I woke up late this morning, but never mind, since the weather has been pretty awful all day. We’re expecting more of this over the next few days, according to the weather forecast.
But it wasn’t just the weather that kept me in bed until about eleven o’clock. It was the fact that I’d stayed up until about four o’clock in the morning watching “Smash“.
A couple of weeks ago I heard the series described as both “Glee for grown-ups” and “Glee for the theatre crowd”. Honestly, how I could I resist such a description, especially when the program also features actors from two of my favourite television programs – Debra Messing (Grace from “Will & Grace”) and Jack Davenport (Miles from “This Life”).
The series centres around a small group of theatre types who are planning a Broadway Musical about the life of Marilyn Monroe. As with all good dramas, all of the characters have their flaws and the series is very much about how they deal with their “demons”. I’m up to episode seven, with eight more to go, and I’ve just read NBC have commissioned a second series which is good.
But yeah, television watching kept me mostly busy for most of the day before heading out for some fruit and vegetable shopping, and to catch up with my niece visiting from Lismore. “Sorry about the weather I told her”, when we met.
Michelle and James
She’s in town for 24 hours onlyattending an engagement party. It’s not often that my family comes to Sydney. Growing up in Lismore, Brisbane was always the “big city” we visited, not only because of proximity, but also as we have quite a few relatives based there. It would be nice if they came more.
Having enjoyed a really fantastic meal the other week, I suggested a friend and I should catch up there for dinner. But when I tried to book last week for this Friday night, the only time available was 10.00pm. Seriously. Being a little too late, decided to turn up at 6.00pm and see if we could use our charm to find a seat on spec. We ended up with a seat near the door, which was absolutely fine as it allowed us to check out the incoming guests. We felt like bouncers! Our conclusion – lots of of twenty/thirty something couples. Once again, the food was excellent, though we were a little disappointed with one dish. It was the potato gratin dish. It was ok. We loved the pork. We loved the grains tabbouleh. We were treated to a complimentary desert. Once again, Nomad delivered.
Most weekends I have nothing on. I just sit at home and watch television or surf the net. Occasionally I might have something festive. But generally, my weekends are quiet, with most of my socialising confined to weeknights. Today, however I attended two parties and was invited to a third which I had to decline.
The day started off with an ABBA Party at my friend, Cotton’s place, which she has written about here.
In essence, it was an afternoon of music, chatting, and video watching. A personal highlight for me was seeing a “video diary” made for submission to Channel 4 in the UK back in 1995 about “hard core ABBA fans”. It was interesting and entertaining, and a wonderful highlight was seeing a young boy who, aged three, used to dress up like one of the girls from ABBA and sing-a-long (quite well) in front of the television. By our estimates, he would be eighteen or nineteen now. “Twenty-first birthday material” we all agreed.
It was a fabulous, fun afternoon, although the men attending lost a little interest when the conversation turned to costume making. We might be ABBA fans, but we’re still blokes, I guess.
Brilliant organisation, Cotton, and thanks for a fabulous afternoon.
Party Lanterns
And then later, my friend Sam and I went to the annual New Dulwich Hill Mardi Gras. In essence, it’s a house party Glen and Greig have been holding since 1996 when they lived in Dulwich Hill. They’ve lived in Petersham for many years now, and have carried the name over with them.
As always it was spectacularly organised, with wonderful lighting, food and music. (Very pleased to hear Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own”). Amusingly, they also had a “countdown ticker” this year to the end of “Dry July”. “What’s next? Alcoholic August”, some wit commented.
I’ve gone to this party most years, with the first recorded photographic sighting being in 1999. I’m in the green shirt at the front of the shot pictured with others, including the late Chris Jones who died a couple of years later. Me and the ex can also be spotted in photographs from 2000. I’m pretty sure that’s me with a full head of hair wearing the black t-shirt, but maybe no.
Dulwich Hill Mardi Gras 1999. That’s me looking at the camera in the green shirt.
As it’s an annual party there are sometimes people you only see once a year, and there’s one lovely guy who I chatted with last year, who I chatted with again.
The world is in a state of unprecedented flux, far exceeding the complexities of the Cold War era. This was the stark message delivered by New York Times journalist David Sanger in his Sydney University talk, “Election Watch 2024: New Cold Wars in a year like no other,” hosted by the US Studies Centre, which I attended tonight.
Sanger, in Australia to promote his book “New Cold Wars: China’s Rise, Russia’s Invasion, and America’s Struggle to Defend the West,” emphasized the plural form of “wars” to underscore the multifaceted nature of today’s geopolitical landscape.
For decades, the West operated under the illusion of inevitable democratic triumph, solidified by the Soviet Union’s collapse. However, the ascendance of China and Russia’s resurgence have shattered this complacency. Sanger argued that this naiveté underpinned Western foreign policy, particularly evident in Trump’s belief in transactional relationships with inherently “good” nations.
The world now navigates a complex trilateral dynamic involving the US, China, and Russia. The Russia-China alliance, a strategic partnership between former rivals, has emboldened authoritarian regimes like North Korea and Iran, destabilizing the global order.
Sanger suggested a covert US strategy to divide Russia and China while acknowledging the challenges. Biden’s emphasis on alliances, including the formation of a Pacific equivalent to NATO, contrasts sharply with Trump’s transactional approach, reminiscent of pre-World War II isolationism.
The Israeli-Palestinian issue also emerged as a point of differentiation between Biden and Harris, with the latter expressing more public criticism. However, Sanger affirmed continued US support for Israel.
The future remains uncertain, with nations like Australia caught between Western political affiliations and economic ties to China. The next few years will be pivotal in shaping the world order. Sanger expressed concern about the potential timeline for AUKUS to effectively counter China’s influence.
David Sanger (right), speaks at the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney
It was a highly entertaining and thoughtful discussion, and a good way to spend a Monday night!
“So after being here on and off for three weeks what do you think of Hobart?”, Damien asked me as we dined last night on some delicious Japanese food last. He caught me by surprise, as I didn’t really have a ready answer, aside from “I think I really like it”. It was one of those “non-answers” in some respects.
Yes, I’ve been here for a reasonable length of time, and yes, I’ve been staying in AirBnB accommodation (not a hotel), and yes, I’ve been mostly working (tourism came second), I had a break in the middle to return to Sydney. Oh, and the weather has been unusually warm. So yeah, I really like Hobart, but I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface.
For the past few days, I’ve been staying in North Hobart. If you were to declare somewhere “peak hipster”, I think I’ve won “bingo”, because I’ve been staying in an apartment above a funky hairdressing salon, a hole-in-the-wall coffee shop, and a cat cafe. With a bus stop out the front that got me to work in about 15 minutes and lots of wonderful restaurants close by, I feel like I’ve been living in the Hobart equivalent to where I live in Sydney. So in many ways, it’s felt “quite normal”. Hence, my “non-answer” to Damien’s question.
The cat cafe is not far from where I’m staying.
As is common back in Sydney, I’ve gone to work come home, gone out for a meal or something to do, and just gotten on with my life. A couple of “out and about” highlights, however, have included going to a comedy night, and visiting Hobart’s only “gay bar”.
The highlight of the comedy night at the Polish Club was a performance by Ivan Aristgueta, originally from Venezuela, who based much of his routine on loving Australia but still missing his home country which he and his family left due to political strife.A couple of rather amusing moments happened at the gay bar, as a man came up to me, and asked me if I was from Sydney, recognising me as a patron from a pub where he works; and with someone else coming up to me, having recognised the shirt I was wearing, as being one he sold in the shop where he worked. Appropriately for the bar called Flamingos, it was a shirt featuring Flamingos.
Small world, eh? Or maybe that’s just Hobart, and why I like it. An excellent combination of the two “worlds” of my life: that of living in a big city like Sydney, as well as a series of smaller country towns in my earlier life. I doubt I’ll retire in Sydney (I don’t think I can afford it), and I doubt I’ll retire in a small country town (lacking some of the creature comforts of city-life I’ve become used to), so maybe it’s somewhere in between. Maybe it’s Newcastle? Maybe it’s Canberra? Could it be Hobart?
As I prepare for my big European trip, I thought I’d share with you clips of my recent (last year or so) favourite Swedish pop songs. Two are in English, three are in Swedish.
Kleerup feat. Titiyo – Longing for lullabies: I first heard about Kleerup through his work with Robyn. He’s a Swedish DJ and drummer who works with female vocalists. His album has recently been #1 in Sweden. Tityo is the half-sister of 80s/90s legend, Neneh Cherry.
Veronica Maggio – Måndagsbarn (Monday’s Child): I don’t know much about Veronica Maggio, except that her surname suggests she has some Italian heritage. This track is 60s in style, very memorable, and I really like the clip as an indicator the changeing face of Sweden.
BWO – Save My Pride : The young bloke is a former “Swedish Idol” contestant, the old bloke was in Army of Lovers, he featured in the video clip for Alcazar’s “Crying At The Discoteque” and he wrote a song for one of Agnetha Faltskog’s solo CDs. He’s also quite odd, it seems, by the way. This song was originally recorded by Alcazar and it’s got a bit of “Europride” vibe about it.
Nanne Gronvall – Hall om mig (Hold Me): Although strictly speaking a couple of years old, I love this song. It was “the people’s choice” to represent Sweden at Eurovision a couple of years ago, but missed out due to the over-riding “judge’s panel”. It’s a great song in so many respects. Love the song. Love the clip. Nanne is the daughter in law of Benny Andersson from ABBA, by the way.
Peter Jöback – Stockholm i Natt (Stockholm At Night): And from last year… a possible theme song for part of my trip… This song is about how Stockholm comes alive at night. The singer has featured in a couple of Bjorn and Benny (from ABBA)-related projects. My friend Grant has a website about Peter.
Thus further proving Sweden makes the best pop musik in the world!
As I sit down on New Years Eve to think about what’s happened in my life this year, there’s so much to reflect upon: overseas trips, new adventures at work, and the death of a close family member.
I ended last year feeling 2009 had been a year of treading water: I hadn’t really done all that much exciting in either my personal or professional life.
I began 2010 with a renewed sense of anticipation: in March I was returning to Sweden in significantly different circumstances to the last time in 2008. and I was to be on a panel at the Radio Days Conference in Copenhagen.
After my trip there in the summer two years ago, I was keen to go back and experience Sweden at a different time of the year. “Could I cope with the long, dark cold winter months?”, I asked myself. Probably not is the answer, but I gave the end of winter/the start of spring a try by visiting Sweden during March. When I arrived it was snowing and the waterways around Stockholm were frozen over. I went out on a ice-breaker and walked on ice for the first time in my life, nearly escaping plunging to my death by walking too close to the edge of a wharf. It would have been a dramatic way to go, though, wouldn’t it?
Stockholm winter ice tour
As well as experiencing the delights of a Swedish spring, I also went to Melodifestivalen, the Swedish finals for Eurovision, attended quite a few pop concerts, met some interesting people, and generally had a fine holiday.
I was also lucky enough to be invited to be a panelist at the Radio Days Europe Conference held in March in Copenhagen, and got to meet some people working in similar jobs in different parts of the world.
Captured on video at Radio Days Europe
My second overseas trip this year was to China. My friend Kate has been living there on and off for a few years, and I’ve been thinking of going for a while. As she had an exhibition opening in November, I asked when she had a window of opportunity and grabbed it. I loved Beijing. Seriously the best food I’ve ever eaten consistently on any holiday ever. And there was a lot to see and do, includng all of the obvious tourist spots. It was great to hang out with Kate and with some of the artists she was looking after while there. A return trip to China? Yes possibly.
My last trip was very much a backpacker’s adventure, whereas this was a more grown up holiday experience. Deep in the back of my mind throughout was the question about whether or not I’d like to live in Sweden for a while, or whether this was a short-term obsession that would pass with time. I’ve concluded the answer is yes, I’d like to live there, and have 2012 as the ball-park year I’d like to do it, though that may go back a little depending on what happens with work.
My second overseas trip this year was to China. My friend Kate has been living there on and off for a few years, and I’ve been thinking of going for a while. As she had an exhibition opening in November, I asked when she had a window of opportunity and grabbed it. I loved Beijing.
Thats me and thats the Great Wall of China
Seriously the best food I’ve ever eaten consistently on any holiday ever. And there was a lot to see and do, including all of the obvious tourist spots. It was great to hang out with Kate and with some of the artists she was looking after while there. A return trip to China? Yes possibly.
James O’Brien, Phil James and Guy Maestri on the Great Wall of China
On the professional front, I enjoyed the challenges of a new “acting” position throughout most of the year looking after nationally networked content on ABC Radio. And then towards the end of the year, “acting” in the role of Network Development Manager which looks after a range of special event programming and other associated “development” work. Many aspects of the job are pretty sexy, and I loved acting in the role, and then securing it in the days before Christmas.
On the personal front, I went on a couple of dates this year, though nothing long-term came from either. I’ve yet to come to grips with how I feel about the idea of a relationship. Sometimes I feel like it would be nice to have someone there in a different way to close friends. Other times I feel like it may be all too much, and that deep down I know that I’m probably still too selfish to share my life with someone else and vice versa. I’m also reminded of advice several years ago which was “don’t leave it to late”.
Sadness struck our family this year with the death of Gloria, who plays a special role in my life. After several years suffering with both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s she died in June this year. In many ways her passing was a relief as she had been in a lot of pain for quite some time. Her death has affected her immediate family of Sharon and John deeply, as they had also lost son, John, three years ago. On the positive side, I’m hoping it’s lead to a renewed closeness between all of us.
Gloria Pepper, James O’Brien
I spent the last ten days of the year at home with my family in Lismore. Usually I just come home for a few days and then head back to Sydney, but I think I got the mix right this year. I was allowed to work from the office in Lismore which meant I could spend daytime at work, but night-time and weekend with my family which made for a very happy combination for all of us.
This time last year I felt as though I’d spent the year “treading water”. A year later, I feel like I’m happier, healthier (I’ve also lost weight this year), and generally feeling quite good about myself and my life.
Looking ahead to 2011, there’s a lot to anticipate. I have a new job, and hopefully the capacity to do some interesting work. Our art group, Hawkesbury One, winds up with an exhibition at the Newcastle Regional Gallery. And although I have no firm travel plans for the year, I’m sure something will eventuate. But overall, looking ahead to 2011, I’m feeling pretty good about life.
