October/November Diary

October and November were a wild ride I have to say. The best of times, the worst of times.

Let's knock the worst off first. I guess some people would gloss over the bad, but I know that social media gets a bad wrap for glorifying people's lives and only showcasing the good. I am a firm believer in showing the real picture. 

For the past 3 years I have been living under a horrible cloud of uncertainty. It started with a cancer diagnosis and whilst I kicked it's arse to the curb fairly quickly I had a good 2 years of side effects from radiation and zero to low immunity. I soldiered through, but it was not pleasant, and the past 2 years we have been moving through a brutal and lengthy restructure, that cast a shade of uncertainty over everyone. 

I know this is just our economic environment and a lot of people deal with this all the time, but after almost 30 years of work without such issues, it hits hard. And so October started with more bad news regarding work. But it looked like this would resolve things in one way or another so that was a relief in one way, but incredibly stressful in another. Essentially I had to apply for my own job and any other new ones. 

Early October, I had some muscular issues with my lower back, hips, and legs. I think exacerbated by stress, I was in a lot of pain, but some back and forth to my fabulous Osteopath sorted all that. Late October, I developed Tonsillitis, and yep, that was when I had to apply for those jobs. Firstly, I have never had Tonsillitis before and I cannot begin to tell you how awful and painful that is. I am guessing anyone who has had it is nodding in agreement now. Pain unlike I have ever felt, and I had two weeks off work, the first in incredible pain, the second more like a bad throat infection.

And even though it didn't happen until December, I am pleased to say I kept my job...more on that next month!

And onto the more fun things from October and December.

Linda and I commenced October with a little return to sort of normal, by attending the launch of the inaugural New Annual program. This is a local arts festival which we are all looking forward to. 

Chrissie visited us from Sydney, and a group of us had a lovely picnic in King Edward park. Been ages since I had a picnic and it was the perfect start to my two weeks of holidays. The following afternoon I met my choir at the foreshore an we sung for the first time since very early this year. It was distanced but it was great, we got quite an audience and it was lovely to be outdoors and doing what we love best.

I used the first week of my holidays to do some of my favourite things. I headed up to Maitland Art Gallery and Morpeth, to Newcastle Art Gallery, Darby Street and sat at the Ocean Baths and read.

The following week I took a road trip to Forster via Nabiac. Nabiac is a little town just off the highway. It is quaint and has a proper old country town feel, with . I was staying in one of those 80s style motels (which I love) just near the centre of Forster. When I arrived I had a late lunch at a lovely Italian place by the beach, and it was drizzly. I got to the motel late afternoon and it poured down, so I had a nap and read. The next day I brunched in town, sat by the river and read, went to the beach, took a drive and had a lovely late lunch on the water at Tuncurry, before meandering home. The following day I returned to the Italian place for brunch and more beach. ANd so it went. It was exactly what I needed.

We celebrated my nephew turning 18, and Alice and I headed to Darby for brunch.

In August I enrolled in two art classes via National Gallery of Victoria, one of Surrealism and one on writing about art. I loved both, they really made me think and reopened my creativity which had been shrunk by covid, stress, etc. So I sadly finished them late October.

November saw us celebrating Mal's birthday, and the Jacaranda's blooming. 

I visited Bar Beach, and a group of us went to seat dance to Fish Fry and Pow Wow at The Gal.

French Friday returned with Edmond, about the man who wrote the play of Cyrano de Bergerac. It was a delightful film, clever and funny. Just what we needed for a socially distanced return to cinema.

We had our final bookclub of the year at Belindas, and I had my usual Christmas catch up with Jen and Cath.

The markets remained my constant.

And I even went on a couple of dates, but more on that another time.

Here are my reviews for October and November.

And some extra pics:

NOVEMBER REVIEWS

What I've Been Reading

Glora Steinem: on integrity, empathy, and authenticity/Nelson Mandela: guiding principles/Great Thunberg: on truth, courage, and saving out planet - these are part of a series of books on leaders, their story and their thoughts on the topic in the title. They are small in length but huge in ideas and ideals.

Howard Stern Comes Again -  I have finally finished this one, I have been reading it on and off for a long time but it keeps getting reservations, so I take it back to work, and get it again when others are finished with it. It is a book of printed conversations Stern has had on his radio show over the years with some introductions and thoughts by Stern himself. The interviews are mostly big stars like Letterman, McCartney, GaGa, Madonna, Sia etc plus various conversations with Trump over the years. It is a fascinating and humourous book!

Quest in Paradise by David Attenborough – a spoken word version read by the man himself (that voice!) of his early journeys to New Guinea and his quest to see the infamous Birds of Paradise doe their special song and dance. He meets a lot of interesting characters and films rituals and animals. Fascinating stories.

The Morbids by Ewa Ramsey - this is the debut novel by local author and is a solid read. I liked the realistic depiction of depression and anxiety, which is a rare to find in fiction. The story itself is probably more suitable to teens, or could be described at chick lit, or rom com, or a beach read. Nothing wrong with that, but I prefer depth in my fiction.

Couture by Megan Hess is another stunning book on fashion my illustrator/writer Hess. Her illustrations are stunning and full of whimsy, and always make me smile.

Heart Berries: a memoir by Terese Marie Mailhot - this was an intense memoir by an indigenous Indian American. It goes into her breakdown, mental health, and institutionalisation during that time. It is intense, but also funny at times.  

What I've Been Watching

The  Bookseller – this movie felt like it was made for me, about the booksellers of New York. Oh my! I grinned and wept in equal measures through this documentary. The passion this eclectic group of people have for books is outstanding. It features a range of people including singular booksellers, and those that are running institutions. It follows a couple of book fairs also. And like all good docos about New York features some great pieces from Fran Lebowitz. And some of the books featured will make you weak at the knees. This is a must see film.

Vinyl Nation  - another doco made for me, about the resurgence of vinyl. Amazing and fun, full of quirky peeps, my type of peoples! Shows the decline of vinyl, the advance of CDs then digital, and then the full circle back to vinyl. Also the people - like me - who never went away from vinyl and hung in there. It goes into the history of Record Store day, and how albums are pressed these days. fascinating, fun, and uplifting. A must see film.

Laurel Canyon is a great documentary about the music scene in LA in the  late 60s and 70s. It features loads of amazing footage including music from Joni Mitchell, The Byrds, The Doors, The Monkees, Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, Mamas and the Papas, Bonnie Raitt and many more. It is really interesting the intertwining relationships throughout this era. In terms of who was in what band and also relationships. A lot I knew but watching it really consolidated the information. But essentially this is about the music, and what great music it was!

Brock: over the top – this is a no holds bar documentary on the motor racing great, Peter Brock. I grew up in a motor racing family and Brockie was God! I heard about his wild ways in recent years, and his abuse of his first wife. It is a hard pill to take but it sounds like he had a lot of issues and whilst some improved over the years, some did not. That withstanding, this is really a great film. So much amazing footage and his passion for safety and his advertisements for 0.05 drinking. Loads of interviews with family and colleagues add to the perspectives. I really enjoyed this one.

I Am Patrick Swayze - this was a great documentary about an extraordinary man. Loads of footage throughout his life, including before he was famous, and loads of interviews with those who new him best. Buddy was the name he went by, and he was gifted in everything he did, but there was a dark side to him too. This was no holds barred and real, but also lovely. 

Greg Davies Live: the back of my mum's head - this is from 2013 but hilarious. I am such a fan of Greg, he never fails to make me laugh. His stories are ridiculous but obviously real. Adore him and this is 90 minutes of side splitting laughter.

Lazy Susan – is an unusual film about an unusual woman stuck in her middle-aged humdrum life who decides to turn things around. I probably wouldn’t have made it through the film if it wasn’t for Sean Hayes playing the lead of Susan. He also wrote the script. I wanted to love this, but it was only ok…just.

Downhill – this is a very very poor remake of a French black comedy. Will Ferrell and Julia Louis-Dreyfus are completely miscast in this. In the original the couple are struggling but on a ski holiday with their family. They play it straight, it is the characters around them that are funny and the situations that they get themselves in. Ferrell and Louis-Dreyfus tried but it just did not work.

I May Destroy You is utterly compelling. A high-concept drama/comedy series from the UK. It is based on real-life events that happened to writer/star Michaela Coel. Coel pretty much plays herself, a internet sensation for keeping it real especially in terms of feminism, has written a best selling book and is beloved. she returns home from working on her second book overseas and catches up with friends. When she wakes the next morning, the evening prior is foggy, she has a cut on her forehead and some bruising on her body and believes she has been drugged and raped. The series covers an entire year of her life as she tries to make sense of things she simply cannot remember. It turns realities on it's head, and gives you a whole range of perspectives to look at. Michaela is charismatic, hilarious, and deeply broken about this. It is not something you can binge, it is heavy, but also very funny. It is one of the best things I have seen all year. Remarkable stuff and makes you think. Up there with Fleabag. 

The Undoing is a brilliant mystery/thriller starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. They are a high profile New York couple, but things fall apart when a mother from their son's school is brutally murdered. The woman was having an affair with Grant, and he is the main suspect. The story twists and turns and has you on the edge of your seat. I kept changing who I thought did it in every episode and it catches you out everytime you make an opinion. Well worth a watch!

Raised by Wolves - this is an ambitious sci-fi show about two androids raising a family of children on another planet after Earth is destroyed. But the initial utopia starts to fall when most of the children do not survive and they are attacked by others escaping to this planet. Beautifully shot, with compelling characters, this starts brilliantly (the first two episodes are directed by Ridley Scott) but then loses it a bit in the middle before things get back on track by the end. I enjoyed this, but it needed a bit of an edit. Unsure if there will be second series, but I am keen to see where it goes.

Awafina is Nora from Queens - I loved this comedy with Awafina as Nora, a 30 something still living at home with her father and grandmother. She smokes a lot of pot, plays computer games all night, and is unemployed. But she is hilarious, as is her grandmother. This is a sweet show, funny, a bit out there, and clever. It reminds me of Broad City and Girls.

Difficult People -  is a dark comedy featuring Julie Klausner and Billy Eichner, two struggling comics in New York. They get a lot of opportunities but due to their harsh personas usually end up upsetting someone and getting sacked. Loads of other comedians feature in the 3 seasons, and the stories are hilarious. Very New York, Amy Sedaris and Deborah Harry feature as a lesbian couple, this is the spin off we all need, lol. Fred Armison as Billy's brother is brilliant, as is the always wonderful Andrea Martin as Julie's mother. I loved this so much, hilarious, and often brutal, these guys are awful but in the best possible way. So many favourite moments, I cannot even begin to list them. If you haven't seen this, you must! It is on SBS On Demand.

Zoo Quest - This was a two part documentary about the first series David Attenborough was involved in. Shot on colour film but shown in black and white. The original colour film was found and they have now shown it for the first time in colour within this doco. The colour is striking as it was colour from the 50s and look hyper surreal. There are interviews with Attenborough and the boys - now elderly men - who filmed with him. They showed the original footage and told the behind the scenes tales. Some of what they did was quite dangerous, but being young didn't really realise. Obviously taking animals from Africa and New Guinea was not the right thing to do and they were strong to say that things changed in terms of conservation as time went on. But utterly fascinating, I was in awe of what I saw.

Come Fly With Me was an interesting 3 part documentary about the history of Australian Aviation. With loads of interviews of people involved in the industry, especially the women, the first women who took to the air. Hosted by the ever gorgeous Justine Clarke, this was a lot of fun.

What I've Been Listening To

Sign O The Times by Prince - got the remaster of this in peach vinyl and it sounds terrific. Easily Prince's best album and my favourite. Been blasting it!

Gimme Some Truth by John Lennon - this is the remastered Greatest Hits as chosen by Yoko and Sean, it sounds divine and is a mighty tribute for Lennon's 80th.

Young Americans by David Bowie - another remaster in gold vinyl and also sounds great. The title track I always loved but has deeper meaning for me as it was the first Bowie played on the radio after hearing he had died. big sigh...

Hoodoo Gurus - been spinning the early stuff, Stoneage Romeos and Mars Needs Guitars, two more perfect albums I'll never know. The pop holds up so beautifully today and the sound is wonderful. 

Three Chords and the Truth - Van Morrison - Van has been pumping out some great albums of late and this is one of them. Jazzy and compelling, he sounds great, the band is tight, it makes you want to dance. Go Van!

Van Morrison - been listening to his greatest hits in the car, always holds up, always a delight.

A New World Record - ELO - my favourite ELO album with my favourite ELO song, Rock Aria. But the entire album is wonderful, always great to listen to.

Child in Reverse - Kate Miller-Heidke - this is the new KMH in pretty pink vinyl. I love her so much and this is stunning, loads of operatic vocalising and pop tunes. She never ever disappoints, her storytelling within the song always brilliant.

Black Pumas – really enjoyed this debt album with a real soul feel. It felt instantly easy to listen to and had smooth grooves.

Imploding the Mirage – Killers – I always enjoy this band, their rock/pop has a nice clear sound to it and this is no exception. A couple of 80s inspired rock anthems within.

An Evening of New York Songs and Stories – Suzanne Vega – this is exactly as it is titled, a fabulous laid back live recording of Vega telling stories and singing all her great songs. Lifting and wonderful.

Valve Bone Woe – Chrissie Hynde with the Valve Bone Woe Ensemble – Chrissie sings jazz!!! Yep, this is quite unusual and it sounds a bit odd on paper but it really works. Her signature rock attitude comes across brilliantly interpreting these standards and other tunes in her own way. Sinatra, Beahc Boys, Hoagy Carmichael, Mingus, Coltrane, Nick Drake and Ray Davies – this is really worth a listen. I loved it.

Alicia – Alicia Keys – a lovely laid back mix of light hip hop and r n b, Alicia always sounds sublime, her piano playing brilliant. To me, this is a return to her original style when she first appeared. Really enjoyed this.

Brightest Blue – Ellie Goulding – I love Goulding’s ethereal voice and this is lovely and light and laid back in tone. There is a mix of styles, some electronic and dance within, along with her signature chill vibe.

 

OCTOBER REVIEWS

What I've Been Reading

All Our Shimmering Skies by Trent Dalton  - I loved Trent’s first book, Boy Swallows Universe, it took me a while to get into (2 goes in fact) but once I did it was a wild and brilliant ride. I loved the ending, I loved the pathos, I loved the love. The follow-up was going to be a difficult and it came much sooner than we expected. I went into it with excitement and great trepidation, but I need not have been worried. It was another masterpiece, initially I proclaimed it better than the first, but with time it as good for sure, better, I am unsure. 

It is the story of Molly Hook, the gravedigger’s young daughter, with the backdrop of WWII in Darwin. After a series of awful events, Molly – who believes her family and life is cursed – embarks on a quest into the outback to overturn the curse. With her is Greta, a saucy actress with big dreams, and Yukio, a Japanese Pilot. It is so beautifully written, so descriptive you can see everything in your mind’s eye, and so very much full of Dalton’s huge heart. It is funny, dramatic, romantic, and a little bit magical. There were times during the outback quest that felt a little forced or too unrealistic and could have been pared back a bit, but really that was minor for me. It doesn’t pack the punch of Boy Swallows Universe, but it is still endearing and stays with you days after reading. That is a testament to fabulous  writing!

More Than A Woman by Caitlin Moran – this is the follow up to the best seller, How To Be A Woman and is outstanding. Moran has a quick and sharp wit, but also a lot of heart. The book is divided into the times of the day with a particular subject matter. It is mostly about being a middle-aged woman and how it is not all it is cracked up to be. Dealing with teenagers, ageing parents, job frustrations, keeping romance alive, and the ever changing body of a woman. I loved her chapter that directly addresses men, and wept at her chapter on her teenage daughter’s eating disorder. She also hilariously spoke about the silly names given to the parts of an overweight or ageing body. I’ve loved Moran since I read her essay on libraries about a decade ago, she called libraries, “Cathedrals for the soul” and that’s good enough for me. I always feel like I am listening to a good friend when I read her books. I am sure you will too.

Gotta Get Theroux This: my life and strange times in television - Louis Theroux- I like Louis, and him reading his own memoir is great. It goes into his childhood, his upbringing, commencing documentary work and television in the UK and the US, getting his start on TV Nation with Michael Moore (I had forgotten about that, I also didn’t realise his father IS Paul Theroux and his cousin is Justin!). Then getting his TV show up and running, with a lot of behind the scenes detail. It was all fascinating, but he spends a hell of a lot of time on the subject of Jimmy Savile. I feel he is trying to make up for giving this monster air time. It is uneven, too much, and quite obvious he had no idea who Jimmy really was, as did many. There is much about his personal life, and long suffering partners. I found it interesting, just way too much Jimmy.

The Serenity Passport: a world tour of peaceful living in 30 countries by Megan C Hayes – this was a fascinating insight into how other countries relax and chill. From different types of yoga, to sleep, fiestas, and meditation, and much more. I found this was wonderful to read during covid, it made me feel calm and comforted.

Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid – this is the story of Emira, a young African-American babysitter, and Alix her employer, a privileged white woman. On the surface it is an easy fun read about a young girl’s coming of age, working, romance, friends. But it is really a story of race relations, the complexities and confusions. I don’t really want to mention the plot as there are too many spoilers. This is a worthwhile read, I quite enjoyed it.

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Yuong  - this is the stunning debut novel from Vietnamese writer, Ocean Yuong. It is written as a long form love letter to his mother. Little Dog, as he is called, retells his own life story and family history in his words. It is expansive in the subject matter, but spare in word count. It has a few twists, and some sad turns of events, but is ultimately uplifting with some humour along the way. Highly Recommend.

What I've Been Watching

Succession S2  - wow, S2 upped the ante on this despicable family that you cannot stop watching. The acting is phenomenal, the stories outlandish but watchable, the sets out of this world. There is a yacht so big in one episode they land helicopters on it. S2 picks up where S1 left off, the kids are still vying for Dad’s approval and the Number 1 position on the board. There is more to acquire, or swindle. This show is delicious and I just gobbled up S2. Look out for some new supporting cast members, amazing performances there too, but no spoilers.

Schitts Creek S6 – I love this show so very much. This was the final season and it was perfect. The Rose family have come a long way and their growth is at the heart of this show. There is so much to remember with these 4 main characters and all the amazing supporting cast too. The fashion, the music, the humour, the inclusivity, the love. The things I loved the most was David and Patrick’s stunning relationship, everyone should be so lucky. David’s fashion and facial expressions, I just adore him. Eugene Levy as Johnny Rose, stoic, proud, and just a beautiful man. Alexis and her growth and her performance of A little bit Alexis and Moira! Oh Moira, the accent, the clothes, the wigs, the shoes, the singing, the crow, her babees. What a utterly original and fabulous and hilarious character. I also loved Stevie and her stunning performance in Cabaret, and her beautiful friendship with David. The supporting characters, every single one, shone. But it was the Rose family that made me smile the most, after all the show was about them. If you have yet to discover this, give it a go. It takes a couple of seasons to reach its height and warmth, but it is more than worth it. Those first 2 seasons are not bad, they are really good just they get exceptional from there on.

Secrets of the Museum – this is a fabulous series which delves behind the scenes of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It looks at various items from the collection in each episode. Some are in need of repair or mending. Some paintings get touched up, some taken down for reframing or to loan to another gallery. Some items are new and being accessioned, one episode featured a stunning large piece of photography of Bowie as Ziggy from the Hunky Dory sittings. Other episodes show the teams looking for pieces to add to their collection for a particular special exhibit, eg Costumes, cars etc. All of the history of the pieces or artists are discussed with inside stories. This is such a treat, I hope they do more.

Staged – this was a COVID show, with a simple premise. David Tennant and Michael Sheen were meant to do a play together and then COVID hit, so the director suggested they practise via Zoom and be ready for when theatres open back up. This is obviously loosely scripted and they are playing accentuated versions of themselves, but ultimately it feels like an intimate look into both of their lives. Their partners feature and presumably the more intimate aspects, eg Sheen’s neighbour are for real. Other actors – no spoilers but absolutely hilarious – appear, but it is the bromance between Sheen and Tennant or is it Tennant and Sheen that just makes you smile. It was a sheer delight to watch, it made my month!!! And there is going to be another season!!!

Anh Do’s Brush with Fame – this was an outstanding season with Anh chatting to and painting Todd Sampson, Father Bob, Jack Thompson, Sophie Delezio, and Michelle Payne amongst others. There were the usual tears and laughter and stunning portraits. Anh is a National Treasure, may this show continue as long as there are interesting and inspirational people to paint.

Trip To Greece - this is meant to be their last hurrah, it was the weakest series of the 4, but still very good. I love Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon on these travelogue shows, funny and melancholy versions of themselves. Greece was stunning of course. Still better than anything else you will see.

Mission Galapagos – a fascinating show on the magical Galapagos Islands, with footage for the first time from a submersible machine. It delves the real depths of the ocean around the island discovering some animals for the first time. It also shows how the animals there evolve over time. The sea monitor lizards are growing smaller as El Nino changes the habitat. The smaller they are the less food they need and the more agile they become. 

Top Ten Treasures of Egypt - this was a great documentary about some of the known and unknown treasures in Egypt. Bethany Hughes takes us on the journey and her simplicity in presenting the knowledge is what makes this documentary stand out. She takes us into places unseen by cameras and regular people, like right up into the pyramids. I have seen a lot of docos of Egypt, but this was excellent.

Hillary - this was a great four part documentary about the great woman. It goes through her history with interviews from then and now. Many others are also interviewed. It was absolutely fascinating, especially when we get to Bill's misgivings, oh boy, she is still shirty (understandably) about that, Similarly, when Bill was asked about that, he pretty much breaks down. But there is more to Hillary than Bill, and there is much to love within. She is not perfect, but I really admire her.

Once were brothers: Robbie Robertson and the band – a documentary about The Band, but featuring Robbie Robertson mostly. I feel like it was a little one sided and he was trying to make amends. It is a difficult one to point, but ultimately was an engaging and enjoyable watch, mostly due to the early comradery of the boys and their great music.

The Eulogy: the untold story of Australia's Greatest clasical pianist  - this is the documentary of Geoffrey Tozer, a piano prodigy who was not that well known, mostly due to his self-sabotage nature.  A fascinating insight into the man, the people around him and how things went wrong. Paul Keating and Richard Gill feature as supporters.

Half the Picture is a great documentary about women directors and the lack of them in Hollywood. Featuring a lot of women directing today, looking at the very short list of predecessors, and looking to the future.

Akashinga: the braves ones – following a fierce group of women who have been trained as an elite group whose job it to protect wildlife across Africa. The women include single mums, victims of domestic violence and rape, and abandoned wives.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood - this was a sweet film with Tom Hanks as the supporting role of Mr Rogers, who befriends a cynical journalist played by Matthew Rhys (The Americans). I wasn't sure what to expect, and it is hard to describe, but well worth a watch.

What I've Been Listening To

Homegrown – Neil Young – NY keeps churning out good, solid albums and this is another.

Is Thomas Callaway – Ceelo Green – I really enjoyed this fun, soulful album. His voice is sublime.

When we all fall asleep, where do we go – Billie Eilish – I really appreciated and liked this album, but I have to say, I don’t get the hype. I like the experimental tones, but that is mostly the instrumental parts. Her voice is actually great, when she sings…as opposed to talking/whispering. I guess it is different and I think – for me – it is a slow burn, and is growing on me.

One World by Billy Ocean – this is a very easy album to listen to, a little bit reggae, a little bit calypso, a little bit R&B. Billy has aged well and sounds great. No real pop hits here, just a nice solid album.

This Dream of You by Diana Krall – a collection of covers from studio recordings over the year. Diana is laid back and soothing as always, her piano playing ever divine. This is a quieter album and less jazzy but really lovely. I’ll never tire of Krall.

Podcasts

Butterfly Effect by Jon Ronson – this is a short one off (as such) podcast by Ronson on pornography, specifically free online porn. I love Ronson and his ability to find beauty in every odd or strange thing in this world he engages, learns, and presents without judgement. There we all should go! Please don’t let the porn factor put you off. His stories are about those sidelined or swept up or effected by the industry and it is quite a relevation.

Marlon and Jake: Read it Forward – this is a podcast about books in The Canon, by Booker Prize winning author, Marlon James and his editor Jake Morrissey. They pick a topic, eg Desert Island Reads, Fantasy, Memoir, Trashy Novels, Myths and Legends etc. The books they discuss have to be by dead authors and classics. It is interesting and funny, they often don’t see eye to eye and hilariously debate the differences. If you love the classics and don’t mind your favourites possibly taking a hit, this is for you. There is a lot of love for most of The Canon, but there are some weaknesses in their eyes. Loved this one soooo very much.

Smartless -  is a new podcast with Sean Hayes, Will Arnett, and Jason Bateman. Long time friends, it feels like you are eavesdropping in on dinner or drinks. The premise is one of them organises a guest but doesn’t tell the other two, so no prep from them. It is funny, crazy, and interesting. Guest thus far include Melissa McCarthy, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Robert Downey Jnr, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Adam Sandler, you get the picture.

WTF with Marc Maron -  Maron is prolific as ever despite COVID and his partner passing unexpectedly. He’s working through his grief and anxiety (as always ) through his podcast. For those that do not know he has been pumping out solid 70-90 minute interviews for about a decade. He really established the podcast and what he doesn’t know about popular culture isn’t worth knowing. He started interviewing comedians (he is one himself) and then branched out and has interview just about everyone from Obama to his neighbour. And this month he is on fire with guests such as John Cusack, Wynton Marsalis, Wayne Coyne, Patti Smith, and Matthew McConaughey. All of which were utterly brilliant. All his interviews are great, but some just transcend (especially if he has real chemistry with the interviewee. Patti and Wayne really did that, it was utter joy to listen to.

David Tennant Does a Podcast  - the affable Tennant is back with a new series, this time featuring Jim Parsons, George Takei, Judi Dench, Dan Levy, Tim Minchin, Elizabeth Moss, Neil Gaiman, Billie Piper and many more. They were all great, but Tennant and Gaiman was so great I thought I would need smelling salts! If you are not listening to this you are really missing out.

SEPTEMBER DIARY

September was a really good month. Covid had settled a bit, my health was back on track after a horrid sinus/chest infection, work felt good, and so did I!

I also saw the return to a bit more socialising, albeit still within Covid restrictions.

We had family get togethers for Father's Day and my beautiful niece's 13th birthday.

I went to a great event hosted by my work, it was Scott Bevan in conversation with Jeff Apter about his latest book, Friday on my Mind, about George Young. The event also had John Paul Young and Warren 'Pig" Morgan. It was a rollicking conversation filled with great tales of music and recording. They had the small audience in the palms of their hands. It ended with a short performance by JPY with Morgan accompanying him on keyboards.

I am such a JPY fan, I was thrilled to be in his orbit. His voice and performance style just gets better and better with age. 

M and I went to a proper gig at Lizotte's. We saw Daniel Champagne.

And a group of us had a lovely Sunday lunch at Downtown Beirut followed by a Yes Commissioner gig at The Gallipoli Club.

And on the last day of the month I did two online events. The first Annabel Crabb in coversation with Trent Dalton a bout his new book, All the Shimmering Skies.

The second Jimmy Barnes at Lizotte's

There was Boolkclub via zoom, some radio reviews on ABC 1233, and the usual markets.

I took a few walks at Greenpoint, and at the beach.

I also commenced two art classes via NGV.

There was my usual reviews.

And some additional photography.