The 'Puff.

Mwahaha filming madness!

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 04:08:15 GMT

I must confess it took me a while to remember how to post on LJ, its been what 3 months now? Ah well facebook has claimed me.. sorry peeps!

Anyways I'm posting a video filmed in 07/08 that a friend and I made last night. We just knocje dup our little trip into Sydney, how you all enjoy!

When life hands you watermelons.....

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:51:04 GMT

I surround myself with people that are better than me in the hopes I can pluck even the tiniest shard of their being to better myself.

And so begins my weekend. Thursday and Friday came and went, much to my surprise. And I'm feeling none the better for it. You know those days when you come home so elated and happy and overjoyed, knowing you gave it your all and it turned out great, only to have those that know you best turn you down and leave you alone?

Or perhaps you can join me in another world. One where everyone around you excels and exceeds and you're told you're great but inside you, and only you, know a truth. It's a hollow shell that only brings you unhappiness.

I'm sorry to report I'm in a pretty bad way right now, and what's even worse, is that I don't know why. Inside, I want to tear myself up emotionally. It hit me Thursday and hasn't left. It's like this gut-wrenching pain that won't receede. And you feel even ore shallow for having it.

Right now, I need someone to talk to and vent. I need a breath of fresh air and my 3 little kittens to play with. I need a computer that works. I need a life outside of my life where I'm admired, not jested. Where I can strong and smart and brave and handsome. One where I can instantly be all that I want to be.

But I'll survive with what I have. I'll turn it around and make lemonade.

The juxt of my worries, I guess (if I reveal the truths behind) are relationships and love and life. Sure I've gone on about it before in great detail. But now more than ever I need a body to cuddle up next to and snuggle.

Sure, my flatmate, Sally, and I cuddle every night (as friends) and tell each other everything. And she's a sweetie young thing thats doing well for herself despite all that's shes been through. We're a rock for each other at the moment.

But I fear I'm losing her. And I think that's whats got me all in a knot.

I can't believe I'm typing this.

She's just broken up with her boyfriend and I've been her shoulder, for my part. And now she has 3 potential other guys that shes playing around with... and well.... I guess I viewed myself (besides her boyfriend) as the other main man in her life. And now that is kinda coming undone.

And she's going out, having fun, hooking up with guys and being all kinds of awesome. And here I am, sulking in the shadows, feeling all down and depressed.

This by now is a post rather for me to gather my thoughts, for those that have not garnered that as of yet.

I'll just continue to write what comes to mind in the hope of clarity.

I think I'm almost hitting the nail on the head in relation to my negative feelings. Right now I want to cry and curl up into a ball and I don't know why.

Perhaps I'm jealous of Sally.

I know I shouldn't be and it's imature and childish, but then again, is it? She has what I have - happiness.

Or is it she's not paying me the attention I want anymore.

It's like my heart clutches my chest, begging not to let go. I want tp punch a wall and cry out in ecstacy. A wave of emotions tumble and turn like a thunderstorm within the catacombs of my body, to and fro.

*takes a deep breath*

Now is a strange time for me. I hope I can change, and ask myself the hard questions in light of a need for change.

I wish to touch inner core and connect with the light and relese my inner glow.

it will take time.

- J

I"m back for a bit

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:09:36 GMT

Has it really been nearly two a half months since my last entry? EEP!

For many it will be a surprise that I am back and writing. And perhaps a lot of you have turned off in the meanwhile. I do apologise for not responding to my dear American friends. LJ however was a period, a phase in which I would transcend and become a new “me”. It was a means to an end, looking back, and I thank you all for your comments and additions at the time.

However not to get all emotional and D&M, its great to be (at least ,momentarily) returning.

And the reason is purely sharing of relfections.

Yes I, the humble young Australian, am once again head-over-heels in love.

It could be lust, it could be piqued interest. But its something....that raises my curiosity. But let me run back to the beginning to make some sense.

You see, I've spent the past 2-3 months doing so much, but it feels like such a longer time. My work has just gone up and up into heights of personal achievement and gratification I could only dream of.

I have a wonderful team, an amazing family and an ideal-ish life.

But finding that other, that someone... well I may be there, I may be not. And I may need your guidance.

I met a girl at a random bar a month ago (yes it sounds cliché). Now she was no physical beauty in the mainstream sense, but we laughed and chatted and decided to pursue a relationship for a week. It didn't last as I called it off I didn't have that physical attraction.

And then an Aussie superstar came into my sights, and I was smitten. I loved her voice, her sould her purity and heart, and still do.

And yes, much to my colleagues chargrin, we danced and laughed as newly-found friends. It was however a short lived acquaintence.

But realism is kicking in. Much like the last girl I was smitten for, I'vre come to realise though shes got a beautiful soul, it could only happen in a fantasy world.

But then tonight... well wow. LJ – I may have found her at the most unexpected time in my life.

I remember rocking up to this artsy well-to-do gathering, and walking around in my business attire, white wine in one hand, eyes searching for those I knew in the crowd. And then I was introduced to her.

At first glance, she seemed... cute. Honest. Open. And so we begun the intricate dance of subtle courtship, sharing stories and weaving words and laughter into topics familiar and alien alike.

Turns out we have similar passions. She in arts, mine in media. And when I took visage upon her works... I behald a sight mine eyes hath not seen before. For in those dots and acrylic swirls lay meaning, message and compassion.

Here is a woman who is true and loving to her people and family. Sure she was a treat to the eye, but what caught my attention was her character (even after a few wines).

And then the blushes, the whole “hey Josh is single, hint hint nudge nudge” from colleagues.... but could I help it?

Guys. I think I might be IN love. A genuine heartfelt love. Maybe its wrong, but I don't know.

But to take a chance again is somewhat scary. I loved once and was turned down in a kind way. Other times I forced myself into loving something that was not real. To have the capacity to love is surely a great thing. But security always came from withdrawing inside and not sharing and bearing my soul with another.

Is it selfish to think that way? Or should I take a chance on a woman who, for once in so long, I could easily converse with as myself, and who more often than not gave me the most gorgeous, heartwarming smile?

I'm am definitely to meet her within a week at an exhibition dedicated to her artwork. Sure I'm cryptic here... but argh.

Lets play it by ear.

Its 1am so I'm finishing up to sleep. I want to write more but feel an audio file would help me come across much more... emotionally to you, my wonderful audience. Bah I'm ranting.

Basically without pining to you on my lack of lovelife.. I'm in genuinely good spirits and am maturing into something my family would be proud of.

In short, I'm ruling my world, I'm taking the mic and laying down the line. And as for this girl, I think I like her. And I'm going to get to know her, so wish me luck!

Because honestly what is embarrasment when we may miss out on something good.

Until then my friends, stay safe, stay well.

- J

Ugh... someone take my foot out of my mouth!

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:34:21 GMT

It's been a long and trialling week. You know, the ones where you get those highs and lows, and there's so much on your plate you barely register eating and sleeping?

Yeah.

Work is going through huge change, my other flatmates are going through a non-speaking period due to one disagreeing with the other's lifestyle habits, and the bills just came in.

Oh yeah, and Terminus pics aer up = double woe (no, I couldn't go and yes, I really wanetd to!).

How to solves the problems of the world...

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:13:21 GMT

Flatmates + firends + corn chips + salsa dip + Aladdin = a very good night.

After a couple of energy drinks and binge eating, we found ourselves with the Disney classic, reciting lines by Robin Williams and laughing along with Apu.

Honestly that movie has every moral story one could ever need in life.

And I has some D&Ms with the flatties (and sent embarrasing emails to all my friends too!) so am on a happy high right now.

Aww it's 3am, time for work soon!

Night all, I'ma head off whilst I'm in a good mood.

*hugs and all that mushy nice stuff friends send each other*

- Josh

Random thoughts

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:26:42 GMT

All I see are browns and golds; yellow pools of light streaming down through tiny dewdrops of transcendence poised mid-air. Standing in the cold depths of Sydney rain is a wonder in of itself. You can marvel the coarseness of the roads, paved in white lines to guide those in misdirection. Bulbs of white light, line upon line, make up the lower half of this busy city. The architecture of stone and wood, of doors and panes and tin roofs reels me back to old times.

Nearby cars trail by and their motors rumble through the darkness, in and out of my view. It's night. And oh the smell. You know that strange scent of rain off gravel? I greets my nose with a wave of gritty streets, past presence and fills me up wholly. I'm reminded back to my school days, but push on. Not even the views of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House reeling into my view all of a sudden can deter me from my quest.

And it's here I feel alive. Throwing away all caution to the wind, I run down through cold bitter wind, past the stragglers and the homeless skipping over sketchy pavements, greyish-charcoal rocks and through alleyways daring to be explored. I stand, listen and wait for a “sign”. Nothing. I move to the waters' edge, and the salty smell of the sea hits me hard. I breathe it in, suck in the smells of this other more natural world and close my eyes, a smile gently crawling onto my face.

Down here, down under in a world thats oft forgotten and more than never categorised by its animals, I feel like my true self. I can run around the streets and curbways, free to be myself, despite the cold bitter chills up my spine. Damn this rain. But then again, it's the one constant in life that, when it hits me, I literally feel alive. Ad my hair begins to cling to my face, I understand now. It hits me, it hurts, it makes me feel alive.

And then reality kicks in. The deadlines, obligations and responsibilities, some social, others not so.

That was me tonight, and for just a moment, I was in bliss.

Since my previous post I've been doing a lot of thinking. Of whether I should bother pursuing relationships or wait for them to come my way. But now, I begin to understand love life and the pursuit of happiness is not something that can be won. The biggest muscles will never conceal the tiniest brain, just as the booksmarts can never hide self-placed limitations.

Perhaps this is my maturation, my time to emerge as a butterfly. I'm beginning to get over the sorrow and the pain at failure and take in what's there for what it is.

I have failed, I'll admit it. I can't pickup a girl, I'm not that kind of confident. I'm a spontatneous guy, but I like my little square box at times. But I'm not going to give in any more to what I perceive to be right - ie that picking up girls is "easy", tokenising the whole art of lovers as a vending machine.

I only wish I knew where I could look to find someone who I can just talk to and be with. My twin's great - we can talk about anything when the situation calls for it. But, I don't know - I need that other in my life, and I don't want to wait around for it but at the same time I don't want to bow to preconceptions.

Gah I'm getting way too bogged down. But what are we but mortals when it comes to it all. For all the emotion and feeling andexperience it goes to show we are only truly human, and for that I can be happy.

Thanks Meg and Vixx, appreciate your messages. It's good to know someone's listening :)

If you do read this, I ask you learn from my mistakes of not trying hard enough, and ask yourself this question:

Do you love yourself enough, first, to be able to find someone else who loves you more?

Getting a girlfriend is harder than it looks...

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 03:08:09 GMT

For all those that know me (and for those that don't) my sexuality has often been defined by those around me. Having a flamboyant nature and a love for the arts, literature, technology, dance, music, and food, I've always been one to take in all that I see for what it is and embrace it in whole.

Friendships are defined on common respect, laughing, fun, the ability to give a little leeway but still stick up for yourself when you need to. But in reference to relationships I've often been categorised as homosexual (in jest and at times in serious) by friends, colleagues and family. And frankly, it's starting to wear thin.

Why can't a twenty-something year old male like to cook and dance and hangout and not have porn and enjoy a fine bourbon and not smoke and who likes to dress in a manner that does not resembles a homeless man?

Is it too much to ask to change a stereotype, or perhaps I'm going about things the wrong way?

And being (un)lucky in love is not helping. I have a group of female friends at work. They're all under 30, we enjoy going out, dancing and having a few drinks, karaoke and the like which is great. But when you fall for one of them (or two) and fall down hard, it really hurts.

One co-worker who has left work to head home and live with family, was great. She was the kinda girl I liked - not only physically attractive, but deadly - she was a power woman, looking out for herself, her interests, having fun in her way, making her decisions how and when she wanted.

We even looked amazingly photogenic, and had some of the best nights in Sydney's pubs and clubs dancing and drinking (safely of course).

And then I found out she had a boyfriend.

Yes I no, it's no the end of the world, *sigh*. But it makes you wonder what the opposite gender is really playing at. Is life a game to them, lead men on, reel them in close such as the spider does to a fly, and then snap the trap the moment they are in range? To let slip "...oh my boyfriend...." is the most horrible thing for a guy. We don't generally like to tread on each other's spouses, well I don't at least. So that was a real knockover for me and one I'm still recovering from.

But such ill fate can only come in twos, after all.

I fell for a second co-worker this week. Even harder than the first. Initially I hadn't considered her purely because I was back in that single-male-mindset that I'll just go out and flirt or "put on the moves without any serious or conscious thought". But from day one she started giving me looks, and I mean looks.

Like everytime she'd walk around the office and saw me, she'd smile. I'd grin back of course - purely because it was just a happy little gesture that kinda brightened up my day, something friends could share. And then as she started smiling and looking a little too.. much.... and well... I started thinking more into it.

That's probably where I went wrong, but give a bloke a break here. Every time she'd bend over to pick up a marker, or turn around and walk off, was pure heaven. I swear to this day she'd used my phone one morning, so that all throughout the day when I made calls to other important ministers and officials, I was blinded by the erotic and mesmerising scent of her perfume.

Thats' probably what did it for me. So I made a plan. I was going to actively pursue her heart, mind and soul. She was and is a gorgeous girl - her heart was in the right place, and we connected really well. So my intentions were, and remain, pure.

This of course was not helped the previous night by my flatmates saying:

1) saying OH MY GOD YOU DON'T HAVE PORN!?!?!?!?!
2) Use it or lose it, Josh
3) Put a timeframe on getting a girl (I'm serious, they said that!)
4) Get a Queen bed - it doesn't send the right message with a single

As such I bowed to peer pressure but in this chance it was more for my own interests, so I'd start to meet her more regularly around the office. Chats at the reception desk, in the kitchen, laughter, conversation, good times were had all in the space of a week.

And as I asked that dreaded question every male must give in his life*, she responded by saying she was going on a harbour cruise in the city that night.

Oh, I replied. You must be thrilled! Is it a special occassion?

Hah, she said. No me and my boyfriend are going out......

At this point my jaw probably dropped, my stomach became queasy and not because I liked the girl. Everything else was on deaf ears from then on.

Boyfriend? What? How? Why? The inner journalist roared as did the beast inside me. Territorial basic instincts kicked in, and I found myself utterly and completely jealous.

And then she blew me away. She asked if I wanted to head to the pub for a beer.

WHAT THE F*CK!?!?!?!

So right now I'm confused. Is this purely a friendly get together, or is she trying to sus me out, and if then is she reliable and safe and trusting... yes doubts were flooding in, people. But I accepted her request, mostly because I was still kinda dazed, and secondly needed a beer (our servers had been down all week and I was getting a little pent up not being able to do my work).

So we're sitting at the pub, chattering away for the first time on our own. It was a semi-date but for the fact we weren't going out and it was on our lunch break. And then I fall for her again and again. She likes me as a friend - of that I'm sure. We're smiling and laughing and giggling away, work, pastimes, finding new places, she has a smoke, I chatise her for it hehe...when her phone goes off.

I take a swig of my beer as she answers the phone, a momentary look of shock upon her face. She garbles a few things, hangs up and then reaches into her purse.

Who's that, I enquire.

My boyfriend, she answers, pulling out a can of deodorant and spraying herself in a quick coverup-like manner. Apparently he's giving me a surprise visit right now - he's outside the pub...

I kinda freeze up, like I've been dipped in liquid nitrogen. She did mention he was a bricklayer, and I see some guys with similar coats walk into the pub. My temperature drops even lower if at all possible. I'm sitting here with his girl havin a couple of beers and some pizza... not the best look.

And then her deodorant hits me - it's the one on the phone. So I'm feeling nervous and head-over-heels at the same time. Ugh it was a whole world of pain, let me tell you.

Ends up he was just outside the pub and never saw me (thank god). She comes back and we settle down a bit. I find out they've been together for a month and then take myself down a notch for not asking such a beautiful woman to be my partner sooner. The early bird gets the worm, but the earlier bird gets caught in the trap, perhaps.

But then my hope is rekindled suddenly.

Ugh, she grumbles as she sits back down.

What's up, I smile nervously.

Oh, he's (I never found out the boyfriend's name) had to cancel our cruise tonight, working late.

I can't help it, a smile worms its way onto my face as I reply, Oh that's a shame.

Well, I say taking the initiative, that's the queue. We're going out for drinks tonight.

Deal she says, with equal vigor, and we chink glasses.

Nevermind the fact I'm txting both flatmates in realtime updating them on the situation. Forget my policy that I don't date co workers and go against the rule to never date another guy's girl. It always ends up in tears and pain.

At the end of our work day she runs off without saying goodbye, but leaves me a text message. The rain's too much outside so she's going to home to rest (after all she's been a busy girl all this past week, socialising every weekend).

I pursue and engage, even to the point of offering to pop over her place for a ocuple of drinks, catch a movie or just head head. but she declines.

Now I'm really confused, dazed, broken and very hurt. So I find myself typing this on a Saturday morning of all things, as it happened last night.

Should I go after her? My flatmates seem to think so. They came home and gave me hugs and consoling words which was kinda nice and supportive. But I don't want to be the reason for a breakup, or even if it occurred naturally, the fall out guy. But then again I'm sick of being single. I want, no need a girl, and not for the social status. I need my other, that someone I can chat to whenever and rant to, who I can spoil and look after when sick. I want a girl who loves me for me, and who I can equally return that kinda love. I want to bathe in the morning sunlight with her between silky skies, soft kisses and gentle caressing.

I want to lay down and watch her sleep, follow her rhythmic breathing and kiss the tip of her nose. I want to sing her songs and be her knight, bare-chested with no armour to hide any weakeness, faults or unbecoming measures.

Is it my curse to love and fall, and never find someone, let alone a compatible match. I'm this close to doing what a close friend once did, and lock my heart up and away. I'm just sick of trying, and trying and pushing and striving for something that always seems to fail. I've tried waiting around for it to come to me, but when I does it stabs me in the back at the cruelest of moments.

Bluntly, I'm hurting on the inside and will go away to lick my wounds and perhaps some kind of inner meditation. I need to readdress myself, reevaluate my positions. Perhaps I need a character change. Am I too much a "pussy" or maybe it's not I that needs changing.

This is the third time I've fallen for a girl, and hit rock bottom. Perhaps it is the destiny to never love and always lose for those who seek it.

* Would you like to go out to dinner sometime...?

lolcat in da huwse!

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 03:28:29 GMT

Road to Recovery

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Thu, 22 May 2008 16:09:26 GMT

I've seriously lost track of all time being sick... but let me backtrack.

I had Wednesday-Friday off work, and luckily I did that. My fever/headache, aches and pains etc became worse. By Thursday, it reached a horrible point. I went to the doctor and picked up some antibiotics, but that when things started getting serious.

Last night I had take headache pills, antibiotics, crackers, water, gatorade etc..... but even after a shower I was still feeling a bit queasy. I'm lucky I brought a bowl into my room, because my stomach decided to bring it all up.

Yeah, that was a horrible night.

Not to mention I think the medication is give me hallucinations... I had some very weird dreams, and remember falling in and out of sleep... but I'm up at 2am feeling surprisingly okay. The coughing has subsided and there's no more sore throat, but the temperature and headaches and nausea are still there.

Well wish me luck. I'm going home to family so they can look after me *evil grin* although I really want to go back to work. Hopefully I'll get betetr soon!

*runs off to nibble on watercrackers and toast*

Oh by the way, does anyone know of a connection between coughing and arm-pain? I'm finding when I get into coughing fits pain will shoot down my left arm, but if I hold it straight up in the air when I cough, the pain doesn't come. Weird.

*big hugs* - and by the way I did pick up the chicken noodle soup and sprite :)

Ugh. I'm Sick, run away!

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Tue, 20 May 2008 05:47:30 GMT

SO last night found me walking a friend home after a weekend of filming Sydney. However when he said he wasn't feeling well and then proceeded to bring the contents of his lunch up in the garden... yeah that was a sign of things to come.

I went to bed on Monday night with a throbbing headache, only to wake with an all-ready-to-go sore throat.

Like seriously, wtf?!?!

So It's gotten progressively worse over today at work, with the sniffles and aches and pains coming along.

God help me I think I have the flu *cry* although our lovely receptionist did the kindest thing and brought me ginger, honey and lemon juice to soothe my throat (it did such wonders!)

Skydiving!

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 22:10:25 GMT

!I did this years ago, but this is in response to mudblood428's little plane-flying stunt - fricken awesome!

Oh hai!

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Wed, 14 May 2008 06:08:09 GMT

So I'm planning on heading into Sydney this weekend? Why you might ask?

Well that fact I live in North Sydney means I have the luxury of close travel. And seeing as I have filming opportunities in the near future, I'm thinking of whipping the camera out to get some practice in.

So as a tribute to you all (and to dust-off my editing skills) I'll be filming Sydney this Saturday. So far I have in mind The Harbour Bridge, Opera House, taronga Zoo, Circular Quay.... any ideas from my faithful American and Aussie friends? Anything you'd like to see in particular? it'll be a video on whatever you guys want to see "down under" so be sure to get your sugegstions in (keep in mind I can only travel around Sydney hehe).

I'll be sure to film a Koala (NOT Koala-bear as they are commonly miscalled) and perhaps some Aussie food, the streets, sights and sounds. Maybe chuck in some pubs, walks, who knows?

A friend and I are also entering a video competition so we'll be filming that on the day too *yay*.

Look forward to hearing from you all!

*hugs*
- Josh

Happy things all round :)

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:55:09 GMT

Hey all,

Well I've woken up at 12.30am to tell you heaps of stuff, yeah I'm that excited *squee*

Terminus is 50% ok - once I clear up my Uni schedule (assuming it doesn't get in the way) I'll grab the plane tickets for three days of awesomeness in Chicago, a trip over to visit my close DC friends Bevan and Venessa (well I call them my other two flatmates and the grooviest chicks in the US), a visit to New York, perhaps a stopover down in Florida to see Erin *yay* and then who knows what?

But that's not the only good news.

Work's getting better and better, and I'm blessed to be in a wonderful team. So happy right now.

I'm in a HP podcast called Sonorus, it's an Aussie one (go check it out at www.sonoruscast.com if you haven't already). The girls and I (Linda, Siobhan, Kirsty and Celine) will be all heading over to Terminus, but we all caught up recently in Sydney and oh boy was I in for a rude awakening.

It was ANZAC weekend (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) and we were remembering the sacrifice the diggers (soldiers) made for the freedom we Aussies have today.

Now I've got nothing against girls, I think they're amazing. Really. But never EVER trust them to run rampart in your room for 4 hours without your supervision.

*sigh*

Of course that's what I did - they went to drop their gear off when they arrived in Sydney and the plan was to meet them there after work. So there's pics and videos, but here's the evidence for yourself. And for the record they went through my wardrobe and drawers to try on my clothes. Strange girls, very strange.

Sonorus Girls Bare All

Upgrading Josh's Mii

Not sure if they work, but they're on my facebook, if you look for "Videos of Josh" There's also embarrassing pics. But we went clubbing and ate at "Pancakes on the Rocks" yay!

There's heaps I could go into, but I'd be ranting. Those girls were fun, but they exhaust you so quickly! And they have the dirtiest minds I know, ugh.... they chanegd by computer's destop to pornography, bought me some chocolate genitals as a "thankyou for letting us stay" and renamed my nintendo mii to "Peodo Josh". Siriusly lol. *shakes head*

But I found their weakness.... glow sticks mwahahaha!

On the downside, it's taken ages to get subscription tv installed, grrr...... not too happy, but not much I can do.

But it's late, I'm tired, and so I will leave you all with the sounds of Billy Joel. But If I can visit any of you sometime, let me know. I'd love to catch up at Terminus or possibly pop by if I fly around.

Also as a joke for my work colleagues, I'm going in Australian Idol end of this month. I won't get through (although and indigenous idol would be great) but it'll be a great laugh at least. No idea what to audition with as I'm a tenor/bass.... ideas people (lol)?

Well goodnight, and I hope you all enjoyed mothers day :)

*big hugs*

- Josh

Creative time :)

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:37:25 GMT

Hi Everyone!

Well I hope you've all had wonderful birthdays (a big happy birthday for yesterday for hp5freak). I should so commission you to crochet me something Hufflepuff-y...

There's a number of updates to share with all you fun ppl!

1) I've finally settled in well into my new Sydney home. Although the rainy weather has started to seep in, things are going along well, including an extension to my job (on a contract until the end of the year now, yay!)

2) Sonorus is officially made of win. Like in SpellCast, I reprise my role in this podcast as clown joker, except I'm now surrounded by 4 of the most amzing, talented and intellectual women on Australia's east coast. I almost feel a bit cramped at times, what with so much Estrogen running around the virtual room *j/k*.

3) The Sonorus girls and I have just been to the Royal Easter Show. Of course this year heralded WAY too much chocolate, my wallet and phone survived after a successful escape attempt during a show ride, and I'm sporting a pimple on my cheek to prove my indulging chocolate affairs. No fair :(

4) The girls and I are catching up in 2 weeks, yay! So excited. Siriusly. We've already develped a passionate plan including drunken [nude] Twister (their idea, not mine) and Mario Kart so that weekend should prove interesting. I went and bought linen for two beds so the girls are getting VERY spolit, especially since I'll be cooking. The downside is the timing - they pop up on a Friday, I have to leave Saturday for my grandfather's 80th birthday, then come back Sunday afternoon. So I'm trusting them to like totally not steal or sell my stuff :) I'll probably walk into my room on Sunday morning and see 3 half-dressed girls as the sun's rays hit the window..... I think i'll be in heaven lol!

5) I'm writing up (admittedly slowly) a choral version of mudblood428's lyrics/song, "Okay". Can't wait to record it - my mum's 40 piece choir should do the trick I think.

6) Also have been in contact with The Weasel King and Ministry of Magic, and will be doing a remix between their songs "Can't Catch Us All"and "Forever Together". Love both of their work! One's in 4/4 time, the other 3/4 time, but they're similar if not identical key signatures, so I'm very excited to mix and bring a new feeling to them. Wish me luck!

7) Terminus = not sure. I honestly don't know if I'll have the leave now, especially if I have to go back to Uni to finish my postponed degree. I have every intention of going there, but it's still up in the air.

8) Someone tell me to stop being lazy and get some driving lessons!

9) I so want to get in shape. I'm just 54 kg, which is nothing. Like everyone else weighs more than me (fair go, I'm a small-ish guy), but I hate feeling unhealthy. Ugh. Time to munch on some fruit.

Besides all that, it's just wake up iron, go to work, write stories and harrass people, come home, do the shopping, sleep and fit hobbies in there somewhere. It's actually quite fun when you get used to it.

As for the title of this post, I'm in a creative mood this week, and may pump out some lyrics to a new song I'm working on. The downside is I can't play instruments bar the trumpet to save my life, so I'll finish the chords and lyrics before pumping anything major out. I might just ask mudblood428 to sing it for me :)

Oh yeah, am moving into my other flatmate's room as she's leaving tomorrow *cry*. Means I get a room doubly-big PLUS an ensuite bathroom. *grins*

Well, back to work, home, and then creative time! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter, and we all ened to chat soon! Listen to Sonorus's podcast and give me some reviews/feedback/requests - we want to chat with so many HP as much as possible!

*big hugs*

Can't Catch Us All - Weasel King Video

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 11:54:27 GMT

Chekc it out guys and girls - awesome song, awesome WK, awesome vid!

OMG I'm so happy right now :)

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 02:51:09 GMT

You're all probably wondering why, right? RIGHT?

Well.. it's for no particular reason,a ctualy. Just though I'd dro by, give everyone a hug *huggelz!* and say I love all you guys and girls *hehe*. Awww I'm just in a huggable good mood right now :) Plus I have some chiocolate waiting for me at home!

*huggelz and cuddelz to all my friends*

- Josh

Yay for Easter Show and chocolate goodness!

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 06:17:33 GMT

Hi everyone!

I'm back! *hears screams and peopl running for cover*

Well I have some fun news.. well personal stuff anyways. I'm heading with my fellow SonorusCasters Linda, Celine and Siobhan to the Sydney Royal Easter Show this weekend *cheers!*. It's one of those shows where you go as a kid then never go again because the showbags, cattle shearing and rides are always the same.

This year seeing as the podcast is new and the ONLY Aussie HP Podcast (isn't that just awesome?) we decided we'd hookup in person and just hangout as a group. Unfotunately one of our most dear and loved casters, Kirsty, can't be with us *cry* as she's in Melbourne, but we'll no doubt catchup with her and leelastarsky sometime soon.

So yes, this weekend will be full of showbags, chocolate, wacky facebook pictures, sleepovers, visits to shops inluding Lush...who knows what else will happen! And I'll plug SonorusCast - seriously guys, head over and listen to our podcast, see what you think if only for a laugh. You hear 3 girls and a guy complain, bicker and debate various HP-related stuff in their Aus-he accents which jsut sound strange.

In other news some huge guy who looks like a middle-weight wrestler is playing Fenrir Greyback. Damn I have competition now *joking!*

Apparently Dan is smoking too.. and by that I mean the cigarettes, and quite hard - about 20 a day. Poor boy -if that's true, he's going to live up to his Harry Puffer nickname. Let's hope Ronald Wheezily doesn't join him, eh? *okay that was bad*. But hey, my source is The Sun who's about as accurate and reliable a source as Rita Skeeter.

So people, whats up? Anything cool been happening to my favourite peeps?

Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd: Apology to the Stolen Generations

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 05:01:28 GMT

Find the video here:

http://publish.vx.roo.com/australian/ausvideopage/?Channel=The+Nation&ClipId=1402_080213-sorry&Format=wmp&bt=IE&bp=WIN&bst=IE&biec=true&format=wmp&bitrate=300

A look back at love, history and where I am now

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:12:06 GMT

Hi everyone,

This entry may come as a surprise to you. My sudden disappearance from LJ not withstanding, there has been much change in my life of late, so I thought for at least the few that read this I may entertain you with some tidbits of a young man's life. This entry may also be one of the more important ones I write, and I ask that you all take some time to read and reflect on some of the more serious notes contained herein.

There's a couple of things I'd like to cover here, and this will probably get a tad lengthy; primarily an update on where I am in life, as well as my experiences over the recent Valentines Day. And boy have things been hectic.

Alas excuses are but the echoes of a man who rather than organising himself blames the idiocies and simpletons of life around him for not providing him with time to write and reflect. And so here I find myself, 10pm on a Monday night, sipping from a white teacup, resolutely watching my twin brother playing a computer game, and idly thinking about whether the raindrops pattering outside my window are cold.

I think that last note is either a sign I'm going mad or that I should peruse into the abyss so many have described as my internal dialogue.

Where I last left you in a virtual space, squeeing my lungs out at the success of a new job, is in fact now quite old news. I've finalised a move interstate back with family and the old way of living. I'm back in my old room once again sharing with my 22 year old male twin. The advantages here are numerous: it's positively wonderful to see family again in addition to free accommodation and meals. The downsides include a 2-hour trip into work, and then back out again. This means I wake up at 6am and end up coming home around 8.30pm. I know many other people have it worse, but I can tell you the travel does wear you down.

Oh, and my microphone headset suffered a stroke so I'm on the lookout for a replacement until a friend can re-solder it back to life.I've also just experience a week suffering from a severe cold and flu/fever/bouts of coughing, so am still in a bit of a haze.

But back to real life – the price for travel (and in no monetary sense either) is made up by the fact I'm in a fantastic team and working in the profession I've always dreamed of. Never mind the fact I still have a semester of university to complete, or that I still have to drive for 100 hours to be eligible for my driver's license test. All those seemingly trivial pursuits become irrelevant when I pick up the morning regular cappuccino, head up to level 3, step out into the wall-to-wall glass reflection, ruffle my bed-hair into an sensible mess and walk into the newsroom to make history.

What's really amazing about my 3-month contract is that I'm working with people who've been in the journalism sector and can provide me with some great support and stepping stones. Every day I see myself improving, even in the smallest increments. Take today for example – I was following up one particular story, and had written it quite well (thanks to 2-weeks of guidance from my peers). My exec producer congratulated me from getting great comment and the fact I had pushed and nudged at the story to achieve the results I had produced. It may even go to air tomorrow night.

On a similar topic, Australia experienced a huge milestone in indigenous history last week (N.B. that my job focuses on reporting on news that directly involves or affects Australia's Indigenous population, the Aboriginal people) and this is one of the important issues I wanted to raise. Our newly elected Government apologised for the Stolen Generations. For those not aware of Australian history, I will provide a brief explanation. Before I begin however, I would like to acknowledge my ancestral roots, the Worimi tribe from Port Stephens. Although I have not experienced a traditional upbringing in the Aboriginal way and can consider myself more white than black, I still feel the pull of culture and the respect for land and tradition by my elders and relatives generations ago.

In the not too recent past, Aboriginal people have and still suffer from lack of opportunity to universal education, health and employment opportunities due to a period we define as “the Stolen Generations”. Consider that the life expectancy for Aboriginal people is currently 1/3 of that of non-Aboriginal people, that there are still high rates of child, alcohol and substance abuse in remote Aboriginal communities, and then place those conditions against that of other nation's Indigenous peoples. It is truly and honestly shocking.

I've had many friends and colleagues debate and argue against me, often muttering how disgusted they are that Indigenous people have it easy – they can get so many welfare payments, scholarships and 'easy paths” to get ahead in life. Then when they see the ratio of Indigenous to non-Indigenous people and realise the systematic failure of previous governments which led to our current state, they begin to slowly understand what we are dealing with today.

Alcohol was introduced through the European invasion (hardly a settlement) and became a poison, leading to the high rates of child abuse we see in our communities. Often those who have been abused consider the treatment as normal and go on to live a similar life and possibly abuse their children. And it hurts me ot hear of stories today when my country is in such a diplomatic and advanced state that it could implement itself to help stem the spread of such social decay. And so the Northern Territory Intervention (or Invasion) was born by our previous government, which ultimately became the Stone Generation all over again.

But to explain the Stolen Generation we must look back to when governments removed Aboriginal children from their families and placed them in missions, believing they were doing the right thing by “culturing” and “assimilating” the children into a “proper white society”. Put simply, it was racism in it's purest form and would rock the very foundations of Australia's history for years to come. Today many generations down the line have been directly and indirectly affected by the removals. And it still hurts to think about it.

To quote “Many Voices: Reflections on stories of Indigenous Child Separation” edited by Doreen Mellor and Anna Haebich, In exploring histories of separation, it is essential not to lose sight of the individual experiences that underlie the intricate associations contained within this very human set of consequences. Coming to grips with the consequences of separation must encompass all those layers of relationship and action, both shining and shameful. We believe that most of us, as members of a broadly based Australian community, would wish to find a way to heal the sadness, abuse and deprivation that children undoubtedly suffered as a result of the policies that led to their separation, and have subsequently led to generations of grief, hurt and bewilderment. To do this we must always reflect on our past so that we learn to not to repeat the mistakes of our history.

But our new Government has issued a national apology to the Stolen Generations as of last week, an electrifying speech acknowledging the injustices of precious governments and putting words into action to help improve on many areas of Indigenous equality. The truth of the matter is the hurt and pain will continue on down the line, but at least the Government is working together towards viable solutions to improve the quality of life for Indigenous people, and to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous life expectancy.

Often I wonder how different I would be if I had grown up in a less white community and more an Aboriginal tribe. But such is a history and future I can never touch, as sad as it may seem. I will never know my native language. I will never hunt the kangaroo, turtle, or emu as did my ancestors. In a way my trek into the journalism field is to educate myself on the history but to report on the present and future directions of Indigenous issues: perhaps in doing so I can help initiate positive cultural and social change through the powerful medium of television.

Well if you've made it this far, thanks for sticking with me, I sure appreciate it. Looking back on Valentines Day, I wanted to make a few observations about my experiences, as mundane as they may initially seem.

I didn't have much time to reflect on my love life (or lack of) nor my experiences with love. The day flew by for me, but an interesting article I read attributed the occassion to increased rates of depression, as Valentines Day reminded people that they were in love or out of luck, the later apparently more prevalent in mainstream society. But then I turned to the much happier sides, and this goes out to all those that know me as a relative, friend, Hufflepuff and general crazy Australian.

Thinking back on my brushes with love, I remember well in my early years of finding 'the right girl for me'. It's always been a search and maturing road, where we learn love isn't just kisses and huges and romps in the blankets. It's much deeper and far more emotionally connecting than many let on.

If like me you're single and looking for love, even the small falls seem like endless gaping voids and the small achievements like you've grown wings and could produce a patronus that very instant. I've seen and felt my fair share, from familial love to girlfriend/mushy stuff. I'm not one to dwell too much on the sadness, but I know what it's like to lose someone you're close to. This year I chose to focus on the happy loves though, even the ones that haven't happened or I'd wished could happen.

I've shared beds and butterbeers and conversations and cocktails with many fine women (beds in the sense that we were friends and nothing happened). Isn't it exciting to feel that first tug, that “what if there's something more, but should I say something or do something?”. I remember fondly the nervous tingling butterflies in the stomach about how to ask her, or whether it's the right time and when (if I should) say something.

A great memory I have was returning back from my visit to New Orleans and talking to my work colleagues about my trip. One of them in particular grinned at me, pulled me aside and whispered “You fell in love, didn't you?” to which I sheepishly replied “Yeah.. I guess I sorta did”.

When I fall in love (and not the superficial type either) I hit the ground hard and start running a million miles an hour. Suddenly the friendship I have with “her” takes on a whole new meaning, and simple things like how many sugars she likes in her coffee or what color dress she wore last Friday become some of my more immediate short-term memories. I know I'm in love when every waking moment I see or hear something that generations a thought or memory involving her, leading to the biggest grin on my face and the warmest glow to the pits of my stomach.

And I've been in love a number of times. And yes I'm young and yes I'm inexperienced. But rather than stay on the negative side and remember those sad times that we all share, I took a moment on the day to remember these feelings and how happy they make me.

You know you're in love when you repeat yourself numerous times without realising, which I now realise I have done. Ironic, no?

I know I'm in love when my palms become sweaty, my mouth runs dry, words fail me and I can hear the rapid beating of my heart wanting to burst out of it's cage. I remember a time last year when I felt the strongest pull towards a woman not only because of her immediate beauty but her inner character and willingness to give and continue giving for nothing in return.

And then I remember the exact moment when it hit me – the realisation. I can pinpoint the time, the date, even where we were standing, what she was wearing down to minute details to the amount of curls in her hair. And oh what a joyous moment that is. Like a rollercoaster it's thrilling and scary – you don't want to ride it for fear of falling off but at the same time the adrenaline rushes through and takes control over your emotions. It sweeps you right off your feet and leaves you breathless, barely able to stand or think coherently.It courses through your whole body and lifts your spirit up to its' peak.

And then later you begin to understand why but at the same time are so dazzled by the sudden sensation. Suddenly everything seems cliché, down to the pitiful excuses you think to initiate conversation. I certainly didn't know and still don't know a lot of things involving the “dating rituals”, so playing it by ear has sort of worked for me.

Can anyone else remember the moment when you look into their eyes and hold their gaze for just that extra split second, or when your hands brush by chance you feel a zap shoot down your spine? Who remembers noticing their eyelashes, their smile, their giggle and “thoughtful” face.

I sure do.

Oh gawd, look at me – I've become a hopeless romantic * sigh *.

But aside from my ramblings, that's the moment I choose to remember for Valentines Day. And although I don't have a girlfriend (I'm working on it, Mum and Dad!) I know love, both lost and found. And I'm happy to have at least once felt the need for bonding and finding that close friend who you can be yourself around.

Anyways its nearly midnight so I will leave you all with those happy thoughts. But know that I'm recovering well, am happy in a new job (though am missing my Canberrean friends hugely, especially Siobhan my fellow-HP crazy friend) and I miss all you LJ'ers terribly. Remember to love and be loved in return is the ultimate in life, and nothing comes close to it, so go out and hug someone close to you or show some thoughtful affection to the ones you love. And don't do it for any particular reason – spontaneous goodwill is always a precious and well-received gift.

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!!!!!!!!!

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 07:14:39 GMT

I'VE GOT THE JOB *SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE*

Nuff said.

*ded on floor from overload of excitement*

Interview Day

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:50:18 GMT

So it all started out like some huge joke....

I woke up at 6am, pumped and ready for the interview later that evening. I even got all the green lights when I rode my bike to work *yay!) I EVEN saw a bus drive by with "TERMINUS" on it's destination-thingy...... if that wasn't a good sign of things to come that day, then I don't know what is!

So I arrive at work earlier, and one of my bosses comes up and congratulates me on a month's work that I had finished (single handedly to do with we design). It was completely out of the blue, but put me in a glowing mood :D (by now I was feeling pretty good, right? I'd even had cornflakes for breakfast!). So I get cracking on my work, intending to finish most of it today, when I receive an email about the interview with my times - it says I need to be at the airport for a 5pm flight, getting in at 6. However it also asked that I bring some show reel video with me if I could.

So here I was, freaking out, wondering where all my videos and examples of docos I'd filmed were, and wondering how I could leave work and make a copy w/o being too conspicuous...... when I felt I needed a break. Hey, I figure why not rock up to the interview with a nice-looking folder with my resume (just incase), my video work (experience), a day planner (organisation), and get a pick-me-up coffee while I'm at it. One of my colleagues asks me to pick one up for her too. 45 mins later (geez that was a long *coffee*) I come back to work with all my items and in good spirits, when I go to reach for my pass to open the door (it was inconveniently located in my back pocket). I tried balancing one coffee on the other, when a fellow worker runs up behind and opens the door, wisely warning me that when he last tried that stunt (opening his car and balancing coffees) he had unfortunately made a mess all over his suit.

Of course, me being young, stupid and over-confident (plus in a fairly good mood that day) did not heed his advice.

I was walking up to the door that opens up my section, when, woe is me - my pass was stuck in my pocket again! Instead of placing the coffees on the ground I (stupidly) go ahead and try my balancing technique... which results in the see-through glass door being half caramel-ated and smelling strongly of coffee beans! Argh! My justification is that I'm giving the cleaners a job *cough*. However I then remembered that we had a meeting in next 2 minutes - fortunately no one but I had seen the accident, so I rushed to try and fix it as quickly as possible. That was probably one of the funniest moments in Government I've had!

To speed things up, I had a quick lunch after work, dashed home, spent a 2 1/2 hour secret lunch break collating all my videos, ran back to work with an hour to spare before I had to leave, burnt ANOTHER DVD I could use as evidence in the interview, and realised the briefcase I had bought had a lock I couldn't figure out.

Damn.

So I'm in the taxi, on a 50 min flight to the interview, the nerves creeping in slowly. Here I am, dressed to impress and ready to take on the world, when two men either side of me start having a chat about Sidoku (I think that was it). The waitress couldn't understand me when I asked for some water, the turbulence was horrible, and I was actually glad to be off the plane until I sat in the taxi. As soon as I tole the driver the address, he reached over for his map.

Jesus. Fricken...... gah!

But I rock up there a bit early and walk inside and greet the panel of 2/3 interviewers (one was to be on speakerphone). I have to say I'm very impressed. For a TV channel starting up, they're doing well. As Indigneous TV counted for less than 2% of all TV in our history, it's a huge milestone for it to be available as a 24/hr channel, with plans to catch up to the big boys (commercial channels). But the interview went well - there were certainly some parts I wish I had more experience in, particularly the journalism part, however I displayed a keen attitude that yes I was happy to be managed by a women (as if I wasn't! Women in management are the best thing since sliced bread!), what contacts I had, a bit about myself, and so on and so forth. But yes I tried to be chatty and polite and easy-going, for which I think I succeeded :D

Basically if I was successful, I would help the channel setup it's first basic National News Service bulletin (plus other stories and tasks). But considering they had called me in the beginning (yay for contacts), flown me up (sure that's considered normal, but hey it was kind of them all the same), and told me they'd let me know if I was successful in 24 hrs *omg I'm still so nervous right now!*, yeah I'm pretty confident. And hey, if I don't get it - I tried and put my all in. The best I can do is work on my weakness and build upon my strengths, and I've always got my current job. If I do get the contract (for 3 months, with the possibility of extension), I could leave my current one as LWOP (leave w/o pay) and then if I was asked to stay or the contract was extended, I still have possibilities open. I left my video examples with them, and after a firm handshake and big smiles, flew home and felt a huge weight fall off my chest. What comes will come, and I'm ready to move forward in leaps and bounds.

So here I sit at home, wondering when I'll get the phonecall, and being all kinds of nervous about it. But ultimately the decision is up to a friend/colleague/fellow journalist (she's the one who called me and said I sound like someone she wants on her team) so I think there's a pretty good chance. I'll let you all know in the shortest LJ post tomorrow what happens.

OMGOMGOMGOMG I'm so excited and scared at the same time!

But a move back home is very welcome, and this would open up my career path.

Okay, time for a deep breath, one glass of JD and coke, and some sleep before work.

Did I also mention I'm building a new PC that will be uber-powerful and am expecting the parts tomorrow? Talk about a chunck-full of good news in a week (I hope!)

And thanks everyone for your msgs of luck and well wishes - I hope I get the position too!

*big hugs*
- Josh (who is still trying to figure out how to unlock his new briefcase)

Yay! Job Interview!

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:38:24 GMT

Hey everyone,

Just wanted you let you know I'm going for a Job interview with that new TV channel tomorrow night, and I'm super-confident and ready! Wish me luck! I'm going to be jumping off the walls tomorrow with all manner of excitement and nervousness, but I can't wait to even meet them! They even offered to fly me there, haha! I'll let you all know how it goes tomorrow night :)

*big hugs*

- Josh who is so excited he doesn't know if he can sleep!

Yay for a new PC!

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:07:02 GMT

Hey Everyone!

Well it's been a long week (and I do apologise for the previous post - in my anger I made a serious lack of judgement so I will retract that post and hope you accept my humble apologies) so I'll make this short and sweet (seeing as it's nearly 1 in the morning!). I'm heading to a computer fair tomorrow morning as I'm building up a new PC - the aim is A) it can handle video editing VERY VERY well, and B) it's performance is second-to-none for a home PC. The reason for the upgrade from my laptop is I'm finding I need the speed and power for modern-day editing - video rendering can take ages, as can DVD burning when I need to provide copies-en-mass. But building it yourself is tricky - you need to know exactly what you want, and if the parts will work together :P Having never built one myself, I'm enlisting the help of a friend, so we should be fine. I've apparently got to build the whole PC around a "Matrox RT.X2" video card, which is just over $2,000 on it's own! It speeds up video editing/rendering by half the time, and renders it in real-time, so that's going to be a welcome change. But aside from the chassis, RAM, CPU, GPU, Motherboard, soundcard and DVD Dual layer burner (or perhaps blu-ray burner) I already have a monitor, mouse, keyboard, external hdds, custom cooling and sound system etc so this should be very interesting. I'm relishing in the update - I like to be modern and to "keep with the technology", although it's taken a fair amount of saving to build this AND pay for my return ticket to the USA in August for Terminus (yayz!). On top of the option of getting Foxtel, paying the normal bills and managing to fit groceries in there somewhere, I think I've got a long month ahead of me :D

So how's everyone else doing? I was almost tempted last week to buy a semi-acoustic guitar + amp + mixer + condenser microphone so I could get some songwriting happening. Then I realised I couldn't play guitar and didn't know the first thing about composing (properly) within programs/recording etc. Oh, did I mention I need to book driving lessons, salsa dancing lessons and guitar lessons too? :D Argh money is such a problem for wanting to do the things you really enjoy!

But I received a call from someone on Monday, and I MAY be in the running for a Junior Journalist position at a News Channel, so fingers crossed! I sure am excited about it! Anyways I hope you're all well, and it'd be very awesome to chat/talk with you guys on Skype some time - I love talking to LJ peoples, they r always awesome!

Catch ya all on the flipside!

*big hugs to all my friends*

- Josh

P.S. This post was far from short haha!

Video ( Youtube ) Japanese Pro-whaling video accuses Australians of racism

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:39:40 GMT

Video ( Youtube ) Japanese Pro-whaling video accuses Australians of racism

The Youtube video is below the news , please be aware it contains graphic images and the content is not the opinion of Vinny's blog.

A JAPANESE pro-whaling video condemning Australia as a racist nation using images of the infamous Cronulla riots has been launched on YouTube.
The 10-minute video, with English and Japanese subtitles, accuses Australia of white supremacy, exclusionist nationalism, a racist ideology and of prejudice towards the Japanese.Read more from the source: News.com.au

Warning everyone - the video contains some disgusting scenes of animal cruelty. It also contains badly translated Japanese, horrible Windows Movie Maker editing, pathetic attempts to justify the merciless killing of whales through so-called "Scientific Research" and racist idealology from JAPAN! I'm Aboriginal, and can confidently say that in modern Australia Aboriginal people are treated equally without discrimination. Our native animals are NOT killed or hunted in this manner. Sorry Japan, that was a low blow and pathetic attempt to incite hatred. Racism? Exclusion? No, it's just over-the-top hype that you've invented when your backs have been pushed to the wall.

Butterbeer FTW!

spoonjosh@gmail.com — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 10:14:17 GMT

So my friend Siobhan and I traveled to her house to complete 3 HP things today:

1. Watch the entire HP series (of which we only managed to see the first movie as it was so long!)
2. Try to best each other in Guitar Hero (I was on such a losing streak, but we had fun with Dragonforce!)
3. Make Butterbeer!

Now I've made the stuff before but with a different recipe. We picked up some ingredients and made a test demo - it turned out to be a tad strange, but very awesome! I'd definitely recommend it guys and gals! We picked up the recipe from MuggleNet, called Madam Rosmerta's Magical Recipes: Butterbeer.

Butterbeer! It warms you up AND tastes great. Now in take-away form from The Three Broomsticks. (Many thanks to Melissa for this recipe!)

Ingredients:

1 cup (8 oz) club soda or cream soda
½ cup (4 oz) butterscotch syrup (ice cream topping)
½ tablespoon butter

Directions:

Step 1: Measure butterscotch and butter into a 2 cup (16 oz) glass. Microwave on high for 1 to 1½ minutes, or until syrup is bubbly and butter is completely incorporated.

Step 2: Stir and cool for 30 seconds, then slowly mix in club soda. Mixture will fizz quite a bit.

Step 3: Serve in two coffee mugs or small glasses; a perfectly warm Hogwarts treat for two!

I'll go ahead and say it was a success - the fizzy and the sugary is very addictive! (Enjoy the embarrasing photos, althought Siobhan was a wimp any didn't upload any of hers!). We might be trying some more cooking in future, perhaps something harder, and maybe a vlog! Will post when I have more :)

*big hugs to everyone*

- Josh