Over the last five years or so I’ve become quite a fan of the Swedish singer, Magnus Carlsson. Not to be confused with Magnus Carlson (one s, not two) from the band, “Weeping Willows”, it’s the dance band and pop singer that I really like.
I first became aware of him when he was a member of Alcazar. Though the story gets a little complex and there are conflicting stories on the public record, but it looks as though he and Alcazar mainstay, Andreas Lundstedt were in a relationship together. And while that relationship lasted, Magnus was a member of the band.
As much as I loved his work with Alcazar, I’m also a great fan of his Swedish language solo album which contains a bunch of my favourite songs by him, especially “Funnit min angel”. As someone learning Swedish, I really appreciate that he has really clear diction, which has allowed me to really enjoy the work and learn a little Swedish along the way.
His performance at Golden Times nightclub in Stockholm was terrific. In about 30-45 minutes (I lost track of time) he sang an extended “medley” of work from throughout his career, including a fair bit of Swedish language material which really went down well with the locals. Obviously, Barbados was a pretty popular band in its time here in Sweden. I was impressed.
Knowing that I was a fan, but also quite a shy person (yes, really), my friend Graeme grabbed him as he came off stage and asked if I could have a photograph with him. “Yes, but let’s do it over by the door”, he said.
With a buzz in my step it wasn’t long before I found myself on the dance floor. “Shall we dance?”, a middle-aged woman who was sitting nearby asked me. I didn’t need much encouragement, as I love to dance. Although it often takes me a while, and a few drinks for me to get on the dance floor, I love to dance, especially to Swedish pop music. Absolute joy.
“Golden Times is a real meat market”, I was later told by a woman living here. And yes, it was true. I think it may have been the Hard Rock Cafe at some point, as the bar was decorated with lots of pop music photographs and memorabilia.
The crowd was overwhelmingly straight, aged between about 20 and 50, and fitted into two categories: those looking for a shag and those looking to dance. Generally, it’s the woman who were looking for a dance and the guys who were looking for a shag. Still, the guys recognised they needed to dance if they were to have the shag. Fairly universal theme eh?
As one of about half a dozen gay men in the bar, I was clearly a “safe option” for a few of the girls who wanted to dance without someone trying to hit on them. Thus, I was asked to dance by three separate women all of whom I’m sure enjoyed the amusement of dancing with a gay bloke from Australia with a love of Swedish pop music, and who knew all of the words to the songs.
My only disappointment with the night was discovering all too late they had karaoke in the downstairs bar. OMG, I would have loved to have done Swedish language karaoke.
There is an empty shop opposite the old Railway Station in South Lismore that has caught my attention.
Most weekdays I’ll take a walk down along Union Street to the Duck Pond Espresso to grab a take-away. I quite enjoy the walk, I enjoy the coffee, and I enjoy the chat with Noreen and Alex who run the coffee shop.
Along the way, I might also pop into the chemist, the pie shop, the chemist or the cake shop.
Occasionally, I’ll also peak into the windows of the computer shop, the laundromat, or the second-hand clothing store.
But there’s one shop that has caught my attention, not so much for what it sells, but how it has been decorated.
It looks like the shop has been closed for quite some time now.
Maybe they’ve been closed since the 2017 major flood which would have seen maybe two metres of water enter the premises? Lots of shops in Lismore closed after the flood, and many never reopened.
Either way, I have no idea what type of business previously occupied the premises.
What fascinates me is the decoration on the outside: lots and lots of cassettes.Slowly but surely, the cassettes have been falling off. I can’t be sure if the glue is finally giving way, or they’ve been “helped”, but I noticed this handful of cassettes on the ground the other day.
Before it gets too late, I thought I should document the commercial recordings. Of course, there’s lots of blank tapes which were presumably bootlegs of commercial recordings, or perhaps mixtapes given in the pursuit of romance. It was a “thing” back then to dedicate your love to someone by putting together a tape of the songs that touched you, or which you shared in common. But the best I can do is document some of the commercial recordings, and these are some of my favourites.Who doesn’t remember Leo Sayer from his big hit songs in the 1970s and 1980s? He has been living in Australia for about twenty years now, and I have memories of interviewing him on the radio about his decision to move here.Though I don’t specifically remember the Telmak label, it sounds like it was one of the many “generic” brands of the 1970s where they had session musicians recording popular hits of the day.Another cheapie compilation by the look of things.I’m starting to think the collection of cassettes once belonged to an older person. Even in the 1980s, liking Al Jolson implied someone of a “certain age”.The awesome Dame Vera Lynn. Yep, that kinda proves the age of the owner of the collection.Richard Clayderman. The ultimate soundtrack to an uncomfortable first date in a large, empty overpriced restaurant.At first, I rightly thought this was a recording from the UK, but then I noticed the 1988 Australian Bi-centennial connection. How curious. Did they come here? Frank Bourke & The White Rose Orchestra were huge in regional areas. Growing up and watching local commercial television, hardly an ad-break went by without seeing another recording by them. There were many many more releases after this one.The Judds were/are a mother/daughter American country music duo. This looks like an example of a “cass-single”.The Flying Emus were a great Australian folk/country band who I still like very much.And of course, no collection is complete with head cleaner. The only thing missing is a razor blade, some sticky tape and a pencil. Those reading of this who are of a “certain age” will know what I’m talking about.
The cassette collection fascinates me. Was it just from one person, or were there many collections? Were they picked up as a bulk lot? Why did they decorate the outside of the shop like this? Maybe you can answer some of the great mysteries?
Today, when I asked for a raincheck on my physiotherapy session, I felt like the physiotherapist might have thought I was being lazy. Looking back, I realize I should have explained my situation better.
Earlier in the day, my blood sugar level dropped alarmingly low, and I was still recovering from the impact it had on me. For a little while I was genuinely scared of slipping into a deeper, more serious medical problem.
Upon my admission to the hospital three weeks ago, my blood sugar level had skyrocketed to an extraordinarily high level of 70. Even the nurses, including my niece who is a nurse herself, were surprised, as it is usually supposed to be between 5 to 10. However, today’s sugar level plummeted to 2.2, which is dangerously low.
As a result, I experienced light-headedness, dimmed vision, and an unusual combination of feeling both hot and cold.
The nursing team promptly responded by offering me a plate full of sugar products to bring my blood sugar level back to a more normal range. Fairly quickly it was 2.9, then 3.5 and tonight it was 13.5, which is higher than normal. In any other circumstances this would cause concern, but the staff were happy it had recovered from the low levels.
They inquired about my breakfast (which I had eaten), but we couldn’t determine why my levels had fallen so significantly, other than the fact that “with new diabetics, it sometimes takes a while to settle down.”
Among the adjustments I’ll need to make upon returning home, it’s managing diabetes that is causing me the greatest apprehension right now, even more than dealing with the amputation. As you might know from my previous posts, I have a deep love for food and wine.
Nomination for the worst hospital food so far: chewy and tasteless. It was a chore eating it.
I’ll need to regularly check my sugar levels, use insulin, and adapt to a new lifestyle. Over the next few weeks, I plan to research how I can live with diabetes and still enjoy adventurous foods, and of course discuss this with the hospital’s dieticians.
Nomination for the best hospital food so far. I’d never heard of this brand of yoghurt before, but I see it’s available at my local Woolworths, so I’ll be seeking it out when I return home.
Today, we were informed that we need to remain in COVID isolation until Monday, which means no visitors over the weekend, and that saddens me. It’s tough enough not being able to leave the room, but I can’t help but admire the staff who have to wear full PPE every time they enter our rooms.
On a positive note, the hospital staff rearranged the beds, and now I have a window view of “The Wall” on Darlinghurst Road. During lunchtime, I sat by the window, observing the passersby. They also opened the window which allowed for some fresh (city) air to come in.
PS. I’m aware that some of my upcoming posts may revolve around hospital life, amputation recovery, and diabetes, which might seem a bit repetitive. However, I hope these posts will be helpful to individuals who might be going through similar experiences.
“OMG, I’ve been there”, I whispered in the ear of my friend, as an image of the The Royal Vauxhall Tavern in London flashed on the screen. We were sitting watching the play, “A Life in Three Acts” at the Sydney Theatre Company this afternoon.
Even a couple of hours before going to see the play I had little idea of what it was about. My friend had obtained tickets and invited me because she thought it was something I might enjoy. She had only described the play as being “about some old poof going on about his life”.
The old poof in question (and I use the phrase poof with affection, not in a negative way) was Bette Bourne. Although I’d never heard of Bette until today’s play, I’ve since learned Bette (who was born Peter Bourne in 1939) is a British actor, drag queen and equal rights activist. Bette, by the way, seemed to prefer the use of the word “queen” to describe gay men.
In essence, the play is a monologue/conversation where Bette, aged seventy-one recounts his life story through a series of questions posed by another actor on stage, Mitchell Butel. The format for the play took the style of a scripted, though perhaps also occasionally ad-libbed, television chat show. For the most part, Mitchell sat there listening intently and occasionally asking a question. As a piece of theatre, it was actually quite low-key.
Throughout the afternoon we learned of Bette’s early interest and involvement in mainstream English rep theatre, his “politicisation” through early involvement in the Gay Liberation Front in LONDON, his life in a commune (he left when the drugs became too much), his relocation to New York and his contact with Quentin Crisp. In some ways, Bette has become a Quentin Crisp-like figure with his clever one-liners and insightful observations about life. He was also dressed in what he described today as “Double Bay drag”. He didn’t look disimilar to Miriam Margolyes and Germaine Greer, I said at interval.
Although the play goes for close to 2.5 hours (including a 15-20 minute interval), neither of us felt it dragged on for too long. In fact, it was a very pleasant, well-timed way to spend the afternoon. Obviously the subject matter won’t appeal to everyone, but I quite enjoyed it, and would recommend it if you have an interest in gay history, but also if you like to hear someone who is a good story teller, and willing to put themselves out on the life.
And for just a brief moment, today, I was fondly reminded of a great night from my trip to London in 2008 when we visited Duckie at The Royal Vauxhall Hotel. It was a fun night back then, and it was interesting to discover today the pub has such a long history as a gay venue.
After the play we headed out for a bite to eat and a drink. Combined with a few hours at work this morning, it’s been a really enjoyable Sunday, though also exhausting.
Duckie at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, 372 Kennington Lane, London SE11
I must mark down this date. It’s the day I discovered there was an ice-hockey scene in Australia. It all began with a Facebook post about “Sweden Day” at an ice-hockey match being played when I’ll be in Melbourne on July 30 at the O’Brien Arena. Yes, seriously. And then I discovered there’s a a “Pride Match” this coming Saturday in Sydney. I’ve bought a ticket for the match in Melbourne, and currently in email discussion with a friend about the match in Sydney. Ice hockey could well be “the next big thing” in my life.
Largely through my work, I’ve spent much of the day immersed in the terrorism attacks in Paris. On top of the professional, there was concern for a friend who lives in Paris (who I’ve yet to hear from in reply), and for another friend whose partner lives in Paris (everything is all okay).
Though there are obviously tragedies which happen all of the time, and indeed attacks like these happen all of the time in the Middle East (including Beirut this week), this attack has really “hit home”. I love Paris, and knew exactly when, where these attacks occurred. I also really like French people – they suffer with a bit of “bad press”, I think. Also, there’s clear evidence those involved were “under the radar” (digitally speaking), and so it has helped to bring home that we’re living in difficult times.
“This will be the century of terrorism and climate change”, I said to a friend in an email.
Here in Sydney, the colours of the French flag were projected on the Sydney Opera House, and there was a vigil at Martin Place. Particularly touching was the large group of expats who were singing in French.
Tonight I went to an event a Twitter in Sydney about the federal election, with an awesome panel including people from Fairfax (Tory Maguire), Sky (Laura Jayes), Nine (Chris Uhlman) , Buzzfeed (Alice Workman) and New York Times (Damien Cave). As well as awesome drinks, canapes and views, there was also an awesome discussion.
These are my raw notes from the night. A combination of interpretation and direct quotes. Hopefully I haven’t misquoted anyone. I was particularly taken by the observation about how lots of places are providing solutions to the problems the government isn’t introducing. What’s happening in your town/city which the rest of Australia could learn from?
TWITTER #AUSVOTES2019 LAUNCH
Fact: one quarter of the world’s population will go to an election this year, mostly in Asia.
A lot has happened since 2016, both in the media and politics, here and overseas. What’s the state of Australian political discource?
Laura – people don’t care about government debt, their own credit cards matter. Lots of journalists got it wrong in 2016. Don’t think polling is accurate. Focus groups don’t capture an accurate view.
Chris – change is the only constant, with media pitches to left and right have become more extreme. “Gated communities of the mind”. “Scream yourself hoarse discourse”.
Alice – is this a generational thing? Main users of Facebook in Australia are boomers. Clive Palmer’s online supporters are young trolls. All outside the AEC, and how normal political propaganda is authorised. Thinks those who enrolled in postal survey may change political engagement this time. Only three federal politicians are socially literate. Tim Watts, James McGrath, but mostly relying on the young political operatives. Liberal party logs all their doorknocking information, every issue for every house.
Damien – in the time since Trump’s election, what have journalists learned/done? Not convinced all of the media missed the story. NYT covered this, but not necessarily the most read items. How do they get to the audience they need to listen to? Too much reliance on data/polls. Lessons to be learned about how coverage can be too insular, and people don’t engage with coverage.
How do you stay in touch? How do you get outside the bubble?
Check out the bald guy on the left
Laura – doesn’t live in Canberra, family not engaged in politics at all, friendship also not engaged. Worked for Sky for 12 years and parents still don’t have Foxtel. Time where you have to stop, read fiction. You’ve got to go the places. Go to Warringah. Talk to people. It’s not an exact science. I make a million phone calls today to people outside politics. Getting perspective and having a life.
Chris – came to journalism quite late, was a security guard beforehand. During US election, went outside Washington to old coal town, Logan County. Learned from this the lesson you shouldn’t assume other people are stupid because they disagree with you. The more damage Trump does in Washington the more they (his supporters) sent him there to do.
Alice says Rob Harris knew Turnbull’s leadership over when he called a press conference during Ursain Bolt race.
Damien – spends a lot of time in small towns “where they’re finding solutions the rest of Australia can learn from”. There’s a risk for media in being so geographically concentrated in the cities.
Tory – spent two days in Port Macquarie after Oakeshot voted with Gillard, and couldn’t find any response who supported him in what he did. Spoke to hundreds.
Damien – interested in themes which speak to larger global issues eg: breakdown of major parties, inequality, climate change. NYT readers are curious about the world.
Alice says she doesn’t spend a lot of time online, except at work. Used to live in Canberra, moved back to Sydney. Only sitting weeks. Speaks to a lot of people not involved. “Engage with politics the level I need to”. Sits at work with people who report on entertainment. Says most Australians can only name five politicians. Buzzfeed audience is interested in politics, but other stuff too!
Damien – politics isn’t the only conversation people want to have in Australia. You learn a lot more about people outside of political conversations.
Tory – focus groups say they’re not interested in politics, but they are interested in political issues eg: health, transport.
Alice – people switch off because they feel their seat doesn’t matter.
Chris – the big issue is a loss of trust in all institutions that goes back to the enlightenment eg: royal commission into banks, churches. People want something and someone to believe in. Coalition’s economic narrative about economy growing – no one believes it. Labor’s message “Everything is going up except your wage”. People aren’t feeling the benefits of a growing economy. The government’s not doing things it should do eg: power. “The times will suit Bill Shorten”. Who can remember Abbot’s inquiry into the union movement, whereas everyone can remember the banking inquiry”. “People are driven by their emotions”. Shorten has a “Robin Hood argument going on”.
Laura – voters in 30s, 40s, 50s have never known a recession. Authenticity is one of the biggest things in this election. Lots of politicians out of touch on issues like climate change. She lives in Wentworth. Independents have an authenticity thing going on for them. Abbott – you love him or you hate him.
Tory – lots of independents who are straight out of central casting, except on the issue of climate change.
Alice – caro isn’t running, if you want to topple an incumbent, there’s got to be one clear candidate.
Tory – what is the mythical “middle Australia”?
Laura – hard to define, but elections are won in the middle. The liberal party has no idea who their base is.
Alice – internal liberal polling shows people hated turnbull, it’s power prices. The nationals want a scare campaign. The liberals won’t support it.
Laura – the nats will lose seats they’ve held forever.
Chris – we’re always in search of the middle. Compulsory voting forces people to the centre. The coalition has moved so far to the right it can no longer articulate the concerns of the centre. Howard picked the mood on climate change through drought, water restrictions in the city. People feel there’s something going on with the climate they believe is real.
Alice – when parliament resumes next week it will be a nightmare for the coalition.
Tory – given the structure of our parties, are we ever going to have an inspirational leader?
Damien – the middle can lead to a lack of innovation, but remains strong.
Chris – even if you think Shorten is a disappointment, he’s been constantly underestimated. Labor is taking the best articulated policy position since 1993, which includes radical changes to the economy. The two parties are a long way apart.
Laura – the best thing for Morrison is he’s grossly underestimated. Because everyone thinks Shorten will win, this helps Morrison. “Who is he really?” He’s shown so far he is a good campaigner.
Tory – on the ground, with normal people, he’s excellent, according to Fairfax reporters.
Alice – remember MT was older than Morrison.
Laura – Morrison has an evangelical belief in himself.
Damien – says Shorten is perhaps too cautious.
Does the media reflect view or is capable of changing views?
Laura – opinion is huge and what drives people to Sky. People are watching at night to have their own views re-enforced.
Chris – said strong things about Murdoch. Media has an effect, but increasingly people have made up their views and seeking re-enforcement. But there’s got to be room in the middle ground. 6Pm is still the biggest audience, though declining. What are the issues that are really biting is the question they ask every day at 9. Traffic, the price of petrol. People aren’t being selfish, they’re thinking about how they’ll bring up their family.
Damien – people do less searching for news, it’s more passive. Says there’s a dearth of independent data, eg; courts supression orders, selective leaks of data.
Chris – since the time of european settlement, the government has been suspicious of its people.
Laura – a good example of this is the lack of information coming out of defence, even in the language used.
Chris – Americans compile a monthly list of all the people killed in war, this doesn’t happen in Australia.
Does the media set an impossible standard for politicians?
Alice – politicians are afraid of a lot, including focus groups, scandals, but tony abbott first thing – we need to be boring, not interesting, shutting down the conversation. What we have to do as journalists is set the standard high.
Do we still have the bonk ban? :)
Laura – Andrew Broad: they set their own standards!!
Alice – does Tim Wilson pass the pub test? The political instinct is to lie.
Chris – married to a politician. Across the spectrum, the majority are well intentioned, trying to do the best they can. “They’re not a bad reflection of us”. Have seen good people destroyed by the media.
What is the challenge for the media?
Alice – to meet the audience where they are. In 2016 – Julie Bishop did a lot of snapchatting to an audience of 10!!!
Tory – Morrison did a Facebook live yesterday to 10,000 which would have been disappointing.
Alice – Facebook has changed, so it’s more family and friends than media interaction, unless your family/friends share. ALP is copying UK Labor eg: microtargetting football clubs. FM radio audience is dropping.
Campaign Predictions?
Chris – fight to the death, coalition will go after Shorten personally.
Alice – NSW will have a big impact in terms of money. NSW libs exhausted. Interested to see how it plays out in W/Syd. Have libs given up on W/Syd eg: lack of interest in Lindsay.
Daniel – after election, will embrace leadership unlike US/Trump.
Laura – anonymity of attackers is terrible in political debates. Things would improve if people had to include their names. After the election, the liberal parties will look very different. Loss of corporate knowledge for the liberals. Turnbull is still there!
