bracket made up so that its installed properly. Needs a lick of paint and it will be a great addition to the Moke repertoire at home. Its already been nicknamed 'The Boat' due to its likeness to an Avon Descent river boat so if i say the Moke has the boat on the roof you'll know what I'm on about! Ill post some pics on Picasa soon.

Saturday afternoon we went out looking at car dealerships as we have almost confirmed we need to upgrade our fleet. Looked over a few and dreamed over alot more! Cogs still churning on that one....Saturday night we went out to a friends birthday dinner which was great, haven't had Mexican in donkeys years and it was great to catch up with everyone. Hope you had fun Jules.

Sunday we went our separate ways, Kylie went shopping and I stayed home playing Lego Star Wars on the Wii with Wal. Sounds sad? I don't care, it was cool ALRIGHT! Went out to have a look at a car in the arvo from the Sundi Times and long story short on that, told him he's dreamin. On the way home the heavens opened, god flushed, cats and dogs fell, we got pi$$ed on, whatever saying paints the picture for you.

This morning we awoke to 1 less fence out the back thanks to the storm overnight meaning we are down to 1/3 as we lost another one about a month ago. Lucky for us the house next door is vacant so for the meantime we have a 700sqm backyard. Hopefully we can get that sorted before someone moves in with a great dane. Gotta love renting though, woke up "Oh the fence is down", sent an sms and all sorted!

It hasn't stopped raining since driving home yesterday and as I type this I can hear the rain hammering the building over all the office hen-house noise, humming A/C and the call centre not far from my seat. According to the ever trustworthy Internet, overnight the storm wind reached speeds of 110kph+ and left 23000 homes without electricity. The swell is a massive 5.9m so if you need some entertainment, head down and watch a few Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-WIPEOUTs. It will apparently ease over tonight and tomorrow so we might get a smidgen of sun this week after all, fingers crossed.

No news from Optus today - have I mentioned that I'm keen to get my phone back? Soundtrack of the Day - Alex Lloyd: Black The Sun.

...and that's the way my cookie crumbled

Wacko No More

Grab your crotch, put your glove on Mrs Palmer and squeal like you just don't care. No, its not a standard Friday night at the Dawson residence, the King is dead.

Its no breaking news anymore but I couldn't let the day go by without a small tribute to MJ. I've never been ashamed to say that I'm a fan, even had a poster on the wall growing up, there are a few of his CDs gathering dust in my collection (as are the rest of my CDs!) and his songs always feature on any playlist I create.

I was very fortunate to see him on his (now) last tour in '96 which feels like an eternity ago. The concert, which was here in Perth, and the tour was absorbed by controversy regarding its ticket pricing. At the time they were the most expensive general admission concert tickets for any world tour. With some help from good ole' Mum and Dad, I handed over my $125 and I was there! 2 months after the concert, U2 toured (Zooropa tour I think?) and ticket prices were $200, record broken!

It was then and still is now, the best concert I have ever been to.

I saw him as 2 people. One person overcame an abusive childhood to become the greatest solo pop artist of the 80s. His music united and uplifted listeners and he was an inspiration for generations of budding starlets. No one could say he was ever a follower, MJ was an originator, a trend setter and most definitely a mould breaker. As soon as the world caught up, he swapped to something else until that took off. In many ways I think he can be compared to Madonna. They would disappear for 2 years at a time and then chuck out their new album - critics would say they've gone mad, they've lost it, blah blah. Then, a short time after, who's at the top album sales? who is everyone calling an innovator?

MJ's 2nd person was a media mardi-gras. I'm not going to waste time writing about the bizarre nature of his life as I think that there will be more than enough of that crap floating around today but I will just say without any doubt that he lived a very unusual lifestyle! While I understand scandal sells magazines, personally I don't see why anyone cared so much about his off-stage life. Its like throwing a story on the front page about how Lleyton Hewitt likes wearing odd socks around the house or Tom Hank's lifelong obsession with curry powder... as unusual as it may be, Hewey can still smash a tennis ball to the back corner of the court and the Hank can still act the shirt off a badger. Whatever they choose to do when the camera is off, shouldn't take anything away from their successes in life.

In addition to his musical career, his worldwide humanitarian accomplishments we're unprecedented for their time. His environmental dedication paved the way for events such as Live Earth and to a degree, Live Aid. His work in less fortunate countries is only relatively recently being adopted and copied by celebrities. Brangelina, cut the crap - Jacko was travelling Africa 20 years ago doing the same shit! I can only hope that instead of being remembered for his oddity, he is remembered for his musical triumphs and achievements spanning almost 2 decades.

RIP Mate.
Hiiiiiii-oooooo, shamone-A

My new website is live!

after 9 months of delays we are up and running

Tennis Excellence : Tennis Coaching, Perth, WA

please click on the link to help with my hits and to help google and the like know we exist!

cheers

Soundtrack Of The Day: just my computer tracks, right now its Porcupine Tree

Who's Delilah anyway?

Hey little iPhone
What's it like in sunny Melbourne?
I'm 3 thousand miles away but man, tonight you look so shiny - Yes you do.
The bell tower can't ring as loud as you - I swear it's true.

Hey little iPhone
Don't you worry about the water - I'm right here if you have nightmares - Give this song another listen.
Switch to stand-by.
Listen to my voicemail, it's my disguise - I'm by your side.

Optus, what'd you do to me - Optus, what'd you do to me - Optus, what'd you do to me - Optus, what'd you do to me.
What'd you do to me.

Hey little iPhone
I know we've been apart for ages, but just believe me mate when you get back, ill definitely download an app for that.
Yes I will.
We'll have all the shit we ever could - My word is good.

Hey little iPhone
I've got so many people to call - If I could see you one more time, and just unlock you with a slide
You know i would.
Lets ring everyone in Nepal - We'll have it all.

Optus, what'd you do to me - Optus, what'd you do to me - Optus, what'd you do to me - Optus, what'd you do to me.

3 thousand miles seems pretty far, but they've got wireless crap in cars, and I'd walk to you if I had no other way.
Canarvon puddles can fuck themselves, and if the rain again falls down, you know that I will keep you safe and sound.
iPhone I can promise you, that by the time we get through, the world will never ever be the same - And you're to blame.

Hey little iPhone
You be good and don't you miss me, two more days and you'll be outa there, and I'll be feeling giddy like I do.
You'll know it's all because of you - We can do whatever we want to - Hey little iPhone here's to you.
This one's for you.

Optus, what'd you do to me - Optus, what'd you do to me - Optus, what'd you do to me - Optus, what'd you do to me
What'd you do to me.

iFleeced By Optus

So today I got the dreaded call from Optus regarding my iPhone repair. They claim its water damaged despite the fact that I said I was 'cleaning' it by drunkenly leaving it turned ON in a rain puddle for countless hours. They are however more than happy to provide a replacement for the grand total of $343! That's especially super duper cos I have no option but to pay it and for all I know the fix only cost $5. Gee Thanks.

Whatever happened to honesty is the best policy? I'm not suggesting for 1 second that I shouldn't have to pay something as it was clearly my actions that caused the fault but why is it that people like me who cant bring themselves to take out insurance AFTER its broken and claim it back after a fortnight or otherwise lie until my pants catch alight are the ones that are bent over barrels.

Its the people that bitch and moan and make total twats of themselves or tell every pork pie they cant think of to weasel their way into a deal that reap the benefits. Why does society reward those who, sometimes, are the least deserving? What lessons are learned by these people............ next time ill do the same thing and people will give me stuff to a) shut me up or b) make me go away.

I suppose my question is.... *and pardon the language* Do you have to be a c#nt to get the best deal?

Those in customer service, please PLEASE grow a pair, save your colleagues and everyone else that has to deal with that person for the rest of time and just tell them NO. If they keep bitching, follow Chuck Norris's lead and roundhouse kick them in the face......HARD. Lesson learned? Yes - Bitching = Roundhouse Kick.

That's my rant for the day/week and by this time next week I should be reunited with my iPhone and feel whole again. Not sure how anyone gets through the day in an office without some sort of music relief to drown out the hen-house noise.

Peace OUT

I Said 'Psst'.......I Love You

Some folks like their beer warm, some like it cold. Whichever camp (or country) you are in, there's nothing like that first "craaaakiissssh" as you pop the top of a new can. Something in the sound just strikes a chord in everyone's soul - the chord of relaxation and enjoyment and inebriation. Ahhh. But, alas, you normally can't crack one open at work. So, for the times when it might be improper (or illegal) to enjoy a brew, you can still enjoy the sound with this Electronic Beer Can Opener Keyring.

The Electronic Beer Can Opener Keyring is just slightly smaller than the real thing, and while it doesn't contain any beery goodness, it still gives you that same thrill. Oh, and every 30 "pops" you get rewarded with a surprise sound effect. Why? Because, that's why. Think of the Electronic Beer Can Opener Keyring as an electronic way to keep sane through your grueling day until you get home and can open up some real beer. The Electronic Beer Can Opener Keyring - your pacifier through sobriety.

Soundtrack Of The Day: The sound of my colleagues moaning about the rain.

The Birds N The Bees

This one is for the parents or parents to be... how to cover that awkward conversation that no-one wants to have with your kid. just play this song

http://wowdemoblog.tumblr.com/post/116919745/this-song-is-called-making-love-and-its#disqus_thread

Soundtrack Of The Day: needless to say...

Spoilt For Choice

So the arcade machine is finished and its time to get some enjoyment out of it..........finally!

Without sounding too negative (cos its AWESOME!) the cabinets biggest downfall is also one of its strengths. What am I on about? Well including all the different versions and spin offs, I currently have a catalog of around 7000 games. These range from Asteroids to Mortal Kombat 4, from After Burner to Gauntlet from Double Dragon to Wonder Boy and to be perfectly honest, there are too many to choose from.

Ignoring for a second, the pain-staking effort required to find a game using only the joystick, I think it would be better if I just went on the net, found the top 50 games for a cocktail table and hid the rest. Choices are fewer but instead of spending the night trawling through endless lists I think you would just shrug your shoulders and get back to playing something......anything!

Without further ado, I'm searching now - Please Hold. *insert Greensleeves lift music*

Ok done. Here is a small list which is a good start I think;

Asteroids, Centipede, Donkey Kong, Dragons Lair, Frogger, Mario Bros/Super Mario Bros, Pac-Man/Ms Pac-man/Pac-man Jr, Pole Position, Space Invaders, Tron, Rampage, Tempest, Xevious, Defender, Tetris, Zaxxon, Gauntlet, Diamond Run, Boulderdash, Burgertime, Q*bert, Galaga, 1942, Pong, Pitfall!, Spy Hunter, Lode Runner and Galaxian (thanks Rez!)

I'm just thinking if I focus on around 50 and make them work perfectly etc, it will actually end up being more fun. Sort of a 'Less is More' approach. So what do you guys think?

Any suggestions for the list? There are about 32 games above so if I've missed anything obvious - point it out so it will make the cut.

Ciao readers and sorry about the story drought.....still bouncing back from weddings, cleaning and wall to wall work!

Soundtrack Of The Day: Nothing, iPhone still in for repair : (

Snuggie Parody

The Mrs and I have mocked this product from day dot of seeing it advertised and this vid does it justice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h05ZQ7WHw8Y&NR=1

More Power!

love pizza?
love power tools?
hate those lazy 15 year olds who don't take the proper care in slicing it properly?

bring on the PIZZA BOSS 3000!

Weekly WTF: Urinals

Ghostbusters III

Rumours have been confirmed that Ghostbusters 3 is in the making and to be released in 2012. Boo Yah

The record breaking box office explosions of the 80s, that were the first 2 films literally set the standard for all movie releases in the 90s. Ghostbusters was released in 1984 and grossed an amazing $13.6 million (1339 cinemas) in its opening weekend .......... consider that for a few seconds ........ it was 1984! As a comparison, Titanic, which is still the highest ever earner, grossed $28 million (2674 cinemas) on its opening weekend and it was released 13 years after! Factoring inflation into the finances, today it equates to total earnings of over $500 million in the US alone. It was the most successful comedy of the 80s surpassing Beverly Hills Cop, Blues Brothers, Big, Caddyshack, Ferris Buellers day Off, Weekend at Bernies even Spaceballs!

In 1989, Ghostbusters 2 was released despite Bill Murrays often published hatred of movie sequels. The plot was slammed by critics but after the first films success, moviegoers were lining up in droves. It grossed $29 million in its opening (3 day) weekend which was the record at the time, cruelly broken by Batman in the week straight after however!

The concept for Ghostbusters 3, under various working titles, revolves around "Ghostbusters in Hell", the idea being the characters could switch to a negative version of Manhattan called Manhellton. All other rumours are generally loose and I think it will remain under heavy wraps for a couple of years yet. If the first 2 are anything to go by, this ones gunna be weird! Most of the original cast have locked themselves in along with extras including Ben Stiller as possible cameos.

A little to far away to start looking forward to it but it might be enough for me to dig out the DVDs this weekend for an extended couch surf.

Soundtrack Of The Day: White noise from my iPhone earbuds - sob

I Don't Have an iPhone

Enough Said

Hottest 100 of All Time

Triple J's Hottest 100 of all time, 20 years on from the 1989 edition that saw Joy Division's : Love Will Tear Us Apart as the best song ever. Who will take the crown this year?

http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100_alltime/voting/

You have up to 10 songs to vote for so thinking caps ahoy! Here are my votes (no order other then #1)

Pearl Jam - Black : this is just my favourite song ever, its perfection to me, hauntingly beautiful. If in doubt, listen to the live version on "Live at Benaroya Hall" the crowd sing along gives me chills.

Motor Ace - Not So Blue : This band is so under-rated, they wrote some fantastic songs and I dreamed of being in a band that sounds like them. This is my favourite track of theirs.

Matthew Good Band - Weapon : I'm a sucker for epic songs, building from an intricate arpeggio to rocking the distortion. Matt Good is very new to me but im obsessed now. Cheers Taylor

Death Cab for Cutie - I Will Follow You Into The Dark : I'm a late bloomer in getting into DCFC but this is just a beautiful track and the ultimate tribute to a loved one.

The Smashing Pumpkins - Thru The Eyes Of Ruby : A sneaky song, i always skipped it when i first got the album because of it's slow start. It caught me by surprise when i did listen to it. Once again its an epic type song that builds and builds

Stone Temple Pilots - Interstate Love Song : From the very first cd i bought, STP are master songsmiths, a great great sing-a-long driving song.

Big Wreck - That Song : One of the first songs that I got into on my own accord, relatively unknown Canadian band, gave me courage to listen to new stuff and not just follow the crowd. Now my friends think i have obscure taste. Never get sick of this song.

Tool - Parabol / Parabola : Heavy Metal was my love as a kid and i couldn't go past TOOL as my favourite heavy band. Amazingly amazing. To no surprise i have chosen one of their building songs,Parabol is sparse and open then...wait til Parabola kicks in ... now go bang your head!

Foo Fighters - Everlong : I wouldn't say I'm a huge FF fan but this song is superb, Dave Grohl is too talented to be just sitting behind the drums.

Incubus - Stellar : I was a late bloomer in the world of Incubus, this is a love song but a rock song, best listened to in a car screaming your lungs out.

Soundtrack Of The Day: Triple J radio, my soundtrack to most days