I went on my first holiday in a while in January, and while its taken me a month to post it, I had the idea of summarising it into what I possibly would have made my Facebook status if I had had access to Facebook. So here we go...
10/1
- is looking forward to going to Phillip Island.
- is sad that Suzi got sandwiched. Did find it funny that she didn't swear but Pat did. Her only reaction was "my car!!!!!" (okay, that one may have been a little long!)
11/1
- recommends 5kms out from San Remo on Phillip Island Road if you are after a tan (we spent around 3 hours out in the sun. It took one hour for us to remember sunscreen. My arm was red for a week, plus another week peeling and I still have a watch mark from where I'm now tanned)
- likes the house very much. So airy and pretty!
- is looking forward to going to Amaze 'n' things.
- loved the mirror and getting to defy gravity at Amaze 'n' things.
- thinks the Coles in Cowes has to be the busiest Coles she's ever seen.
- has fallen in love with You'll Love Coles after-sun.
12/1- went to Smith's Beach today and turned Pat into a mermaid.
13/1- loved Glynn walking to the beach under an open beach tent.
- had fun taking photos at Cowes Beach of sinking people and mancastles.
- has filled up her 4GB memory card. It took 6 CDs to empty it.
- went to the penguin parade and possibly had more fun in the lolly shop than the parade itself. But did like the ninja penguins.
14/1- doesn't think she's ever gone through so much sunscreen.
- went to an awesome Chocolate Factory complete with Charlie-style machines and wasabi flavouring.
- loves that Dana finished Breaking Dawn on the stairs.
- is reciting her way through Philosopher's Stone with Courtney (and the others).
- has come to the conclusion (with the others) Godric Gryffindor was a crossdresser or a girly-man based on the Sorting Hat.
- says that Pat has confirmed what we already knew - he has a big head.
15/1- is sad that her time on the Island is almost over.
- thinks it is funny Courtz is not allowed to say sorry ('fairies!')
16/1- thinks getting the ferry back was an excellent idea. Or would have been if the weather had not decided to be so horrible on the last day :(
So that was my holiday - Facebook style!
I'm taking the lead from Ally, Courtney and Pat and writing a list of 50 thoughts about 2008 (admittedly a little late, but, hey, I've been working!). In no particular order:
- Made some awesome new friends!
- Became closer to some of my old ones in the process.
- Bought a digital SLR camera, which has been a dream of mine since I bought my first digital compact back in 2003.
- Exhibited in the Royal Melbourne Show.
- Went to the theatre to see Wicked and became immediately obsessed.
- Read Twilight and became immediately obsessed, even though I feel as if I shouldn't be.
- Had one of the best two hours of my life watching the film version of Twilight with Courtney and Ally and laughing all the way through it.
- Bought a new notebook computer, making the big jump to a MacBook Pro.
- Buying the full Adobe Master Collection and finally having the full versions of Photoshop and Premiere, as well as discovering Encore and After Effects.
- Learning to work in 3D in Maya.
- Converting nearly all our home videos onto DVD.
- Turning 21!
- Having the best 21st birthday anyone could ask for, complete with Harry Potter themed treasure hunt.
- Receiving an amazing present from my best friends in the form of the collector's edition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard.
- Reliving history by reading Harry, A History by Melissa Anelli.
- Finally owning my car.
- Completing the Relay for Life - in full HP costume.
- Liam's Pirates vs Ninjas 21st.
- Pat's 21st.
- Dana's Cartoon 21st.
- Brendan's poker 21st.
- Lisa's 21st gathering.
- Going to the filming of Spicks and Specks and then seeing the finished result on T.V. later.
- Wednesday nights on the ABC - consistently great programming all year.
- Completing a short DVD at uni and starting to feel somewhat professional.
- Watching the boys play soccer.
- Meeting one of my favourite authors (Garth Nix) and getting him to sign Superior Saturday.
- My bookshelf which is now too full due to all the fantastic books that were released this year.
- Making pet rocks with Courtney for Pat's 21st present.
- Doing well at the races at Mornington by betting on horses with links to Twilight.
- Watching the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince trailer at the same time as Pat and Courtney.
- Monster sundaes at the Hog's Breath Cafe.
- Sweeney Todd.
- Buying the full band kit for Guitar Hero: World Tour.
- Losing my phone, cancelling the SIM card, then finding it. In my room.
- Discovering, through the magic of iTunes, Wizard Rock.
- Cedric by the Moaning Myrtles. Makes me laugh every time.
- Bought a slab of Midori Illusions on sale, then the alcopops tax came in. 3/4 of my investment is still undrunk.
- Joined the stockmarket by signing up to a Wesfamers employee plan.
- Survived driving into the city.
- Had my wisdom teeth removed.
- Spent 3 weeks with a blocked ear and therefore only partial hearing.
- Had a day out to Equitana with my mum for free.
- Watched some films on The List.
- Added some films to The List.
- Worked on her racing lines in Mario Kart.
- Didn't blog as nearly as much as last year, perhaps because this year wasn't quite as exciting (not that it was a bad year).
- Conversations on Skype with the Plotters and the Huffle chat.
- Survived another year at work.
- Got a Captain Jack bobble-head statue.
And here's to another brilliant year in 2009!
Wow. I did such a good job on keeping up on blogging last year, and this year - nope. Sure last year was more exciting and all, but surely everyone wants to know about how boring my life's been right? Yeah, you're right, I would not want to hear about it either, but I have a few minutes to spare, so I may as well talk about it.
First of all, I'm writing this from my now seventh month old MacBook Pro (I wrote 3 blogs about an iPod and none on a new computer!). My Dell notebook was sllloooowwwlllyyy on it's way out (and, sure enough, it died a month after getting the Mac). I needed something more powerful for video editing and 3D, so I took the plunge and switched to Mac. Even though it was more expensive, I feel it suits my needs better, plus it's just plain cool. I don't think they are for everyone though.
Part of the reason behind the no blogging is that this would have to have been my worst semester at uni yet. Don't get me wrong, I still love uni, but ridiculous things like having the mid semester break before week 12 and having 5 assignments due in a two week period (admittedly across 2 faculties, so there's no one really to blame for that) have made life a little hard. Not to mention getting my wisdom teeth out (which went really well) and getting sick a week and a half later (courtesy of my family). I'm really looking forward to the summer break. I know I'll be wanting to go back to uni by January, but for now I need it! Surprisingly grade-wise I'm not doing too badly, but it will be nice to have the pressure off!
I got to see Wicked the other week, which was fantastic! I've fallen in love with the show and would jump at the chance to see it again.
I think 2010 is shaping up to be the next big year movie-wise. As well as Deathly Hallows Part One (which still sounds strange to me!) and Voyage of the Dawn Treader (my favorite Narnia book) they've been announcing the casting for Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. The fact that Tim Burton is doing a version of Alice is already fantastic, but the cast being announced is amazing as always - Johnny Depp (of course) as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter (of course) as the Queen of Hearts, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, Matt Lucas as Tweedledum/Tweedledee and an new Australian girl as Alice. Reports are already saying its very different, as of course a Burton film will be.
I've also become a little obsessed with the Twilight saga. It's crazy - they're written in the first person (which I don't particularly like) and not written particularly well (in my opinion) but they draw you in so well. I read Eclipse in a day - the only other book I've done that for is Deathly Hallows. I'm looking forward to the film - I've been a fan of Robert Pattinson since he played Cedric, and the fact that it was not made with a major studio backing interests me very much.
Well, I think that is about it for now, I must try and post more often!
Wow. Really, really long time no blog.
Today the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince teaser trailer was released (and Pat, Courtney and I waited to watch it together, which was good fun!). As the film series has progressed, I've become more and more interested in how each film has been marketed. As WB has realised the power of the Internet and the web-based fandom, more and more has been released prior to the film, to the point almost too much was released for Order of the Phoenix (and much of which I therefore purposely avoided).
This time around, however, it has been completely different. As compared to getting our first lot of photos nine months ahead, and the first teaser trailer six months ahead, instead it was six and five months ahead, which left many fans (myself included) excited at even a rumour of the trailer being with the film! Tonight, when the trailer has finally arrived, it is quite different to its predecessors, who in the past have often been full of lots of quick glimpses, whereas tonight we got almost a whole scene. It feels as if WB has completely changed it's marketing strategy for the film.
While this was a surprise when I first encountered it, as I think about it, why not? First of all, while they are part of a series, each is a different film, and like anything, should be treated as such. Half-Blood Prince has a different, more linear, plot, one that perhaps does not lend itself to an episodic trailer like the others. Also, it is the first film to be released post-Deathly Hallows, as compared to Order of the Phoenix, which was released while the hype was greatest, almost to the point it could have been overwhelming to people out of the fandom. A longer gap gives more time for people to begin to become interested again. Finally, it is the first film since Chamber of Secrets to feature a returning director. Of course, with Order of the Phoenix marketing through trailers was more essential than ever - your average Harry Potter fan had never seen a David Yates film, and therefore had no idea what to expect. This time around, the previous film could almost be thought of as the real teaser trailer for the coming films. There was less need to 'wow' and excite us like last time.
This trailer left me intrigued more than anything else. It appeared simple, but on more watches I noticed tiny things - for example, I do not think the scenes in Dumbledore's office at the start match with the memory shown, as he says "the most important memory he has collected", which is strange wording when talking about your own memory (as the memory of young Tom Riddle in the trailer is). In addition, the book calls Slughorn's memory the most important. More than likely it is just clever trailer editing (and makes me more interested in the process of editing trailers). Other points of note include the strange wheat field (is that Fenrir or the older-young Tom Riddle?) and the small shots of Ron (after the poisioning) and Ginny (outside during the battle I think), no Hermione or Slughorn, and both this trailer and the incredibly short IMAX one finished with quotes almost word-for-word from the book.
Four final things I have to mention - Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, just from the trailer looks to be an incredible young actor for his age (better than Dan, Rupert and Emma at his age) and reminds me of Haley Joel Osmont in The Sixth Sense. The cinematography looks brilliant as always. The effect with the Pensieve is already interesting and I'm looking forward to hearing from visual/special effects about that one (or is it just water? To me it looks slightly thicker, or something), and finally - the music had me hooked immediately. I hope that is a clear sign of the score to come, or, in fact the whole film to come!
Can't it be December already...?
I've hardly used my Wii lately, due in part to uni, my new notebook, and that I was a touch bored of the games I had. But all that may be set to change - Mario Kart Wii, WiiFit and Dancing Stage: Hottest Party all come out in the next two weeks! Why must they all come out in the middle of semester, after I've just spent money on new computers and software?
I'll get Mario Kart: it was the only game I ever really played on N64, and I've been waiting for it ever since I got my Wii. WiiFit can wait, while it would be great for study breaks, I don't think I can justify $150. The really tricky decision is with Dancing Stage. I love DDR, but I have Dancing Stage for PS2, and felt that it was really average, with a not particularly great range of songs. But this one for Wii has the Scissor Sisters' I Don't Feel Like Dancing! and Lips of an Angel! They aren't the originals, but they are two of my favourite songs. What to do... I guess it will just depend on what it costs.
I normally don't do these things, but Kiera posted it on Facebook and I thought it was really cool! (Please remember that I have a lot of rubbish in iTunes that was added to try and make an ultimate party collection...)
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle. 2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer. 3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it sounds.How would you describe your life?Crying in the Chapel - Elvis (30 #1 Hits)How do you feel today?C'est La Vie - B*Witched (B*Witched) (hey, that one almost makes sense and is kinda true!)What is your life long goal?Metal Guru - T-Rex (Dad's BBQ Songs) What do your friends think of you?New Beginning - Shannon Noll (So Fresh: Summer 2005/Best of 2004) What do your parents think of you?Moon Dance - Original Soundtrack (Danny Elfman) (Tim Burton's Corpse Bride) What do you often think about?The Sacking of Trelawney - Original Soundtrack (Nicholas Hooper) (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix) (well, I was thinking of it the other day thanks to Leaky...)What do you think of the person who likes you?
Not While I'm Around - Edward Sanders and Helena Bonham Carter (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)
What does your best friend always say to you?
The End - Imago (The Butterfly Effect) What do you want to be when you grow up?Heroe's Return - Original Soundtrack (Night at the Museum) What is your favourite saying?Dirty Girl - Rob Mills (Australian Idol: The Final 12) (ewwwwwww......) What will you dance to at your wedding?Prologue - 65 Million Years Later - Original Soundtrack (Armageddon Complete Score 1) What will be played at your funeral?Holding Out For A Hero - Jennifer Saunders (Shrek 2) What is your biggest fear?Ultimate - Lindsay Lohan (Freaky Friday) What is your biggest secret?The King of the Golden Hall - Original Soundtrack (Howard Shore) (The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers) What do you think of your house?
Cirith Ungol - Original Soundtrack (Howard Shore) (The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King) What will you name this bulletin?AJ's Return - Original Soundtrack (Armageddon Complete Score 2)
Hmmm, I wonder what the result would be if I did it just with normal music (I'm surprised a PotterCast didn't end up in there) or even just soundtrack music. Am also extremely disappointed with the lack of Ben Lee! Will perhaps save that for another day - I really should get back to Marketing homework!
Wow, long time, no post. A fair bit has happened since December 22, including the fact that I'm writing this from a MacBook Pro, not my Dell notebook. But that's another story, perhaps for another time.
I've just been to the movies to see a great little Australian film - Hey Hey Its Esther Blueberger. I've been looking forward to seeing this film for quite a while now - I do believe it was originally supposed to be released before December Boys, but, like so many Australian films, it was delayed. Starring Keisha Castle-Hughes, Toni Collette, Christian Byers (from December Boys) and newcomer Danielle Catanzari, it is the story of a private school girl who doesn't fit. I really enjoyed it. Some of the writing was a touch rocky in places, but then again it was better writing than Emerald Falls, the telemovie that I watched last night that had a great premise, but was horrifically written (and was like nearly every Australian soap written and rolled into one).
It got me thinking on the drive home how that, with the exceptions of Order of the Phoenix and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, that the only movies that I have really enjoyed have been lower budget. I won't say shoestring budget - they all have a little bit of money behind them - but they're not the massive budget feature films that the studios have an obsession with. Juno, December Boys and Esther Blueberger were all far more enjoyable, and looked great on screen. Yes, I liked Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, but a lot of that has to do with the fact that Dead Man's Chest was so bad, and I dislike how unnatural it felt. It really is sad, these films are so great, but do not get anywhere near the publicity they deserve. For example, the closest cinema to me that showed December Boys was in Cheltenham - half an hour away.
I can't help but wonder too how many other great scripts like these are out there, waiting to be made, but aren't, because the funds have to be redirected to a film like The Golden Compass when it goes over budget. It has me thinking about the sorts of films I want to make - while everyone dreams of wanting to be behind the next Lord of the Rings, I now think I would be prouder to say I had made a film like Juno - a good story, great looking and enjoyable for people of all ages. (Except for the Old Kingdom trilogy - I'm desperate to see them on film and the only way to do them justice would be big budget.) The fact that films like Juno have done so well has me hoping that we shall see more of these good films, more often.
My AFI membership is due for renewal. I had considered not renewing it, seeing as the AFI price at cinemas is generally more than the student concession price. But today has my decision made - I will be rejoining, to show that I love and support good Australian filmmaking. I'm going to try and aim to see as many Australian films as I can as well, so I can help vote for the AFI awards. I'll also try and review as many as can. Here's to more good films for the rest of the year!
Nearly a month, in fact! Shows that not much has really happened. I've decided I still do not understand why work has to open so late leading up to Christmas, as it just costs more and leads to grumpy staff (i.e. me).
I'm going to Sydney for my cousin's wedding - we leave the day after Boxing Day and the wedding is the Saturday. Kind of a silly day for a wedding but, hey, gives me a holiday from work! It has made Christmas a little more rushed this year though - I packed Tuesday as I didn't know when else I would get a chance, and we're going to see The Golden Compass on Boxing Day as that's the only day both Dana and I can go until she gets back from Thailand.
Speaking of movies, not sure if I have already mentioned it, but this year is shaping up to be another great one - Sweeney Todd in January, Inkheart now in March and Half-Blood Prince at the end of the year, can't wait!
I'm not normally into Politics, but I did follow this election with a little bit of interest, including actually going to the effort of checking the news headlines on my phone last night at the JPC Valedictory to find out who had won (which I suppose was slightly brought on because of boredom). Anyway, when I got home, I checked out news.com.au, and found this rather funny article covering the television coverage - http://blogs.news.com.au/news/news/index.php/news/comments/election_night_at_our_place/.
The video shops must have had a fantastic night last night, between the election and Star Wars. I'm really not sure which is worse, but I did like this article (and the drinking game sounds like fun).
...lots of things you want are all on sale. At the same time.
Big W has Guitar Hero for Wii (or PS2). Toysrus has the new Big Brain Academy for Wii bundle. Target has Buzz: The Hollywood Quiz, a CD I want, and 15% off iTunes cards. Not to mention Order of the Phoenix next week, and At World's End the week after.
So what to do? I could wait to see if I get them for Christmas of course, but I never get games (Mum did offer to buy Guitar Hero, but then I wouldn't get much else, plus I hate knowing what I'm getting) and I now might be going to Sydney for a wedding the weekend after Christmas, and if I don't get enough time off work I may have to fly back, which would likely end up as my Christmas present. So now I'm thinking of getting Buzz (seeing as I've been waiting for a movies version since I first heard about the Music one, and also seeing as I was close to buying it with 15% off last weekend - glad I waited!) and Guitar Hero, as its a really good price. Big Brain can wait until Christmas or next year (though if Big W sells out of Guitar Hero I'll get it instead), and the CD can go on the Christmas list as well. Next dilemma is whether to use my gift card I received last night as a prize from uni (which I found rather funny) to pay for Buzz or to save it for Pirates (seeing as at the moment I'll be getting Phoenix from Big W). Decisions, decisions.
At least I've finally finished exams now (hence the posting break) and will have plenty of time to play them! I'm kind of missing uni already, even though I am going to Berwick tomorrow to be part of a meeting regarding reaccreditation of the Accounting degrees, which should be interesting. Plus there's a small gift (and I'll laugh even more if its another gift card). While I don't miss the exams or other workload, I do miss going to lectures and seeing my uni friends nearly every day. In the mean time, I do have lots of plans for the holidays, starting from cleaning out my room again, watching my way though all the DVDs I've bought and haven't watched, doing more outside and Film Festival stuff. My one big resolution is to have at least one computer-free day a week (I'm excluding the Wii in that - some may disagree, but its an active activity), which I don't know if I can follow it through, but I'm going to try. Wish me luck!
Well, I saw Ben Lee at the Lounge last night, and it was everything I expected and more. He really is a fantastic performer - he really interacted with the audience, getting us to sing along to songs. He played a few songs from Ripe, as well as some from Awake is the New Sleep, and 'Cigarettes Will Kill You', of course, as well as one or two others from when he was younger, and a few covers as well. I loved things like how he was playing an acoustic guitar during the night, and randomly decided during one of the covers to switch to electric - so he just stopped and swapped, plus other funny moments when he and the keyboard player were slightly out of key/time (not sure which, but it didn't sound right!) so they stopped, fixed it, and took up where they were. He encored with Catch My Disease and We're all in this Together, as I expected - I love the fact that he never sings Catch My Disease the same way twice!
The Lounge is a fantastic venue as well - we were expecting to stand, but there was a few couches at the side of the stage, so we grabbed them, and that was our spot for the rest of the night! It was rather funny, most people chose to stand further back at the front of the stage, rather than at our side where you could get closer and still see - all the better for us! We just moved to sitting on the back of the couch once he started, and stood on it for other times, which was great. I'm just disappointed I didn't think to bring my camera. I tried to use my phone, but he was in this gold shiny suit, which looked awesome, but didn't help the poor VGA camera on my phone :( Kisschasy is playing there in a few weeks as well, so Laura and I were discussing going to that as well, but like everything, its on the 24th of November, where I currently have the JPC Valedictory, the Federal Election (but my weekends have now switched at work, which is awesome), the work Christmas Party (ironically at the Golf Course around the corner from school and the Valedictory) and now Kisschasy. Why does everyone have to choose that day?! Oh well, I'm excited about the Valedictory, I have a new dress I'm itching to wear, and it should be a good night.
2008 now will have to be a brilliant year to match, let alone beat, 2007 - though, now I think of it, it has a good start, what with the movies coming out, the film festival, and my 21st - but we shall just have to wait and see!
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
...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.
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!)
Why? (And you will probably understand why I'm posting it now once you have read the list!)
- 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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to be one of the luckiest people in the world, honestly! I thought I used up my luck for this year with the preview tickets for Phoenix, but then this happens! Its set a big standard for 2008, thats for sure. I think the only things that could top it would be going on the Half-Blood Prince set or being announced as Director/Producer for the films of the Abhorsen trilogy :P
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
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
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.
I've spent the last few days trying to figure out why I feel so behind on uni work, when I'm working less than last semester. Then it hit me - apart from the fact I have mostly afternoon classes compared to morning, its because of the TV.
Back in 2005, while finishing year 12, my TV viewing was resticted to House, as, quite frankly, if I was only going to allow myself a few hours a week, it was the only show worth watching. Compare it to my TV viewing now....
Mondays: Top Gear on SBS (which has just finished, only to be replaced by something which is short term, and then I bet Mythbusters will be back), a random episode of Spicks and Specks on ABC2, ER on Channel 9 (which was starting to jump the shark in 2005, but Channel 9 rushed it back last year as John Stamos was so popular in the US and I agree that it is improving again) and Enough Rope with Andrew Denton on the ABC (which I've decided I'm probably just going to record people who look interesting - I recorded one two weeks ago and still haven't watched it, but Shane Jacobsen of Kenny fame was on this week, so I've recorded it).
Tuesdays: Nothing, luckily.
Wednesdays: The TV stations have finally cottoned on that this is the night of the week people are most likely to be at home watching. We have Thank God You're Here and House, courtesy Channel 10, Spicks and Specks and Chaser courtesy Channel 2 and I just saw an ad for RPA on Channel 9. We now have to pull out the VCR again, as we can't record two shows at once like I hoped with the PVR, only watch one and record one. Channel 7 has also started showing some good movies, but as I don't like movies with ads anyway, it well and truly doesn't get watched.
Thursdays: Tends to be used for watching the shows recorded on Wednesdays.
Fridays: I work most Fridays, so they involve coming home, watching the footy for a few mins then going to bed.
Saturdays: Actually there's nothing on Saturdays really at the moment - RocKwiz on SBS when it's on, if I really need a study break there's The Sideshow or Parkinson on Channel 2, and I actually watched an episode of The Dame Edna Treatment on 9 the other day, rather scary to tell you the truth. Hang on, how could I forget? Before the Game on channel 10 - I'm not a footy fan, but this is produced by Roving Enterprises, and is really clever and funny, and just makes football almost enjoyable.
Sundays: These are disturbed by Millenion meetings every three weeks, but Kath and Kim is back! Yay! Only seen half of the first episode - should watch it over breakfast tomorrow. And of course Rove on 10 is always good.
Well there you go, I don't know why I've written a whole post about this when I could have been reading Deathly Hallows - I'm up to chapter 34, a chapter number I shall never forget... Anyway, there's my viewing habits, which looking back could be considered a little odd for someone my age, but then I've always been odd that way :P
A couple of weeks ago on the radio, they played this awesome mash-up of 'Chasing Cars' (by Snow Patrol) and 'Every Breath You Take' (by The Police). The DJ said at the time to go do a Google search for it, and I only remembered yesterday, and I managed it to find the DJ's website - www.partyben.com. There looks like there's some other really good stuff on there, but I haven't had a chance to look. Apparently its now on the standard playlist at the Austereo network stations, but I've only heard it once. I'm wondering where it fits in with piracy and all that as well, seeing that I downloaded it from the DJ's website, but he didn't pay for it....Oh well.
Well, we've had it for nearly a week now, and after a few hiccups, seems to be working rather nicely. We couldn't get a 3G signal originally, but after some playing around on Sunday (which I missed, but was then shown some funny photos of Dad outside our barn, with modem, my notebook and an old corded Telstra phone) we now have the modem sitting outside the study door, on a garbage bin, and a much improved speed (not as good as the barn roof apparently, but still an improvement on dialup :P ).
I took a few minutes out from uni work today to upload some photos from the city last Tuesday and the 'Deathly Hallows' weekend. You can see them at my Flickr page.
While we were in the city we went to Skydeck 88 at the Eureka Tower. The view was pretty awesome, and while I didn't personally go out on to 'The Edge', we did go on the open-air balcony next to it, which was incredibly windy and incredibly cold and felt like I was at the snow, but was so much fun, possibly more fun than the Edge, which costs an extra $8(!).
We also went to see 'Order of the Phoenix' in IMAX. The 3D was cool, but not as amazing as I expected. While there were bits that looked truly fantastic (such as the Thestrals, and the fact it felt like you were on set watching them film the scenes), there were times the effect didn't really work, and as the film was obviously shot for standard film with the 3D as a kind of after-thought, the running scenes that were shot hand-held (and looked great non-3D) were just too blurry and weird looking. Not to mentioned the 20 mins was the real maximum time you could watch - the strain on your eyes is just to great.
And so I really should return to my accounting homework - this standard cost and budgeting stuff that I'm doing at the moment just confirms my thoughts that I want to be a financial acccountant, and not a management accountant. The annoying thing is that doing the work for this subject is cutting into time I'd prefer to spend on subjects such as HCI, which is much more interesting. That's uni, I guess. Even more scary is the thought that it's already week 5 - and it sure doesn't feel like I've been there for five weeks.
