Monday, 28 November 2016
Hi Alicia, Anne and I are discussing the Xmas get together.
Hi Alicia, Anne and I are discussing the Xmas get together. Are you and Rob OK with the 10th? Can you suggest a place other than Pinaroo, for a change ? Love, Naomi
That's Waba. I am keen on a change of venue but I am not keen on the day. Thoughts?
That's Waba. I am keen on a change of venue but I am not keen on the day. Thoughts?
Saturday, 26 November 2016
Happy Birthday Elaine Walker for the day!
Happy Birthday Elaine Walker for the day! Hope to see some photos of the Space rail in action when you can manage it!
Here are lessons of history that will help not to repeat it.
Here are lessons of history that will help not to repeat it. Thank you Michael J. Coffey for bringing it to my attention.
Originally shared by Jeff Brown
Quoted in full, because it is just that important.
=== begin quote ===
Americans are no wiser than the Europeans who saw democracy yield to fascism, Nazism, or communism. Our one advantage is that we might learn from their experience. Now is a good time to do so. Here are twenty lessons from the twentieth century, adapted to the circumstances of today.
1. Do not obey in advance. Much of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. In times like these, individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want, and then start to do it without being asked. You've already done this, haven't you? Stop. Anticipatory obedience teaches authorities what is possible and accelerates unfreedom.
2. Defend an institution. Follow the courts or the media, or a court or a newspaper. Do not speak of "our institutions" unless you are making them yours by acting on their behalf. Institutions don't protect themselves. They go down like dominoes unless each is defended from the beginning.
3. Recall professional ethics. When the leaders of state set a negative example, professional commitments to just practice become much more important. It is hard to break a rule-of-law state without lawyers, and it is hard to have show trials without judges.
4. When listening to politicians, distinguish certain words. Look out for the expansive use of "terrorism" and "extremism." Be alive to the fatal notions of "exception" and "emergency." Be angry about the treacherous use of patriotic vocabulary.
5. Be calm when the unthinkable arrives. When the terrorist attack comes, remember that all authoritarians at all times either await or plan such events in order to consolidate power. Think of the Reichstag fire. The sudden disaster that requires the end of the balance of power, the end of opposition parties, and so on, is the oldest trick in the Hitlerian book. Don't fall for it.
6. Be kind to our language. Avoid pronouncing the phrases everyone else does. Think up your own way of speaking, even if only to convey that thing you think everyone is saying. (Don't use the internet before bed. Charge your gadgets away from your bedroom, and read.) What to read? Perhaps "The Power of the Powerless" by Václav Havel, 1984 by George Orwell, The Captive Mind by Czesław Milosz, The Rebel by Albert Camus, The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt, or Nothing is True and Everything is Possible by Peter Pomerantsev.
7. Stand out. Someone has to. It is easy, in words and deeds, to follow along. It can feel strange to do or say something different. But without that unease, there is no freedom. And the moment you set an example, the spell of the status quo is broken, and others will follow.
8. Believe in truth. To abandon facts is to abandon freedom. If nothing is true, then no one can criticize power, because there is no basis upon which to do so. If nothing is true, then all is spectacle. The biggest wallet pays for the most blinding lights.
9. Investigate. Figure things out for yourself. Spend more time with long articles. Subsidize investigative journalism by subscribing to print media. Realize that some of what is on your screen is there to harm you. Bookmark PropOrNot or other sites that investigate foreign propaganda pushes.
10. Practice corporeal politics. Power wants your body softening in your chair and your emotions dissipating on the screen. Get outside. Put your body in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people. Make new friends and march with them.
11. Make eye contact and small talk. This is not just polite. It is a way to stay in touch with your surroundings, break down unnecessary social barriers, and come to understand whom you should and should not trust. If we enter a culture of denunciation, you will want to know the psychological landscape of your daily life.
12. Take responsibility for the face of the world. Notice the swastikas and the other signs of hate. Do not look away and do not get used to them. Remove them yourself and set an example for others to do so.
13. Hinder the one-party state. The parties that took over states were once something else. They exploited a historical moment to make political life impossible for their rivals. Vote in local and state elections while you can.
14. Give regularly to good causes, if you can. Pick a charity and set up autopay. Then you will know that you have made a free choice that is supporting civil society helping others doing something good.
15. Establish a private life. Nastier rulers will use what they know about you to push you around. Scrub your computer of malware. Remember that email is skywriting. Consider using alternative forms of the internet, or simply using it less. Have personal exchanges in person. For the same reason, resolve any legal trouble. Authoritarianism works as a blackmail state, looking for the hook on which to hang you. Try not to have too many hooks.
16. Learn from others in other countries. Keep up your friendships abroad, or make new friends abroad. The present difficulties here are an element of a general trend. And no country is going to find a solution by itself. Make sure you and your family have passports.
17. Watch out for the paramilitaries. When the men with guns who have always claimed to be against the system start wearing uniforms and marching around with torches and pictures of a Leader, the end is nigh. When the pro-Leader paramilitary and the official police and military intermingle, the game is over.
18. Be reflective if you must be armed. If you carry a weapon in public service, God bless you and keep you. But know that evils of the past involved policemen and soldiers finding themselves, one day, doing irregular things. Be ready to say no. (If you do not know what this means, contact the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and ask about training in professional ethics.)
19. Be as courageous as you can. If none of us is prepared to die for freedom, then all of us will die in unfreedom.
20. Be a patriot. The incoming president is not. Set a good example of what America means for the generations to come. They will need it.
--Timothy Snyder, Housum Professor of History, Yale University, 15 November 2016.
=== end quote ===
source: https://tinyurl.com/jkkh92g
Saturday, 19 November 2016
Not coming my way, alas. But so good, they came for Fringe and were amazing.
Not coming my way, alas. But so good, they came for Fringe and were amazing.
https://youtu.be/9TK17SurP_g
https://youtu.be/9TK17SurP_g
Friday, 18 November 2016
Lordy Andy Salvanos look it's Patrick Stewart playing a disguised Chapman Stick!
Lordy Andy Salvanos look it's Patrick Stewart playing a disguised Chapman Stick!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuBSvNtlAq8&feature=share
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuBSvNtlAq8&feature=share
Thursday, 17 November 2016
Ok, this one made me laugh out very loud.
Ok, this one made me laugh out very loud.
https://twitter.com/HobbitLindsey/status/798462440916721664
https://twitter.com/HobbitLindsey/status/798462440916721664
Tuesday, 15 November 2016
Well this looks like a treat and is right up my alley.
Well this looks like a treat and is right up my alley. I saw Jaye Yates performing just last week, and she's a great Singer - but I haven't seen her Eurythmics tribute. Thomas Crane's Queen act I haven't seen, but I am certainly up for a Queen tribute where I don't give money to a casino!
This free show will be on the 19th of November 2016 - this Saturday at the Mundaring Hotel.. Ring them if you're going to turn up. If you're staying in Mundaring you may wish to contact them about the courtesy bus.
Thanks to Jaye for alerting me to this.
The 60's Summer Party at the Charles Hotel was a fun show - with DJ Justisse who really cranked out some classic...
The 60's Summer Party at the Charles Hotel was a fun show - with DJ Justisse who really cranked out some classic 60's tunes that had everyone on the dance floor. F.A.B! Not a DJ of many words though - it is all about the music with him it would seem, and the music he chose certainly spoke for itself and for his meticulous knowledge of the era. In his characteristic International Rescue uniform, this John Tracy look alike shows an attention to detail and his insistence that people dancing come up on the stage is a charming touch. With his keen eye clearly honed to 60's sensibilities he was a great costume judge too.
Watching a lot of Mystery Science Theatre 3000, I have seen more than my fair share of terrible 60's teen movies complete with gogo boots and spontaneous beach music. It was like having a flashback to that but the music and dancing were much better and the entire production much more coherence than, and probably a lot more budget than, say, Girl in Gold Boots did.
Jaye Yates was a woman energised by the smallish but very enthusiastic crowd - she does a very good Dusty Springfield and her stage presence is very appealing. She has a great rapport with the audience, and her lovely voice is complimented by her lively actions. Jaye opened with a bunch of Dusty Springfield songs, Earl then joined her for a duet with Something Stupid. Afterwards she gave us a great mix of Diana Ross and The Supremes, Petula Clark,Leslie Clark, Beatles and I'm glad to say The Easybeats - all a pleasure to hear.
She's certainly one to look out for and her duets with +Earl Cole were engaging and a lot of fun. Frank and Nancy were certainly with them both with their duet of Something Stupid.
Earl Cole bravely gave us a Beach Boys set despite feeling that his voice is not of the right type - he shouldn't have worried! It's interesting and fun to hear these differing versions of well known songs - and if he feels it wasn't quite up to snuff, the audience certainly didn't think so. I really enjoyed his Monkees offerings – such a lot of fun and hearing Earl’s smooth and clear tones arc out over the enthusiastic crowd of dancers was something I’m glad I didn’t miss. Tom Jones, Neil Diamond all mellifluously rollicking from Earl’s skilled voicebox.
Both singers were backed up by the Impact Dancers - Meg Geldart and Stacey Povoas who performed splendidly - well rehearsed and very skilled. And such lovely, happy expressions. I’m going to give them a plug here, because I think dancers are under appreciated. It’s well known that a good dancer will be smiling even as their ankles crack, but these women were energetic throughout a long night and kept what looked like genuinely cheerful expressions the whole time. They were a pleasure to watch and added a great deal of fun and interest to the show. It looked like they took their other job of judging the dance competition very seriously too.
The singers and dancers had multiple costume changes throughout the show – a seemingly never ending pageantry of visual interest as well as audio.
For a show of this length - really a lot of entertainment - from 8 to 12! - it would be expected to have a few hitches. But there weren't many and those that did occur were dealt with swiftly and with disarming humour.
DJ, two singers, dancers and a great crowd made for a very entertaining evening. It's interesting that there wasn't a feeling of nostalgia or sadness at its passing, the audience and performers were celebrating the music, retro though it is, it is living music when it's performed by the right people. And these are the right people.
Photos taken by myself when I wasn't dancing with my sunflower. :-)
https://goo.gl/photos/uSrUqoZaJmAZZu88A
Watching a lot of Mystery Science Theatre 3000, I have seen more than my fair share of terrible 60's teen movies complete with gogo boots and spontaneous beach music. It was like having a flashback to that but the music and dancing were much better and the entire production much more coherence than, and probably a lot more budget than, say, Girl in Gold Boots did.
Jaye Yates was a woman energised by the smallish but very enthusiastic crowd - she does a very good Dusty Springfield and her stage presence is very appealing. She has a great rapport with the audience, and her lovely voice is complimented by her lively actions. Jaye opened with a bunch of Dusty Springfield songs, Earl then joined her for a duet with Something Stupid. Afterwards she gave us a great mix of Diana Ross and The Supremes, Petula Clark,Leslie Clark, Beatles and I'm glad to say The Easybeats - all a pleasure to hear.
She's certainly one to look out for and her duets with +Earl Cole were engaging and a lot of fun. Frank and Nancy were certainly with them both with their duet of Something Stupid.
Earl Cole bravely gave us a Beach Boys set despite feeling that his voice is not of the right type - he shouldn't have worried! It's interesting and fun to hear these differing versions of well known songs - and if he feels it wasn't quite up to snuff, the audience certainly didn't think so. I really enjoyed his Monkees offerings – such a lot of fun and hearing Earl’s smooth and clear tones arc out over the enthusiastic crowd of dancers was something I’m glad I didn’t miss. Tom Jones, Neil Diamond all mellifluously rollicking from Earl’s skilled voicebox.
Both singers were backed up by the Impact Dancers - Meg Geldart and Stacey Povoas who performed splendidly - well rehearsed and very skilled. And such lovely, happy expressions. I’m going to give them a plug here, because I think dancers are under appreciated. It’s well known that a good dancer will be smiling even as their ankles crack, but these women were energetic throughout a long night and kept what looked like genuinely cheerful expressions the whole time. They were a pleasure to watch and added a great deal of fun and interest to the show. It looked like they took their other job of judging the dance competition very seriously too.
The singers and dancers had multiple costume changes throughout the show – a seemingly never ending pageantry of visual interest as well as audio.
For a show of this length - really a lot of entertainment - from 8 to 12! - it would be expected to have a few hitches. But there weren't many and those that did occur were dealt with swiftly and with disarming humour.
DJ, two singers, dancers and a great crowd made for a very entertaining evening. It's interesting that there wasn't a feeling of nostalgia or sadness at its passing, the audience and performers were celebrating the music, retro though it is, it is living music when it's performed by the right people. And these are the right people.
Photos taken by myself when I wasn't dancing with my sunflower. :-)
https://goo.gl/photos/uSrUqoZaJmAZZu88A
Thursday, 10 November 2016
I have been asked to review a show tomorrow, also Garry can't make it.
I have been asked to review a show tomorrow, also Garry can't make it. Rob will be host or we can break for this week.
Wednesday, 9 November 2016
Okay, so this is a nuisance.
Okay, so this is a nuisance. I wrote a review of 80s Inc a couple of days ago directly into Google Plus, and it got eaten about a day later. There were photos and everything. It wasn’t a hugely long review but it is a nuisance to try to remember what I said.
This will teach me to have back ups of my reviews elsewhere!
Because I’ve been unwell I am only now reviewing the show that was held at the Charles Hotel 21st October 2016.
80s Inc and Earl Cole showed off their usual prowess – this very accomplished group of musicians, very experienced and multi skilled – treated to flute and sax and golden voices. This we expect from 80s Inc but this performance you could tell that they had been really working hard. Snappier, sharper and with great stage presence and interactions have really lifted the bar.
You can tell that they love the music, because it’s not just a tired old cover, they’re bringing their own touches, magic and exultation to these songs and it’s a joy to see for any 80’s fan, young, old or of the era because it shares the excitement of the era. The pulse quickening flute during Land Down Under, the haunting Echo Beach and sheer bubbling joy of it all, every song a celebration of itself.
We were very sad to have to leave before the fourth set – but the first three sets gave us so much music and fun that we felt like we’d seen a full show, and then some! Alas we had a tournament the next day. Dancing for three sets and then a 44 hole disc golf tournament, well the music must have worked magic because Rob won and I made the top group!
Speaking of dancing – maybe I’m old but when did it become the thing, or even de rigueur to bring your drink onto the dance floor. So annoying when you get a drink tipped over you, and the person doesn’t even realise they’ve done it. Or is it just the Charles. If you've got a drink you can't really dance, if you want to dance, your drink is just going to be a menace to the people around you.
The Charles dance floor is tiny – or maybe it’s just because 80s Inc makes everyone dance. All of us in the 80s who were too shy, too shy, (hush hush eye to eye) to dance in the 80s but wanted to are now all older and out of our adolescent angst, and want to dance to the music we loved then. And 80s inc do it so well! So all the wallflowers have invaded the garden, and its only a small plot. It probably would have been a big enough dance floor back then, but not now.
Great band, and highly recommended. They’re playing the Leopold in Bicton this Saturday, so check them out if you’re down that way and tickets are left.
Some marvellous photography by Rob Masters
This will teach me to have back ups of my reviews elsewhere!
Because I’ve been unwell I am only now reviewing the show that was held at the Charles Hotel 21st October 2016.
80s Inc and Earl Cole showed off their usual prowess – this very accomplished group of musicians, very experienced and multi skilled – treated to flute and sax and golden voices. This we expect from 80s Inc but this performance you could tell that they had been really working hard. Snappier, sharper and with great stage presence and interactions have really lifted the bar.
You can tell that they love the music, because it’s not just a tired old cover, they’re bringing their own touches, magic and exultation to these songs and it’s a joy to see for any 80’s fan, young, old or of the era because it shares the excitement of the era. The pulse quickening flute during Land Down Under, the haunting Echo Beach and sheer bubbling joy of it all, every song a celebration of itself.
We were very sad to have to leave before the fourth set – but the first three sets gave us so much music and fun that we felt like we’d seen a full show, and then some! Alas we had a tournament the next day. Dancing for three sets and then a 44 hole disc golf tournament, well the music must have worked magic because Rob won and I made the top group!
Speaking of dancing – maybe I’m old but when did it become the thing, or even de rigueur to bring your drink onto the dance floor. So annoying when you get a drink tipped over you, and the person doesn’t even realise they’ve done it. Or is it just the Charles. If you've got a drink you can't really dance, if you want to dance, your drink is just going to be a menace to the people around you.
The Charles dance floor is tiny – or maybe it’s just because 80s Inc makes everyone dance. All of us in the 80s who were too shy, too shy, (hush hush eye to eye) to dance in the 80s but wanted to are now all older and out of our adolescent angst, and want to dance to the music we loved then. And 80s inc do it so well! So all the wallflowers have invaded the garden, and its only a small plot. It probably would have been a big enough dance floor back then, but not now.
Great band, and highly recommended. They’re playing the Leopold in Bicton this Saturday, so check them out if you’re down that way and tickets are left.
Some marvellous photography by Rob Masters
Tuesday, 8 November 2016
A seriously good bundle for boardgamers.
A seriously good bundle for boardgamers.
https://www.humblebundle.com/mobile/board-games-mobile-bundle
https://www.humblebundle.com/mobile/board-games-mobile-bundle
Monday, 7 November 2016
""80s Inc" will be rocking the Leopold Hotel on Saturday 12th November for a special “best of” performance – a...
""80s Inc" will be rocking the Leopold Hotel on Saturday 12th November for a special “best of” performance – a selection of the best songs from their expansive repertoire. Only 320 tickets are available and they will sell fast so don't miss out! The door price will be $30 (if it is not a sell out beforehand). Doors open at 8.00 pm. Tickets are available from the venue or online http://tickets.oztix.com.au/?eventId=65753 .
"80s Inc" is a band that has captured the hearts of 80s music lovers across Perth. Known for their extremely accurate cover renditions and high production standards, “80s Inc” performs the very best hits of the 80s - the songs we all know and love. In the past three years they have performed numerous sell out shows at the Charles Hotel, Herdsman Lake Tavern and the Civic Hotel."
Just a reminder that this is coming up on Friday. It's going to be rather a lot of fun!
Just a reminder that this is coming up on Friday. It's going to be rather a lot of fun!
Originally shared by Alicia Smith
This looks like a lot of fun! Earl Cole is always a fine performer.
"60s Summer Party – The Best of 60s Party Music!
Charles Hotel (509 Charles Street, North Perth)
Friday 11th November 2016
Get the long boards ready. Surfs up and it's gonna' be hot! Summer is officially coming to the Charles on Friday 11th November and we are doing it retro style with a feast of 60s party music. Earl Cole, Jaye Yates and the Impact dancers will be performing Motown hits and songs made famous by the Beach Boys, Dusty Springfield, the Beatles and more. DJ Justisse, who had them dancing all night at the recent Disco Mania, will be back to play your 60s faves. So don the paisley and psychedelic threads and get ready to do the Monster Mash, the Swim and the Twist. There will be giveaways and prizes for the best male and female 60s outfits. Tickets cost $20 per person (plus booking fees) and tickets are available at the Charles Hotel bottle shop or online at tickets.oztix.com.au/?Event=64692 and at all Heatseeker/Oztix retail outlets. Tickets will also be available at the door for $25 pp. Doors open at 8.00 pm and the event will run until midnight. Follow all Earl Cole Music events at www.facebook.com/earlcolemusicevents/.
"
Friday, 4 November 2016
Thursday, 3 November 2016
Highly amused!
Highly amused!
Originally shared by Days of Wonder
How about having a musical look at Ticket to Ride UK?
Hat tip The Happy Luza!
https://youtu.be/YqMFVCzaIqs
Originally shared by Days of Wonder
How about having a musical look at Ticket to Ride UK?
Hat tip The Happy Luza!
https://youtu.be/YqMFVCzaIqs
Tuesday, 1 November 2016
For the Babylon 5 aficionados.
For the Babylon 5 aficionados.
Originally shared by Furr Bear
The B5 Books crew sent this out in an email recently:
Last week J. Michael Straczynski posted the following on social media. We wanted to make sure you didn't miss it.
I've often commented on the fact that the Babylon 5 characters still live in my head and talk to me. Sometimes they're big, huge, philosophical conversations, sometimes just little trivial stuff. It's like they live in the corners of my bedroom and come out to play when the lights go out.
Had that happen again around 5 am when I'm trying to sleep. Picking up on Delenn's problems with the dictionary -- you define one word by looking up another word (e.g., "sphere, see 'round'"), and that word is defined by another word you have to look up, it never ends -- I hear this.
Delenn: For Minbari, a word is its own unique thing; there is no other word that describes it. It is a thing unto itself, there is just one of it, and it needs no further clarification or explanation.
Sheridan: You can't just have one word for something. Look, if you're angry at someone, what's the word for anger?
Delenn: rak'ka
Sheridan: Okay, so let's say you're furious with someone, what's the word for that?
Delenn: rak'ka
Sheridan: No, not just angry, I mean red-faced, yelling, really just berserker-level rage.
Delenn: (sighs) rak'ka
Sheridan: I don't understand.
Delenn: This much is obvious.
Sheridan: Okay, let me go the other way. What if you're just a little bit angry? What we would call being just annoyed with someone. What's the word for that?
Delenn: rak'ka
Sheridan: Damn it, if the word is always the same, if there's just one word for it, then how the hell is someone supposed to know how angry you are at them?
Delenn: (leans in ominously) By how LOUDLY we SAY it. Do you have a problem with that...human?
Sheridan: None whatsoever.
(And I'm like: are we done? Can I go back to sleep now?)
Had the same thing happen with Londo and Sheridan a while back. It went like this:
Londo: Captain, there is something I do not understand. There is this human term, "bulls-eye." Now, I have looked this up. I have seen photographs. There is not a bull on it. There is not an eye on it. Can you explain this to me?
Sheridan: It's just a slang term for something that's flat and wooden and has a target in the middle.
Londo: Ah! Like you, then.
Originally shared by Furr Bear
The B5 Books crew sent this out in an email recently:
Last week J. Michael Straczynski posted the following on social media. We wanted to make sure you didn't miss it.
I've often commented on the fact that the Babylon 5 characters still live in my head and talk to me. Sometimes they're big, huge, philosophical conversations, sometimes just little trivial stuff. It's like they live in the corners of my bedroom and come out to play when the lights go out.
Had that happen again around 5 am when I'm trying to sleep. Picking up on Delenn's problems with the dictionary -- you define one word by looking up another word (e.g., "sphere, see 'round'"), and that word is defined by another word you have to look up, it never ends -- I hear this.
Delenn: For Minbari, a word is its own unique thing; there is no other word that describes it. It is a thing unto itself, there is just one of it, and it needs no further clarification or explanation.
Sheridan: You can't just have one word for something. Look, if you're angry at someone, what's the word for anger?
Delenn: rak'ka
Sheridan: Okay, so let's say you're furious with someone, what's the word for that?
Delenn: rak'ka
Sheridan: No, not just angry, I mean red-faced, yelling, really just berserker-level rage.
Delenn: (sighs) rak'ka
Sheridan: I don't understand.
Delenn: This much is obvious.
Sheridan: Okay, let me go the other way. What if you're just a little bit angry? What we would call being just annoyed with someone. What's the word for that?
Delenn: rak'ka
Sheridan: Damn it, if the word is always the same, if there's just one word for it, then how the hell is someone supposed to know how angry you are at them?
Delenn: (leans in ominously) By how LOUDLY we SAY it. Do you have a problem with that...human?
Sheridan: None whatsoever.
(And I'm like: are we done? Can I go back to sleep now?)
Had the same thing happen with Londo and Sheridan a while back. It went like this:
Londo: Captain, there is something I do not understand. There is this human term, "bulls-eye." Now, I have looked this up. I have seen photographs. There is not a bull on it. There is not an eye on it. Can you explain this to me?
Sheridan: It's just a slang term for something that's flat and wooden and has a target in the middle.
Londo: Ah! Like you, then.
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