NEWCASTLE WRITERS FESTIVAL 2017

The 5th annual Newcastle Writers Festival may have been the best festival so far. The program was a great mix of big stars and fascinating unknowns. 

As a Librarian and a lover of books, writing, words, and reading I was well in my element. But a festival like this is something else, it blows your mind with ideas and things you hadn't previously thought of. Or maybe you had been thinking of but it takes you in directions that hadn't come to mind yet.

Yep, just sitting in a session and taking in all the interesting and intellectual information, and ideas and thoughts the panelists, whether writers or readers, have to say. That is pretty much my idea of heaven.

I'm a deep thinker, a conversationalist, and a dabbler in writing. I have many projects going at once, most I keep to myself. I find festivals like this a great place to add to my long list of ideas, and to blow open ones I have been sitting on but not quite done much with. I choose my sessions carefully to gain these outcomes.

As soon as the following years dates are announced (at the end of the current festival) I block out my diary for that weekend! Then when it becomes known I list in my diary the launch date and patiently await the program so I can go through it with a fine tooth comb. I do the same for SWF.

I swooned at the 1-2-3 punch of Leunig, Roxburgh, and Moss this year. But I also was drawn to many of the free and unknown sessions.

So the time came to head to the beautiful Civic Theatre for opening night with Michael Leunig and Caroline Baum. We sat through the interesting and important opening night speeches. This gorgeous festival is the baby of Rosemarie Milsom, and these thank yous are indeed important for her and for our community involved in the set up of such an amazing weekend. It's their Oscars!

Over the years each opening night has been great, but National Treasure, Michael Leunig was something else. It lifted the evening into a stratosphere that may be difficult to top next year. But maybe I am biased, I have loved Leunig a long, long time.

In a time that is fraught with unknowns, and political unrest like now, where the news is a constant force of things that make you (me) stabby, people like Leunig stand out and just make you feel better.

His musings, philosophies, poetry and truly genius cartoons show a man with an unusual and stunning brain. A man who is gentle and kind, profound and philosophical, melancholy and thoughtful, whimsical and wonderful. The world could learn a lot from what he says and what he writes.

I felt my soul fill with love and my heart warm by listening to his view on the world and life. It was a great start to a great weekend.

Then, of course, every Saturday should start with Richard Roxburgh, cheeky and intelligent, and showing us there is a lot of Rake in Richard. He spoke about his writing, his family, travel, the latest play with Cate, his love of libraries...

Wait, what!?! My heart grew enormous, thinking how can I love this man anymore than I already do!? He was generous in his love of libraries, although they could be quieter, lol!!  This is clearly a tuned in and clued up dude!

He was cheeky and generous and knew his power of appeal without being a dick about it. Why can't all men have this ability of realness!?!

I then had a couple of hours break before my next lot of sessions. I checked out the Art Gallery exhibits nearby, went for a walk, indulged in Popolo Gelato, and bought a new pair of shoes!

And then I was back for 4 back-to-back sessions, all of them intriguing and interesting.

The first was In Harm's Way, exploring the impact of violence. It had Suzanne Leal, interviewing Michael Sala (I have just finished his latest book which was really good), Sarah Armstrong, and Emily Maguire - who I fell in love with. I love her no nonsense sass and her fierce intelligence. This is a topic that is important to me and a project I have been working on for a while, but getting nowhere, so I like to hear how others approach it, it helps me move a long a little more. Such important topics take time and should not be written about thoughtlessly.

After that was the amazing Steven Amsterdam talking with Caroling Baum about his new book, The Easy Way Out, about assisted dying. I cannot wait to read this book about such an important topic.

Rebellious Daughters was the best of the four, with Lee Kofman (glorious lady) interviewing three of the authors she choose for the book she edited called, Rebellious Daughters. Caroline Baum, Leah Kaminsky, and Susan Wyndham all recalled being asked to contribute, and how they drew stories from their past to be included. It was funny, sad, and poignant.

Musical Notes with musicians/novelists Peggy Frew and Holly Throsby chatting to Anneli Knight about the change from writing lyrics to their first novel, juggling the writing with real life, and where to next. Holly finished the session with a lovely acoustic song.

After another small break, I caught up with friends and we headed to Tara Moss in conversation with Tracey Spicer.

This was a fantastic session where both women were fierce and formidable and truly wonderful role models. Tara was amazing and kind and genuine, and a more intelligent woman I've yet to meet. It was all about the sisterhood, equality, and feminism, and most importantly having your voice heard.

Sunday was less full on with three amazing sessions, starting with Ashleigh Wilson talking to Sarah Johnson from Newcastle Art Gallery about his amazing work on Brett Whitely. I have this book at home and cannot wait to commence it. It is a really balanced and true reflection on Brett, the man and the artist.

The middle session was Two Worlds: the relationship between heritage and identity with Deng Adut, Roanna Gonsalves, and Alice Pung talking to Ruby Hamad. What a fascinating group of people and important words to be listened to. The key theme, simply executed by Deng, was you don't want refugees, don't have war. So bloody simple, yet so far away...frustrating!

I finsihed the weekend with the wonderful, The Importance of Women's Voices with Emily Maguire, Sara Mansour, Tara Moss, Tracey Spicer, and Jane Caro. What a superb panel of inspiration. Stand up and be heard was the clear message and when someone cannot...pass them the mic!!!!

You learn so much from weekends like this and honestly I am still processing al I have learnt.

The main things I took away was: have a voice, have a go, stand up and be listened to, everyone deserves their say, the world should be impacted less by our differences and indeed brought forward by them, get rid of war, share our experiences, listen to others...especially those different to you. Be kind to others, you will always learn from other people's experiences, open your heart to love and kindness.

The other thing I love about the festival is the sense of inclusion by others you meet. I always go solo, so I can do my own thing but usually meet friends for key sessions. However, I am never alone, I run into many, many people I know. Or have conversations or exchange looks of knowing with those sitting near me, people I have never met, but who are kindred spirits.

My three favourite exchanges of the weekend were as follows.

I overheard Tracey Spicer in the bathroom, prior to her conversation with Tara Moss chatting to an acquaintance of mine. She was a little anxious, I came out and my friend said I would be there. I smiled and said I would and I couldn't wait as I knew they both would be wonderful. She smiled a little, put at easy, to know someone as amazing as Tracey would have nerves made me realise we are all the same, no matter how popular you are!

I also ran into Rosemarie Milsom on the Sunday, she looked surprisingly relaxed and happy and was keen to hear my experiences. I was happy to share, she seemed relieved to hear a good story. I get that, you want the people to love what you put out there, and we do. We do so very very much!

My final exchange was not one of words, but one of a knowing glance. I walked out of the Art Gallery that Saturday morning, happy and smiling, as Michael Leunig was walking in. I so desperately wanted to say something, hug him, ask for a pic, but I did not. There is something about his lovely soul that I just didn't want to bother, we exchanged knowing smiles, and for me, that was better than anything i could have asked for. A smile from my whimsical hero.

And so my brain is overflowing, my notepad full of more ideas, my soul satisfied, and my heart full to the brim. Until next year, or at least the SWF, where I will do it over and over again!

MARCH UPDATE

March began with appalling singing and ended with joyous singing!

Our lovely twitter group had a Tweet Up at The Gallipoli Club Karaoke night. I’ve been singing on and off all my life, so I was kinda excited. But Karaoke is a much difference experience to real singing and coupled with my usual nerves, I was pretty bad. Yet, refusing to be defeated, I gave it three shots and improved marginally as the night progressed. But I guess the whole thing about Karaoke is, it’s not meant to be pretty. Having said that, there were some great performers within our group, and it was such a fun night.

I have been looking for an appropriate for me choir for years now and mid month one finally turned up. A great mix of popular, gospel, and world music with an emphasis on fun, and being casual, this was just what I was looking for. Also a lovely group of singers. It is a great leveller, beautiful for the soul, and just simply the most joyous thing I do!

I also attended my first Civic Theatre subscription for , the superb production of Jasper Jones. Having recently read the book, some of the more impacting scenes lost their edge a little, but it was still great storytelling and acting. The staging was simple but clever and worked so very much for this complex story.

At work I was flat chat and enjoying the cooler weather, I spent the month finalising recruitment for two new staff, and inducting and training them. A full team for the first time in ages, yes! We held the ever popular Cavalcade of Fashion, this time bridal gowns from 1880-1930. We were inundated with lovely seniors and these glorious gowns and accessories. I also commenced a TAFE based Leadership course, which I have found wonderful.

And I hosted Share the Story with Carol Duncan and Rosemarie Milsom at Toronto Library. What a great morning with fabulous women discussing intelligent and interesting topics.

My bestie returned after being away for 6 weeks, and it was so lovely to give her a hug and make sure she was ok. I headed up to my sister’s property for dinner, and met their new pets, two cute little piglets, Doris and Dottie. And I even fitted a date in mid month!!

On the health front, I felt really on top of the usual things that dog me, but I was super tired and exhausted, putting it down to the earlier months heat and lack of exercise I soldiered on until I found out I had anaemia! Back on the red meat and iron tabs I am getting there, slowly but surely!

I also had the extreme pleasure of seeing Martha Wainwright at Lizottes later in the month and a great literary adaptation of Dracula at the Civic Theatre.

I ended the month visiting lovely friends, T and J, in their new house, for dinner. What a great evening we had.

And as usual, the markets, loads of reading, watching, and listening, and some photography.

MARTHA WAINWRIGHT

I have missed seeing Martha Wainwright more times than I care to think, so I wasn't missing out this time!

I got the tickets for L and I last November and it kinda snuck up on us, in the loveliest way.

So we headed to Lizotte's anticipating an excellent evening.

Martha was excellent, but unfortunately we received the most appalling service when we arrived to find someone else sitting in our seats. How such a mistake could happen is bizarre, but it was their treatment of us during this situation that was incredibly upsetting. So much so, I ended up writing an email of complaint, which I hated, cause there is nothing worse. But nonetheless I did, and have felt listened to which is marvelous so kudos to them!

I love Lizotte's and have attended many a show there, mostly as it is the most perfect way to experience music and you don't seem to get the dopey drunken bogan fuckwits you seem to have at most other music venues. People are there to experience the music and well, the experience!

I will continue to attend Lizotte's but was upset this one annoyance almost marred a great night out.

Martha, however was magnificent. Light and breezy, friendly and sweet. 

And then her voice, hearing a recorded version of it is nothing, you need to hear Martha live, a little bit raw, but stunning and soaring.

She moved me to tears on more than one occasion. She did songs with just a guitar at the beginning and towards the end, and mostly with her small but tight band.

Most of the songs were from her new album, which I think is her best so far. It is a more cheery album, with many songs about her kids, one - my favourite - written by Rufus, it's a bit operatic, so I should have known.

But there was some old stuff, including my fave, Jimi, and a great rendition of Chelsea Hotel #2 towards the end.

She was happy and chatty (but not too much) in between songs, loving Australia, but missing her kids.

I could have listened to her forever, but before we knew it the night was over.

But the great thing about Lizotte's is they get the performer into the foyer to sell and sign merch. So I waited in line with all my CDs and got to meet her.

She was beautiful and sweet and kind and generous, she was pretty stoked I had all 6 of her albums, signed them all, gave me a hug and suffered a selfie!

My night was made, a good artist will always do that.

And despite an awful start to the evening, I drove home as you do late in the evening after a good gig, not much traffic, drizzly rain, your brain buzzing, your face smiling, and your soul totally enriched and lifted.

MARCH REVIEWS

What I’ve Been Watching

 

Star Trek Beyond – this was an enjoyable film, would’ve been better on the big screen. Loads of action and humour and more enjoyable than the last one.

 

Independence Day: resurgence - this was an enjoyable film, would’ve been better on the big screen. Loads of action and humour and more enjoyable than the last one. Ha Ha, see what I did here..Star Trek was the better of the two of course! Although I loved seeing Goldblum in this one.

 

A Force of Destiny – this was a solid drama from Paul Cox starring David Wenham, a sculptor who needs a liver transplant after being diagnosed with cancer.

 

Rio I Love You – another from the I Love You series, set in Rio with a range of short films joined together and a cast of seemingly thousands. I enjoyed this a lot.

 

Elvis and Nixon – this was a crazy film about when Elvis Presley met Richard Nixon. This actually did happen, and the premise of why (I’ll leave that for you to find out!) is also true. I imagine some of it has been fleshed out liberally, but still it was much fun to watch. Michael Shannon is great at Elvis, and Kevin Spacey is perfect as Nixon.

 

The Man Who Knew Infinity – this was an interesting film based on  true story about mathematics. Starring Dev Patel and Jeremy Irons.

 

Remember – this is my movie of the month. An incredible drama by Atom Egoyan about an elderly, dementia suffering, Holocaust survivor who breaks out of his nursing home to find the nazi who killed most of his family during the war. Christopher Plummer is superb as the lead, and I’m totally gobsmacked he was not nominated for an Oscar, let alone the winner that year! There are many twists and turns and surprises in this movie, but I shall keep them to myself. It is harrowing, and sad, but such an impressive film and performance, it is a must see!

 

Louder Than Bombs – this is a quiet little drama, about a family coming to terms with the death of their wife/mother, Isabella Huppert, a war photographer, who died in a car accident after early retirement. It is three years later, the family (Gabriel Byrne and two sons) are trying to get on with their lives and a documentary film about her life is being made and looks likely to spill some family secrets. This is an interesting and dramatic film, anchored beautifully by Byrne.

 

Winter at Westbeth – is a great documentary about a building of elderly artists and the art they keep creating, from dancing, to painting, to filmmaking, and everything between, the doco features some of these amazing people. Some were stars back in the day, others never quite made it, but all are luminous, extraordinarily talented, and unique humans. Joyous!

 

Star Talk  - this is my favourite show at the moment. A documentary series where science meets popular culture and hosted by the magnificent Neil Degrasse Tyson, from the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. Each episode has Neil interviewing a celeb, Bill Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Buzz Aldrin, William Shatner, Ben Stiller etc. The interview is broken up into bits throughout the show and Neil and his panel – of a comedian and a expert on whatever subject they are discussing. – dissect the interview and add to the discussions. Fascinating, funny, and at a level anyone can understand.

 

Call The MIdwife S6 – I love this series, despite the subject matter lol, it is well written and acted. And whilst it brings me to my knees on many occasions, I find that period in time fascinating.

 

Big Bang theory S9 – this is simple fun, at times annoying, but mostly ok. A guilty pleasure.

 

Walking Dead, Girls, Crashing, Nashville, Atlanta, Broadchurch, Big Little Lies, Feud, Newton’s Law, Legion -  Currently loving these shows, more on them next month when their season is up.

 

What I’ve Been Reading

 

Songs of a War Boy: My Story by Deng Thiak Adut with Ben McKelvey – this is the remarkable story of Adut’s childhood in Somalia and being captured as part of the youth army, a killing machine to becoming a lawyer in Australia. Harrowing, sad, thrilling, and heart warming, this story is just unbelievable. What a brave and incredible man.

 

Stories I Tell Myself: Growing up with Hunter S Thompson by Juan F Thompson –  This is a great biography of Hunter S Thompson and his son Juan, written by Juan. Juan is an IT dude but oh boy he has his father’s talent for writing. This took the 9 years after Hunter’s death to be written, and it is beautifully written. Juan’s style is honest and literary, not Gonzo, but he really showcases his father, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Broken up into periods of his life, you see the journey he has gone on to appreciate a man, who was not always loveable or even visible in his life. You gain real insight into Hunter the man, did anyone really know him, Juan comes very close. It is quite harrowing in parts, Hunter was a difficult man to be around, and that haunted Juan as a kid, as he grew older he initially grew away from his father but came back and attempted to really get to know him...as best as anyone can, and he did. The final chapters leading up to Hunter’s suicide, the aftermath, and that infamous funeral are some of the best biographical chapters I have ever read (I read a LOT of autobiographies, and biographies). They are confronting, terribly sad, and hilariously funny. To capture such an enigma is remarkable, and Juan has done a superb job. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time.

 

Poum and Alexandre: a Paris Memoir by Catherine De Saint Phalle – this was a difficult read in terms of its density. It is a memoir about the author’s eccentric parents and her childhood in Paris. Her parents adored her and each other and lived a hedonistic and bohemian life. When her beloved nanny was let go, she started to spend more time with her father and learn about her mother, her father, their families and backgrounds. This is where the density of the memoir appears, with much past history, French history and the like. The memoir takes on many tangents and turns to give background to the stories told by her father. Also, you need to dissect, what is real and what is fabrication. As father and daughter bond more, the true story of her parents and their relationship appears. As a Francophile I loved this book, but I also wondered how the author remembered so much intricate detail from her childhood. It made you question the questions, as the entire book is about questioning’s one past and family. This is shortlisted for the Stella Prize this year and very worthy of the nomination.

 

The Museum of Modern Love by Heather Rose – I loved this fictional book set against the back drop of Marina Abramovich’s The Artist is Present at MOMA in Manhattan. It tells the stories of two middle aged people who are at crossroads in their personal lives and find themselves drawn to the MOMA and Marina. After noticing each other in the audience to the ‘performance’ they strike up a conversation and an unusual friendship. This covers art, love, loss, life, and commitment in such a beautiful and meditative way, all the while against this remarkable backdrop. The story is told from different points of view and is utterly unique. As a fan of art, Manhattan, and Marina (I – completely out of character – participated in her Sydney residence of The Artist is Present a few years ago) I guess I felt this novel singing to me in many ways, but even so, this is a great read. One of the best novels I have read in a long time. It is also shortlised for the Stella Prize and my favourite!

 

The Stella Prize for Women – by chance I have read 4 of the 6 shortlisted titles, the two above and two outstanding memoirs, Dying by Cory Taylor and The Hate Race by Maxine Beneba Clarke. I truly have loved all four book, and cannot even imagine being a panelist trying to select a winner. All I have read so far I have loved, some will go into my all time favourite lists (The Hate Race and Museum of Love) and are all just thoroughly enjoyable. Musuem of Love is my favourite, Dying is utterly gut wrenching and real, Poum and Alexandre is an epic masterpiece, and The Hate Race should be made compulsory for all Australians. I am currently halfway through Between a Wolf and a Dog by the late great Georgia Blain, a fictional story about a family in crisis. This is stunningly beautiful, well written, and most likely the winner.

 

The Restorer by MIchael Sala- I first came across Michael Sala as a panelist on memoirs and how reliable they are at the inaugural Newcastle Writers Festival. He spoke about his book, which was actually a piece of fiction based on his life and had Newcastle as a backdrop. It was an interesting and compelling story. So I was keen to read his second novel, which has gotten good reviews. I found it similar to the first in terms of style and feels, and with that inner city backdrop of Newcastle in the late 80s. It is the story of a young family trying hard to pull itself together after an incident a few years earlier, they have moved to an old home in inner Newcastle and with restoring the property hope to restore their family. It is a well written book with a page turning feel to it but is ultimately predictable. Despite being a different story to his first book, I could not help but feel he was repeating himself in parts. Having said that, it was a great read and worthy of a look!

 

Seinfeldia: how a show about nothing changed everything by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong – this was a fun read, moreso about what happened after Seinfeld, but ultimately didn’t show me anything I didn’t already know.

 

Hotel Heaven: confessions of a luxury hotel addict by Matthew Brace – I listened to his fab book on CD in the car over the month. It is about luxury hotels and luxury hotel writer, Matthew Brace. This is a hilarious and sassy book. Brace firstly takes us through the history of hotels and the rise of the luxury hotel, with some famous examples and of course the famous people that stay in them. Then he takes us around the world with his favourite luxory hotels and resorts. Oh the opulence and money, the tales and secrets. This was a fab and fun read/listen, one I didn’t want to end and made me long to afford to be able to stay in just one of his suggestions!

 

Still Life With Teapot: on zen, writing, and creativity by Brigid Lowry – this is a lovely memoir/self help book by teen author Brigid Lowry. Essays, snippets, lists, suggestions, Brigid tells us all, and it is a great little read.

 

Rock This City: LIve Music in Newcastle, 1970s-1980s by Gaye A Sheather – this is an interesting and fun read about the music scene in Newcastle. It features music, bands, musicians before my time but many were familiar to me. If this is your era, I am certain you will love this book. I hope there will be a follow up volume!

 

What I’ve Been Listening To

 

Martha Wainwright –  been listening to her 6 record back catalogue including the superb new album, Goodnight City. This was in the lead-up to seeing Martha at Lizotte’s.

 

First Aid Kit – work has been hectic, so I have been listening to the girls, to help calm things down and give me a bit of zen.

FEBRUARY ROUND UP

Ahhh February, you were a bit rough.

Firstly there was the weather, oh vey. I have always said any day about 18/20 degrees is a bad one, so you decided to average high 30s to 40s. Fucking fabulous! Especially when my workplace is NOT air-conditioned. Nothing like feeling sweat drip down your back into your butt crack before 9 in the morning and knowing that by the end of the day you will look and feel like a hobo.

Finally, after 11 years of trauma, the extra intensity of the heat this year, has got us on the road to some solutions. So that is something!!!

The heat left me really fatigued and tired, thank goodness for air-con at home. The month had me pretty much listless and napping at every opportunity.

Secondly, February was pretty crappy for a few of my friends. I did my very best to help keep them going through rough times.

Sometimes the universe (sometimes she says, seems like my entire life!) sends you rough times to see how you cope. And funnily enough, despite it all, the black dog stayed away! I was exhausted sure and slept a lot...but somehow that bastard stayed underground. And for that I am extremely grateful.

So the month was fairly quiet!

Of course I was in deep Oscar mode in February seeing loads of movies. This culminated in the weirdest Oscars ever at the end of the month.

Manchester by Sea, Hidden Figures, Fences, Arrival, Moonlight.

Oscar Predictions

Oscar Review

My favourite customer at work, Doug, turned 100 and he was deservedly toast of the town!

My work bookclub discussed the wonderful Jasper Jones and Bibliotweeps discussed Stephen King's Different Seasons.

I also attended the launch of Newcastle Writers Festival and am excited about a great program in April!

Jayne and I also had a great Galentine's Day by heading out to The Edwards for dinner and some fun!

And of course the usual reviews of books, film, music etc.

And only a few extra pics.

FEBRUARY REVIEWS

What I’ve Been Reading

 

Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen – I listened to Bruce read this to me over the month and it was a sheer delight. This book was highly personal and he really delivered. He told his story, warts and all, with great detail about his slow rise to fame, his band, the music, the gigs. It was everything you would expect and want. And then he added in a whole lot of personal demons, about his family, his parents, and his own very real struggle with depression and anxiety. When a dude like Bruce is actually reading his own words about being in such a depression at 60 that he could not stop crying, well you take notice and hats off to him for being so brave to put that and sooo much more out there. His is an important story and not just for fans, but oh boy, if you are a fan (I am) you will just love this story.

 

Different Seasons by Stephen King- I haven’t read King for a long time and this was a Book Club title and what fun it was. 4 short stories, more drama than horror and including the stories that became the movies of Stand By Me and Shawshank Redemption – both being excellent reads. Apt Pupil was the stand out story though, horrifying in nature and rough to read, but what a mind to create these dreamscapes for us.

 

Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey – this has been around for a long time and with the movie and play coming out I scheduled it for our Movie Book Club at work. What a great read, about a fabulous character Jasper Jones, who in the middle of the night wakes up town goodie two shoes, Charlie, and takes him on an adventure he will never forget. This drama set in small town WA in the 60s tackles so many issues with gentle humour and serious honesty. Go read it before you see the film!

 

What I’ve Been Watching

 

A Bigger Splash – this is my movie of the month. An intriguing story of a couple holidaying on the Italian Riviera. She is a huge music star (Tilda Swinton) recovering for vocal surgery and cannot speak, her partner (Matthias Schoenaerts) is with her. An old friend and lover, Ralph Fiennes arrives with his young daughter in tow and the past gets dredged up and suspense and intrigue ensues. This is a superb drama as you have no idea where it will turn and what will happen next. Swinton is superb and barely says a word and Fiennes is astonishing, I have never seen him so obnoxiously good on screen.

 

Love and Friendship – is a lovely period drama based on Jane Austen’s Lady Susan and starring Kate Beckinsale and Chloe Sevigny. Directed by Walt Whitman, this is fun and fresh and looks divine.

 

Nice Guys – this was a lot of fun. Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling are both private investigators whose paths cross and they reluctantly team up to solve a case.

 

Suicide Squad- I enjoyed this fun anti hero movie with an all star cast. Just seemed to take a long time to get moving.

 

Finding Dory – this was a sweet little sequel to Finding Nemo with a lovely message about acceptance

 

David Brent: Life on the Road -  I love Ricky Gervais, but this was a mistake. What made Brent somewhat acceptable on The Office was he was surrounded by far more interesting people and each does was less than 30 minutes. A full length film without any real substantial supporting characters made for sheer torture. I hope it would not be the case, but this was pure drivel.

 

Startalk- is my new favourite series on TV. It is on the National Geographic channel and I am addicted. It is a talk show about science and pop culture starring the wonderful astro-phyisist Neil Degrasse Tyson. He has a side kick comedian to help lighten moment and an expert on a chosen field of science from his workplace. His workplace is the planetarium in the National History Museum in NY. Each week they broach a subject and Neil interviews someone famous about that topic. In between snippets of the topic, Neil, the comedian and the specialist dissect the topic from a scientific pov but in a way everyone can understand. Guest have been Bill Clinton, Susan Sarandon, Buzz Aldrin, Whoopi Goldberg, Christopher Lloyd, Phillipe Petite, Ben Stiller, and many more.

 

Continental Train Journeys – these are great series with Michael Portillo travelling by train throughout Europe using his old Bradshaw travel guide and following the journeys within. He takes us to hotels, places, and icons as mentioned in the books and it is fascinating

 

Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery S1-4 -  I missed the odd episode of this so watched it all over again. What a gem of a series, Julia taking Australian comics back to their hometown, schools etc and finding out what made them them. It is simple enough, but in anyone elses hands may not work as well. Zemiro is just a delight, with sleight of hand and a gentle manner. She makes her guests feel at home, and that brings out the best in them.

 

The Katering Show – I have seen bits and pieces of this online, but sat and watched both series back to back. They do work better in small snippets, but I love their pisstake of the cooking world, which I really loathe. It gives me more joy watching them than it should!

 

Toast on London S3 – I love this dry comedy about Toast (played beautifully by Matt Berry) an out of luck actor trying to make his way on the stage and on screen in London. He gets into the most stupendous scrapes and meets the most interesting of people and of course makes a total arse of himself. Jon Hamm hilariously stars in one episode!

 

Outlander 1.1 – I am still not sure about this soap operay time travel. It was pretty ordinary, and not a lot happened.

 

Girls/Walking Dead/Talking Dead/Nashville/Call the Midwife – some of my faves have started back and are all just wonderful, more when each season finishes up.

 

What I’ve Been Listening To

 

Richard Fidler – some of Richard’s interviews have been popped onto CDs, so I listened to them in the car. Fabulous stuff.