Barry's Big Day Out.

Oh to be living in America during such momentous times..

On January 20 2009 I sat in my home with Gilli and Jeff as we watched Barack Hussein Obama pledge his oath and be sworn is at President of the United States of America.

He said all that needs to be said for this day.

A few quotes:

"Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans......

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."

What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship".

A Brand New (Rudd) Day!!!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Just had to quickly stop by the ol' blog and say YEEE HAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!.. After nearly 12 years of political shame I am now so very proud now to say I am Australian - especially living overseas. Kevin Rudd's new Labor leadership holds great promise. I look forward to observing from afar the swiftly shifting sands of Australia's political climate. Yes to the Kyoto Principle, No to the Iraq War (bringing our soldiers home) No to the Workplace Agreement (how wonderful he will turn around Howard's shocking removal workers rights) Yes to Indigenous Rights (bring back the full power of Mabo & Land Rights) Plus Greater social compassion for those in need in the community, better health care and imporved education opportunties for all Australians and better guardianship of our planet... KEVIN 07........what a wonderful moment in history to remember! Currently reading: EMERGENCY SEX: AND OTHER DESPERATE MEASURES By Kenneth Cain Release date: 25 October, 2006

Wine, Song, Birthday, Cast Member Status & Being In The Vortex

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Forgive me family and friends - it's been six weeks since my last confession , no - blog! and so much has, and is still happening. My Californian Life is still unfolding happily... Main state of play is that I'm currently in the throes of developing the art of the balancing the creative soul and corporate life in America. Work has essentially been all-consuming. For these first few months at Disney it has been a tad tiring as I've been getting to know the job, and on a sharp learning curve. Settling in to the American Corporate world while ingesting the Disney culture and work methodology has left me with little energy or time for much else, but I am slowly coming to grips with the subtle ebb and flow of my days, and am finally feeling creatively inspired again. I decided that, as the sedentary office sloth life is adding to my girth, I would ride a push bike to work. But in the first week I got knocked off my bike, so ends that adventure - took me a while to get over that bump! Have to find something else to do at either end of my long work day... One fun thing outside work has been that I won ticket to see the LA Dodgers play and went with pals Rory, Nina and a host of Aussies - only to meet more there, including Ms Missy Higgins. Thus town is teeming with Antipodeans. Great time to be in LA, that's for sure. Have been thoroughly enjoying my membership of Australians in Film with a flurry of excellent film screenings including - Eastern Promises & Elizabeth of The Golden Age. I'm also now a card carrying member of Australians in LA and the Australian American Association too. We have a Malibu picnic coming up soon - should be fun. And, finally, I've been accepted into the Women in Film Association in LA as a professional member. A few weeks back I also attended a wonderful 'dual birthday gig' performed by Aussies Kelly Rowland & Ian Hopkinson at Genghis Cohen which also featured the amazing and talented Neil Murray (of Warumpi fame) who has been touring and adventuring across America. The music on this night was sublime and the poetry of some lyrics of a few songs stays with me now...Kelly musing over trading wings for diamonds on the eve of her engagement and Ian being more than the dust at his feet as he finds his way in LA. We coerced Neil into singing his brilliant composition 'Island Home' which always arouses a certain nostalgia for Australia... I celebrated my birthday in style this year - my first in America. Jen and I took a trip to the central coast to get out of LA. Jen traveled ahead on Thursday, and on the Friday after work I took the Amtrak train coastal ride to meet her. Excellent train journey right alongside the pacific ocean - Time to reflect on life while looking over the water and thinking of home... After a rather bumpy start late on Friday night with some idiots at the train station hassling me we went to a wonderful restaurant where I found an unlikely glass of Coopers pale ale!!! The taste of Australia. While there on the balcony chatting we met two great gals -one a chef who'd just had the soft opening of her cafe. We were given the inside running on the vineyards to hit on Saturday and then they took us to another bar where we danced with the Pasa Robles Friday night crew... a lot of fun. We slept over at Jen's niece's place who lives up there. Saturday, after an early morning stop to acquire the requisite bottles of delicious Almond Champagne (Jen introduced me to this wonder and it's a must for a birthday celebration!!!) at Arroyo Robles Winery tasting room we put the top down on her sweet red convertible mustang. With the wind in our hair, we left town and wound our way along the winding, scenic cliff-hugging road of the 46 across to the Pacific Coast. At the shimmering blue we turned right on the 1 and cruised up to Cambria to have brunch with the gorgeous pal of Jen's, Brad at the Creek Cafe where I breakfasted on fabulously drowned Eggs Florentine. Then began our true vineyard adventure... With Brad as our designated driver we wound our way back across the 46 and our first stop - Lone Madrone. This vineyard has the most wonderful herb and flower garden you could imagine. Eight varieties of lavender, ten of mint, etc and the blooms were all buzzing with bees. Wandering amongst the flowers, we enjoyed their beauty and array of scents in the sunshine, and watched the amazing hummingbirds enjoy the various nectares...heaven. Finally ambling back for our first initial taste of Vino we noticed a side entrance , and discovered Vin Fusion. This is home to an independent winemaker also residing on the Lone Madrone premises. We met and had a lovely long chat with the Vitner, an ex copywriter from New York who has upped and changed her life, for the better it would seem! She and her offsider introduced us to her magical blends of organic wines infused with herbs and flowers - delicious. We left having purchased a few bottles including two named Amethyst & Onyx plus some Mexican chilli-chocolate. A stop into the actual Lone Madrone shop brought us face to face with the usual wine- tasting weekend crowd crush and a quick purchase of their Syrah (after a poll of the existing wine tasters who'd already paid for the tasting!) got us out of there quick smart... Next stop was Summerwood, a large well known company, but we three decided we didn't want to do the big industrial wine tour, and actually didn't even like the wine so it was only cheese and olives purchased on that stop. Next we hightailed it off highway 46 and turned onto the rambling Vineyard Drive to venture to Pasolivo, home of the best Californian Olive Estates, good friends of Brad's too! The Pasolivo Ranch has 45 acres of olive trees and make all the Oils in their own press. The switch from wine to bread and olive oils was divine intervention. We sampled a superb array of products and left with a lot of booty - Oils: Lemon flavoured, Lime infused, a Kalamata Extra Viirgin and the signature Pasolivo Extra Virgin Olive Oil, an excellent balsamic vinegar, bottles of olives, candles, creams and a hat!(the Californian sunshine beating down in a convertible can be too much sometimes!). Next we followed our chef friend's advice and searched for the tiny Poalillo Vineyard and Winery nestled on Willow Creek Road. This proved to be the diamond Vineyard of our little tour. Of course there's a story, Poalillo is not listed in the Paso Robles Wine Country Guide, and that in my estimation is a crime. Our Vitner was the sweet Charlie Poalillo. Charlie and his wife were once a young couple struggling in Los Angeles in the 1950's when Charlie tasted some wine. He loved it, became inspired and decided to become a winemaker. 10 years later - he owned the very Vineyard of that wine he loved so much and had renamed it for his families moniker - Paolillo. In the tasting room there's a wonderful black and white photo of Charlie and his wife pressing their first crop of grapes. They're standing in the wooden tubs, his trouser legs are rolled up, his wife's skirt is hitched high and they're both laughing at the good fortune of their lives. And all these years later Charlie is still at it, making wine that he likes with his wife, son and daughter. And they are winning awards. The wine is elegant, uncomplicated and simply beautiful. Charlie is part of the charm. On their 60th Anniversary a few years back their son and daughter took an old photographic portrait of Charlie and his wife (taken by a photogrpaher pal in LA during a hot summer in the 50's) to an artist who sketched it in a De Vinci style, and this is now their label. Sweet. Take note that this was the only vineyard we visited that did not charge to taste...that's the way in the USA. Pay to taste - and only if you're lucky will they deduct the fee when you buy. So the best of Charlie's crop (which I purchased) are the 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, 2005 Chardonnay, 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2004 Zinfadel and the sublime masterpiece is Charlie's Extreme Reserve II 2003 Zinfadel. After the vineyard tour Brad, Jen and I, sated and well stocked with wines traveled back to the coast and headed down to the Abalone Farm which Brad manages. This is a very special part of the world. Officially known as Cayucos, Brad's home is a wonderful cliff-side 'beach-shack' sitting above the Abalone Farm The Farm comprises of a series of water channels pumping sea water through buildings housing abalone growing in huge tubs and and sea-scoured concrete tanks hanging over a windblown bluff on the Pacific coast just north of Morro Bay. Abalone, which are now so rare in the wild that it's illegal to catch it commercially are nurtured and grown and sold to the US and a growing overseas market. The area reminded me of my old home on the Northshore of Port Macquarie. In Australia the environment was windswept beaches, dolphins, whales offshore and oysters. Here it's stunning cliffs, seals on the beach, whales offshore and abalone. And in this heavenly place live two wonderful men who I know will become close friends over time. Brad and Mike, with Mike's teenage son Aaron - these three were our gentlemen hosts. Brad of course manages the Farm, Mike is a Radio DJ & Teacher and Aaron has aspirations of becoming an animator (more on this later). Jen has known them for years from when she lived up here as a Radio DJ, and I first met Brad when he came down during the summer of Allioti fun just after the Mexico trip when I made almond tequila margaritas for him on a hot summer eve. And now he cooked up a storm. I, loving the chance to cook as well, assisted. Another couple arrived, this was a cinematographer pal Cameron and his gal. We enjoyed the sunset on the balcony overlooking the ocean and dined in the guys wonderful home on delicious food and fine wine. A truly wonderful night with great company. Sunday morning dawned slow... Brad gave Jen and I a tour of the Abalone Farm. When we returned to the house Mike had whipped up a yummy Frittata for brunch to set Jen and I on the road for our trip back to LA. But of course a trip up to Californian Central Coast wouldn't be complete without a stop at the Madonna Inn. This is an iconic, bizarre 119 room Inn where each room is themed. And extravagantly so. Ostentatiously so. It's like Barbara Cartland meets the Flintstones on acid. A real treat for an Aussie - that's for sure! Jen and I then sailed along the PC1 back to LA enjoying the sea air with the top down and the sun still shining...just a wonderful birthday treat for me to spend time away from LA with my new American friends. The eve of my American birthday Jen and Gilli took me to Olivio - a wonderful Italian restaurant in S.Oaks, and then on my actual birthday I was treated to delicious massive cupcakes (an American style birthday treat) then Gilli and Jeff took me to Senor Fred for dinner where we ate some excellent Mexican fare with wonderful Margaritas. The lovely Jane Johnston rounded out the week when she invited me for a brilliant meal and a night of fun at her West Hollywood pad. A few care packages (from Mum and Ang) and message from Australia made me a tad homesick, but Cherie's offer to make me a flight buddy of her hubby's makes it all fine! I can fly QANTAS on the cheap for a while! so happy about that perk. What a present!!! My birthday present to myself was to attend the Entertainment Forum on Saturday October 6th and Sunday October 7th (9.30-7pm both days) at the InterContinental, Los Angeles/Century City on Avenue of the Stars (I love that street name!) After 2 days I felt completely inspired and informed by the amazing array of panels discussing all kinds of topics, consisting of entertainment veterans and decision makers - filmmakers, showrunners, executive producers, bankers and actors who variously discussed equity, budgets, scripts, shows, jobs, how to get where and who to contact to do so..it was incredibly enlightening for a newcomer to La La. On the Saturday - a glorious sunny autumn day they included the Women In Film Business Leadership Awards Luncheon which honoured Iris Grossman, Talent Agent, ICM and Michelle Satter Founding Director, Feature Film Program at the Sundance Institute. Both wonderful women who have achieved so much in their careers. A highlight was to attend the discussion with Robin Swicord about The Jane Austin Book Club. After my time with Robin last year during the Aurora Screenwriting Workshop is was fun and educational to see her in her own land. Robin proved quite giving and frank as she shared many stories about the experience of directing her first feature in Hollywood. This week, due to young Aaron's mention of wanting a career in animation I invited them to town and organized a tour of the Disney Online VR studio(where they're created the Pirates Online Game), then we took a trip over for lunch at the Commissary, a tour on a few of the Disney Lot Sound-stages and (jewel in the crown) a walk around the Feature Animation (ABC) building. What an excellent day we had. It's one of the perks of being in this amazing company that I have access to this kind of thing - but even better to share with a young kid with ambition. The Feature animation tour, arranged by our lovely guide was so inspiring - she showed us so much that most aren't privy to. We sat in the Roy Disney Office which is located in the 'Magician's Hat' (an architectural feature of the Animation building) and watched in-house clips of project being developed..it was quite simply, magical, and so rewarding to see young Aaron's face light up and his eyes shine with the certainty of desire - he has found his career path. I loved being part of that experience. And now I am on the cusp of another big change in this American adventure... On Monday, October 15, I officially join the Disney Company. It has taken four month of 'contract probation', and an intense investigation into me, my abilities, qualifications and my past to get this approval. Disney seriously doesn't let everyone in. It takes time to prove your commitment and interviews to assess whether you are of the right type to fit in to the fold. In fact I, forthwith, will be what is known as a 'Cast Member'. A real part of the team - with all the adjuncts and booty too! - brilliant health care benefits (so needed in the US), a solid and reassuring wage package (plus overtime) and best of all free access to all Disneyland's, huge discounts on Disney events, package trips, merchandising and shows. Let the magic begin. Currently reading: The Cat Sanctuary By Patrick Gale Release date: January, 1992

Viva Baha

Friday, August 24, 2007

Took five days out of LA life to venture down to Baha. It's amazing when you just spin in a flurry of automobiles at 70 miles an hour San Diego disappears in the exhalation of a sigh, and in a blink you're in Mexico. The roads becomes rougher, the litter of humanity animate and inanimate increases and the terrain is less green,more tired and dusty, like the dreams of those who come to reside in Tiajana. The houses are certainly less salubrious - cement boxes with windows framing the expansive no man's land divide. We cruised on down the coast past the big Jesus (and I mean big), Fox Studios, Rosarito, some hideous new resort towers and lazy town Pueto Nuevo until we came upon our quarry - Mision La Playa and met our rather unimpressed security guard who languidly opened the massive gates - so this is enclave living..built circa 1970's, it's right on the beach in a row of eclectic abodes... Along the dusty road we came upon our holiday house - the most fabulous pink adobe with a courtyard of succulents ranging up the walls and thriving in pots, contrasting deep greens against the pink-painted brick. Then inside and I stood dumbfounded in aesthetic awe... Surely decorated in 1973 I wiggled my toes in the luxury of orange shag rugs, shell encrusted trinkets and hanging mobiles, copper seahorses, sweet birds and a stunning pelican taking pride of place, centre of our Mexican universe facing the beach, shiny in his copper glory ready to take flight and join his compatriots along the shoreline. The decor was all dark wood paneling, deep-red leather bar stools with groovy 70's wrought iron (black) swirling backs, fab dark green chairs around the wood paneled table where all serious drinking, dining, chatting and one lackadaisical attempt at card games happened. Across the room stood a massive stone fireplace that can only be described as 'groovy' with a dark copper sun front and centre. The finishing touches were woolen creative macramé hangings (to die for), tiled surfaces covered everywhere the wood paneling isn't, two long brown plaid couches that we oft snoozed, reclined and slumbered on, fine venetian blinds revealing the dazzling stretch of blue, blue ocean and stained glass light fittings shimmering a hazy vibrant glow through the house... Step out and gasp the sea air like a hungry man... the verandah hangs over slate and concrete pathways lined with more succulents outlining steps leading down to the wide sands of the beach (Playa) and onto the sand before the deep blue shimmer of Senorita Pacifica - hazy with a marine layer smudging the horizon. Mexican kids on horseback, laughing and playing, ambled past, silhouetted against the blue waves where dolphins frolicked and pelicans flew in perfect formation up along the beach to the point a few miles away. They surely were the inspiration for the original Mexican wave! I was, quite simply, in heaven... A few days later I explored the lounge room and opened massive cupboard to find the shrine to Saint Margarita!!! Rows of margarita glasses, candles, tequila bottles and all the the accoutremonts one needs to party with the liquid gold of Mexico including over ten packets of playing cards (best intentions)... Our agenda was as follows: Day One - in a rush to party hard we hurried down to the beach bars, learnt the requisite, rudimentary Spanish to get us by and drank far too may of the 99c margaritas... the night became a blur. I woke having bought a slingshot, a silver ring and a pack of cards and apparently became betrothedto a bra owner who wanted the elusive American life (Ha)! Jeff was sound asleep on the verandah wrapped in towels, Larry's night was completely blank and Gilli was a tad grey around the gills and worse for wear. The second day we paced ourselves (and bought a greater variety of finer quality tequila). We visited PN AKA Lobsterville and did a spot of haggling with the touts and shopping. We also found a treasure of a hideaway - a Cuban coffee shop. In n the dark glowing orange interior we took a reprieve from the hot white light shimmering off the street stalls and their many trinkets outside. Day three dawned and it was pure 'chillville'... doing not much but kicking back (all the while I devoured Harry Potter's last book). Day four we explored Encinada markets and the seashore with huge seals lolling in the waters, watching us watching them, watching us... The crew dined on fish tacos, nachos, beer (for a change) more margaritas and then Claude found the amazing tequila shop with over 1000 different types of this amber heaven.. You see, all the while we were there we supping on tequila we devised many dishes for my tequlia cookbook..damn if it doesn't go with everything! The company was sublime, the wit high and dry, and with some brilliantly accomplished musicians from Australia, Texas and Louisiana in fine form and happy to play the days away. We were completely spoilt...the sun always set to the dulcet slide guitar solos or harp warling tunes. One night a beach bonfire found us hanging with the rest of Danny's crew. the shimmer of firelight, the glow of the faces, the music of our clan. Just swimming in the beloved Pacifica and ambling with sand between the toes were the order of the day.. and simply watching life amble by, while the pelicans and dolphins enjoyed their domain. Each night we Antipodeans stargazed, a tad befuddled at the strange new constellations, yet marveling at their formations while enjoying the lapping cool evening air and brine wafting up from the beach. This was a truly wonderful sojourn and one of the best most chilled holidays I've had in a long while - with a great crew of people - newly wed and lip-locked Melissa & Matt, fun loving and chilled Gilli & Jeff, larrikin Larry from down under, poised Bronnie and the inimitable Claude.... But now it's back into work this week, with a few Crisis Management Courses thrown in for good measure. But I can't, nor want to forget the times, the food, the chilled-out mood from the amber fluid, the people and I really must get the cook book in order! Viva Mexico!!! Currently listening: Missa Mexicana By Peruvian Anonymous Release date: 14 October, 2003

A Trip to Sunset Strip

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Tripped over Laurel Canyon this week with Ms Kaylee for an adventure to see Augie March...bloody BRILLIANT performance (if not a tad short), and I'd won the tickets (thank you Advance). Met up with Andy Clockwise and Henry Fenton - two talented Aussie muso's in their own right. So we sat up in a booth and supped on Vodka and Cranberry while enjoying the array of acts, including The Red Wall - who I also really enjoyed - Chicago group on tour. The other light entertainment included a verrrrry drunk Scottish girl wobbling all over the shop - all night...and the general mix of Sunset Strip trippers. The Rainbow was the perfect spot to end the night..three storey house filled with gaggles of people off their nanas lounging on couches and staggering about on bad carpet...made my week! Otherwise I'm working slavishly hard and saving the pesos...House of Mouse is endlessly entertaining, and educational.... plus I discovered the Writer & Director's Fellowship program this week..sounds like a good thing to try for later this year when it opens. The jacuzzi and pool give splendid respite at the end of the day, and this summer is passing fasting than a buzzard dining on roadkill... Off to Mexico with a gaggle of compatriots next Thursday for 5 days - was starting to get itchy feet - so that will cool it a bit... the lovely Jane Johnson is back and in country - East Coast I think at the moment - and it'll be fun to catch up with her again. Had a visit from some of my San Fran couchsurfing fraternity when they came for pancakes and a swim at the mansion last weekend...lovely to see the gals again. Not much else really. Time to head back for the pool... Saturday is blissfully empty of obligations this week... Just enjoy the slideshows from the roadtrip LA to Montana, Seattle, Washington, Portland,Oregon and also old pics from Anzac day in La La and Cinco de Mayo ... Tales from Mexico next............. Currently listening: Moo, You Bloody Choir By Augie March Release date: 13 March, 2006

Sunday, July 15, 2007

.....The Pursuit of Happiness Well the past month has flown... Back in La La and working for the Mouse - getting used to doing a 45+ hr week at an office takes just a tiny bit of adjustment. But I am the luckiest gal. Great people to work with and I can drive to work in 12 easy minutes and don't need to engage in 'riding-on-the-freeway sports' at all and can enjoy a swim or jacuzzi every evening when i get home.... believe me that's a miracle in La La! This week I was supposed to be going back to Australia...but with all things considered:Mum is recovering well now, tickets are over $2400, the hacienda is packed up and selling, my Baba is gone - and there's no financially viable film work for me... I might as well stay here where I have opportunities and solidify my new life. I am missing one very important event: Colin's birthday. But that's just the way things are for me. Living on the other side of the planet far from the ones I love, trying to start a new life. But I'm not the first immigrant who's left their homeland, come to America and had to experience than pangs and sense of disconnection to those far away. Had a wonderful first Independence Day. The Playgirl Mansion held an impromptu pool party, and we splashed, played, BBQ'd and supped on Marguaritas. Played bartender and kept them coming for the gang... I love that when you want to chat about things here in the USA, an American will immediately engage in the conversation with enthusiasm. They have no qualms about holding forth on what it is to be an American, the principals pf their constitution, the current state of the nation and international relations. I think I'm lucky to have found a crew of like-minded inquisitive souls so those conversations are never too static, negative or lack-lustre. They often have different points of view - but are willing to discuss things,. It's the land of the debate after all. And then there's NPR. National Public Radio. This is my link to the world every morning and evening on the road. I listen in to the most fascinating stories, excellent satire, cutting edge comedians, great investigative journalism, diverse points of view, inclusive philosophy and entertaining shows on the very best radio station in the country. Love it. And these are a few of my weird and wonderful, most recent observations about America and the way of life here: You can't buy a nail brush for love or money. Maybe it's LA but they'd rather have a pedicure than reach down and scrub their own feet. I have resorted to buying a 'potato scrubbing brush'... and having pedicures too (when in Rome). Food-combining is an art form. Think Peanut Butter and 'Jelly' and take that into all meals and all food. I have seen peanut butter dolloped onto a pancake...oh my, oh my.... They'd rather use 'creamer' or half-n-half in their coffee than plain old milk. Creamer is an artificial white powder that creates a cloudy consistency in black coffee. Bizarre. Half-n-half is half milk/half cream. Yet in all other food situations, after lactose, fat is regarded as the number one enemy, so 'No-fat' milk exists, and 'no-fat' yoghurt - which is actually (if you look close enough on the label) tapioca pudding, and I'll be damned if I want tapioca pudding for breakfast when I asked and paid for yoghurt. I've handed out a few vegemite packs to take home and have on toast..that was entertaining, and they made me 'mac-n-cheese'. it's a cross-cultural learning experience every day! There is a definite rabid concern for appearances and a willingness to use anything artificial to achieve the appearance of health or aesthetics. Ads for tanning, botox, collagen, dermabrasion, lifts, tucks, anal bleaching(what tha!!), implants and an array of bizarre sorts of cosmetic surgery fill pages and pages of magazines and the Friday newspapers. The most bizarre ad' of the week is for a G-Spot injection which you can have done in 45 minutes (hey - in your lunch-hour) which supposedly improves your sexual drive gaLS - like sticking a needle in your twat is going to be anyway near a good-time!!!. It's all being pushed as 'normal' and the botox and collegen brigade are growing. The natural state of play for a human body to age is considered the enemy - to be eradicated...so we few are the exception rather than the rule. Just so don't think this is a US bashing session - there are positive aspects - The work ethic is strong. To fully engage in society is a very pro-active forward action. From the essential use of a social security number which is given at birth and they all memorize as you are asked all the time foe the last four digits at the bank, work and when buying things. The other is your zip (postcode). That is required so you can fill your car with fuel (or gas - as they call it). And the level of automation is amazing. There are drive-through banks - yes one can lodge a deposit and sign the form with the help of vacuum channels and air-tight cylinders. You can get drive through coffee, and even a church (for a quick drive-through prayer). 'Self-serving' check-outs, and bowsers at petrol stations all make the process of filling up and shopping a fast exercise in getting in-and-out without talking to a soul. Just remember your zip code please. The fact that I have decided to grow herbs and tomatoes makes me an anomoly here. 'Why grow when you can buy?'... but I still get a kick out of the simple things. Like going to the Oz-Song circle gigs and seeing brilliant talent from down-under in LA. Saw the amazing Kara Grainger, Andy Clockwise, Tyrone and Danielle Gahan this past week - A great night at The Mint - that happens each month. And I have movies launches coming up in the next few weeks. It's all out there if you look for it. And, as I get used to the helicopter fly-overs in the backyard while I lay in the pool under the palm trees, listening the cry of ambulance and fire appliance sirens heading for the 405 and some new accident, I think back to Australia. Australian life is simpler, less automated, cleaner, fresher, more natural, relaxed, and no doubt healthier. But I'm staying here for a while. It's fascinating! Plus opportunities abound and life has possibilities I couldn't conceive or find in my homeland - which is tragic really. Sure i'm living on a fault-line and no doubt in one of the target infidel cities, but what's worse - going out having tried or stagnation and a slower state of play - which is the Australian thing. Things happen fast here, and I find myself in the midst of exciting entertainment developments, and at the forefront of Web 2.0 advancement, which is fascinating stuff. Never thought I'd say that - but there you have it. I'm going corporate for a while, learning so much about business, and getting my life here on a steady track, heading up.... But don't think I've done the unthinkable and subsumed my Aussie vernacular. I am not a yankophile when it comes to accents or expressions. In fact I'm working a few phrases into the collective WDIG vernacular. An Executive who's nowhere to be found has 'gone walkabout', and a returnable object is a 'boomerang'..they'll get the hang of it. Baby steps first... And joy of joys!!! I've discovered the Disney emergency team and Fire Brigade - who would have thought that the Mouse had his own brigade on the Lot... I love it. More on that after I've done my training. next time - some exciting news soon about a music clip & travel pics going up imminently - plus news on how craigslist list saves the day again on the computer front... Hey check out the book I found in the artist Banksy - fan-bloody-tastic! Currently reading: Wall and Piece By Banksy Release date: 27 December, 2005

BABA R.I.P.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

This year is getting to be a doozie.... Baba, black furball love on my life, has died at the age of 16 years and 6 months. He passed away after a brief illness basically due to his old age. This puss has been with me since he hurled himself through the door of my flat in Surry Hills during a thunderstorm as a drenched, starving and dumped little black kitten. He traveled with me through a marriage up to Whale Beach and over the Balmain, Rozelle, Leichhardt. Then we went coastal to Tamarama, Bellevue Hill, onto North Bondi, and out to Watson's Bay before hot-footing it down the coast to Melbourne, then back to North Bondi before finally coming to rest at the Borger Hacienda on the Northshore of Port Macquarie where he spent the last three years of his life in relative confort and coastal country splendour. Sister Kate was with him in the end and Tony buried him out by the Blackboy plants at the Borger Hacienda. I so regret that I wasn't there - but that is my cross to bear...I left him and he died.... Baba was a wonderful companion, fiesty to the end and I adored the cantankerous beasty so much. He sauntered into my life and made sure everyone knew who was boss - the one and only black furball at their feet, or more likely on their lap or chewing on their ankle! He even traveled in the car well (all the way to Melbourne and back in the Monaro, then up the coast), plus I remember him walking on the beach - tail held high, strolling with Heidi the German Shepard through Annandale, hanging with the ducks and lounging with the Kangaroos at the Hacienda as no cat should...he was truly one of a kind. But now he's gone to push-cat heaven where the pats never end, the laps are always free, the dogs are chained far away and the kangaroo meat and fish diet always perfectly interspersed with lamb kidneys (that he so loved). I have lost my boy and one of the main reasons I had to bring me home to Australia...so for now I stay here in LA and remember my Tonto, my sidekick, my sometimes sweet, sometimes sour, but always wonderful Baba. To me he was purrrrfect............................ Currently listening: Cats (1982 Original Broadway Cast) By Andrew Lloyd Webber Release date: 07 December, 1993

Sleepless to YMCA land

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Just spent the last week in transit easing my way down the top half of 'left' coast of the USA. From going sailing and fishing is Seattle (where I stayed with Ryan, Tammi and Ethan) I checked out the landmarks from 'that' movie then mozzied on down to Portland Oregan. Immediately hiked outta town to the historic Columbia Hwy and the M Falls (which I climbed for a spectacular sunset. I found a locally brewery nearby and a camping ground near Mt Hood where I spent the night before traisping over to the Mountain and snowboarding!!! - hilarious times - spent more time on my butt tho! After a lunch with the lovely CJ in Portland I shimmied downn again to spend a weekend with the gorgeous Jay in Haight Ashbury in San Fran... and it was PRIDE weekend so the city was going OFF!!!!! Abysinth parties, the Pride parade, flicks and general frolocking made me fall in love with this city again, and finally meeting the man behind the myth that is Jay was excellent fun.. I love my couchsurfing family.... Then I got up at stupid o'clock for the final leg of my journey home...back to the heat and business that is LA. So different after my times traveling and enjoying exploring the Northwest of the country. It has been an incredible journey... TodayI started at Disney. So the freelancer is no more - I am land-lubbed in Corporate America for the immediate future. And my computer has died... Currently watching: Sleepless in Seattle (Special Edition) Release date: 28 September, 1999

Not All The Stars Are In The Sky

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Well I can safely say that Encounter Entertainment's inaugural Empowerment through Performance Workshop was a resounding success. It has been an amazing journey from conception, through applying for and getting the funding and of course actually making it happen. Jen and I have worked very hard, but all the lost hours of sleep are now forgotten because it was such a wonderful experience. The teens who came to participate in the workshop were all diamonds in the rough...so incredible - some leapt up and shone immediately others who had been downtrodden by life needed a little help to lift their eyes from the floor and their hearts out of despair. But they did it!!! To see them clamour up onto our outdoor stage under the stars in beautiful Northwest Montana and sing, dance and act their little hearts out with such courage and verve was inspiring. This has to have been one of the most amazing experiences of my life - without a doubt... Our generous hosts and benefactors - Bonni and Rob Quist (C & W singer) were so supportive (I think Rob enjoyed the show too!), and it was a real bonus to work with the talented Betsi Morrison, Luke Walrath, David Ackroyd and Mike Aldridge from our sponosr company Alpine Theatre Project. Our trusty and talented volunteers Cowboy Dave, Cathy, Jesse, Bente, Erika and Heather plus our cabin neighbours at Sweetwater Ranch the brothers - Rob and Will really made it possible with their hard work and hearts of gold, as did our sponsors who made it financially feasible...including the Montana Arts Council. The actual event - Night At The Ranch was a precious one - I loved every minute of it, and will never forget the laughter and applause of the audience rolling across the field at Sweetwater Ranch under the starry sky in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains as the wind whispered through the trees and the crows called out.... In the few days we had to recover I was able to explore Bigfork, Columbia Falls, White Fish and the glorious Glacier National Park with Jen and Polly. We saw BEARS!!! What a highlight - the grizzlies are amazing creatures... and then, all too soon, I found myself standing at twightlight on theWhitefish train platform as the Empire Builder rolled into the station to take me Westward and onto the 'Left' Coast.... and so my journey continues.... Currently listening: Odyssey West By Rob Quist & Jack Gladstone Release date: 20 December, 2003

Living on Mountain Time

Friday, June 08, 2007

We made it! The trip from LA, California to Kalispell, Montana has been a real adventure. From... speeding across the Nevada desert (between the Mojave and Death Valley) in 40 degree heat in a red convertible Mustang; feeling like I was hallucinating in Las Vegas (but no - they all really looked like that and were really wasting all their money in the 'slots'!), getting fleeced at the roulette(no sweat); traveling North and winding our way with the top down around and beneath the jaw-dropping cliffs of Zion National Forest, staying overnight in a Mormon gated community; hanging out in the very cool town of Jackson in the Million Dollar Cowboy bar (where you sit in a saddle bar stool) while a Wild West shoot-out showdown was happening right out on the Street; driving, and driving, and driving across the graceful, undulating grassy plains of Wyoming; seeing Old Faithful blow it's top in Yellowstone National Park; exploring the wonderfully preserved old gold mining town of Virginia City... to creeping slowly in a freak snowstorm(!) in the majestic Teton Mountains and finally panning for sapphires at Phillipberg before arriving at our destination on Flathead Lake the largest fresh water body this side of the Mississippi...it is just huge and creates it's own weather system. Now that's what I call a lake. It's supposed to have a monster, but I think that's just shades of Nessy on the Loch. It's been an unforgettable experience thus far... Mustang Sally has been a trusty steed indeed, and traveling in such a styling convertible is just wonderful. War wounds include JJ losing her voice and me getting a severe eye infection in Salt Lake city where a nice Mormon optometrist sorted me out (praise the lord), but the modern miracle of antibiotics will see us both mended by next week... The workshop is all coming together - and it's just so beautiful up here - the Mountains and the lake are stunning. I really just want to go see the bears and fly fish cause i'm right near where they shot 'a river runs through it', but all JJ and I are doing right now is working... but it will all pay off when we hit Sweetwater Ranch and we can just enjoy the spectacular sights and have fun - that will be our base. We have some amazingly talented teenagers enrolled. We're doing the rounds of local radio stations talking about it too. They all think I'm from England, and can barely understand me - hilarious! Have found a brilliant volunteer fire brigade - Creston- who are helping out at the event night (Night At The Ranch - Saturday June 16) and I can't wait to visit their station next week to meet the crew. Just have to say that it's after 10.30pm in the evening and it's still light outside...can't get used to that... Went to dinner at this clam joint called Tiebuckers tonight with stuffed mooseheads and bears on the walls - Yup, this is huntin' territory...it was a really cool old joint with fading black and white photographs from early last century with saloon girls dancing on the bar. You know you're in the wild west when there's more than one Taxidermist in town! Y'all come back now ya hear! Currently watching: A River Runs Through It (Deluxe Edition) Release date: 29 November, 2005

When You Wish Upon Star....

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

It's been a while since I wrote..so much has happened. It's a strange phenomenon; but when you stop the forward motion of traveling, and stand still, life takes hold - it ebbs and flows...and I find my American Dream is slowly cementing. I've swum my laps, lolled in the hot tub and gabbed with the gals. I've cycled around S.Oaks on my push bike, climbed the canyons and hung with the Aussie posse. Thus is the rhythm of my life in La La Land. Fun times had on Cinco de Mayo - a magical Mexican Day of Celebration that all California embraces. It's the day when Marguaritas grow to the size of bowling balls and adventurous Aussies get to dance with Mariachi bands in Mexican restaurants and eat tons of guacomole, salsa and enchiladas! Otherwise I've been a tad busy arranging the Montana escape, which is happening SOON. But not to preempt it too much all I'll say is that JJ and I were successful in our bid for a Montana Arts Council Grant and will be spending a week at spectacular Sweetwater Ranch in Northwest Montana on the plains beneath the Rockies near Glacier Park. Then it's hoefully time for some fly-fishing, meeting bears, cowboys and smoke jumpers! Yee Ha! Getting there will be the adventure of a lifetime....three words. RED CONVERTIBLE MUSTANG !!!!! Just add two gals looking for fun and ready for adventure. Meanwhile I did wish upon a star (plus that rainbow with Janneke) - and finally, after four months in Tinsel Town, I looked up to find myself right in the heart of that magical company where they make dreams come true!!! Who knows it may become a more constant place in my life - that is yet to be decided, but it is on the cards...so I stand here - on the cusp - and revel in the fact that I actually have choices. That is the truly magical part of Los Angeles - this town gives you options. You just have to look for them. And then you just need to make your decision............ Currently watching: Disneyland - The Secrets, Stories and Magic of the Happiest Place on Earth

Lest We Forget

Saturday, May 05, 2007

Time has passed in a blur for the past 2 weeks... Highlights were Don LaFontaine, he of the DEEP voice. Attended a SAG Foundation talk with Jen: He chatted about his work as voice-over artist, discussed his life and told tales of the many many films (over 5000) he's done the trailers for, and celebrities he's met and worked with. To recap - he's the now infamous voice for the trailers ('In a galaxy far far away', 'One man, one world', 'the good the bad, the ugly', 'the man with no name'). Such an entertaining gentleman. Attended a post production house gathering in Santa Monica also with Jen - and ran into an old pal Ned, who I haven't seen since around 1997! Great to know he and Linda are here, and then went to Marguarita Mix (Sound post) for a bit of fun afterhours record studio style. I have a vague memory of marguaritas flowing, Jen teaching black guys to do the hustle, and everyone taking turns recording a rap track in the booth! Hilarious Last Sunday I attended the Australian Anzac Day commemoration at LA cemetery, and then a gathering at the Consulate General's abode afterwards. The ceremony was on a mist-laden sunday morning which obscured Los Angeles completely as Jen and I drove there in her convertible mustang. But once on the grass, even the sound of the nearby 405 seemed hushed under the music of the birds in the trees. So, gathered in the War Veterans cemetary, surrounded by the thousands of crosses weaving out across the fields in a visually alluring optical pattern, a group of Aussies, New Zealanders, a Turkish contingent (lovely touch) and our American hosts remembered and honoured the fallen from years and wars past. Lest We Forget. I felt uncommonly sad during the ceremony, and realised, that in this unlikely setting I was finally able to say goodbye to Ray these thousands of miles away from my family, having missed his funeral. After the service a convoy of cars and SUVs trailed up to Brentwood Heights, and to the plush abode of the Governor General. With expansive groomed gardens, a mansion with stunning stone work and weaving patio areas all around, the group wandered, and mingled. We enjoyed beautiful acoustic music by Henry (who it was great to see) and friends. They palyed wonderful versions of the Finn brothers songs, Australian Crawl and so many others... Such a beautiful morning as the sun came out to be eating anzac biscuits, lamingtons, sipping a shandy, and then supping sublime Aussie Red wine. One digger brought the pennies and we played the requisite games of 'two up'. I fleeced some poor guy who could not believe I could score ten 'tails' in a row. I lwalked away while my luck still held clutching my winnings ( a big $10). Then with a smaller crew (Leah, Erica and blokes) we drove out to Westlake to visit friends of theirs who live in the hills in a gated community (such is a lot of LA). I was so close to Jules Sylverster it seemed prophetic. The landscape of stunning hills is amazing out there, and as the kids played in the pool chasing frogs with the dog we adults sat and chatted as ex-pats do about life experiences in a strange land. Lunch was a classic aussie fare meat pies, potato salad, and then tim tams, jaffas and a pavlova... a really great group of people to chat to and spend the afternoon with. This week passed ina frenzy of submissions for work. Encounter/EtP and G & tGL are all potentials... it would be too arduous (and not of interest really) to recount it all here.. but something will come of all this hard slog soon I know, and then I will finally be able to call this place my new home. Strangely, last week saw the end of Pink Zinc - what a strange and bizarre situation - out of the blue, but if that's the way it goes, so be it... I have plenty of other things to do. Hoping to get something so I can finally put the Airhead book to bed, it hangs heavy on my mind, but I cannot complete it until the other ($) stuff comes into being. Catch 22. Chicken and Egg that one. Maybe Aquent will finally come through next week. Also planning the Montana escape...June is approaching fast.... Currently listening: She Will Have Her Way-the Songs of Tim & Neil Finn By Tim Finn & Neil Release date: 21 February, 2006

'Life is not always Cherry Pie'

Saturday, April 21, 2007

It's been a mixed bag week.... Raymond Borger R.I.P. My stepfather finally died after his long protracted battle with the big C, and by all counts it was a hard fight to the bitter end. I think ceaselessly of my Mum, and being so far away from family at a time like this is not easy, but 'life is not always cherry pie', as I was told by a Yank Tank pal the other day...If I want the permanent resident visa to stick i must stay at least these first 6 months, so here I remain despite my heart tugging ceaselessly towards home. I woke this morning to the sound of heavy rain splashing down the drainpipes and squelching under the wheels of passing cars. Quite uncharacteristic for LA. Took the time to finish writing the Eulogy for Ray's Funeral and felt bleak... So I arranged to see 'Blades of Glory' with Janneke while Rory's off in Arkansas being a vampire (such is life in the City of Angeles), and it was the best antidote to my 'misery guts' frame of mind... Afterwards when the freak rainstorm had passed but the clouds still hung heavy in the sky we drove up into the Hollywood Hills and parked off Mullholland Drive. Wrapping our coats about us we walked across Runyon Canyon to look down upon Tinsel Town, now washed clean. The afternoon sun broke through rolling storm clouds, and the expanse of buildings shone brightly, whitely, all the way down South to the OC. And then, when we turned back, a stunning rainbow appeared and gleamed in the still dark-grey of the North East sky falling to ground somewhere just behind the Hollywood Sign, making it appear to be the mythical pot of gold... So Janneke and I took it as a sign doubly meaningful... and we remain hopeful that our dreams will come true...here in La La Land. Also - on the upside this week Bid and Wizz are in town (and brought me the desired beroccas, vita-weats, tim-tams, twisties, chocolate and aspro-clear, thank you Bid!). So we donned our best garb and went over the hill via the winding Coldwater Canyon to enjoy a sumptious meal at Chaya in Bev' Hills (playing incongruous 90's music) with Jason and Margo... then we went in search of a further contingent of the Canadian Mafia, and found Kevin (Tree) accompanied by Shiva and a gaggle of others at Redrock on Sunset. Great, blurry night, but the long walk in LA sunshine to pick up the car next day from Wilshire to Sunset was an effort. Damn why did I have a depth charger/shot/beer/French champagne/red wine!? Explored Sepulveda Reserve this week - Reminds me somewhat of Centennial Park with areas for walking, bikes and blades, plus they have a substantial cricket club, archery area and also a lagoon with ducks etc for families to loll about. Walked the perimeter with Gilli and, as the gals in the house are already doing it, I'm thinking about doing some Golf tuition with Mike -'Tutor to the Stars' - Mum would be proud! It's been a working week also - I finally initiated the use of my Social Security Card - sure the IRS will be happy about that...contributing to the greater good. Currently listening: Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals By Various Artists Release date: 04 June, 2002

All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the rain...

Sunday, April 15, 2007

A somber time, considering what is afoot in the Borger clan in Australia...wondering if what I am doing is right, but can't go home anyway, so tears are wasted I guess. And the LA sun shines on, as the days pass and I await the final news. The Playgirl Mansion held the Red party last Saturday, and I made the killer sangria and disappearing Mediterranean platter. Gilli - her signature nachos, Stacey her nibbles and Jen her proscutto wrapped, coffee liquer soaked dates... The music played, the many musicians present sang and played live too, we chatted, jumped in the spa, some more sang at the mic (Janneke & Marguarita mix - what a killer!). Met Marcus - NIDA grad with one hell of a story to tell, and enjoyed the company of the affable Yves, and, well, the night passed in a blur ..still too cold to really let loose and enjoy a night outside. The jacuzzi was a blessing...and I just drowned my sorrows - while my mind flew the miles home....Sunday was a sore head, heavy heart day... Have found some console in hiking Fryman's canyon - that and the pool keep me sane during this time. I knuckled down and secured a creative talent agent (of sorts) and am working - all this coming week (8-6 every day) is my lot, thankfully. But this week Wizz and Bid arrive too and I'm so looking forward to a few hours in the evening, some time with the outlaws and Judy. Something to raise the spirits...for now, this, is the time when I miss trusted friends, Colin and my beloved family... Currently watching: Blade Runner (The Director's Cut) Release date: 26 March, 1997

Life in Flux

Friday, April 06, 2007

And yet again in this adventure of mine establishing a life in La La Land... fate has decided to throw a googlie at me. A family emergency back in Aus' is making me wish I could just teleport myself home to be with Mum and Kate... makes it all so hard to concentrate on what I'm trying to achieve... in fact it makes it all seem so insignificant. What to do, what to do, what to do... A festive gathering of huge proportions happening tomorrow night in the playgirl mansion and I feel so un-party like... 'Buck up baby' time. Currently listening: Strange Bird By Augie March Release date: 17 October, 2002

SHOOTING OSCARLAND, SNAKES & CHOCOLATE

Saturday, March 31, 2007

So I've completed my first shoot in La la Land ! What a completely crazy and fun week. Pre-pro Monday-Thursday whipping it all together. Shoot Friday and Edit Saturday. Shoot Day entailed a stupid O-clock start - 4.15am. Drove onto the 101 Freeway with JJ and D, in what felt like peak hour traffic even at 05.15am! Does this town never sleep... Then at 05.45 I step out of the car onto the Stars of Hollywood Boulevard - and walked into the Shrine to the Oscars...The Kodak Theatre!!! Such an exciting moment for me; to be where the Oscars are held for my FIRST LA shoot was somehow significant, and hopefully a good omen. We shot a wonderful comedy skit between JJ and Rory, who came to play. They were both brilliant. Richard lit them beautifully. Wrapped this location at 09:00 and then we were back on the road (101 Freeway again). 20 miles out to Thousand Oaks and up a winding path into the hills and onto Reptile Ranch with the wonderful Jules Sylvester. Raised in Rhodesia, a rifleman in the army, and then inspired when when Born Free was filmed on his Dad's farm in Kenya Jules became a lion tamer in Edinburgh and an animal trainer extraordinaire for the movies after that. Jules is now one of the most respected animal trainers in Hollywood-having handled everything from alligators to zebras for over 350 motion pictures, television shows and commercials. But his speciality is SNAKES. If you think Kevin Bacon is the lynchpin of 6 degrees of seperation you haven't met Jules Sylvester!!! Here's a taste of some of the films he's worked on (and the animals he trained,and wrangled for the moves): Deep Impact (All Animals Two by Two), Demon 2, Desert Saints (Snake), Dracula, Dead and Loving It (Bugs), Dude, Where's My Car (Iguana), Dusk 'til Dawn (Snakes), The Education of Little Tree (Rattlesnakes), Eye for an Eye (Moths), Elvira, Misstress of the Dark (Spiders, Snakes, Rats, Worms), Face to Face (Voice Over • Swahili, SAG), Fatal Pursuit, Fire Down Below (Rattlesnakes), TThe Freshman (Giant Lizards, SAG), Galaxy Quest (Leeches), The Great White Hope (Scorpions) Godzilla (Rats, Iguanas), Golden Viper (Snakes), Gremlins (Dogs), Gun Crazy (Rattlesnakes), Hardshell (Spider, Rats, Silkworms, Ants, Dog, Cat), Hard Target (Rattlesnakes, SAG), Hellraiser 4, Hell Squad (Tiger), Honky Tonk Freeway ( Lizards, Rhino, Elephants), Hook (Snakes, Scorpions, Spiders, Birds, Dogs, Beaver, Monkey), The Hulk (Monkey, Frogs, Snakes, Lizards), Ice Pirates (Wolves, SAG), I'll Be Home for Christmas (Snakes), I'll Do Anything (Goldfish, Guinea Pigs, Rabbits, Birds), I Married a Monster (Spiders), Indian In The Cupboard (2nd Unit • Butterflies), The Inferno (Rats), Johnson's Family Vacation (Alligator), Jungle to Jungle (Spiders, Snakes, Monkeys, Birds, Lizards, Pigs,Turtles, Crocodiles, Jurrasic Park (Snake, Goat, Steers), Leprechaun IV (Spiders, Scorpions), Lethal Invasion (Rattlesnakes), Looney Tunes (Lizards), Lost Souls (Cockroaches), Mac 'n Me (Bugs, Lizards), Manhattan Arizona (Rattlesnakes), The Man Who Wasn't There (Alligators, Lion), Me, Myself and Irene (Tarantula), Men in Black (10,000 Cockroaches), Mimic II (Iguana, Tarantula), Minority Report (Rats, Cockroaches, Spiders), A Moment of Silence (Dog, Rattlesnake), Monkey Trouble (Monkeys, SAG), My Antonia, (Rattlesnakes), My Favorite Martian (Snakes), My Girl 2 (Hoofstock), My Stepmother is an Alien (Dog), Murder in the First (Rats, Bugs, Spiders), National Lampoon's Vacation (Dog, SAG), The Nature of the Beast (Snakes, Gila Monsters, Stunt Body Double), The Neighbor, Apt. 16 (Dogs), Never Cry Wolf (Wolves, Voles, Ravens, Mice), Nightmare on Elm Street 5 (Spiders), On the Road to Wellville (Wolves, SAG), Out of Africa (Lions, Dogs, Owl, SAG), Pals (Chickens), Parallel Passages (Scorpion), Parasite (Spiders, Birds), Par 6 (Tarantula), Phoenix (Cockroaches), Project X (Snakes, Chimps, SAG), Psycho II (Spiders), Quest for Fire (Wolves, SAG), The Relic (10,000 Beetles), Rough Magic (Owl, Spiders), Sheena, Queen of the Jungle (Chimps, Elephant, Rhino, Big Cats, Birds, Snakes), Slow Burn (Scorpions), Something Wicked This Way Comes (Spiders), Starship Troopers (Cochroaches), Step Kids (Rattlesnakes), The Stone Boy (Dog, Chickens, Cat), The Sun Chasers (Rattlesnakes), Surrender (Wolves), The Sword and the Sorcerer (Snakes), Tank Girl (Flies), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles I & II (Turtles), There's Something About Mary (Snake), These Old Broads (Snakes), Till the End of Night, To Touch the Wind (Wolves, Raccoon, Frogs), Venom (Rattlesnakes), Vital Signs (Tarantula), Where the Elephant Sits (Snakes),The White Lion (Lion), Wild Wild West (Tarantulas).... and of course Snakes on a Plane! Phew - what a life he's having... It was such a pleasure to be film JJ interviewing this lovely man, and also being wrapped in his 9 foot python Banana! She was so sweet and beautiful...not so keen on his tarantula the size of a mouse. it even struck at the camera lens, actually as did the cobra, and the rattlesnake, oh yes and the iguana...feisty bunch really. His reptile ranch is in the wilderness that Murdoch is currently decimating by leveling the hills and building a golf course..shame really. Jules lamented the shrinking home to bobcats. Lunch was had sitting outside enjoying the environs and chatting with this gentleman and great storyteller. Shame to leave..but we jumped back in the cars, dashed back along the 101 at 2pm (while the bollowing clouds of a huge bushfire i Griffith Park made me hanker for my brigade back home) and off to a Spa where they do Chocolate Massages. Any woman's idea of heaven. JJ got the treatment and we all ate chocolate. Wrap at 5.30 - and it was Veuve Cliquot to celebrate and a lovely evening of chat and laughter with cast and crew out by the pool. Then up at 6am this morning to be in the edit suite by 8am. Finished at 3pm. It looks great and all cuts together well..and now I am anticipating the LA Aussie mafia party of the season! More on this after the fact! Time for a cat nap now... Currently watching: Born Free Release date: 04 March, 2003

The tyranny of distance & Bemuda shorts in Bars

Monday, March 26, 2007

So the NSW Elections were held back in Aus on the weekend... Excellent result noted for Labour. May it bode well for the Federal elections later this year. One bone of contention about our Aussie voting system - I duly registered at the consulate over here to vote. Funny thing is I still don't have the postal vote form, nor my fellow Aussie house buddy...told they will probably arrive today. So what does that say about the weight of our votes 'in absentee'? Guess the Aus government doesn't realise just HOW MANY of us ex-pats are actually over here! A simple recent E-vite for two film type pals birthday dinner party has garnered a whopping 68 RSVPs in the two days since it was posted. It's a better response than to a funding party celebration at the AFC in Sydney. Hope the ol' restaurant can cope with the influx of aussie film types... there are so many of us over here right now! So, even if I miss beroccas, vita-weats, vegemite and the occasional tim tam I certainly am not at a loss if I need to hear a gaggle of aussie accents if so required. Went and watched a few music gigs on the weekend with house buddie JJ, and in fact found myself in a strange outlying area of the valley called Northridge in a bar listening to of all things 'Pretentious', a Pretenders cover band(excellent covers actually go to http://www.pretentiousrocks.com/). Watching the parade of wacky hairdo's and strange and wonderful dancing styles the women exhibited can only outdone by the daily game of 'how much surgery has she had done'. Rare is the un-touched woman. The blokes seem to be holding their own against the power to transform their looks (thus far). And I also read Botox parties are becoming popular in Aus' supplanting the tupperwear party! The virus of immovable faces is spreading... Well here in LA there will be drive-in surgeries soon I'm sure. You can drive in to get food, booze and also go to the bank - An automatic teller machine in a driveway, that is how glued to their car seats some Yanks are. And they wonder about obesity... Mind you La La land has an equal split of anorexic of course due to the main business in town. The Lollipop people have a strong contingent. Makes for an interesting polemic on the streets. But the weirdest and inexplicable thing that I have noted is the American love of the 'shorts'. Bouncing around on the dance floor last weekend I counted 5 adults (male and female) wearing shorts. I ask you, how do they ever convince themselves that shorts are the thing to wear down to the pub on a Saturday night??? It's a strange and wonderful world... Currently listening: The Pretenders - Greatest Hits By The Pretenders Release date: 03 October, 2000

Star Spangled Banners high.

Friday, March 23, 2007

The days to remember, when they happen, are often profound and so full it simply amazes me. This one started with a trip to the pool for laps in the morning La La dazzling sunshine. Home to try to finish my Airhead book (dragging on!) and to find GM out for a run on what would be a very special day for her. This was to be the day of her citizenship, and we were invited to the ceremony. This I could not miss. So it was an LA hop, skip and a jump...which means 45 minutes on the frantic freeways...101, change to 110, get off at the LA Convention Centre and find in the maze of central LA the parking , walk a mile, following signs simply stating. CITIZENSHIP>, or NATURALISATION>... Then I find a hall and walk in to what felt like I always imagined a presidential election campaign hall would be like (as in the movies). There were over 10,000 people, restlessly milling about, most in seats but quite a few of us in the aisle. A barricade of yellow tape set the front 4,500 apart. They were the eligible, and by now, accepted American citizenship candidates. On the stage was the largest American flag I've seen to date, and a dais for speakers. Then the speeches - four in number and profoundly moving, I have to admit...: One speaker quoted Teddy Roosevelt: "We hold in our hands the hopes of the world, and have much to do". He went on to give quite a wonderful, impassioned message, including the following statements. "Welcome to America. Welcome to the shiny city on the hill. It is the duty of each generation to pass the torch to the next. You are the next. Seize that torch and lead us to a better future". He and others stated, "Welcome to the greatest republic the world has ever known. A nation of immigrants from every corner of the world, joined under the banner of one flag. Being an American transcends religion, culture, language, education and class. Citizenship is not just about having a piece of paper. it is about being the best person you can be. It is about the pursuit of happiness while also helping others, being generous, sharing the burdens of other nations, striving at times to fight and sometimes dying for the right to equality..." "Being an American means being an active participant in the government, as informed citizens. Trust in your convictions and change that which you feel is not right. You have that right now. Citizenship is about working hard to better ourselves, and to strive to make a better world for all around us. Value equality, not uniformity. Value opportunity, creativity and diversity, we all have our own story and gifts to share." "I encourage you to become the best you can be, shining examples to your neighbours. Follow in the footsteps of the many who have emigrated before you. It takes courage, fortitude and strength to leave the country of your birthright. It takes a special person to do that, but it doesn't matter who your ancestors were, it matters what kind of person you will become, as Abraham Lincoln said, " I do not know who my grandfather was, I am more interested in who his grandson will become. And thus I say Welcome to the United States of America, and congratulations on your citizenship...". Now, maybe to the cynical ears of the Australian psyche, this sounds like hyperbole, propoganda and diatribe. But I was moved, standing there with the auditorium of many... And as they read the oath together it was incredibly inspiring, frightening and daunting all at once.."I will support and uphold the constitution of America..... I will bear arms, be an armed combatant on behalf of the United States of America when called upon by the government". Well you get the picture..prophetic words in a country where 2 billion is spent a week in military excursions in the middle east... Then - as a performer sang the national anthem an old woman literally fell sideways out of her chair right in front of me and smashed her head on the concrete. The crowd around just stood there frozen.. The ol' fire brigade training snapped me into gear and I leapt forward, and spent the next 15 minutes on the concrete floor drawing her out of her faint and ministering first aid to this diabetic, (dare I say) obese woman in the beginnings of a horrible concussion and mild diabetic seizure until the fire brigade (Hi battalion 12) and then the paramedics took over... Didn't think that was going to happen today. Then, with her being wheeled away in a paramedic trolley, and before I knew it we were all trailing out of the auditorium in an orderly fashion (much in the fashion of a bovine herd) to stand outside cheer and wave to the new citizens filing out together and parading down on a 'red carpet' arrangement. But the day was getting away with me.... So back onto the freeways.. off to a meeting with the lovely Fran at RSA (so great to catch up). Then off to Casa Vega (old Rat Pack/Friends hang and wonderful ambiance) for the celebration of Gilli's citizenship -nand then oddly enough in the same venue Rory's 30th birthday bash! Marguaritas flowed and the Mexican singers serenaded the table of roudy Aussies who then led the serenaders in a version of 'I did it my way' and 'down Mexico way'. ...The American patrons were no doubt mollified by our collective gusto, but we could only sing once again (loudly of course) Happy Birthday when four waiters brought Rory a creme caramel with a candle and cream. They sang Happy Birthday dear 'chicita' and so he shall be known.We also toasted Janneke's successful plea to be duly noted as an Extraordinary Alien! She'll be here soon!!! Then chat, and chat, and onto FireFly Bar to gabble and chat some more until 1am - and now I must again seek the succor of sleep, exhausted after such a wonderful, diverse day of adventure in this the United States of the bizzare and captivating, but never dull, of America... Have you seen the David Attenborough Lyre Bird post in UTube? Hilarious!!! Currently listening: The Ultimate Rat Pack Collection: Live & Swingin (CD & DVD) By The Rat Pack Release date: 14 October, 2003