I'm rather excited at the moment - I've just gone and bought tickets to see Ben Lee live at the Peninsula Lounge. It will be the first 'adult concert' I've been to as well - my last actual concerts being The Wiggles and Peter Combe (who played the Lounge recently as well, wish I'd known, I would have gone - same with Evermore who were there last Thursday, and who I think are/were at the 21st as well, but I have a distinct aversion to the 21st). I like the fact its at the Lounge as well: its close, not a huge venue, and while there is the disadvantage it won't be seated (though as Mum pointed out to Dad when we were discussing it, we're younger than them, and I'm used to spending days on my feet thanks to work) its much, much cheaper than so many other concerts and shows around (i.e. certain people I may or may not be related to and her friends paying over $100 to see Good Charlotte in the city at one of the stadiums) and should be a great night with great music (not that GC would be bad, of course!). At least I'll have a decent answer if I'm ever on Rockwiz or Spicks and Specks :P
Monday, September 24, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
The iPod has landed...
...into my hand. And it's a wonderful feeling.
I had preordered it from Target on Tuesday, expecting it to arrive Wednesday or Thursday, and was then rather annoyed when it didn't. My annoyance towards Apple (though, when I think about it, the delay may have been a Target problem) was then compounded when the new Ben Lee album, Ripe, which I had preordered (a month ago) and had an iTunes card ready and waiting on my bedside table, wasn't released on its expected release day of Saturday. However, they called Saturday afternoon to say it had arrived - unfortunantely at 4:30, which while I probably could have rushed down and picked it up, would have meant having to pay for parking and not having time to mess around with it anyway thanks to my sister's 18th.
So I picked it up after work today, and bought it straight home and began syncing. Finished relatively quickly which is great. I'd never really used an iPod before, so I'm still getting used to the click wheel, which worked a little differently to what I expected. I was also a touch annoyed as it didn't have the plastic over the screen that most devices with screens (like my mobile) had, only plastic over the whole device, and the screen was already dirty! Luckily, it came off with glasses cleaner, and I've now stuck one of my PDA's screen protectors over it (which I didn't do a very good job of cutting, but oh well) until I can get a case. Target has 25% off Belkin accessories at the moment, and there's some cases there I like the look of, but unfortuantely there's none for the new models, though I think I'll wait and see if I get one for my birthday (Mum offered that if I waited to buy the actual iPod, they'd give me part of the money for my birthday, but I concluded since I don't like knowing what I'm getting for my birthday, I wanted to be able to use it now since I use MP3 players most during semester and exam study and that there's a heap of accessories I want that I might as well get it now and get the accessories for my birthday). I must admit as well that the fact the back picks up fingerprints like it is no tomorrow is a pain, but I'll get over it. It was also great that once I logged into iTunes, the Ben Lee album was available, so I've downloaded that as well.
Now I'm sitting here listening to Ben Lee on my new iPod, and both are brilliant.
I had preordered it from Target on Tuesday, expecting it to arrive Wednesday or Thursday, and was then rather annoyed when it didn't. My annoyance towards Apple (though, when I think about it, the delay may have been a Target problem) was then compounded when the new Ben Lee album, Ripe, which I had preordered (a month ago) and had an iTunes card ready and waiting on my bedside table, wasn't released on its expected release day of Saturday. However, they called Saturday afternoon to say it had arrived - unfortunantely at 4:30, which while I probably could have rushed down and picked it up, would have meant having to pay for parking and not having time to mess around with it anyway thanks to my sister's 18th.
So I picked it up after work today, and bought it straight home and began syncing. Finished relatively quickly which is great. I'd never really used an iPod before, so I'm still getting used to the click wheel, which worked a little differently to what I expected. I was also a touch annoyed as it didn't have the plastic over the screen that most devices with screens (like my mobile) had, only plastic over the whole device, and the screen was already dirty! Luckily, it came off with glasses cleaner, and I've now stuck one of my PDA's screen protectors over it (which I didn't do a very good job of cutting, but oh well) until I can get a case. Target has 25% off Belkin accessories at the moment, and there's some cases there I like the look of, but unfortuantely there's none for the new models, though I think I'll wait and see if I get one for my birthday (Mum offered that if I waited to buy the actual iPod, they'd give me part of the money for my birthday, but I concluded since I don't like knowing what I'm getting for my birthday, I wanted to be able to use it now since I use MP3 players most during semester and exam study and that there's a heap of accessories I want that I might as well get it now and get the accessories for my birthday). I must admit as well that the fact the back picks up fingerprints like it is no tomorrow is a pain, but I'll get over it. It was also great that once I logged into iTunes, the Ben Lee album was available, so I've downloaded that as well.
Now I'm sitting here listening to Ben Lee on my new iPod, and both are brilliant.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The December Boys Premiere
As mentioned previously, at the last minute a friend of mine won tickets from the Herald Sun and invited me to go, and of course I said yes. We decided to train it, thinking that there would be no parking in Camberwell (the premiere was at Rivoli), and it was a beautiful day so I got to wear a dress.
It's funny - you would think over 5 years that I would get used to seeing the pandemonium (or fandemonium) that Daniel Radcliffe causes. But its nothing to actually being there. Both sides of the street were filled with people, and I feel rather sorry for those who were just going to the cinema normally! After a little issue getting the tickets, we wandered off and went to Target and Borders (I love Borders - we need one down this way!) we came back and got to walk the red carpet (for the first and hopefully not the last time), which was really cool. Spoke to Bianca from HP Events, then went up into the cinema foyer (where there was free champagne which I couldn't drink seeing as I had to drive home from the station) and a sudden outburst of noise told us that we had walked the red carpet just minutes before Dan himself. We then waited in a spot where we could see the carpet in an attempt to see him doing press interviews, but then they opened the cinema (with free water and popcorn!) so we went inside. I must say that the cinema was absolutely beautiful - its the first time I've been in any sort of old-fashioned cinema, and it was wonderful - except we sat just in front of the stairwell with the idea that no-one would sit in front, and I realised a little too late that I couldn't see the bottom of the screen - not that it really mattered.
After waiting ages for them to finish with the press, all the actors and the director came in and introduced the film - then they all left! So I only saw Dan in the flesh for around 5 minutes, and we right at the back of the cinema (though he did leave to go to Rove, so I'll forgive him). The other actors filed out, but from reports I've since read, they were there after the screening.
The film itself was beautiful - as any film shot in Australia tends to be. The story was well written, the acting was fantastic, and I completely lost track of time. I'm also eargerly hoping there's a soundtrack released - the music was beautiful, and a specially written song was used on the credits, which I hope turns up in iTunes if nothing else. The jury is out on Dan's accent - while he's no Hugh Laurie, I thought he did a pretty good job, though other people disagree with me on that. At any rate, if I get the chance to see the film again I will, and I'll certainly be buying it on DVD.
On the way out I saw John Blackman (from Hey Hey It's Saturday) and Richard Wilkins, which was kind of cool. Would have liked to have stuck around, but we were catching the train late enough as it is. Speaking of which - if this ever happens again, I'm driving - had to wait half an hour for a train at Camberwell, followed by another half an hour at Richmond. Didn't get home until 10!
Since then, the Australian media has been bombarding us with interviews - to the point I'm almost getting sick of them! I loved Rove though, especially seeing Dan stayed on the couch (which I was hoping for) and he gave some great answers to $20 in 20 seconds. I also enjoyed listening to Matt and Jo interview him. These interviews, which don't ask the same old stuff, are great. I just wish Hamish and Andy weren't on holidays, and I'm still hoping that he'll be on Enough Rope with Andrew Denton one day. Must admit I did find it funny this morning that Dan was going to be on the channel 7, 9 and 10 Morning shows, which all run from 9 to 11 - I only watched Kerri-Anne as I'm a bit of a Channel 9 girl, and have had quite a bit of respect for her since the John Stamos interview (plus she always goes along with the Chaser boys).
So that was my first premiere experience - nothing on a HP premiere I'm sure, but it was certainly an eye opener! Fingers crossed its not the last as well.
(P.S. - Ordered my 80GB silver iPod Classic from work yesterday, can't wait for it to arrive!)
It's funny - you would think over 5 years that I would get used to seeing the pandemonium (or fandemonium) that Daniel Radcliffe causes. But its nothing to actually being there. Both sides of the street were filled with people, and I feel rather sorry for those who were just going to the cinema normally! After a little issue getting the tickets, we wandered off and went to Target and Borders (I love Borders - we need one down this way!) we came back and got to walk the red carpet (for the first and hopefully not the last time), which was really cool. Spoke to Bianca from HP Events, then went up into the cinema foyer (where there was free champagne which I couldn't drink seeing as I had to drive home from the station) and a sudden outburst of noise told us that we had walked the red carpet just minutes before Dan himself. We then waited in a spot where we could see the carpet in an attempt to see him doing press interviews, but then they opened the cinema (with free water and popcorn!) so we went inside. I must say that the cinema was absolutely beautiful - its the first time I've been in any sort of old-fashioned cinema, and it was wonderful - except we sat just in front of the stairwell with the idea that no-one would sit in front, and I realised a little too late that I couldn't see the bottom of the screen - not that it really mattered.
After waiting ages for them to finish with the press, all the actors and the director came in and introduced the film - then they all left! So I only saw Dan in the flesh for around 5 minutes, and we right at the back of the cinema (though he did leave to go to Rove, so I'll forgive him). The other actors filed out, but from reports I've since read, they were there after the screening.
The film itself was beautiful - as any film shot in Australia tends to be. The story was well written, the acting was fantastic, and I completely lost track of time. I'm also eargerly hoping there's a soundtrack released - the music was beautiful, and a specially written song was used on the credits, which I hope turns up in iTunes if nothing else. The jury is out on Dan's accent - while he's no Hugh Laurie, I thought he did a pretty good job, though other people disagree with me on that. At any rate, if I get the chance to see the film again I will, and I'll certainly be buying it on DVD.
On the way out I saw John Blackman (from Hey Hey It's Saturday) and Richard Wilkins, which was kind of cool. Would have liked to have stuck around, but we were catching the train late enough as it is. Speaking of which - if this ever happens again, I'm driving - had to wait half an hour for a train at Camberwell, followed by another half an hour at Richmond. Didn't get home until 10!
Since then, the Australian media has been bombarding us with interviews - to the point I'm almost getting sick of them! I loved Rove though, especially seeing Dan stayed on the couch (which I was hoping for) and he gave some great answers to $20 in 20 seconds. I also enjoyed listening to Matt and Jo interview him. These interviews, which don't ask the same old stuff, are great. I just wish Hamish and Andy weren't on holidays, and I'm still hoping that he'll be on Enough Rope with Andrew Denton one day. Must admit I did find it funny this morning that Dan was going to be on the channel 7, 9 and 10 Morning shows, which all run from 9 to 11 - I only watched Kerri-Anne as I'm a bit of a Channel 9 girl, and have had quite a bit of respect for her since the John Stamos interview (plus she always goes along with the Chaser boys).
So that was my first premiere experience - nothing on a HP premiere I'm sure, but it was certainly an eye opener! Fingers crossed its not the last as well.
(P.S. - Ordered my 80GB silver iPod Classic from work yesterday, can't wait for it to arrive!)
Thursday, September 06, 2007
2007: The best year ever (and its not even finished!)
Why? (And you will probably understand why I'm posting it now once you have read the list!)
Anyway, just had to let the world know, now I'm off to try and finish the Macroeconomics assignment that I was going to finish Sunday as I'd decided I wasn't going to stand around outside the theatre. And try and stop thinking about what I'm going to wear... doesn't help that I keep imagining the HP premieres, never mind that this is the premiere of a lower-budget Australian film in Camberwell :D
- Deathly Hallows - Enough said.
- The Order of the Phoenix film
- Getting preview tickets to the Order of the Phoenix film
- My beautiful dress for my sister's valedictory that only cost $10
- Wednesdays being the best day in the history of Australian television ever
- PotC: At World's End being not as bad as Dead Man's Chest
- Got promoted at work
- Got made part time at work (and therefore a second discount card)
- Got a HD TV
- Got a Wii
- Got an iPod (well, I'm getting one - same thing really)
- Not so many public personality deaths this year (touch wood!)
- Finally getting Broadband
- Dan Radcliffe live on Rove (well, that doesn't happen until Sunday, but it will be awesome)
- Pat winning premiere tickets to December Boys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, just had to let the world know, now I'm off to try and finish the Macroeconomics assignment that I was going to finish Sunday as I'd decided I wasn't going to stand around outside the theatre. And try and stop thinking about what I'm going to wear... doesn't help that I keep imagining the HP premieres, never mind that this is the premiere of a lower-budget Australian film in Camberwell :D
To Touch or not to Touch?
So the new iPods were announced last night, with all but the iPod Touch available now. The main two I was looking at were the iPod Touch and iPod Classic - until I saw the price. AU$549 for 16GB as compared to AU$479 for 160GB! Its too bad really, I do like the look and design of the iPod Touch, but the extra cost and less capacity just isn't worth it. It works like a PDA as well, so in some ways its bad luck it didn't come out last year - I would have bought it instead of my Palm PDA. Oh well, I'll be just fine with the 80GB iPod Classic for AU$349 I think - I only really want to have trailers on it when it comes to video, not full movies (thats what my notebook is for) and as I only have an 80GB hard drive in my notebook, I don't really see me needing 160GB! The 30GB would have been just fine as at the moment I only have 10GB of music (and it doesn't grow at a particularly rapid rate), but now I'm thinking I might use it as an additional way of backing up my notebook, and also keeping a copy of our photo collection on there - currently that's only backed up on CD, and it seems so much more convienent to just have to pull my iPod out of my bedside table if there is ever a fire or something (touch wood!). So now its just a matter of finding where I can get it cheapest - I really don't feel like waiting for double staff at Target or Kmart or Officeworks (I'd like to be able to get some use out of it this semester, otherwise it won't be used much until next year), so hopefully Toys R Us gets them in :P
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
I wants a iPod
It's strange actually. I used to want one back in year 12, and Mum and Dad were going to pay half for my 18th birthday, but then we got the car and so it didn't happen. I then went out and bought a Palm PDA with the ability to play music from SD cards, which I thought would be perfect - except for the fact that it only takes up to 1 gig cards. This was perfectly fine for a while (I just had one with my HP soundtracks on it, and another with the rest), but lately thats started to get on my nerves, plus I got a heap of new music from a friend, which has led to me tidying my iTunes list again, and, for some reason, I've strayed away from the soundtracks - I bought a few CDs (including Evermore and Snow Patrol) from JBs, and thanks to my wonderful Broadband, I've fallen in love with the iTunes Music Store, from which I've preordered Ben Lee's new album. In short, while I love my PDA, it just doesn't cut it for media.
So I've gone back to wanting an iPod - I still think they're the best value in the larger size players, plus the files from the Music Store won't play on anything else. I started looking early last week, thinking that everyone would have them in their catalogues for Father's Day (not that they're ever on sale, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage). Yet no one had them, which is rather odd. After a bit of searching on the Internet, it turns out that Apple are announcing new ones on Wednesday (Thursday in Australia). This is pretty good timing for me, I must admit, but now I'm itching to know how these ones are going to differ - I'm quite happy to pay $349 for the current 30gig one, I don't want to have pay more for a 32gig flash memory touch screen one, as is currently rumoured. Speaking of rumours, I've been watching a few of the Mac websites incase there's a leak and it's rather funny - people talking about the rumours is like what us HP fans were like before Deathly Hallows, except its all 'Steve said this' or 'Steve said that'.
Anyway, now it's just a matter of waiting until Thursday, which I both do and don't want to come - I have to do my HCI for Multimedia presentation as well. At least I know what's coming with that.
So I've gone back to wanting an iPod - I still think they're the best value in the larger size players, plus the files from the Music Store won't play on anything else. I started looking early last week, thinking that everyone would have them in their catalogues for Father's Day (not that they're ever on sale, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage). Yet no one had them, which is rather odd. After a bit of searching on the Internet, it turns out that Apple are announcing new ones on Wednesday (Thursday in Australia). This is pretty good timing for me, I must admit, but now I'm itching to know how these ones are going to differ - I'm quite happy to pay $349 for the current 30gig one, I don't want to have pay more for a 32gig flash memory touch screen one, as is currently rumoured. Speaking of rumours, I've been watching a few of the Mac websites incase there's a leak and it's rather funny - people talking about the rumours is like what us HP fans were like before Deathly Hallows, except its all 'Steve said this' or 'Steve said that'.
Anyway, now it's just a matter of waiting until Thursday, which I both do and don't want to come - I have to do my HCI for Multimedia presentation as well. At least I know what's coming with that.
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