Sunday 30 October 2011

Death of Internet Freedom

You may recall the much publicised Australian Internet Filtering Bill which was set to go through Parliament and become law. Thanks to those who took a stand against this draconian step backwards, who like myself and other saw this as anti-Australian. Thankfully through the leaking of the URL data content to the Australian media, the Internet Filtering Bill died a sudden death.

However today, I read the USA has a similar objective and has initiated steps to have a Internet Filtering Bill censor what Americans can view, publish and access via the World Wide Web. Although this Bill has not be passed yet, it certainly something which should be of concern to all Australians. If this Bill is passed, don't be surprised if Australia will follow suit - most times the political leaders of our Country mirror their actions on the USA. Freedom of speech, democracy and our birth rights of being citizens of a "Free Country" all amount to jack, when these type of laws are thrust down our throats.

The millions of brave men and women who gave up their lives fighting in wars to bring down tyranny and defended people's rights to freedom, would be horrified to learn of such blatant acts against its citizens rights.

As Chris Richardson from webpronews.com stated, "reading about PROTECT-IP, I’m reminded of the following scene from Revenge of the Sith:"


Chris goes on to say, "However, instead of applause, it seems that apathy or ignorance rules the day." What a spot on observation. A troubling lack of knowledge, more to the point, not too many people seem to give a toss. Ironically it's that I'm alright jack fuck everyone else attitude which will come back to bit these self interested people on the ass. Again with an ironic twist, they seem to be the first people to start bitching about their losses.

Saturday 29 October 2011

Echos From the Past

Music has the amazing power to instantly transport us to a memorable time and place. It captures the feelings, thoughts and emotions which live in us all. Occasionally when I get a little sentimental I take trip down memory lane. One of the greatest 80's aussie bands to come out of Adelaide Australia was Cold Chisel. Brash, in your face, an iconic aussie rock band. One of their songs, "You Got Nothing I Want", was a middle finger salute to their American record company Elektra.

SicklLad over at YouTube nails it with... Yeah! Cheap wine and a three legged goat, Remember the song but not the lyrics. Was to fucken smashed back then.

Thursday 27 October 2011

Why Can't People be Like Dogs!

Just left to pick up some dinner, was gone maybe 20 minutes. Walking to the front door I can hear 'Harvey' (that's my dog) barking and whining - he's always so happy to see me. He practically turns himself inside out when I return home.

Granted he's probably one of the most spoilt dogs in Australia, but I dare say it wouldn't matter if I fed him crappy dog food or didn't give him yummy treats, he'd still give me all his unconditional love.When I transpose how Harvey greats me and how he's just plain happy to spend time with me, to some of the relationships I've had, I really do sit here and think WTF!

Is it too much effort for anyone to leave a note saying they're going somewhere? I don't think so. In fact I think it's just common courtesy. I'm sure if I took a week's holiday but didn't tell my partner where I was going she'd be right fucked off. And yes she'd have every right to feel this way. So why is it she's unable to leave a simple note when she left for work at 5:30am telling me she wont be home till 9:30pm cause of some training course.

I don't think I'm being unreasonable.
Hence why it would be cool if people were more like dogs.

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Signs, Signs Everywhere there are Signs

Today was one of those days I managed to get some banking done in daylight hours. Maybe it's that country town friendliness where even strangers say G'Day,  whatever it is the cute blond teller asked me, "how I was going and what I'd been up to?". With the essence of decadence and debauchery still fresh in my senses from last week, I thought it best not to be too honest. Instead just commented on the usual and left it at that. She followed with an update on her activities.

She always smiles at me and if my body language skills are true, tilting her head and running her hands through her hair could be a sign she likes me. But, what does one do?

I've never been one to pick-up on the obvious, it takes me a while to join the dots. If I happen to fancy someone I just come right out and say it. Albeit I haven't always been like this but it does makes life a lot easier. I try to live with the no regrets policy. As much as I try to embrace that philosophy it doesn't always work out that way. The language of sexual attraction is a tough one, especially for a guy these days. I think it's even harder (no pun intended) as the rules of engagement have change so much.

Whilst I've always held the belief that everyone; male or female, has the right to be treated equally, I must admit I'm a gentleman through and through. Yes, chivalry is alive and well within me. Being like this becomes really confusing sometimes. Things like, do I open a door, pay for dinner, offer my jacket if she's cold, it's a mind boggling mine field when you get down to the nitty gritty of dating etiquette in 2011.

Tuesday 25 October 2011

Insomnia - a Sick Joke or a Blessing in Disguise

I take comfort in the solitude which night provides, it provokes my best thoughts and it teases my senses. Add a good bottle of red to the mix and my philosophical thoughts cascade onward and outward into the universe. Sometimes shared with those who accompany me on this journey, in that place in space and time.


Yes, I'm a self confessed night owl, an insomniac personified.

I guess it doesn't help when my business clients are on the other side of the big pond. Though in all frankness I can't use that as an excuse as I'm awake more often than not at night and more often than not I sleep during the day. For whatever reason I just don't seem to be able to function for any extend period if I sleep at night. I can generally do it for a week or so but then I let the side down and pull a 24 hour gig. I know, I'm a lost cause.

Best Before This Date!

I'm not too fond of shopping at the best of times, maybe why I tend to only shop at boutiques where I'm known. My routine is rock up and have the staff fly around picking clothes for me - trying them on is a PITA but a necessary evil.

Pondering that thought and albeit maybe it's just my fucked up thinking but it's a pity relationships can't be like that too, it would make my life so much easier.

For some reason which seems to always escape me I wake up one day and realise I'm somewhere I don't want to be in a relationship. It's like catching a cab. You tell the driver I want to go to the city, the driver nods but you end up at the airport, go figure!

The pessimist tells me I'm just fucked at relationships, while the optimist says, I haven't met the right woman yet. Myself, I think a little of both is at play. To be on the safe side should I learn Swahili? Because it's clear speaking plain English is not working for me.

Ironically I can turn a sows ear into a silk purse; can make money without breaking a sweat. Hell, my expectations in any relationship are not high. If anything it's wanting to feel needed and appreciated. To clarify, there is an old Swedish Proverb which goes, "Love me when I least deserve it, because that's when I really need it."

If you haven't guessed it by now, I'm smack bang in the middle of a relationship quandary. Tossing up whether I should stick around and try to work through our issues, again or simply resolve myself to the obvious. It's a hard call weighing up the pros and cons. It's even harder when I ask her does she still love me and she replies with a strong yes. However her actions don't make me feel wanted much less loved. 

Must admit I've got a bad habit of making wrong choices when it comes to relationships. Not saying I end up dating fucked up units, I do however seem to end up with women who have communication issues. If being unable to say what I feel to the person I love, instead having to put pen to paper is any indication things are not great, then that's certainly where it is right now - an emotional roller coaster.

Monday 24 October 2011

Calm Before the Storm

Is it a pink sky at night a sailors delight or a Shepard's warning? That saying always leave me scratching my head. Laying in bed at a bit after 3am; never under estimate the advantages of insomnia. On that almost still night 19'th Oct anyone could have been convinced a thunderstorm was approaching. That day in Adelaide wasn't that hot but humid. Its slimy wet tentacles reaching out and lashing at ones body making me feel like I'd run a marathon when I'd only walked a few 100 yards.

The previous day I'd checked into a funky Adelaide hotel a stones throw from Hutt Street and was looking forward to a few days R&R with a special friend - yes a girl if you must know. For those with a curious mind, no she's not a fuck buddy. I'd like to think of her as a friend with benefits and a mind as deep and inquisitive as Moi! If she wasn't half my age and I was in a younger mans body I'd certainly entertain the notion of pursuing her interests on permanent basis.

To set the record straight, yes I'm attached but not married. Does that make a difference these days? I guess not. Think of me as you will most people do. Personally I don't give a shit either way. Especially when the only difference between myself and others is I act on most of my impulses.

Are these common traits for a mid-life crisis? And no I don't drive a flashy European sports car. Been there done that. Probably why I'm finding it even hard to adjust to the fact I'm at this cross roads right now.

I've lived what most would label an exciting life. The entire gambit which is synonymous with that lifestyle of fast cars and even faster women. So you can probably understand my confusion. I've always held the belief guys who have a mid-life crisis are those who got married young and didn't get the time to live out their dreams. Well, that blows my theory out of the water!