moviemerlin - are your dreams reality yet?

Oh, no!

2010-09-05T20:04:00.004+10:00

It seems I forgot about my blog. Again!

I can only apologise. That is, if there's anybody out there reading it. I haven't been well. I have been sick for about a month. A chest infection that just will not go away. I've had about 6 doses of anti-biotics. It's crazy.

I don't know why I'm telling you this. It's not important. But as well as that, I've been busy. Re-focusing on my life and where I'd like it to go to. I seem to do this every September. It's rather odd. I know most people do it around their birthday, or so I'm told, but no, not me. I guess I have to be a little different and do it earlier. Quite a few months earlier.

I am looking at other avenues to pursue. A different career path, a different job, a different city. Possibly, even a different country. I am not yet decided, though I have a couple of options to sit and think about.

I am focusing on my writing, as that is what I'd like to do. I purchased a little A5 booklet about 2 months ago and now I seem to carry it with me wherever I go. Every day, pretty much. And I'll jot something in there if I get the chance. Lately it's been poetry and short stories. In the past week I've written 3 short stories and a poem.

I have about 7 poems all up that I've written and if you like, you're welcome to read an excert from one. I don't feel that it's any good, but I know it rhymes. Haha!

This one is the opening paragraph from 'Life's Ambition'...

My mind is blank, or so it seems,
Only coming alive within my dreams.
It twists and turns and weaves its way,
Navigating its way to a brand new day.
My deepest thoughts, my biggest fears,
Contained within for all these years.
You're not allowed inside; I won't let you see,
Its access restricted, allowed only by me.
However please be patient and give it time,
Certain things I will share from within my mind.
Some thoughts are dark, some thoughts are deep,
If they stay inside, they're mine to keep.
If I let them out, if I dare to be daring,
My inner self with you I'll be sharing.
I'll let you see what goes on inside,
What makes me laugh, what makes me cry.
What sometimes brings me to my knees,
The pain inside, it makes me weep.
As I grasp for the strength to stand back up,
Though sometimes I find that it's not enough.
I search for courage in things that I have,
Disconnecting from those in which I lack.

A silly poem.

2010-07-26T19:31:00.003+10:00

I have started writing poetry. Correction. I have started writing. Again. And this time around, it seems I am writing poetry. A lot of it. Along with just my general thoughts and musings of the world in which I (or should that be, 'we') live.

So, I've written a poem. The subject is one you know. Someone you've encountered. More than once. Probably everyday. If not, more than once a day. In my line of work -Customer Service - I'm unfortunate enough to encounter this type of person everyday. Hourly. Heck, even every minute!

They're stupid people.

And they annoy the crap out of me!

From the looks they give you when they don't understand what you say, to the questions they ask and then you can't understand what they say. They exist. Everywhere.

Now, in my line of work, it's a given they'll they'll appear. It's to be expected. That's fine. With 15 years of experience in customer service, I'm used to it by now. But I tell you, after all this time, it still gets frustrating. And I'm often left shaking my head.

On any given shift, I'll get more than my share of stupid people. But the other night, I swear, every single customer was stupid. I'm not even kidding. Believe me, for both our sakes, I wish I was! Every. Single. One.

Now, I've said it before... I'm a pretty cool, calm and collected person, but my, oh my, were they testing my patience last Thursday. I was getting so frustrated it wasn't even funny. So, I had to vent. Below is what I came up with.

One day, I'll put it on a t-shirt. 'Stupid people shouldn't breed. Ever'. But for now, I've written it in this poem...

Hey stupid people, if you stop to see,
You'll realise that you shouldn't breed.
Your stupidity and ignorance,
Are really quite a damn nuisance.
Your confused looks and thoughtless questions,
We wonder why you have children.
So acknowledge what it is to do,
Stop breeding, please, we beg of you!

Can I copyright a quote?

2010-07-19T19:57:00.003+10:00

I am in a constant state of confusion, loss and indecisiveness at the moment.

My life, I'm honestly not sure where it's at. I know where I want it to go and be, but the question is how to get there. I suppose the answer is to simply work hard at it. Anything is attainable if you simply take the time to try. You've got a sweat a little, if you want to see a reward at the end. This is true.

Here's a little about me you might not know... I am 30. I am not married. I do not have children. There was a time I wanted both of these things in my life. These days, I have to say, I'm not sure I want either. Who knows, perhaps my mind will change one day, but for now, where I'm at on my journey, I'm not looking for either.

I am a pretty care free person. Extremely easy going. Very rarely angry. It happens, but it's rare. And here's my advice to you... when I'm angry, be somewhere else! I rarely get annoyed. It takes a lot to annoy me. Though stupid people do it with ease. I'm pretty patient. Though I've no time for stupidity, ignorance or arrogance. If you possess all three, please, do me a favour and stay away. It's for both our own goods.

Nothing much phases me, but if you leave a light on, or leave the tap dripping with water, I'll have some words to you. This world, it is bigger than you know. Bigger than you realise. It is certainly bigger than you. I know you may not want to accept it, but one day, you won't be here. So please, take the time now to consider this earth for the day after you're gone. The people remaining will be far more thankful.

I rarely raise my voice, I like my friends and I try and laugh daily. It's not only good for the soul, but I'm sure it's the reason there's not a single grey hair on my head. And I'm pretty sure at my age, I should have at least one!

Heaven help the day it arrives though, I don't feel as though I've done enough with my life to deserve one. I might have picked up a backpack when I was 22 and seen more countries than I dreamed of by the time I was 25, but I'm not sure this warrants grey hair. I'm not sure that anything in my life does.

I am now back living at home and have been for over a year. I do not own my own place. Gosh, I don't even own a car. But I don't mind. The public transport doesn't bother me and I get to drive a car now and then anyway. Everything I own, fits into my room and a couple of boxes in the garage. I couldn't fill a house, let alone an apartment, even if I wanted to!

And that's why my life is where it is, I guess. I'm not blaming anyone for it. Blame does nobody any favours. But I'm acknowledging it. Sometimes, most times, I over think things. I take the time to assess. And then I re-assess some more. Every now and then, every few months, I seem to go through this phase. Questioning my life and all it's worth.

And I guess, that's where I'm at at the moment. A phase. I simply couldn't figure out how to say what I wanted to say, to describe my constant state of... 'being'.

Until now....

'For though my body's here, my soul is not. It is not of this time. This place. This space'.

In the words of Eminem....

2010-07-18T21:09:00.002+10:00

... Guess who's back?

If you answered 'You', then yes, you are correct!

It seems I lost my mojo. My muse. My reason for writing.

I also lost my password.

Oh, and forgot what my sign in was for my google account - which is, of course, connected to signing in on my blog.

Well, it seems I've remembered. I've regained my confidence, my thoughts and my voice. And it seems, my fingers can't keep up on this keyboard fast enough. They are tap, tap, tapping away as they try and maintain the speed at which my brain it moving it. They are not succeeding. I keep making mistakes and wasting time by pressing the <--- button. I've used it about 10 times already, but I've been kind enough to clear the mistakes for you. Heaven forbid, I should subject you to my grammar.

This blog will take a different turn now though.

You see, I just spent about 10 minutes trying to think of a new name for a blog -

finding my voice
writing right
what I can't say

To name a few, but alas, these were all taken. So I've decided just to stick with my original blog name... the 'moviemerlin' one, only give it a bit of a make over. A shake-up. A change.

I am no longer an 'autograzzi'. I don't do the celebrity spotting anymore. Living in Brisbane, there's not really anyone I see (though, I am hoping to find Tim McGraw come September!). So now, the blog will just be about anything. And everything. My thoughts, my musings, my life, my rants - as the keys I tap become words and the words become sentences, this will become my blog.

My life is taking a change, or at least, I hope it is. I've now decided what I'd like to do and where I'd like to be, and I'm hoping with all hope, that I'll get there. My fate is to be a writer, that much I know... I just have to be willing to take a few steps to get there.

So, please, come take a walk me. Follow me on this journey. Maybe you'll laugh. Maybe you'll cry. Maybe you'll get to the end of a post and wish you could get that 3 minutes of your life back. But if you can't do that, then I ask only this of you...

Please, forgive me for taking 2 years to get back to you. You sure were missed!

Living the life of an Autograzzi

2008-04-28T11:30:00.001+10:00

(A little overdue, but as promised, here's your lunchtime reading...)

Ok, technically I'm not a 'Die Hard' Autograzzi. From my understanding, and correct me if I'm wrong, an 'autograzzi' is the sharpie-in-hand version of a paparazzi. That's to say they're where the celebrities are... all the time. At the hotel. At a premiere. At a restaurant. At a club. They're always there and waiting being tipped off who's inside, who's coming or who's about to check-in. I don't get all that information. But I've stepped up my game in recent months. Namely because come May, I won't be in London any longer and I won't be doing this (silly and questionable) hobby. I do a bit of research, read the papers, talk to the paps and the pure, true 'autograzzi' to get some information. But if they've done me a favour, I don't get in their way. I want an autograph, maybe two. They want 6, 7 or 10. I let them get a couple, then I step in, see what I can get, then step out of the stampede.

Recently, I've had THE busiest week. I think I finally sympathise will my paparazzi friend Hughie. He's been doing the whole paparazzi thing for years. If you've read my blog you'll know who Hughie is. I've mentioned him before and just a few weeks ago I dedicated a post just to him. Hughie doesn't get autographs, he gets photographs. I try and do both. I like to get an autograph and then try and get a photo of them signing or looking up and then I'll put that in a nice frame with the auotograph and list when and where it was taken. It's a hobby. A very tiring one if this week is anything to go by.

I think the week I crossed the boundary. I've gone from 'hobby collector' to 'Autograzzi' (a term Hughie uses and one that's rubbed off on me). I got to work early on Monday morning (too early) so I could leave for 90 minutes for an 'appointment'. This is something I've NEVER done before. But I came in early to work the time that I knew I'd be out of the office for. I went to wait for Kevin Spacey. He's one on my top 10 to get an autograph from. For those of you that know, I live in London. Kevin's currently doing theatre just down the road from my work office. You'd think he'd be easy enough to get on the 2 photos I want signed - one he's holding an Oscar the other is a movie still from 'The Negotiator' (a film I've watched too many times to remember). But no. Mr Spacey refuses to sign non-theatre merchandise at stage door. All fair and good, but I've seen him turn people away with photos and DVD covers and they've come from the States or Europe to watch and meet him. A few broken hearts no doubt.

Monday (31st March, 2008) - I was waiting for Kevin in the morning (or so I thought) when I'd been there about 20 minutes and was told he had 'pre-recorded' his interview. I was in a little bit of shock. The man lives a 10 minute walk from the studio. He lives in London. He pre-recorded?! There were a few annoyed collectors to say the least. Me especially because trying to get this man to sign my two photos in the past 4 months has been the bane of my existence! Plus, I'd gotten up early to go to work so I could leave. Alas, no luck.

But all was not lost. The bonus came (and for me, this was even more exciting than a 2 time Oscar winner I've been running around London for) was that a Bee Gee... an original Bee Gee... was due to turn up. About 30 minutes after the 'bad news' Robin Gibb pulled up. He was running a little late so he didn't sign but said he'd do it on the way out. True to his word, he did. What a lovely and approachable man. Plus, he grew up in my home town in Australia, so he and I were 'chatting' about Brisbane. He asked where I was from and it turns out he grew up only 2 suburbs away. I managed to get my photo with him and I scored two autographs (one is for my younger cousin who's also a fan), so all was not lost.

Tuesday (April 1st)- I took in the play Kevin's starring in with Jeff Goldblum. It's called 'Speed-The-Plow' and if you're in London... Go and see this play! It was just phenomanal. Well worth the money for a ticket. Thought in process... actually, I believe it's sold out but standing tickets are still available and it's only 90 minutes long, so that's a decent amount of time to not sit. After the play I went to stage door where I managed to get Jeff and Kevin to sign my programme. When Kevin signed I said something like 'You look more alive and at ease on that stage than any film I've seen you in' to which he looked up at me and said 'Oh, well thank you'. The look he gave me was one that he seemed he appreciated the comment. I didn't want to ask Mr Spacey to sign my photos, though in hindsight, it was a quiet night for stage door, so I wonder if he would've done it, especially after the reaction he gave me. I guess I'll never know.

Wednesday (April 2nd)- This was the night of the premiere for the new Martin Scorsese rockumentary 'Shine A Light' about the Rolling Stones' last tour. I heard Scorsese had cancelled, so it was just the four boys from the band turning up. When I say 'just' that's because I was a little disappointed one of the world's greatest directors wasn't making an appearance. I managed to see the band - Mick, Keith, Charlie and Ronnie - and pulled off a quick few photos. I would've had a great shot of the four of them, but as usual, a PA was in the way. Ah, this is why I need a press pass!

Mick came over and signed and he would've signed for me but an 'autograzzi' went over me and that was the last signature he did in my area (he only did about five). Keith walked directly over to me, made eye contact and then at the last minute, took a detour and started 5 people to my left. Why? Why, Keith.... WHY?!? Granted, he looked a little off his rocker. Ronnie, who's usually very good with signing didn't do anything but Charlie, bless his soul came over and had a little chat and posed and signed my two photos and the movie poster I'd hung up on the barrier.

(Damn P.A! This would've made for a nice photo otherwise!)

After the premiere was over, I had just over an hour to kill before one of country music's biggest name's was due to appear. Kris Kristofferson was in town and I just HAD to meet him! I jumped on a bus and took the 20 minute journey to the concert venue where I waited for him to come out. And waited. And waited some more. After the concert, there were about 40 fans waiting at his tour bus and about 60 over by stage door. Unfotunately, they weren't close enough to stand between the two. You could walk between them, but you had to choose... one or the other. The bus or the door.

As the time drifted away and a lot of the fans gave up and security advised us that 'Mr Kristofferson had left', I didn't like my chances. The only good thing was that the tour bus was there... and I figure he had to get on it. Yeah, I had to go to work in the morning but come on... Kris Kristofferson! I had gotten the autograph from his support act at stage door so I was (stupidly) standing there. The next thing I know, about 7 people high tailed it to the bus, so I went with them. I rounded the corner to see this silver haired man being flocked by a see of colours. Autograph collectors, most of them fans, were getting Kris' autograph. I ran up behind them (there was only about 15 people by this time) and Kris was still signing. Phew! And he signed and signed.

His security was trying to rush him on the bus, but he just kept signing. It was apparently the first and only time he'd signed after a concert because normally he got straight on the tour bus. It looked like I was about to miss him and I asked my friend to get my autograph because he'd gotten his stuff done and I hadn't gotten Kris yet, so he reached over and got one of my photos. As I was talking to my friend his security overhead me say 'No, I haven't gotten him yet' to my friend and said 'Kris, sign for this lady and that lady and then we'll get on the bus'. So Kris signed my two other photos - slowly, full signature - and then he signed about 3 more for others before boarding the bus. By the time I got home, it was 1:30am.

Thurdsay (April 3rd) - After finishing work I took in another show on the West End. I went to see the new musical (by new, I mean it just opened in London recently) 'Hairspray'. Wow! What a show! It'll have to you clapping your hands and tapping your feet and if you don't leave here with that 'feel good' feeling, then clearly, you're just not human! I would've liked to have done stage door, but Mariah was in town and she was finishing a TV taping, so I didn't know what time she was due back. It was anyone's guess. I figure I'd do stage door another time (which I've since done) and go and check out her hotel (wonderfully published in the paper, thus making my research easy).

I arrived to find about 10 other autograph collectors and about 3 paparazzi. I thought 'Hmm... that's kinda quiet', but stuck around none-the-less.

Now remember, 6 months ago, I never did hotels and restaurants, so this is all still very new to me. After waiting here for about an hour or more we found out she was at a restaurant around the corner. So I walked up there (only a 2 minute hike) and found about 10 paparazzi and about 15 fans waiting and was told she'd gone into the restaurant 30 mintues earlier and signed and posed. Bummer!

So, I decided to play the waiting game for the second night in a row. I mean, she's a small woman, how long can it take to eat a meal? Well, you'd be surprised! At about 2:10am she emerged and posed infront of a collaboration of '18' balloons (signifying her 18th Number 1 hit) for the waiting paparazzi. I was standing right by the door so she had to pass me to get in the car. I thought my chances of an autograph there were good. Unfortunately I had to get past her burly bodyguard. My God, did he do his job good! As I hadn't planned to go anywhere after the theatre, I didn't have my good camera on me. I always carry a disposable and the result isn't too bad...

No luck at the restaurant, though she did do a couple of autographs. I then high-tailed it back to the hotel and as I was running there, her car sped past me and I thought 'I'm not gonna make it!'. I rounded the corner and figured she'd already be getting papped... but she hadn't even gotten out of the car. She must've sat it in a few minutes before she got out.

And then it hit.

Mass hysteria. Pandamoneium. Pure, absolute madness. Out of nowhere the crowd expanded 10 fold. This woman literally stopped traffic.

I have never in my life, seen anything like it... and I've seen some things! Her bodyguard was blocking her good as she got out of the car, but Mariah was nice enough to reach over and sign some autographs. At this point I was standing right by the hotel door entance and thought 'Ok, I'll let the paps go first', but I saw her signing and realised it was being done in reverse. Sign now. Pap later. So... I got in there. I had to fight with her bodyguard to get in there, but she signed my photo. There's even a photo of me on WENN getting my autograph. Ok, let's be honest... the photo's of Mariah, but that's my silver sharpie she's holding as she's signing my photo with the yellow sticky note attached!

Ah... 4 hours waiting and finally... success! Worth it? It's not the greatest autograph and it was rushed but yeah, it's Mariah Carey. When will I see her again?

The funniest part of the night (and this would've made it worthwhile had I not gotten an autograph) is when a crazy fan wanted to give her a letter because she was a 'songwriter' who Mariah owed money to. This lady was booed and yelled and sworn at by both Mariah's staff and her fans. 'Mariah writes all her own songs. She don't owe you shit!'. She was persisent. 'Give her this letter. It's got my number. She owes me money. I'm a songwriter. We're gonna settle this in court!' to which the crowd burst out laughing... and she proceeded to stomp off down the street. I tell ya, you just can't script that stuff! Free entertainment at it's best!

So all-in-all it had been a busy. I've dipped my feet into the 'autograzzi' water and it's been a success. Though, I doubt I could do this all the time. Chasing and yelling and staying out until God knows when. It's all a little bit uncertain and you don't always get what you want. I'm now feeling the after affects though. I'm tired and worn out. I'm trying to concetrate at my job (I actually work during the day. Remember... this is just a hobby!) and I'm thinking about the next few days. I wonder if they'll slow down for me. I doubt it. George Clooney has a premiere next week and his good buddy Matt Damon's filming about town.

And to think, this was just 'a week in the life'....

Hughie, how do you do it?!?

2000 Hits!

2008-04-10T02:49:00.003+10:00

Woo Hoo! Two Thousand Hits! TwoThousand Hits!

T-w-o T-h-o-u-s-a-n-d H-i-t-s!!!!

Let me put it numerically for you.... 2000!!!

As feeble as it may seem to you, I'm a little excited. I always wonder if people stop and take the time to read this blog.

And now I'm at 2000 hits, I'm wondering who besides Caity, my cousin and myself even know this blog exits?! Oh and Hughie, I think he's my biggest reader. He's probably chuckling slightly to himself. Him and all his 188560 hits!

Not that I mind. I sincerely thank you for stopping by!

Ok, enough with the ego dance. It's far too out of character for my liking!

Stop back in a few days. I'm working on a massively long post. It'll take your whole lunch break to get through it. I've been playing autograzzi for a week... and boy, am I tired!

Thank you for reading and my apologies for the outburst. Don't worry.... I'll save you the trouble... I'm off to go slap my own face!

My Other Blog

2008-03-27T22:25:00.003+10:00

I have created a new blog. One I've been wanting to do for a while. To date, there's only one post on there, but if you get the chance, please check it out - Notes From An Aussie Trekker

Or you can find the link on the left side of this page under 'links'.

Don't worry, I'll still maintain this one. The other one's just for the travel stories.

As always, thanks for reading!

A Note from an Aussie Trekker...

2008-03-27T02:39:00.003+10:00

(For those of you on my group emailing list... this is nothing new. I've just copied and pasted.. oh and ammended the 'personal' stuff).

Well, well, well. Hello All...

My Goodness... it sure has been a long time coming for one of these group emails, now, hasn't it?! So yes, this'll be a long one!

What's it been? A year... or two?? I know it's been a while. I'm just not sure how long. There are those of you that I've written to and in turn, have written to me in the past year, so a few of you out there know that I'm still kicking. For some of you, my name in your inbox might be a shock. And then for the rest of you, you'll probably be like 'Um... who?!'.

For the those of you that sit and ponder the last question, then this answer's for you... I would've met you in my travels. Somewhere. It might have been Europe at the end of 2002 or early 2003. It might've been Canada later that year or as I trekked across the good ol' US of A in search of a Major League Baseball stadium. Or perhaps I met you when I went back to North America in 2004 and again in 2006 and most recently this past Christmas... or I've met you here in London. Hopefully one of those will jog your memory.

Still no luck? Ah, just hit 'delete' then, eh!

So yes, for the last 2 years (Almost! And My God... has it been that long!?) I've been living in London. Sunny, sunny London. Yes, that's me trying to be funny. No, it's not working. I was here for 3 months before I found a job and was on the verge of going home when I stuck it out another 2 weeks and managed to find some work (much to my Mother's dismay, I'm sure). So I've been working in the same job for almost 2 years (um... is that allowed!?) Ah well, no-one's come knockin' yet! (Touch wood!). For those of you that don't know, I work as a Data Analyst for a nice Global Company that treats their employees well. I have enjoyed the experience. I work not far from the London Eye. Infact, if I go to one of our cafes, I can take in the view of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Yes, I think I've taken it all for granted, this living in London. Though it hasn't been as kind to me as I would've liked. It certainly has been an 'expensive' experience. This living in London is really not cheap and I'm at a loss as to figure out how people can do this for more than 2 years!

Granted it hasn't been all bad and there's some things I'll miss when I leave. Of the two main things, I'll miss the movie premieres. I certainly have met quite a number of famous people since I've lived here in this city. Jack Nicholson, Nicole Kidman, Dustin Hoffman, Jennifer Aniston, Matt Damon, Sandra Bullock, Sylvester Stallone, Uma Thurman and both of the Bonds... Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. There's been more, many more, but I just can't be bothered naming them all. And let's be honest... you don't want to read them all. It has been a very tiring hobby and one I'm actually looking forward to leaving behind. I've been enjoying it less and less as the months have gone on. I think I'm just getting to old to go chasing these people around for a squiggle on a piece of paper, don't you think? There's still about 7 or 8 more on my 'list of people to meet'... but I figure I've got the next 20 years to meet them, so I'm in no rush.

The second thing I'm going to miss... and this supercedes the premieres, would you believe... is the theatre. I will, without a doubt, miss the West End. It really is only second to Broadway and I've seen some great shows and watched some amazing performances over the last three years. I've had the pleasure of seeing Sir Ian McKellen perform (albeit briefly naked. Him, not me). I've watched the amazing Kevin Spacey strutt his stuff on the stage at the Old Vic theatre where he looks more alive and at ease than he does in any film and I've had the chance to see a David Mamet play be brought mesmerisingly to life. It's all been a wonderful experience and it is this, above all, that I will miss most about London.

I will NOT miss the horrid, horrid public transport system. Seriously people, how many times do you have to ring the bell for the bus to stop?! It averages about 4 times... and these stops are only about 200 metres apart. I mean, that buzzer just gets pressed and pressed and oh, how I'd like to yank it out of the bus itself, it gets pressed so... damn... much!

I will NOT miss the weather. It's almost the end of March... and it was snowing on Easter Sunday. Snow. In March. I think that is almost unheard of, especially for this part of the world. And when it's not snowing, it's looking grey and wet. Granted, there were a few days of sun in the last 2 years, but last summer was almost non-existent. No, I will not miss the weather.

I will NOT miss the London tube (this might fall under public transport though). Almost 2 years on and I don't think there's been a day... not a SINGLE day... when all of the lines of the London Underground were running. How sad is that.

I will NOT miss the lingo I've picked up here. Things like 'To be fair' and some of them not so nice - 'tosser' and 'arse'. I won't miss hearing things like 'Sod it!', 'Sod off!', 'Sod that!' or 'What a miserable sod/git/bugger!'. I will not miss this little English accent that creeps into the end of my sentences now and then. I notice I do it and immediately correct myself for my 'mistake'.

I will NOT miss the words 'fit' and 'spunky' being used in the wrong context. If they're fit, just say they're attractive! And if someone's full of spunk... I mean... how... HOW do you even make that connection!? It just means something else in Australia. Thankfully. Oh, and 'taking the piss'... oy... don't even get me started!

I will NOT miss the drunken state this country always seems to be in, or at least displays. I find it both odd and embarrassing that people need to travel on public transport with a beer or a glass of wine in their hands. Or have one as the sit and watch a play, a sporting event or a concert. I've never seen more pubs in a 1 kilometre radius than I have here in England.

But with the bad, there is also the good...

Besides the premieres and my love of the theatre, I WILL miss my new found addiction to baked beans. They taste great with a baked potato and cheese. Such a staple diet for England and one I only discovered this year.

I WILL miss the different types of tea available on demand. Ooohhh... there's just so many flavours!

I WILL miss the Twiglets, even though I've had a bit of trouble finding them of late. It's probably that vegemite sort of taste that reminds me of Australia though.

I WILL miss giving tourists directions making me feel like less of one myself. Knowing that I can be lost pretty much in an tourist spot, be blind folded and spun around 5 times and still make my way home, is a handy little trick I've mastered.

I WILL miss the close proximity of everything, even though I didn't take advantage of it as much as I would've liked. Even New York City was 'only' 7 hours away! That one, I did find time to take advantage of :)

I WILL miss the friends I've made along the way - some of you English and probably calling me a 'right arse' for having listed the things I won't miss!

So, come May, my time in London is up. I'll be travelling for about 2 or 3 weeks as I venture around the United Kingdom making my way to Scotland and then at the end of May, I'm heading across to Ireland where I hope to stop for no more than 12 months, if the Embassy let's me have a work visa. There's a few people over there I'd like to see again. It's been far too long.

The page is turning. This chapter's almost done. Soon, a new one will begin.

Stay in touch. The travels, dare I say it, will begin to slow down soon enough. Life will need to take over. That is, real life. A career. A (fast) car. A house. A family. These are all things I wish for and things I hope will happen. I get a little choked up to think of all the things I've done in the last few years. The places I've been and the things I've seen and the many wonderful people I've met along the way, along with all the ones that I've known long before I took that first plane ride. I am not the same person I was when I left Australia in 2002. I have noticed a change in myself over the years as I've become more cultured, more aware, more outspoken and more mature. The journey has been kind to me and I certainly owe it a lot. It's been a hell of an experience!

To think that soon enough, I will not be this... free.

Yes, my time on my travels is slowing down. But not just yet.

There's more 'Notes from an aussie trekker' just around the corner... if only for a little while.

Confessions of a Paparazzi

2008-02-22T19:55:00.003+10:00

That's the title of my friend HughE's blog.

He's a paparazzi that lives in Philidelphia, but he's always in New York City checking out the big events. I met him in New York almost 3 years ago. He was living there at the time. I was playing the tourist on one of my many backpacking trips. We met outside the Zigfield theatre while waiting for Bruce Willis and David Morse at the movie premiere of '16 Blocks'. I also met Simon that day earlier at Letterman's stage door. The three of us are still friends.

Hughie wasn't a paparazzi then. He carried this fancy SLR camera around and I knew one day, he'd get there. Originally, he was just like me. Turning up as a fan to stage doors and premieres trying to get photos. Of course, his photos turned out nicer than the ones I took on my basic digital camera.

I worry for him. He doesn't know it, but I do. He works too much. Way too much. He has a regular day job working 9-5. Actually, I'm not sure if those are his actual hours, but if you say to someone that you work '9 to 5' then they understand that you have a day job working Monday to Friday. That's what Hughie does, he works Monday to Friday. Then when he's done with work, he'll go and check out an event in Philadelphia or take the train and see what's going on in New York City. It depends what's happening and what he's doing.

He doesn't stop. He's up at all hours working and researching and chasing people around for photos. I worry he doesn't sleep. I think he averages 4 hours a night, though that's just a guess on my part.

Granted, he deserves the photos he takes. He puts more research into this than anyone I know. More than any of the paparazzi's I've met both here in London and in New York City. I couldn't do that. I don't love it that much. I hope Hughie does. I'm assuming he does because he writes like he does. He blogs like he does. He photographs like he does.

Hughie is now a qualified Paparazzi. He gets his pass and attends events. He stands with the guys who do this for a living. He stands with them learning and getting tips. He doesn't get in their way, but he gets his shots. The paps, they yell and scream at the celebrities for the perfect shot. They stop them on the street or get in their way as they're exiting a car, a hotel or restaurant. Hughie doesn't do that. He's too polite to do this for a living. I don't think it could be his bread and butter. I'm sure he's said that too.

He has been published online and in magazines and has managed to sell some of his photos. Just last week he was published in the new issue of the American Magazine 'US Weekly'. I'm proud of him. And he knows this. At least if he didn't before, he will now.

I was in New York in January hanging with our mutual friends Simon and Kati, when they mentioned Hughie left a wonderful message on their answering maching saying that he was more than annoyed to have missed Ozzy Osbourne for a photo.

I'm not a fan of the Osbournes. At all. I don't get the hype. At all.

But I saw Sharon, Kelly and Ozzy just this past week at the Brit Awards here in London. Sharon got out of the car and pointed to the corner I just happened to be standing in and she told her husband to go and sign there. He did about 20 autographs. I didn't get it. I could have, but as I don't get the hype, I didn't really bother. Hughie will be annoyed at me I'm sure. Sorry.

This photo's for Hughie. The one that got away. You're time will come my friend...

I have not forgotten...

2008-02-11T23:59:00.000+10:00

I've just been busy.

Time, once again, has escaped me. Months it seems. I have noticed a change in myself. What I do. How I feel. Who I am.

I find emailing and blogging and Facebooking are things that I used to make time for. Lately, I'm so busy working, that when I get home or have a lunch break, I don't bother to turn the computer on.

There are things I'd like to write about. Things I'd like to say and share. Photos I'd like for you to see. I'll show them. I'll put them up here.

Please be patient with me. I have not forgotten...

Are Your Dreams Reality Yet?

2007-09-23T02:44:00.000+10:00

... this is the question I have posted on my blog page for all to see. A reminder not just for the readers out there, but more so for me.

It's a saying I've had for some time. Years even. A 'kick in the head' if you will, to finally do something with my life. To not be a statistic. To be one of the 10% who get out there and live their dreams.

10%. Is that all? What happened to the other 90%? When did they stop dreaming? When did they settle? But more importantly... Why?

I don't want to be one of the 90%. I want to be one of the rare ones. I don't want a job because it pays my bills. I want a job because it fulfills my dreams. I want a job I enjoy. I want a job that challenges me. Most importantly, I want a job that I love.

'Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life'.

I don't remember who said that. In all honesty, I've no clue. But I know it's a quote I love.

Watch this space... I'll check back with you a little later on. Either this year or next year. Who knows. I might not fully be there, but here's hoping I'll be a little closer.

My dreams are not reality yet... but I'm certainly working on it.

Are you?

The Bourne Ultimatum Premiere

2007-09-08T02:09:00.000+10:00

So, I'm a couple of weeks behind... but hey, at least I'm not a couple of months behind!

On Wednesday, August 15th, 2007 was the UK premiere for the new Jason Bourne movie. I booked my half day off work weeks in advance for this premiere. I was hoping to get down there at lunch time to get a good spot. Naturally, something came up at work, so I was trying to get through it as fast as I could. I mean... Matt Damon was in town!!!

I got to Leicester Square a little later than I'd planned and I arrived just after 2pm. I was thinking the whole way there (all of 3 stops on the tube from work to my destination) 'Oh no! I'm late! I'm not going to get a front row spot. I'll end up without an autograph and with too many tourists and autograzzi in my photos'. Alas, when I made it into the gardens, there were a couple of front row spots left. Maybe 10-15. I snapped one up.

Turns out I ended up right at the entrance to where the celebrities would be coming in. The gardens are always hard to pick where to stand because it's guartanteed to be a different layout almost every time. This time turned out great. I ended up being right opposite the paparazzi.

And here's the photos I took from my prime position...

The above is Tom Gallop. I didn't know his name at the time, but I'd certainly seen the face. I heard the paps yelling out for him 'Tom! Over here Tom!' and I thought, 'Ok, that's his name then'. So, he was halfway through posing and I gave him a yell... 'Tom, will you sign please?'. He then posed some more and was was about to walk off... 'Tom! Tom, would you please sign?' and he came over and signed... for everyone but me.

I then said 'Tom, can I get your autograph please?' and he said 'I'll sign for you, because it was your voice that brought me over here'. I'm thinking 'Buddy, it's not the first time I've been told that by a celebrity'. Yes, I have a loud voice when I'm yelling for someone's attention. Yes, I've been known to start chants at premieres. Yes, they always come over.

Once he signed I said 'Thank you very much and have a nice night'. I'm always polite to them... I mean, they're just people after all. I do think Tom deliberately left me until last because after he signed, he headed off to do some interviews. He was really nice.

Sorry about the rain drop on the picture... would you believe the sun was shining all afternoon until about 10 minutes before everyone arrived, so a couple of my photos were ruined.

And below... the man of the evening....

Yes, that's Matt Damon arriving with his beautiful wife Luciana Borroso.

He posed for the paparazzi upon arriving and then headed off to do some interviews for about 10-15 minutes. The fans were like 'Matt! Matt! Matt will you sign please?'. He ran off to pose for another picture and just after I took the above photo he said 'I'll come back... I promise'.

And he didn't disappoint...

Here is is (sans suit jacket) slumming it a little and not at all bothered by that famous England rain that was getting on his lovely shirt. Matt must've spend about 40 minutes signing...

And signing some more. I don't think there was a fan he missed. Neither inside the gardens, nor out. This is the third time I've seen Matt Damon and I have nothing but good words for him. He's just lovely. And always takes his time to sign for the fans. One of those rare Hollywood gems that's not caught up in the fakeness of it all and appreciates that people have 'waited in the rain to be here today'. What a great guy!

Ah, here's someone who didn't like signing for the fans. That's Julia Stiles. The first time I saw here was in New York City 2 years ago. It was me and a my photo friend Hughie waiting. She didn't even stop for a photo.

This was her first London premiere, so I guess she felt she had a duty. I think she signed for all of about three minutes. Maybe five. She spent longer posing for photos I think. When being interviewed, she did however thank the fans for coming out. That's something I guess.

Yes, that dress is VERY see through!

The fellow below is British actor Joey Ansah. He does a big fight scene with Matt in the film. He was really lovely and signed for all the fans that asked.

Below is director Paul Greengrass. He also directed 'The Bourne Supremacy'. He didn't direct the first film. When he came over to sign I said 'Thank you so much for Flight 93' and he looked at me and smiled and said 'Oh thank you. You're very welcome'. He only managed to sign one autograph each, but I wasn't quick enough with the photos. He was really nice and interacted with the fans, listening to what they were saying as he signed for them.

The final star of the film to turn up was the actress Joan Allen. She didn't spend much time with the fans instead opting to pose for the photographers and do her interviews. I saw her sign about five autographs near where I was standing and I missed out on mine by one person. Not too worry. Yes, her dress was a little long, as you can see, it was dragging on the floor so it got a little wet.

A couple of surprise guests on the list for the evening were the following actresses...

That's Neve Campbell of 'Scream' and 'Party of Five' fame. I met her a few months back when she was performing on London's West End in 'Love Song'. She always seems very shy. She's a good actress, but I feel she doesn't understand all the hype, like she just wants to get in there and do her job. But she took the time to say hello and sign for the fans. I've seen her about four times here in London and although she doesn't say much, she's really quite lovely.

Below is the actress Bonnie Wright. She plays Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter movies. Now, I have to say, she was a little strange. The fans were calling out for her and I didn't want her autograph, but they must've spent a good 30 seconds yelling at her... from a 3 metre distance... and she didn't acknowledge them.

She only decided to come over and sign once Katie Leung decided to sign for the fans...

She is also in the Harry Potter movies and plays Cho Chang, Harry's love interest. She was really nice and signed for the fans... yes, the same ones that had been calling Bonnie. I didn't have anything for them to sign, so I didn't bother with them. I'm happy with the photos.

So all in all, it was a really good premiere. In terms of stars from the actual movie, it was a really good turn out. Matt Damon spent a lot of time interacting with the fans and it was well worth it just to see him. Everyone else was an added bonus.

'The Simpsons Movie' gets a UK Premiere

2007-08-01T23:17:00.000+10:00

... and no-one affiliated from the movie turns up!

'The Simpsons' movie finally got it's UK premiere in London last week. Only it wasn't in Leicester Square like every other premiere I've been to in the past year since I've lived in London.

Nope, this premiere was at the new fancy schmancy 11 screen Vue cinema at the 02 Dome at North Greenwhich.

Upon arriving, celebrities and ticket holders had to walk through Homers mouth. Well... sort of. It was a make-shift archway that led to the yellow (not red) carpet.

Joss Stone and Barbara Streisand were also in the house (that is the O2 Dome) that evening performing on stage... but it was the colourful yellow family that people really wanted to catch a glimpse of.

That and the fact they didn't cost £600 to see . £600 Ms Streisand?! You know there are children starving in the world, right?? Even at the cheapest ticket for £100... that's still a bit rich.

While walking along the yellow carpet, guests were treated to taking a stroll through Springfield passing sights such as Krusty Burger and Apu's Kwik-E-Mart.

Here's a reporter outside Moe's. She was earlier inside interviewing the celebs as they entered to make their way to the screening. Yes, she's doing her best Marge impression.

Moe's Tavern and the store that belongs to Comic Book Guy were also lining the yellow carpet to make up Springfield's must see places to visit... or at least pass by.

I had been waiting a month... A MONTH... for this movie premiere!...

I booked a half day off work so I could go and queue to get a good spot for photos (and maybe some autographs) and then when it was all over with, turns out no-one from the film made the flight to London as the L.A. premiere was held at the Mann Theatre the day before (Tuesday the 24th) in Hollywood.

Here's who did make an appearance though...

Spider Pig!!!

To the tune of Homer singing.... 'Spider pig, spider pig. Does whatever a spider pig does'.

'The Jonathan Ross Singers' from behind... albeit, a little sweaty! Ahh... they're only human.

Not the greatest photo, but that's Billy Boyd. Yes, he played one of those teeny tiny hobbits in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy.

Those young lads Danny and Tom from the boy band McFly. The girls went crazy for them. I mean, absolutely nutters. The screaming was so loud! Don't ask me which is which, I've no idea. I don't follow their sappy music.

Irish actor James Nesbitt of 'Cold Feet' fame. Stopped ever-so-briefly to sign for the fans. He didn't seem all that happy to be doing it or to be there, but hey, at least he signed I guess.

Singer/Songwriter Stephen Gately from former boy band 'Boyzone' walked the yellow carpet and even carried a balloon doll of Lisa Simpson.

So, no-one from the movie showed, but it was worth it to see this guy...

That's Canadian actor Joshua Jackson. Most likely remembered from his days starring in T.V.'s 'Dawson's Creek'.

When he went to sign the autograph for me, I said 'Wouldn't you rather be in Canada right now?' and I think he was surprised that someone knew he was Canadian and not American and he replied 'Uhh... with this weather, yeah!'. Then he laughed and smiled.

He's been on my list of people to meet since I was about 12. I first noticed him in 'The Mighty Ducks' movies. He sure can skate, but then, he is Canadian so it's to be expected!

It's not fancy, but the above is one of my favourite photos. Here's Joshua shamelessly plugging the new Apple iPhone, before heading up the escalators into the cinema and giving the waiting fans a nice wave on the way up.

So, due to me wasting (almost) 8 hours of my life, booking a half day off work and waiting with baited breath for at least 4 weeks only to have none of the voice actors turn up, I'm now boycotting the film. Annoying, because I kind of want to see it!

I wonder how long I'll stick it out for...

Manila Thriller

2007-07-25T18:34:00.001+10:00

I read about this in my local paper this morning and just had to check it out. Seems the inmates in the Phillipines needed something to do and dancing to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' was the perfect way to pass the time.

Now, I was impressed with the choreography of getting 1500+ inmates all inline to do the moves to the dance. I mean, these guys (and one 'lady') sure do have rhythm!

If only they could've dressed up for the occassion rather than wear those not so flattering prison jumpsuits...

I've discovered Facebook

2007-07-20T21:42:00.000+10:00

And My God... what an addiction!

I was travelling in Paris for a few days in 2006 to see in the New Year for 2007 (I have previously put some pictures up in my January post titled - 'Seeing in 2007, Parisian Style'). Anyway, I was staying at a nice little hostel only a stone's throw from the Louvre museum and in my dorm were two lovely American College girls from Ohio. I am a somewhat experienced backpacker who was travelling on my own and they hadn't done much travelling, but they had the company of each other. So, they took me under their wing and I spent some time with them in the few days I was in Paris.

We played the tourist, ate at a nice restaurant, checked out the Notre Dame and instead of joining me for the (non-existent) Fireworks at the Eiffel Tower... they watched it on T.V. in a Parisian bar. They were two of the friendliest girls I've met in my travels.

I got their email addresses and contact details and we parted ways. Before I left them though, they mentioned Facebook and said I had to join it. I didn't know what it was really, though it wasn't the first time I'd heard the name.

That was all the way back in January. This week, I finally decided to join because I had a few emails from friends around the world saying that they use the site and it's a great way to keep up with what everyone's doing.

I've been able to put a map on my page and can pin point all the teeny tiny towns around the world I've been to. At present, the count is 210 cities in 19 countries. I'm not sure that's accurate, because it includes places off the beaten track like a 1000 population town in country Australia or a place I stopped at overnight while driving across the USA. It would've been more, but I decided not to list EVERY place the greyhound bus stopped in my travels!

Besides listing where you've been and where you'd like to go, you can put music on there and make note of your favourite sports teams. Naturally, being the fan of American sports that I am, I've already discovered how to list my favourite Major League Baseball and National Hockey League teams as well as making mention of my favourite players.

I can also add photos and view my friends photos and I can see where in the world they are and where in the world they're going. It's a wonderful network and it certainly has grown on my in the very short space that I've come to use it.

I'm sure we all don't 'talk' as much as we used to. Certainly not the way my parents were brought up in the world, but the internet is a wonderful way to stay in touch with the happenings of your family and friends spread out across the globe. That said, I still don't trust enough in the internet so I'm still deciding whether to put my surname on Facebook. For the moment, my first name is listed as my surname and I've put something else as my first name. Maybe that'll change, but I don't have a common surname. Perhaps when I become more carefree and a little more trusting in the world wide web then I may update it.

For the moment, it's a great way to keep up with everyone and I seem to be on there everyday!

In Celebration

2007-07-13T19:15:00.000+10:00

That's the title of the play that Orlando Bloom is performing in currently on London's West End.

I went to watch it this past Monday night. The 9th. I didn't know what it was about, my friend booked the tickets and me, ever one to jump at the chance to take in a night at the theatre said I'd go along with her. I asked her what it was about, and she couldn't really tell me. I figured, well, it can't be too bad if it's sold out for it's entire season run.

Turns out the reason it's sold out is because of this guy....

Yes, that's Orlando Bloom. Will Turner in Gore Verbinski's Pirates Trilogy. Or you may know him as Legolas in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. His didn't have the moustache then and his hair was blonder and longer, but it's definitely the same guy.

I guess it's good news for the other actors in a play when you can get someone famous enough that they'll help boost your ticket sales because I apologise Mr Bloom, but you're probably the only reason people are off to see this play. I just didn't get it. Maybe it's because I'm not english. Infact, I think that's why. My friend that came along with me is english, born and bred in London and even she said that tourists just wouldn't get it.

I have another friend who went to see it on the Saturday night. She too is english and she only sort of understood it - the family dynamics and what not. She even went on to say that it was 'the world's most boring play'. A little harsh perhaps, but I admit that even I got bored and fidgety with it and I'm not usually like that. If I had to relay the play back to you, give you a little run down of what it was about, I really couldn't say.

The same friend went on to say that Mr Bloom's accent kept drifting in and out. He's from London I believe, but in the play he's meant to have a northern english accent and I guess the locals could tell because both of my friends said they noticed the change. In all honesty, I couldn't tell he wasn't saying his words properly. Probably because most of the time I was trying to get my head around the fact that the whole cast was speaking funny!

Even if the play didn't appeal to me, the man of the evening certainly did. He came out to greet his waiting fans and signed autographs for them. He must've signed for about 10 minutes reaching over fans to grab playbills from the back for those that couldn't manage to make their way to the front. Even though there were people infront of me, I managed to get a good spot right near his car and the above is my favourite photo of the evening.

I'm sure you recognise the watermark by now. Yes, it's for Citizen Image.

2007-07-10T00:38:00.000+10:00

'Hairspray' World Premiere

So, I know I'm well overdue for a movie premiere post, but here it is.

Last Thursday (July 5th) was the World Premiere for 'Hairspray'. A remake of the 1988 original, the movie sees John Travolta dressing up as a woman and unknown star Nikki Blonsky in her film debut. Here she is in London's Leicester Square signing for the fans.

Nikki was just lovely and spent time signing and posing for the fans who'd been waiting since lunchtime. I even managed to get my photo signed as well as take some pictures.

Here's Zac Ephron doing an interview with Nikki. The girls went absoloutely crazy for him. The screaming was so loud!

I missed his autograph at the premiere, but a friend managed to get it the next day. Zac's most popular role to date is that of 'Troy' in 'High School Musical'.

Elijah Kelley who came over and signed because the guy infront of me (that's his white sleeve) was chanting really loudly for him. I managed to get his autograph as well.

White sleeve guy was yelling for Amanda Bynes so she too came over and signed for the waiting fans.

She was quite lovely and came back a second time to sign again.

Here's Andy Serkis who turned up after the movie's teenage stars had walked the red... er... rainbow carpet.

You may have seen Mr Serkis in 'The Prestige' which also starred Christian Bale and my fellow aussie Hugh Jackman.

But you most likely saw him as Gollum in the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. He was also Kong in 'King Kong'. He was very nice and spent time signing and chatting to the fans.

The surprise of the evening was when Freddie Prinze Jr turned up with his wife Sarah Michelle Gellar. I wasn't able to get a great photo of her, because my zoom on the camera's not that good. Freddie was nice enough to sign for the fans and said 'I'll sign for as many of you as I can'.

On the way in to the cinema he turned to the fans, kissed his two index fingers and gave us the peace sign.

There was no John Travolta, Michelle Pfieffer or Christopher Walken. I guess you can't win 'em all!

(All pictures are watermarked for Citizen Image)

I emailed you...

2007-07-03T22:18:00.000+10:00

Did you get it?

It was some weeks ago. I wonder if you recieved it.

Perhaps it was lost in cyberspace. That's been happening to me for some weeks now. I changed my email format and now I find I lose an email. Not all of the time. Just now and then. I think I have a 95% success rate. Still 5% is a lot of emails to go missing. Especially when they're paragraphs long and so much thought goes into them.

I sent one to Brisbane... it never made it. I sent another to Toronto but it too got lost along the way. I sent two to Los Angeles... both never reached their destination.

And then I sent yours... to the desert city. I wonder if it made it there. And if it did and you didn't have time to reply, then that's o.k. Sometimes we get a little busy. Sometimes it's hard to keep up. Sometimes life just happens.

I hope this note finds you well. I'm sure you'll read it. I hope you're smiling and life is treating you good.

Just know that you are thought of often and much.

Out of the corner of her eye

2007-06-15T01:32:00.000+10:00

She is walking briskly past. She seems to be in a hurry. But then something catches her eye. She didn't notice it before, as though her eyes were shut to the world. Or at least shut off from the image that is now before her. It's like she has seen it out of the corner of her eye, just all of a sudden and now she stops. And she stares. Transfixed.

I wonder what she's thinking. If she likes what she sees. She looks as though it's something she's seen before, but I wonder if she approves. A smile crosses her face. I guess so. The lines on her face begin to change. There are a lot of lines for that face - she looks young. She doesn't look more than 25. Her skin is soft or at least it looks that way. There are wrinkles. Not many, but when she smiles you can notice them. Around the cheeks, near the eyes and there's a dimple. No, two. One on each side. And the outline of one in her chin.

Suddenly the smile fades. There is a furrow of the brow. Just the one. That looks funny to watch - when a person only moves one eyebrow. The smile has turned upside down. A frown appears across her face and there are lines not from a smile, but heading southward as though she frowns too much. Too often. There are lines in her forehead and I wonder if she's noticed they're there. She lets out a sigh. I take it that's a yes.

A thousand thoughts must be racing through her head now and I wonder if they'd make any sense to her. How many times as she's walked past that image has she ever stopped to notice it. To really take it in. She stands in a slumpish mode now. Her back hunched, her shoulders lifeless.

Her eyes are wide and gleaming. She is taking it all in. This sight that stands before her. But she looks disapproving. Discontented. Almost as though she's wondering how she came to this and what can she possibly do to fix it. She seems to ponder.... life, love, work.

Another sigh.

It is an odd image when you look in the mirror.

1000 Hits

2007-05-29T02:43:00.000+10:00

Well, looky, looky...

My blog has hit the one thousand mark... 1000 people!

When the heck did that happen? I've only just noticed. Partly because I rarely take the time to scroll down. Let's be honest... it's my blog. I know what's there. Or so I thought.

1000, eh! I'm quite pleased with that, mainly because I wonder who on earth would want to read what I have to write. I guess there's some people out there who are interested in the ramblings that exist in my head which I then find the courage to write them down for all to see. That or the fact that my mum just keeps hitting the 'refresh' button.

I'm going to go with the former as opposed to the latter. It'll boost my self-confidence.

Sure, I'm nowhere near close to the almost 100 000 hits that my American friend Hughe has reached. But he's so busy chasing celebrities in New York City and Philadelphia that people are certain to be interested to read what he writes about. Oh, and he always has great pictures up there to make me jealous of all the people he's seen. But then I remember he rarely sleeps and I begin to envy him less. Granted, he's the politest photographer I've ever met. When I met him, he was an unofficial paparazzi... he got his first qualification for the Rocky Balboa Premiere in Philadelphia earlier this year. I don't aspire to be like him. No offence to you my friend. He's a great photographer and gets all the celebs... check him out, there's no-one he hasn't seen. But for me, I like that it's a hobby.

Enough of about him... let's get back to focusing on me.

Wow, where did that ego trip come from?! I'm not usually like that, and if you don't mind, I'm going to take a second to slap myself for being so self-indulgent. It's just not my style. I have an idea whose influence that is, but I'd rather not say. Not that he visits this blog, so technically it doesn't matter.

But yes, back to me...

One Thousand Hits.

I'm a little chuffed. I guess it gives me an incentive to keep on writing.

To all of you who made it soar to one thousand and beyond, to all of you I didn't bore and to all of you that just keep coming back... I thank you!

Bi-lingual

2007-05-24T02:09:00.000+10:00

What has happened to my blog?

It has changed languages. I didn't ask for this. I certainly didn't notice it. Not until I went to click on a button and became aware to the fact that I was unable to communicate with the webpage.

My posts are still in english... but everything else... wait, this isn't english. When did this happen? And what language is that? Swedish? Danish? Finnish? I've no idea what language it is, but I certainly don't understand it. If it was Italian, I'd be in with a fighting chance. But it's not. I've no clue.

My blog has gone bi-lingual and I've no idea why or how it happened.

I hope it returns to normal soon. The help button is of no use to me... mainly because I don't know what language this is to know what the word 'help' should look like. I need to make a post and I can't remember how to do it.

I feel vulnerable. I'm staring at a web page and I feel stupid. As though my thoughts will forever remain inside my head because my language skills are not up to sratch.

Does that seem fair to you?

I Remember When...

2007-04-27T21:36:00.000+10:00

I remember when I used to be able to go to a friends place down the bottom of my road after school and we'd play games on the street or inside and we'd have so much fun, because we didn't have a care in the world and time didn't matter. We just knew we had to be back in time for dinner, or before it got dark. Whichever happened first.

I remember when we weren't allowed to ride our bikes to school even though we about a 4 minute bike ride away.... well two and a half minutes because it was mostly down hill on the way there. And if we walked home, there always had to be about 3 of us walking together and we had to be aware of 'stranger danger' and know to look out for the 'safety house' symbol on mailboxes.

I remember when we'd done all our homework and eaten dinner we were allowed to sit down to the classic aussie soaps 'Home and Away' or 'Neighbours' so we could see what was happening with Scott and Charlene. Now, I'm too ashamed to admit I used to watch those shows... though, what Australian hasn't?

I remember when I used to play round robin sports on a Friday afternoon when I was in primary school and during the school week I always looked forward to that the most, because it was a time for one last bit of sports fun with my friends before the weekend came... and then we could have all the fun we wanted.

I remember when we used to lay a tarp on the grass in the backyard because there was the slighest hill and we'd spray it with water from the hose and then pour washing up liquid over it... then take a big run up and go sliding head first down our make shift bubbly water slide.

I remember when I didn't know what a computer or a Playstation or an X-Box was. We had Atari and Pacman rocked! And we knew that we weren't meant to sit there for 3, 4 or 5 hours at a time because it's not good for your eyes, it numbs your brain and you get no fresh air or excercise.

I remember when we tried to be sneaky and went into the neighbours underground cubby house in the big empty grassy land area out the back of our house. The land stretched for about 500 metres and everyone was entitled to be there, because it was a free, open space. But we tried to go into their cubby house and we got kicked out because we were in their territory... even though the land belonged to the city council. The underground cubby house has since been filled in with dirt over time, but if you look closely, there's still a little dip in the grass thats about 5m x 5m wide.

I remember when we used to ride our bikes down the same grassy area because it had a good gentle slope to it and we used to try and find any little crevasse so we could ride really fast and then jump our bikes over it and we'd go flying through the air. Ok, we weren't exactly flying and it was probably about 2 metres that we were airborne for, but for those fleeting nano seconds nothing else mattered. Then we'd get all the way to the bottom of the hill, turn around and pass the 15 or so houses that backed onto the spacious land as we hiked our way back to the top of the hill.

I remember when I used to find a rock in the front driveway and my younger sister and I would use it as a piece of chalk and then draw out the hopscotch squares and play for an hour at least. Or we'd take a piece of elastic and start jumping in and out of it until the elastic got too high and we couldn't jump anymore. And some days, we'd play tennis on the road and the game would often be interrupted by yelling 'CAR!' as the locals drove by.

I remember when we used to play in the front yard for hours, doing cartwheels, or playing chase, or throwing a ball around and we didn't have to worry about strangers or people watching us when they shouldn't have, because we lived in a good neighbourhood.

I remember when we used to play jump rope in the school yard or at home and we could skip that skipping rope for hours on end. Now, I don't think I could do the 'jump rope for heart' even if it was my own heart I was trying to save!

I remember waiting all week for Saturday morning to come so we could get up early and watch cartoons, because unlike the youth of today, we didn't have TV channel devoted entirely to cartoons and nor we were allowed to watch them before we went to school. But for those few hours on Saturday morning, it was well worth the weekly wait.

I remember when we used to go to our friends farm out in the country and we'd run around the vineyard or down the dirt road riding our bikes and playing hide and seek... all the while, hoping we didn't see any snakes.

I remember when my younger sister and I tried to set up a make shift lemonade stand. Only, we didn't sell lemonade, we sold home made mini flags. They were made out of material and we cut all sorts of shapes made with all sorts of colours together... and we sold them for 5 cents each. And when we made 50 cents because the neighbours felt sorry for us, we didn't care... we had 50 cents! Looking back, those flags were terrible... I can't believe we were so impressed with ourselves.

I remember when we used to put our gumboots on so we could go and splash in puddles in the rain on the road out the front of our house. Although we didn't realise that us getting sick was a burden on our mother, we always thought a play in the rain was worth catching a cold for.

I remember when we had sports day and our parents used to come and watch and we just hoped we'd win a ribbon to do them proud. Some years I got one of every colour - Blue, Red and Green. And sometimes I was more than lucky and got more than one of every colour, in either athletics or swimming. I still have my ribbons and trophies tucked away in a drawer.

I remember when we used to go to the 'Ekka' (our annual exhibition (hence Ekka) State Fair) and we used to ride the rollercoaster and the dodgem cars and every other ride we could until our heads spun and we had to sit down. And then we'd go and buy our showbags and have too much sugar and then we'd go on some more rides until we felt nauseous. We did this every year and yet we never learnt to not eat before having our bodies thrust every which way on a rollercoaster ride.

I remember when we went on school camp and we got to tell stories and drink hot chocolate. Then we'd stay up later than we should have, being all giggly and girly. Then there was the year 8 camp where we had to attend the 'garbage bag' formal with our dates whose named were selected randomly on a computer, but it was fun, because everyone was dressed up in colourful garbage bag dresses and garbage bag tuxedos. At that same camp, one of the activities the teachers had planned for us was to put the girls in one room and the boys in the other and we'd get 'the talk'. At least they threw in some kayaking and some rock climbing for fun!

I remember when I used to be able to ride my bike down the street and I'd wear that silly Australian orange 'stack hat' bike helmet that I thought would make me invinsible if ever I fell off my bike. It didn't make me invinsible... I still got scratched and bruised, but I'm sure the awkward looking bike helmet made people laugh.

I remember when we used to spend our Sundays at the beach at Bribie Island and the choice of the day was did we want to swim in the 'calmer' side or in the 'surf' side. We almost always chose the surf side, because getting dumped while body surfing a wave in the Pacific Ocean was far more fun than sitting in the shallow end of the water where there were no waves, but only ripples.

I remember when my sisters and I used to jump up and down on the trampoline for hours on end thinking that we could touch the sky. And sometimes, we overjumped and our legs got stuck inbetween the springs and it hurt, but we didn't sue the spring makers for our slip up. Once we stopped crying, we just got straight back on there and started bouncing around all over again.

I remember when iPods and MP3 players had never been heard of and were light years away from being invented. We barely knew what a tape deck was. And when we needed to play a song to hear it again, we'd have to press the rewind button and wait for what felt like ages for that one song to rewind on a tape. Or if you wanted to save the battery on your walkman, you'd take out the tape, stick a pen in the hole and start spinning it so you could rewind the tape manually.

I remember when we used to be able to eat whatever we wanted within reason and it didn't matter that the words 'Sugar content' or 'fat content' weren't written on the back of a label... because we were young and healthy and we used to play sport pretty much every day.

I remember when I used to 'walk like an egyptian', when I could do the moonwalk (not so well) and when I used to think I could win a fight with my sister if I took the Karate Kid stance and stood with one leg held up and poised my hands in that funny way.

I remember when we weren't allowed to stay at a friends place overnight on a Monday, Tuesday Wednesday or Thursday because it was 'a school night'. But Friday was my favourite, because that night was perfectly allowed.

I remember when I thought New Kids On The Block was the coolest band around and I was annoyed at my older sister because she was allowed to go to their concert, but I was still too young. But only by 2 years, Mum!

I remember when my younger sister and I used to play tennis on the front lawn and and we'd hit the ball on the brick of the house and hope we didn't hit a window. And then when we did, our mum would yell out to us to go and play out the back and then we'd say 'OK!'.... but we didn't move and continued playing out the front.

I remember when I had no idea what a mobile phone was, but I knew that a phone shouldn't be answered at the dinner table because it was rude and people should still believe in good values and manners. I still know it shouldn't be answered at the dinner table... and let this be a warning to you... if you answer it at mine, I'll show you the door!

I remember when I used to watch Fraggle Rock and My Little Pony and the Cabbage Patch Kids. My sisters and I bugged our parents for a Cabbage Patch Doll and one Christmas they finally came. I got the sporty one, because that was the one that was most like me and I raised my right hand and took the oath - 'I promise to love my Cabbage Patch Kid with all my heart....'. I have no idea where that doll is now.

I remember when I wished life would move faster so I could hurry up and grow up because I thought being an adult was cool, as they could do whatever they wanted whenever they wanted. But you never realised that it was actually the adult who envied the child. After all, the most responsibility you had was ensuring your rooms were kept clean. Now, I wish life would just slow down and that it wasn't so complicated and I didn't need to make all these decisions.

Some days I yearn for my youth. Most days I ache for it.

Life was a lot easier then. I just never knew it at the time...

An Answer For Caity

2007-03-23T21:00:00.000+10:00

I met someone through this blog months ago. A new friend. We are 10 years apart in age; she is younger. Our interests are incredibly similar as are our thoughts. I never dreamt to meet a friend through this blog. I honestly never thought a friendship would blossom from me stumbling across a webpage. I never thought I'd 'meet' someone who is so similar to me, yet she is so wise beyond her years. I always think it's harder to trust as you get older, so making a friend is difficult.

Not with Caity. We just clicked. I think we're on the way to becoming good friends. I like that she asks me things and I hope she doesn't mind me giving her advice. I also like that she makes me forget that people I actually know read this blog, but I'm still able to write about my deepest darkest fears as well as my hopes and dreams.

She has asked me a question. Ironically, it's a question I've been asking myself a lot in recent months. My mother asked it of me just the other day. I don't have the strength to tell her my aspirations. I think she thinks I'm destined to be an office worker for the rest of my life. I pray I won't be. I'm afraid she wouldn't understand my dreams. Caity would. And for that, this answer's for you...

I have always loved movies. Always. I go to the cinema once a week. One week, when I was living in Toronto, it was snowing and I was so bored I went every day. It is my personal best, seven days in a row. Before that, it was five days. But I didn't mind, because I'm so passionate about movies.

When I was younger, I dreamed of being an actress. I wanted to be on the big screen or do theatre. One of my drama teachers told me when I was 16 that I should get an agent. I never did. That is my biggest regret. You are already living a life I would love, Caity. You are getting the experience and putting yourself out there. Some days, when I read you blog, I feel that I am living vicariously through you. I wonder if you mind?

I often still dream of being an actress, but I'm 27 now. Well on the way out for Hollywood. And I just don't have the physique. The dream is still there, but I am now certainly convinced that that is all it'll ever be. Some days I accept it, most days I don't. Still, I try to move on to a different dream. Still in the entertainment industry, but taking a different direction. I wonder if it's too late. I'm crossing my fingers and toes and hoping it's really not. I have just found out one of the ladies I work with is leaving her career that she's been in for 10 years to start afresh. She's off to study to become a teacher. She's 38. If that's not an incentive, I'm not sure what is.

I want to write movie scripts. I want to write plays. I want to write short stories. I want to write about travelling. Basically, I just want to write. I wrote a short 15 minute play when I was only 15 years old. It won second prize for the State. I haven't written like that since. I have a few ideas for some scripts. A couple of good comedy lines. A drama piece that I hope will have you thinking about it long after you've seen it, but I don't know if it should be for the stage or screen. Also, I'm not sure how to get the thoughts from my head onto paper. My confidence and self esteem are not where they should be and I always ask myself 'Who on earth would want to read what I've written?'. I fear it's not interesting. Boring. Mundane even.

I also didn't study writing at university (even though I have a major in drama and did a semester on scriptwriting). Because I haven't studied it, I wonder if I can take it up as a profession? I have recently been given advice by a writer I know to 'put myself out there' and send out parts of my writings to publishers and see if anything happens. It won't happen overnight, that much I know, but I need to learn perserverence. I need to learn patience. I need to learn confidence. Most importantly, I need to stop procrastinating.

I understand with a job like this there is a lot of travelling involved, research and what not. I'm sure there'd be days when I mind. I'm of an Italian background, so family is very important to me. But I'm of the new generation and understand that getting a job nowadays - especially that dream job - means you'll probably have to move away from family and friends and all things that you find comfortable. It's difficult, but I've been doing it for about 4 years now. I travel, go home and make some money and then travel again. As hard as it is, it's a lot easier than it sounds, what with telephones and emails. And at the end of the day, home is only a plane ride away.

I just want to be happy. I don't want to do this job for the money or the fame, I want to do it because it's what I want to do. I don't want to have to wake up in the mornings and wonder why I'm doing a job I don't want to do. I don't want my first thought in the morning to be a curse word because I'm getting up to go somewhere I don't want to be. I don't want to have to keep thinking 'What if?...'. If I had the choice to be an unhappy dot com executive making millions of dollars or a cleaner making less who is contented with life and has a loving network of family and friends, I'm the kind of person who'd choose to be the cleaner. I just want to be happy.

So that's my dream job. Writing. Script writing in particular. It's hard to get into and I wonder how I'll deal with 'writers block', but there's plenty of time to worry about that. I think this is the year to start working towards it. God knows it's just not going to fall into my lap. So although I haven't found it yet, I hope I eventually will.

I hope one day I'll walk that red carpet with you, if you'll let me.

I didn't mind you asking. I'm glad you did. Infact, I was wondering when you would.

I hope your question's answered now.

A Theme Is Beginning...

2007-03-20T19:56:00.000+10:00

A new friend has asked a question of me. I'm working on the answer.

For now, I'd like to post this poem. I think it fits in with the 'What am I doing with my life?' theme, which seems to be on my mind all the time lately. It's one of my favourite poems (although it is written in the male form).

It was found written on the wall of an anonymous prisoner's cell on death row. It's called...

'The Man In The Mirror'

When you get what you want in your struggle for self,
And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.

For it isn't your father, your mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass,
But the man, whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.

He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest.
For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the man in the glass is your friend.

You can fool the whole world, down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass.
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you've cheated the guy in the glass.

(I have just found out that the poem is incorrectly titled and should be 'The Guy in the Glass' by Dale Wimbrow, 1934)

I Kept On Walking

2007-03-16T18:42:00.000+10:00

I was playing the tourist. Singapore. I had been out all day seeing the sights and it was raining. A gentle rain, but rain nonethless. The air was muggy, humid and sticky. The pavement was slippery.

I stood at the traffic lights and looked around around at my surroundings. I took it all in like a child at at a fair. The sound of the cars, the rain tapping lightly on the ground, people talking. It was a regular day for a tourist.

And then I looked up to watch the 'walking man' underneath the traffic light. I was waiting for him to turn from red to green, to tell me it was OK to cross the road.

Then the yelling begun. The loud, high pitched screams of a female voice. I don't know what she was saying as it wasn't in english. But she was screaming... at him. She was angry. Mad. Furious. They stood on the opposite side of the street and like the other one hundred people around me, I stopped to stare. I don't usually. I'm curious, but not curious to get involved in things that don't concern me. I'm the person that DOESN'T slow down to see the car accident on the side of the highway.

But here, there was nowhere else to look. So I stood. And watched. My surroundings have gone silent. I have unintenionally blocked out everything. I didn't realise I had done this until later. It must've been a subconsious act on my part.

She was a tiny woman. That small asian body that makes her look childlike. Her voice angrier now. She is yelling at the top of her voice. She raises a hand. She slaps him. Once. Twice. From what I could tell she used all her might, but to him, it would've been like a child had connected their palm with his face.

He's not accepting of it. He yells at her. As though it's played out in slow motion, I watch his right hand move up to his be in line with his head. He swings it back as far as it will go and then, with the greatest force, I hear him capture the wind as he brings his hand back to slap her face.

She loses her footing on the wet ground. There is a thud. I am standing across the street and I realise I have just heard her head connect with the pavement. Her eyes close. One second. Two seconds. She opens them. Startled. Confused.

The crowd grows bigger. Some of them continue walking, many of them looking back to still see what's happening. The man turns green and I begin to cross the street, transfixed on what I've seen. I look to my right, I am in line with them now, they are so close. He leans over her, still yelling. How can he be yelling at her when she is lying akwardly on the ground? I have passed them now. I continued to move. I heard the voices behind me. I didn't look back. But I kept on walking.

I take a few steps and battle with my conscience. Should I go back? What would I say? Why is nobody else going over there? I took a few more steps and then looked back. He then bends down to pick her up and scoop her in his arms. She is awake, but I'm not sure if she is aware. A man has approached them. A big burly man. Their attitude changes. It's almost like he has to deal with her now because she's in his arms and he's suddenly paid attention to the fact that people are watching. The man says something to him. I don't know what because I was too far away and I'm sure it wasn't in english.

She lays limp in his arms and he begins to drag her away, towards the train station and out of my sight. Slowly I begin to walk away. But I look back. Once. Twice. Then I stop. I notice the crowd is thinning. People begin to cross the street. I begin to hear the cars again. I begin to hear other voices. Voices that don't belong to those two. Voices that aren't yelling. I turn around and head off in the direction I need to be going.

When did we become immune?
When did we become accepting?
When did we become inconsiderate?
When did we become tolerant?

When did we decide it was OK to keep on walking?

Time Has Escaped Me

2007-02-22T16:37:00.000+10:00

It has been some time since I looked at my blog. Four weeks since I left a post. I never meant for it to get that way. I wanted to at least put something on here every two weeks. But it seems lately, time has escaped me.

I have returned home to Australia for a brief moment. One month. Four Weeks. The same amount of time that has passed since I wrote on this blog, will again pass soon enough and I'll return to London.

It is nice to be back in the Southern Hemisphere, seeing friends and staring in astonishment at all the new things this city has created. There are buildings and houses and streets and shopping centres that weren't here when I left 14 months ago. Can something so concrete be created in such a small amount of time? I would never have believed it, but now that I've seen it with my own eyes, I guess that it is possible.

There are more housing estates being built to accomodate what is the country's busiest growing corner of the map. There are more cars on the street. There are more people when I go to the shops. Everyone has jumped on the band wagon to join the hustle and bustle. I wonder why people can't just slow down.

I guess, at one point or another, time escapes us all.

Rocky Balboa London Premiere

2007-01-18T01:28:00.000+10:00

I am running behind with my movie premiere posts, but I have always wanted to take a leaf out of my friend Hughe's book and post one the actual week it happens. So here it is...

Last night (yes, I'm on the ball) was the premiere for 'Rocky Balboa' at the Vue Cinema in Leicester Square, London. I arrived at about 4pm after work and my friend 'D' had saved me a front row spot. There was no one else behind me until about 10 mintues later, so I didn't feel bad going to the front. We weren't standing in our regular spot, we were down the end near where the cars stop. It's usually a good spot if you want autographs, but you can never be sure. If you just want photos, it's probably not the best spot. Usually I go for photographs, that way, there's no disappointment. That said, I do usually print up a photo... just in case.

At about 6:30pm three cars pulled up and Sylvester Stallone jumped out of the middle one. When he got out of the car, he did a full circle and waved to the crowd. We had a great view of him, but unfortunately my basic digital camera decided it was too dark and wouldn't take any good photos. I am only putting up the two good ones I was able to take and yes, that's another watermark for CitizenImage.

After giving the crowd a wave, he then proceeded to walk around the barriers at the end of the red carpet and went and shook hands with pretty much everyone in the front row, which I thought was nice of him. The dealers (ebayers and such) went into a bit of a panic wondering if that was all he was going to do.

He then went and gave and interview for about 5 minutes, doing a couple of arm muscle poses and stopping to wave to the fans as he spoke. After the interview, he then went over to the barrier and started signing autographs. And that's when the pushing began - fans, dealers and tourists who'd just stumbled into Leicester Square and were trying to ge that perfect photo on their camera phone.

He was very quick and by the time he got to me, I had just enough time to get a quick photo of him signing as well as hold out my photo to get signed. It's not a big photo - about 10cm x 15cm - and his autograph pretty much takes up the whole photo, but I don't care, it's just for me, for a frame, it's not for sale. Ever.

He basically signed for everyone that was in the front row and even knelt down to put a nice full autograph on some of the poster boards. The autograph my friends and I got was very rushed and I think it says 'Sly' because I can't make out that it says anything else. I was impressed at him signing too because he was weaving back and forth between the barriers, but he'd always remembered where he'd stopped signing. I guess he's been doing it for some time now. A couple of the dealers thought they'd hit the big time when he started to make his way back but then he stopped and walked off just as he got to them. I could only smile.

He was very friendly and even though he was rushed, he greeted everyone with a big smile as he shook their hand or signed their photo. I wasn't sure what to expect of him, being such a well known celebrity, but he was really very nice. I had heard only good things about him and now that I've met him, I can only add to those comments. But my gosh, he's showing his age (60 years).

There were a couple of other celebs that turned up, but I think they were boxers and as I don't know them, I figured there's no point in posting their photos.

Last King of Scotland Premiere, London

2007-01-11T03:40:00.000+10:00

On Wednesday, October 18th (yes, over TWO months ago - I am so far behind with the premieres... sorry readers!) was the opening night for 'The Times BFI 50th London Film Festival' which, as I was about to find out, was a busy two weeks to have a hobby like mine! It started on the Wednesday and finished on Thursday the 2nd of November.

The opening night movie for the festival was 'The Last King of Scotland' starring Gillian Anderson (The X-Files... umm... and yeah... that's pretty much what she's remembered for), Kerry Washington (Save The Last Dance, Mr and Mrs Smith), James McAvoy who's set to be the next big thing (The Chronicles of Narnia) and Forest Whitaker who I really liked and was waiting to see (Panic Room, Phone Booth and he directed Sandra Bullock in Hope Floats). He is tipped to be in the running for the Oscar come February 25th.

I arrived after work and secured a spot near where the cars come out and totally not where I normally stand. I was with a friend of mine and we were waiting patiently for the celebs. They all finally arrived and I managed to get an autograph of James McAvoy only. Kerry Washington walked pretty much past us, said she'd come back then went off to do interviews. She did come back, but not as far down as we were. Gillian Anderson got out of the car, looked at the ground and then walked halfway up the red carpet before stopping to do interviews. I didn't really want her anyway, because I met her when she did a shopping mall appearance in Australia at the height of 'The X-Files'. Plus, I heard she doesn't sign X-Files stuff.

James McAvoy was the loveliest of all the film stars and walked up and down the barrier signing for everyone that he could. He spent the most time with the fans and when I asked if I could take his photo, he was happy to oblige.

While those celebs were coming, we were treated to a few extras... Thandie Newton ('Crash'), Jason Isaacs (Lucias Malfoy in the 'Harry Potter' films), and running very late was Joseph Fiennes ('Shakespeare In Love').

Jason Isaacs was very funny. He is known for always playing the not so nice guys, especially in the Harry Potter films, but he was really nice and he was running late.

We were calling him down and he's like 'Oh F*ck... I can't I'm going to be late... I'm going to get in trouble'. We were yelling out to Jason to come down and he's like 'Eerrr.... F*ck ok, I'm coming'. We called him down cause we yelled that I was from Australia, so he came and signed for me. I asked if he liked it when he was there filming and he was like 'Oh yeah, it was f*cking great... I wanted to stay'. Mouth on him like a trooper... but a really nice and funny bloke!

Thandie Newton was really lovely, she's in town filming 'Run Fat Boy, Run' which is directed by 'Friends' star David Schwimmer (who I am still YET to see in London and he's been here for months!). I got my photo taken with Thandie and when she finished posing, she patted me on the shoulder and said 'That's going to be a lovely photo'. She was very sweet.

I missed out on Forest Whitaker, he almost headed straight up the red carpet, but the autograzzi were yelling out to him and he stopped to do a couple. I don't know why, but he signed for the blokes on either side of me, but missed me and my friend! Great... now we were going to have to try Friday night for him at the National Film Theatre (he was due to do an interview).

After Jason, I was about ready to leave and then a car pulled up and out jumped Joseph Fiennes. He was terribly late, but the dealers on either side of me were yelling for him to come over, so he rushed over and signed about 4 autographs before doing a mad dash up the red carpet. I just loved him in 'Shakespeare In Love', but then, didn't everybody?

(Sorry for the CitizenImage watermark on the James and Joseph photos. I've done another Hughe and am represented for the photos).

Seeing in 2007, Parisian Style

2007-01-08T02:39:00.000+10:00

After my week in Italy visiting family and playing the tourist, I took a night train to Paris. This was my 3rd trip to Paris. Last time I was there for 8 days, this time I was there for half that.

This is a photo of the Boulangerie I went to almost everyday I was in Paris, it was right around the corner from where I stayed. It sold the best panini and deli rolls as well as some of the most delectable deserts I've ever had the privilege to consume!

I found a lovely hostel about a 2 minute walk from the Louvre and stayed there for 3 nights. I took off the first day without a map, only my memory, to take me to the famous shopping street that is the 'Champs Elysees'.

(The park near the Louvre)

I arrived here late in the afternoon and being a northern hemisphere winter, it didn't take long for it to go dark. The street looked really pretty lit up at night... the trees that line Champs Elysees were lit up with a hundred different lights and there was a Ferris Wheel at one end of the street. The Arc De Triomphe was at the other.

(You can see the Ferris Wheel at the end of the street)

(Sorry the photo's a bit dark - it's the Arc de Triomphe)

Also, while I was in Paris, I managed to take in the Notre Dame church... well, only from the outside. It was raining when I turned up, but that didn't stop the tourists from coming to visit one of Paris' more known sights. It turns out there was a mass on, which I didn't realise at the time, but it explains why the queue of people was so long to get in. I had just seem the Duomo in Milan only a few days earlier and walked right in there, no problems - but there was no mass going on at the Duomo when I was there.

The bridge not far from the Notre Dame Church, where I stopped to take some night photos.

The Notre Dame Church, which is sort of in the middle of this photo. The blurry white light is coming from the top of the Eiffel Tower. I do hope to buy a better camera soon, for better quality night time photos.

On the 31st I went to the Eiffel Tower with two American girls who were staying in the same room as me at the hostel. I spent the day with them and we went to find out about the celebrations that evening at the Eiffel Tower. The police told us there weren't any. We were asking about the fireworks and they kept telling us 'No, no fireworks'. Honestly, we thought, how could there not be fireworks in Paris for New Years?

We went back to the hostel for a bit of R&R and then took off that night for dinner at a little French restaurant. I left the girls about 8.30pm and headed off to the Eiffel Tower. They decided instead to go to a bar. I guess if there were no celebrations, then they wouldn't worry about it. Me, I had extended my trip to go to Paris escpecially, so I was convinced something would be happening at the tower.

So for 3 hours I waited in the cold as it rained on and off. Then, came the countdown... 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... and suddenly the Eiffel Tower lights up and it's sparkling. Like diamonds. Sparkling. But that's it. No official fireworks. It just stood there, sparkling for 10 minutes - then the sparkling stopped.

The only fireworks going off were the 'unofficial and illegal' ones that people had bought to the gardens themselves. Also, as they had made the tree 'sparkle' every hour on the hour it was nothing new for me. I was not impressed. I had specifically come to Paris for New Years and I was 'rewarded' with probably the lamest New Years celebrations ever. The place was filled with about 15 000 tourists all asking 'Is that it?'.

The 'sparkling' Eiffel Tower.

The Eiffel Tower from a distance. I took this photo as I was heading away from the crowds trying to find the metro station. Apparently there were riots and trouble last year at the celebrations, which is why they didn't do anything this year. As my mother says, it pays to do your research.

I headed back to the hostel at about about 12:30am and then the next day the sky was a lovely blue (though it didn't last long), so I headed off to see the Sacre de Cuor church in the Montmartre district. When I went in there was a mass that had just begun. I sat in on it for about 40 minutes and even though it was in French and I couldn't understand what they were saying, I'm sure the message of the church is universal. It was lovely to hear the nuns singing the hymns in French too. I wasn't able to take photos in there as it's not permitted, but it was a lovely church both inside and out. There are 281 steps to get to the base of the church from the bottom of the hill. There's then another 24 to get inside.

(A photo I took with the sepia setting on my camera. It's a side street near the Sacre de Cuor)

That night, I took a plane back to London, where I am now back at work and back to my movie premieres... which I'll write about when I get the chance. There's quite a few I have to catch up on aswell as those just around the corner!

Just Another Statistic...

2007-01-04T21:25:00.000+10:00

I am at work, listening to my music through one earphone. The other sits on the desk so I am still aware of my surroundings. A song comes blaring through the earpiece and suddenly, I wonder if Jackson Browne is singing for me (except for the part about finding a girl... me, I'd prefer to find a guy).

The song - 'The Pretender'.

Words I can relate to and I question if the song was written for me... or all the other statistics out there like me who have 'just settled' into a job, a life, a way of being that I hadn't hoped for or planned yet somehow it's where I am; where I've settled. 'What happened?', I ask myself... I had visions, and hopes and dreams. And here I sit, in an office, on a computer, making sense of my work, coming back day after day, knowing full well it's not where I want to be and certainly where I hope I'm not in 5 years time.

Say a prayer for the pretender....

Here's the lyrics -

I'm going to rent myself a house
In the shade of the freeway
Gonna pack my lunch in the morning
And go to work each day
And when the evening rolls around
I'll go on home and lay my body down
And when the morning light comes streaming in
I'll get up and do it again
Amen.
Say it again
Amen.

I want to know what became of the changes
We waited for love to bring
Were they only the fitful dreams
Of some greater awakening?
I've been aware of the time going by
They say in the end it's the wink of an eye
When the morning light comes streaming in
You'll get up and do it again
Amen.

Caught between the longing for love
And the struggle for the legal tender
Where the sirens sing and the church bells ring
And the junk man pounds his fender.
Where the veterans dream of the fight
Fast asleep at the traffic light
And the children solemnly wait
For the ice cream vendor
Out into the cool of the evening
Strolls the Pretender
He knows that all his hopes and dreams
Begin and end there

Ah the laughter of the lovers
As they run through the night
Leaving nothing for the others
But to choose off and fight
And tear at the world with all their might
While the ships bearing their dreams
Sail out of sight

I'm gonna find myself a girl
Who can show me what laughter means
And we'll fill in the missing colors
In each other's paint-by-number dreams
And then we'll put our dark glasses on
And we'll make love until our strength is gone
And when the morning light comes streaming in
We'll get up and do it again
Get it up again

I'm gonna be a happy idiot
And struggle for the legal tender
Where the ads take aim and lay their claim
To the heart and the soul of the spender
And believe in whatever may lie
In those things that money can buy
where true love could have been a contender
Are you there?
Say a prayer for the Pretender.
Who started out so young and strong
Only to surrender.

Say a prayer for the pretender
Are you there for the pretender?
Say a prayer for the pretender
Are you there for the pretender?
Are you prepared for the pretender?

I Hope...

2007-01-02T19:59:00.000+10:00

I have just returned from my 10 day vaction in Europe. I spent a week in the Italian Alps (bordering Switzerland) where I visited relatives. I have 33 Aunts, Uncles and cousins in this area and I saw almost all of them, bar 1 or 2. There's also 7 more on the other side of the Italian border, but I didn't get to Switzerland, so I didn't get to see them. Mind you, I was kept so busy catching up with the other 33, I didn't have time to do much else.

As you can see, it's been almost 2 weeks since my last post, so I didn't have much time to do anything besides being re-acquainted with family and playing the tourist in Milan and Paris, which I'll write about some time this week, hopefully.

I am a bit unsure of what the new year will bring for me. I hope I am happy. I hope I'm healthy. I hope I finally have the strength and the drive to see my dreams to become reality. I hope I meet a hundred new friends like the ones I've met in my travels. I hope for peace, love and joy.

And I hope the same of you.

All the best for 2007!

Carol of the Bells

2006-12-20T23:16:00.001+10:00

(Sorry the video's blurry, I just found it on You Tube, but it's more so you get the tune).

One of my favourite Christmas Carols... we don't have it in Australia. It's originally Ukranian. Here's the lyrics...

Hark how the bells,
sweet silver bells,
all seem to say,
throw cares away
Christmas is here,
bringing good cheer,
to young and old,
meek and the bold,
Ding dong ding dong
that is their song
with joyful ring
all caroling
One seems to hear
words of good cheer
from everywhere
filling the air
Oh how they pound,
raising the sound,
o'er hill and dale,
telling their tale,
Gaily they ring
while people sing
songs of good cheer,
Christmas is here,
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas,
Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas,
On on they send,
on without end,
their joyful tone
to every home
Ding dong ding... dong!

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

2006-12-20T22:44:00.000+10:00

There are 12 months in a calander year and if I have to chose a favourite, it's December. I think... no, I know why I choose this month - it contains both my birthday and my favourite holiday of the year - Christmas.

Last year I had the absolute pleasure to spend Christmas in New York City and it's just like it is in the movies - Carolers, Santa's shaking that bell asking for money donations, and the city is lit up like... well, a thousand Christmas trees. I know it's a hard time to be away from your family, but if you ever get the chance, put Christmas in New York City on your 'things to do before I die' list.

This year, I am in London. No snow, but it is cold. I have to admit, although it's nice to be in another city at Christmas time, I don't think anything will come as close to New York City. They go all out there - the window displays, the lights, the Rocketts at Radio City Music Hall. Here, I feel the lights aren't that great and I don't even know where the 'tree' is. Sorry London. That being said, I have tried to take a few photos while being here... here's some of them...

Christmas Markets, which I don't think we have back home, but they're everywhere in England. These markets were just down the road from where I live. This stall sold a wicked Chocolate Brownie... the best I've ever had!

Selfridges (sort of like 'Myers' in Australia or 'Macys' in the USA) lit up for the festive season. Selfridge's is on Oxford Street, Londons main shopping street.

This photo was also taken on Oxford Street, but I am looking in the opposite direction (Selfridges is to my left and behind me).

The brass band outside 'Boots' on Oxford Street. 'Boots' is the place for all your pharmacy needs in England. This one is 2 or 3 levels.

Debenhams - one of the many department stores that you'll find on Oxford Street.

Jack Black and a Love Song

2006-12-19T19:40:00.001+10:00

I skipped a movie premiere last night to do my first 'hotel wait'. The premiere was for 'It's a Boy Girl Thing' and I didn't really know the actors and I really needed Jack Black's autograph on a photo. I missed Jack at the Tenacious D in the Pick Of Destiny premiere in London about 7 weeks ago. He stopped signing at the peron to the left of me. I did get Kyle on it that day, so Jack was my mission. I had heard Elton John was going to be at the movie premiere (inside information - in truth, I can't remember where I heard it but it was weeks ago). Turns out he did show and apparently he signed a few autographs. I wasn't fussed, as I'd seen him at the James Bond premiere in November.

So, I went to the hotel and waited for Jack Black. I felt so ashamed of myself... waiting at a hotel like that. I don't mind premieres, the celebrities are meant to be there, but hotels and restaurants and stuff, that's their personal time. One of the 'dealers' (ebay) guys I met the other day, was nice and liked me because I'm australian, so he told me what hotel Jack was going to be at. Lucky, because I would've waited at another one, where he's stayed at the two previous times he was in London. Anyway, my friend gave me the number plate of the car and I waited. I waited til 7pm and figured, well, I must've missed him because he'll be on stage in a hour or so, plus my friend had the licence plate, so I guess that means he'd seen him.

So, I went off to do some Christmas shopping, then went to stage door for the play 'Love Song', where I got Kristen Johnston (3rd Rock From The Sun and ER), Cillian Murphy (Red Eye, 28 Days Later, Batman Begins) and Neve Campbell who I loved in Party of Five. She was quick and only did about 3 autographs. I said to her 'Don't you miss Toronto?' and she looked up at me and smiled. I said 'I used to live in Markham' and she was like 'Oohhh...'. (It's not so much that I lived Markham - a suburb of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) - but I have cousins there, and I always go to stay with them for 6 weeks at a time... poor them, but they're lovely for putting up with me!) I then asked Neve if I could take a photo of her and she obliged. She seemed to be in a bit of hurry, but she was very sweet.

I then went back to the hotel and got there about 9:40pm... and waited... and froze... and waited... and froze. The doorman asked who I was waiting for and I told him 'I'm ashamed to say, it's a celebrity... I've been collecting autographs for 4 years, and this is the first time I've done a hotel'. At 11:20pm his car pulled up and his bodyguard (typical big black American dude who was like 'stand back... stand right back...') got out of the car and then Jack's wife got out and the nanny (? I'm guessing) and Jack got out holding his baby boy. I was like Shit... I'm not approaching him if he's holding his child. He totally ignored me and I thought it was clever of him - using his child so he wouldn't have to sign - but I was the only person waiting. They started to head in the hotel and the bodyguard held me back (I had no intention of going into the hotel, but I guess he didn't know that). He was inside and the bodyguard waved me off and the wife and nanny were heading in and I was like 'Are you serious? Please, I've been waiting here for hours. Genuine Fan. I just want to put the photo in a frame' (All true). By this time the women were inside talking briefly and I was about to walk off and the nanny came out and was like 'Give it to me, I'll get it for you'. 'Oh.. really? Thankyou SO much!'. She took the photo and my pen and came back a minute later. I was like 'I'm so sorry, I've never done a hotel before. Thankyou so much. I'm really looking forward to the concert tonight... oh sorry, I mean tomorrow night' (I think the cold froze my concentration but made me seem like a genuine fan, plus the concert was sold out, but I had tried to get a ticket on ebay a few weeks ago, but wasn't paying £100 for a £25 ticket. I do however have the Tenacious D CD - it's very funny, but vulgar at times! Rock and comedy... it makes for an interesting listen!).

I didn't take any photos of Jack though. As soon as I saw the baby I was like, nope, I don't want the flash to go off in the childs eyes... considerate, I know! I got to bed about 12:30 this morning! So there you go. It paid off, but I'm not in a hurry to do that again. Hotel waits are VERY boring! On the plus side, it was a chance to see the usually arrogant and self-absorbed Mr Black being all sweet and tender with his baby boy, carrying him out of the car and into the hotel. That's a side you don't see much of him in the movies.

Above is a photo of 'the photo'. Kyle had signed it a few weeks earlier at the 'Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny' Premiere at the Vue Cinema, Leicester Square, London. That little scrawl in the top right hand corner is what I spent 3 and a half hours in the cold waiting for. Sad, but true. But like I said, it'll look nice in a frame!

So Here's My Gripe...

2006-12-15T20:30:00.000+10:00

Why, oh why, must people stop when they get to the top of an escaltor, the bottom of a set of stairs, as soon as they've exited an elevator...

Why, people!?!

It's not just rush hour it happens, but it's worse then. Tourists, or people in tourist mode, walking along as slow as anything.... I've seen snails move faster people!!!

Please, please, can you just keep moving... or plant your nose on the direction board so your out of people's way. Know where your going, think ahead... it's called 'Forward Planning' people, it doesn't take much effort, but the people behind you sure appreciate it. A little common sense goes a long way.

Stupid people shouldn't breed.... EVER!

aaarrrrggghhh!!!!

2006-12-08T19:41:00.000+10:00

Birthdays are a funny thing, I find.

Not haha funny, but unusual funny. They're both a joy and depressing. It's an annual reminder to go 'Look, you're one year older... what did you achieve this past year?'. I find, for the most part, the answer is always the same... nothing.

I have a birthday next week. Not a big one, but not a small one. Somewhere between 25 and 30. I'm certainly not getting any younger, but I'm in the same boat as everyone else... none of us are.

For someone my age there is much I should've achieved by now. A lot of my friends have settled. They're in committed relationships, some married, some have houses with the white picket fence, some have children, they have careers. I'm the flipside to the coin. I have none of that. That's not to say I don't want it. There's a definite yearning for it. And God knows my mother wants more grandchildren, she's not afraid to say that out loud.

I wonder if I've spent too much time travelling the world. Is that possible? I took my first trip in 2002-2003 and spent 11 months backpacking through the UK, Europe, Canada and North America. My second trip was quicker - 4 1/2 months in 2004. Just Canada and North America. By the time I was 23 I'd seen 21 countries. I am now on my third trip, though I know this'll be my last 'big' trip. I left home 53 weeks ago. I spent 6 months travelling through Canada and North America (I have family and friends there) and took in a new country this time around - 3 weeks in Mexico. Now 22 countries. I wonder if the travelling has been more of hindrance than a help. Though I find the cultural learnings I've gathered along the way cannot be taught to me in a classroom, nor can I read about it in a book.

I know there's a lot I should've done with my life by now and there's still a lot I should do. I don't know where my life's going, though I know where I'd like to be. It's not just this time of the year that I assess and re-evaluate my life and my achievments (or lack thereof) but I do tend to do it more around this time in December.

I don't believe in New Year's resolutions, let's be honest, does anyone ever stick it out longer than a month? Maybe this New Year's resolution should be to believe in New Year's resolutions. Maybe when I blow out the candles this year, maybe I should wish for something realistic. Maybe I should wish for something attainable, something I can look back on this time next year and feel a sense of accomplishment. Maybe I should wish to see my dreams come true. Maybe.

Birthdays are a funny thing.

'Click' Movie Premiere, London

2006-12-08T00:56:00.000+10:00

I have to apologise for not writing more. I've had quite the social life in the past few weeks, which is why I'm so far behind with my blog! I wonder if I'll ever catch up. Even, my mum's wondered what's happened to me, I hardly go out when I'm in Australia. The girl at work says I've been 'Londonified'. (Yes, that's a made up word, but you get the gist). So here's the next post...

This premiere's going back about 8 weeks, but I hope you can all forgive me for the delay. On Wednesday 27 September, 2006 at the Empire, Leicester Square, was the movie premiere for 'Click' which stars Adam Sandler, Kate Becksinale and David Hasselhoff and all three turned up to the premiere. I went after work and I arrived after 4pm. There were no front row barrier spots, but thankfully my friend had and her mum saved me a front row spot (thanks 'L'). Mind you, they mentioned the crowd only started to build up about 3.30pm so I did't feel bad jumping the queue. Had it'd been busy at 1pm, I would've stood where I arrived. By 6pm it was pretty full as the tourists had gathered to do a bit of celeb spotting.

I was interviewed by a TV crew and they asked me who I was there to see - the wanted The Hoff to be the answer, so I played it up for them... 'Don't Hassle The Hoff' I said. They laughed. I'm sure they aired it, though I never knew what station it was for. The premiere was well worth the wait, especially as you don't know who's turning up, so it's all a guessing game.

The Hoff being cool saying 'Aussie, Aussie, Aussie... G'day, G'day, G'day'. Whoever 're-invented' this man, I would like to sit and have a few words with them! Sorry, the photo's blurry, he was moving too fast.

When 'The Hoff' turned up, he gave out photos that he'd pre-signed earlier. He had these little postcards that he was giving out and stuff - just flicking them into the crowd. He didn't sign for anyone and he thought he was the coolest guy there, you should've seen him posing for the paparazzi, giving them the thumbs up and stuff, he was an absoloute tosser! Good thing I wasn't waiting for him.

Frank Coraci, the director came over and signed my 'Click' mini poster (it was in a magazine, the size of a piece of A4 paper). I later had it signed by both Adam and Kate. All three of them were very nice. Adam Sandler had turned up first, but he took ages to reach me as I was near the paparazzi, so he had to work his way up. Adam spent a good hour, more even, signing for the fans and posing with them aswell.

When Adam got closer to me, I got my friend 'L' to take my photo with him and I took a photo of her with Adam. He was really nice and very sweet. Very gracious of all the fans, I think he was rather surprised by how many people were there, but he was great and stopped for everyone. If people didn't have anything, he shook their hands; he was a genuinely nice bloke. The photo my friend took on her camera is a bit blurry (but not really noticeable) andthe photo I took of her on my camera turned out good. That'd be right! I don't mind though, at least I got a photo with him. Just before I got my photo with him, I said to Adam 'Thanks for being so funny' and he was like 'Oh, hey, thanks dude'. He was calling everyone dude. He was a super nice bloke!

(The photo of Adam and my now cropped friend)

Kate turned up after Adam and she spent almost an hour signing and posing also. Kate and Adam were super lovely. I think I appreciate both Kate and Adam more than I did before meeting them, and I thought highly of them before. As for David, I think he's a bigger douche than before I'd met him, and I already didn't think much of him then. As Kate was approaching, I said to her 'I loved you in Serendipity' (it's one of my favourite films) and she looked up at me and was like 'Ohh.. thankyou!'. Her handler tried to pull her away for photos and interviews and she was like, 'I'll come in a minute, some of these people have been waiting since 11 o'clock'. How nice was that! I was there about 4 hours waiting for the celebs, and I got some photos of Kate on the way out again. Kate had said she'd pose with me, but as I moved after she went in, I lost my spot and missed out on the photo. Not too worry, I got some nice pictures of her as she was doing the autographs for the fans.

(Sorry, I have turned into my friend Hughe and have gone 'Paparazzi' for this and am 'represented' for the photo, hence the watermark for CitizenImage).

After it was all over I ended getting one of the poster boards off the barrier. I went to get another one - just in case I ripped this one when I take it off the cardboard (has happened twice to previous posters) - and I was showing it to my friend when I got back home and I was like 'Oh wow, it's signed'. Adam has signed it in pen and it's a big signature- not like the smaller quicker one on my 6x4 photo. It was a good premiere and I'm glad I met Adam and Kate as they were really nice and they were great with the fans!

Guy Fawkes Night, 2006

2006-11-24T21:45:00.000+10:00

I am now here in England (for those of you that don't know me, I'm originally from Australia) and they still celebrate Guy Fawkes night or Bonfire night, as it's sometimes known. We stopped celebrating this back home when I was just a child. I'm sure it was because too many accidents occured with people and their DIY fireworks. The selling and purchasing of fireworks in Australia is illegal. It is only permissable to those who do it as a profession - for example the people that do the awesome display on Sydney Harbour every December 31st, which, sadly I am still yet to witness with my own eyes.

So these are some photos I took just from looking out the window of my room. My (basic) digital camera has a setting specifically for 'fireworks', so I had to have a steady hand (actually, I just leaned it against the brick wall). If you don't mind me saying so, I'm quite pleased with how they turned out.

For those that don't know what Guy Fawkes night is, here's the explanation I took from Wikepedia - 'It celebrates for some the failure of the Gun Powder plot (to others the attempt), in which a group of Catholic conspirators, led by one Robert Catesby, and including Guy Fawkes, attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in Westminster on the evening of 5 November 1605, when the Protestant King James I (James VI of Scotland) was within its walls.The celebrations, which in the United Kingdom take place in towns and villages across the country, involve fireworks displays and the building of bonfires, on which "guys", or dummies, representing Guy Fawkes, the most infamous of the conspirators, are traditionally burnt. Before the fifth, children traditionally used the "guys" to beg for money with the chant "Penny for the guy", although this is now rarely seen'.

'The Devil Wears Prada' Charity Screening & 'Hoodwinked' Movie Premiere.

2006-11-23T03:23:00.000+10:00

Hi Readers... I had two waste of time premieres about a month ago. By waste of time, it means no one in the movie turned up. Infact, I don't think anyone who worked in the movie turned up - not even the boom operator - hence, it was a waste of (my) time.

(Anthony Head of 'Buffy' and 'Little Britain' fame. He was nice enough to walk all the way around the barriers and signed for every fan!)

The first was premiere was for the movie The Devil Wears Prada on Thursday 21 September 2006 at the Odeon West End. I can only remember who turned up as I've attached the photos throughout. I do remember Graham Norton (sort of like Jay Leno and Letterman... except gay) turned up, but he was too nasty to sign an autograph for the waiting fans. And too quick to even pose for the 'paps'.

Keisha from 'Sugarbabes'

Keisha Buchanan from the girl band 'Sugarbabes' turned up and I got her autograph. She was having trouble standing up and had just told us she'd only had 3 hours sleep after the music awards last night. There was literally a lady with her, holding on, to make sure she could stand straight. There was a young kid standing next to me who was yelling at people the whole night - he just wanted an autograph from anyone and was constantly asking me the names of people. I'd tell him and he'd yell really loud for them to come over. He managed to call Keisha over and he asked for a photo with her. She said he was just adorable and asked how old he was, '15' he said. She pulled an 'oops' face and then left. Lady Victoria Hervey turned up, but I've no idea who she is. Wait, I just googled her, she's a wannabe actress.

Lady Victoria... yeah, I have no idea either!

There was a lady in white dress that turned up, she's in a new group and the boy kept saying how good looking she was. I told him to call her over and he said 'I will, what's her name'. I said I had no idea and jokingly said 'Lady in the white dress'. He then yelled at the top of his lungs for the 'Lady in the White Dress'. It got a laugh out of the crowd. He must've called her about 10 times and she eventually came out of the cinema and over to us. It was her first movie premiere.

Lady in the white dress - don't know her name, she's in a new group.

After all the lesser known celebs, Kimberley Stewart (daughter of Rod) turned up last and very late. I think she was the only 'celebrity' I'd heard of. Sorry for the bad photo... trust me, it's her.

Kimberley Stewart, famous for being Rod's daughter.

The next premiere was the following Sunday the 24th at the Vue, Leicester Square for the kids movie 'Hoodwinked'. This too was a waste of time as I don't even think the coffee runner turned up to this one. There were a couple of British celebs who I've never heard of and didn't pay much attention to. The only one I'd heard of was Caeser from the Big Brother show - no one special, I'm sure he'll be asking if I 'want fries with that' in 5 years time with all the other '15 minute famers'.

An actor dressed as 'Granny'

This was an afternoon premiere and they'd hired some actors to dress up as the four main characters from the film. There was Granny, Red, Big Bad Wolf and the Woodsman. Other than that, it was 3 hours of my life I can't get back.

Red and Wolf battling it out at the Hoodwinked London Premiere.

Red and the Woodsman getting in their '15 seconds'...

I will write something more interesting next time...

London Lunchbreak

2006-11-15T21:49:00.000+10:00

I was out on my lunch break on Wednesday and I stopped by Jubilee Gardens to take some photos of the London Eye. Actually, I heard there was a film crew down there, so that was the real reason I went down (me and movies...).

The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

The film crew for either 'The Bourne Ultimatum' or 'Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer' or 'Run Fat Boy Run'. All are currently filming in London.

The helicopter in the background is taking aerial shots for 'Fatastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer'. That I know for sure as I received an email mentioning why there was a helicopter flying over the River Thames. I imagine it'll be a scene where Johnny Blaze or the Silver Surfer is flying through the sky, with London as the backdrop.

It was a lovely clear day, the sky was a perfect blue and the sun was out and although you can't tell by the photos I think the weather was about 7C and it warranted the wearing of a long wool jacket.

Is It A Cultural Thing?

2006-11-10T23:34:00.000+10:00

I have been living in London now for 5 months and becoming a regular commuter, I have started taking the Tube to work. The first thing that struck me about the tube was that I'd just come from New York City, and their subway had no problems dealing with the 8 million locals plus the extra 2-4 million tourists there on a daily basis. London has a population of 7 million and I wonder why, oh why, is there never a day when every single tube is running as it should be?!

And when did it become acceptable to try and push through the travellers who are trying to get off the train, so that they can get on first. Even if the announcement comes over the loudspeaker to let passengers off the train before boarding, there are still those selfish a$$holes who thinks it's acceptable to be impatient.

And another thing, when did it become ok to not stand up for your elders and give them a seat on the train? I have given up my seat a few times this week and have noticed the other commuters looking at me, wondering what I'm doing, then proceed to bury their heads in their evening paper. It's like a seat becomes available and thre's this mad dash to get there first. Why not look around and see who's more deserving of it, like the pregnant lady on my train yesterday.

Finally, when did the sentence 'The (insert train line name here) is having delays at the moment, due to a person on the tracks' become ok to be announced out loud?

I am 5 1/2 months into my 2 year working visa... I wonder if I'll last the distance...

Children of Men Premiere

2006-11-06T23:27:00.000+10:00

On Tuesday the 19th of September at the Odeon in Leceister Square in London was the premiere for the UK film 'Children of Men'. I wanted to go to this premiere because it stars Clive Owen and Michael Caine and both being British, I knew it was guarenteed they'd turn up. They proved me right.

(Saffron Burrows turned up and signed for the waiting fans)

I got there after work and managed to score a front row spot right opposite the cinema entrance. I couldn't believe it, it was going to be a great view. After waiting a few hours, the celebs started to arrive. Michael Caine turned up with his wife. Two of the minor stars, Claire-Hope Ashitey and Charlie Hunnam, also turned up as did the director Alfonso Cuaron. Clive Owen arrived after all of them. I first got an autograph off Michael Caine (arrived with his wife) who I thought was a bit of grumpy, rushing his signatures and going 'Ok, who's next' and things like that. (I have since met him again and he was quite nice). Unfortunately, the girl next to me had a big red marker, and that's the pen Michael used to sign and you can't really see he signed on my photo. Oh well. Michael didn't sign as much as the bottom of the red carpet, but after he did his interviews, he came over and signed on my side of the carpet. The paparazzi cameras can zoom that far, so the stars have to look good for them.

(The gorgeous Clive Owen signing before heading into the cinema)

After Michael, Charlie also came over and he signed quite a bit for the fans. I didn't get Claire-Hope or Alfonso's autographs, but that's ok, I was hanging out for Clive Owen's. After much waiting and a lot of 'is that him? Can anyone see?... is itClive?', he finally made it to where I was standing and I got him to sign a photo (about 10cm x 15cm) of him in 'Inside Man', which is a film that I just love. I got some nice photos of him before he made his way to the end of the red carpet to pose for the photographers. After that he headed inside.

(Clive was nice enough to come out and sign for us again before he left)

I was reviewing my pics and only managed to take three ok shots of him, because the flash takes forever to re-load. I was hoping to get some more pics, but they don't usually sign twice. When they were done introducing the film, a lot of the people who were behind me for arrivals had disappeared, and Clive stood at the door entrance waiting to leave. HIs car was running late, so he just had to wait for it. We all started to yell out to him 'Clive... Clive' and he finally came over. I managed to get another autograph on a 'Children of Men' photo and I got some better photos of him. It was good too, because there weren't that many people there - maybe 25.

(Charlie Hunnam talking to the fans)

Michael had also come out earlier to sign before he left, but I was moving around and missed it, which is a shame, because it would've been nice not to have it in red pen. It was a good premiere, and I'm surprised four of the movie's stars plus the director turned up. I did get some good photos though... and I finally met Clive Owen. Even George Clooney thinks he's got talent!

Miami Vice London Premiere

2006-11-02T19:36:00.000+10:00

I haven't uploaded my pics from the London Film Festival as I'm a bit busy at the moment. This is going back a few months, but here's some reading about the Miami Vice London Premiere... On Thursday 27 July 2006 was the 'Miami Vice' premiere at the Odeon, Leicester Square. The premiere was taking place in Leicester Square park and there were probably about a hundred people spread out around the park. I hadn't seen a premiere like this before, so I didn't know where to stand. I ended up getting a spot at the front of one of the barriers which was lucky. It was a warm day and sitting in the sun for a couple of hours wasn't the most fun I had, but what can you do?

One of my friends, came down because she loves the Irish accent and wanted to meet Colin Farrell. I met him a couple of years ago at a baseball game in Toronto and got my photo with him then. At the time I only had my baseball ticket stub to get signed, so I was hoping to get something better signed today. I had a photo - about 10cm x 15cm -that I was hoping to get signed. At about 5.30pm Colin arrived and the car stopped on the opposite side of the park to where I was standing. That'd be right. He signed some autographs, posed for the photographers and then did the interviews about the movie. It must've taken him almost an hour before he reached us, but by that time, it had started to softly rain, so he was moving quicker than when he was on the photographers side. Because of the rain, it had gotten darker quicker too, so by the time he got to me, I took a photo then had to wait for what felt like 10 minutes while the flash on my slow and simple digital camera re-loaded. By the time I took my next photo of him, he was already on the other side of me.

I was going to try and get another photo with him, but my friend pulled him and said 'Can I borrow you for a photo?' and she got her photo with him. I noticed that if he posed for someone, he wouldn't pose again for another 5 or 10 people, so I didn't get a photo with him... but, I did get the photo signed I wanted, plus, there was another photo I had of Colin and Jamie Foxx taken at the L.A. premiere of Miami Vice that he signed as well. I was hoping Jamie would sign it when he turned up.

( Colin and my friend who's face I have blanked out)

Michael Mann, the director arrived about 20-30 minutes after Colin. He did his bit over in the corner on the other side of the park (now I know where to stand for next time), did lots of interviews, but with all the yelling we couldn't get him to come over and sign on 'our side of the park'. Oh well. When Jamie finally turned up it was about an hour after Colin and he wasn't outside for long - maybe 20 minutes. He only signed over where the photographers could get a photo of him doing so. He walked around the park and waved to us - Whoop De Doo - and then he stopped before going up the stairs to sign about 5 autographs about 15 metres from where I was for some fans. After that, he did a quick interview, then walked over the bridge that had been set up and made his way to the cinema entrance.

So, unfortunately he didn't sign the photo of him and Colin that I had printed up. I figured no one else was turning up, so I made my way to the other side of the fence and got near the cinema entrance to see Jamie walking inside. He didn't sign any autographs over there, just shook peoples hand. A lot of the crowd dispersed after this as I don't think anyone else from the movie was turning up. Oh, Li Gong also turned up aswell, complete with English Translator.

I was hanging around for about 10 minutes, as were about 50 other people, when Samuel L Jackson came walking down the stairs. I had to fumble for my camera and only got one quick photo of him. He was wearing a T-Shirt which on the back was shamelessly advertisting his new movie 'Snakes on a Plane'. This was the photo that made the paper the next day - the back of Samuel L Jackson's T-Shirt. After he went in I left as I left and heard screaming as I was walking away. I saw a photo in the paper the next day that Ewan McGregor had turned up. I think that explains the screaming. Turns out he went because he and Colin are currently in London filming a movie.

Filming of 'The Bourne Ultimatum'

2006-10-30T23:51:00.000+10:00

On Monday (October 30th), at about noon, I was sitting at my desk at work when one of my colleagues informed me that 'she thought she just saw Matt Damon filming at Waterloo'. Her not being a big film buff like me I asked 'What do you mean you thought you saw him?'. I quickly 'googled' Matt Damon on the internet and found out that he's currently filming 'The Bourne Ultimatum', so figured it must've been him.

I went over there armed with a camera and was scouring Waterloo Train Station looking for him, but I couldn't see him, just a hundred extras who looked bored senseless. I had about 15 minutes of my lunch break left and I hoped I'd get to see him in that time. I took a photo with me (just in case) that I would've like autographed, but he was working and I didn't really want to disturb him. Plus, all the Police officers were a bit of a turn off to approach him.

I did however manage to capture him filming a scene for all of about 7 seconds. I won't post it on this webpage because I was asked to remove it. I still have it. Also, the movie's 'in production' so I don't think it's fair to post photos when they're actually filming. Candid shots on set I think are ok, but had I acutally have taken one while filming, I don't think you'd see it here.

I will however put up the photo I took of him as I was walking past. Sorry it's not straight. I had it on sporting motion and I was walking when I took it so I wouldn't get stopped. Paranoid, I know.

When he was filming the scene he walked right near me - about a metre away. There were a few police officers and a lot of crew, but as they didn't close down Waterloo station, lots of regular people were mixed in with the paid actors. He was laughing and joking with the director at the end of the scene and had a great smile - I didn't get a photo of the famous Matt Damon smile though.

I have added this photo because I'm sure plenty of people took them as they were walking past Matt Damon - and he wasn't filming at the time - so I think it's fair game. I think that's the director - Paul Greengrass - in the background. He also directed 'The Bourne Supremacy'.

View from the Golden Jubilee Bridge, London

2006-10-27T19:51:00.000+10:00

On Thursday night (the 19th), I was walking back from The National Film Theatre in London. I was walking along the Golden Jubilee Bridge with a friend when I stopped to take some photos across the River Thames. I have to apologise for the quality, because I used a basic digital camera and had to lean it against a pole to keep it still when the shutter went off. That being said, I don't think they're all that bad.

Talladega Nights Movie Premiere

2006-10-26T18:51:00.000+10:00

On Tuesday the 12th of September 2006 at the Empire, Leicester Square in London was the premiere for 'Talladega Nights - The Ballad of Ricky Bobby' which stars the ever funny Will Ferrell.I turned up to the premiere after work and got there just after 4pm. All the front rows of the barrier had been taken, so I had to settle on a 2nd row standing position for the next few hours, which I imagined would become the norm, now that I'm turning up there later after work. Two months ago I wasn't working, and a spot in the front row was very easy to get.

Just before Will arrived there were some dancers that came out and did some cool moves and danced individually on these podiums. They even incorporated car tyres at one point (the movie is about American NASCAR racing). When Will finally arrived he got out of the car and was wearing a white England Football (soccer) jersey, with blue shorts, knee high sock and footy boots. He gets out of the car, spreads his arms as if to say 'Yes, I am here'. He got quite a few laughs when the people saw him, which I'm sure is what he was aiming for. He spent about 40 minutes on the red carpet doing interviews, posing and signing a little bit. His PR was limiting his time, so he didn't sign as many autographs as I thought he would. I thought he would sign all the way around the barriers, but he didn't.

Where I was standing there were a bunch of us calling out to him - 'Will... WILL.. WILL!'. He looked at us a couple of times and then back at the photographers where he was heading. It looked like his PR was ready to take him to do an interview when the screaming got a little louder, he looked over at us and then pulled away from his PR person, jogged over to us, did a little jump and signed some autographs. It was in the second that he turned towards us and jogged that I was thrust from the second row to the first, with all the barrier space I needed. It was actually pretty bad, as the barrier started to move forward and I was waiting for it to topple. I hadn't been in anything that bad before. I did however manage to get his autograph on a photo that I printed out (he's in his Ricky Bobby NASCAR uniform) and it looks pretty good.

After he signed he went and did an interview on the stage at the end of the red carpet, then went to pose for the photographers, where he proceeded to side step up the red carpet, doing a little jog infront of them and the photographers could all be heard scream 'Will... Will.. could you keep still please!'. It was quite funny. I didn't worry about waiting for him to come out (the actors are usually only in there 30 minutes introducing the movie - they don't usually sit through and watch it). I got some good photos of him when he was signing - one he looks like a stunned mullet as my camera flash has gone off.

A Blog, eh?

2006-10-26T00:10:00.000+10:00

So, it seems, I have finally taken to catching up with the internet world and decided to embark on creating a Web Log - Blog as it's called. Sadly, I only just found out on the weekend what 'Blog' was short for.

I have two friends - one back home in Australia, another in New York - whose blogs I have made a habit of reading, especially in the past weeks. I think it's a great way to keep up to date with the happenings of life. And I love the fact that I will be able to ramble on about this and that and speak of things I may not normally have the courage to. Certainly cheaper than a shrink if you ask me.

After spending a good hour and a half setting up my blog, changing settings, trying to figure out how to remove the automatic question (no idea!), and silently cursing the computer, I'm all set up. That is until I want to post a picture which I'm sure will take me another good hour all together.

So here it is, my first blog post... about posting on my blog.

It will be interesting to see how long I manage to stick this out, considering I am travelling and don't have a laptop. I will have to take to finding the time to make my posts and upload my pictures either at work, in the library or at the internet cafe.

I'm not sure where this blog will take me (if anywhere), but I look forward to the travel stories I'll be able to write... wondering perhaps when the words will actually be printed in ink in the daily paper. You will also find this blog will contain photos of all the celebrities I see. I attend a lot of movie premieres and as I'm not in Australia (my home country), I am meeting quite a few of them in my travels. Most find the flight far too long to go 'Down Under' and I don't have the opportunity to meet them. Here in London alone I've meet so many already.

And to think, my time here is pretty much just starting....