eye

tonight sees the second installment of our havana lounge shows
we learned a few things from numero uno featuring robert scott
for one - test technical stuff well in advance - done - no problems
lucy in the food department fine-tuning also to reduce the prep time
though still a night and full day spent preparing prior to the main show
some feedback from the last show suggesting a friday night more suitable
ok - we'll do that - mistake - too many people with too many options
and most significantly those pushing for friday shows not there anyway

also the pool hall busy so a bit of argy-bargy in food preparation/delivery
them's the negatives - the positives - way more - what a brilliant night
the food - stunning - everyone well fed, well contented and well..happy
we removed the first row of seats for the slightly less than full house
giving the band a bit more breathing room and a more casual air
a few people choosing then to sit on the floor or exposed ledge
a very smooth transition from youtube clips on the large screen
moving to lights down and the beautiful colours of the backing film
title - small town loving - distorted scenes of a town at sunset
the town - ashburton - as advised by film-maker kim pieters
crikey - what a coincidence - home-town - an added dimension
eye then get underway in their usual start-by-stealth approach
jonny chapman pulling some gentle feedback-y clicks and sounds
he as usual sitting/kneeling on the floor crouched over his instrument
this a large square box with a tangle of cables, knobs, switches exposed
left of stage peter porteous at work with his guitar straddled on it's amp
barely touching the strings but still producing a strong compatible sound
peter stapleton crouched behind his drum kit and adding percussion
he then taking up position at his kit and some serious playing begins
and concerns about the sound in this room dispelled - loud and clear
eye are improvisers - before show talk confirming they play to the room
i.e. they adapt to the ambience of the occasion - tonight could be gentle
nah - they are firing - building and building the intensity of their music
me - engrossed down front - a sideways glance revealing more of that
not a word to be used loosely but - transcendence - we have liftoff
the components all clicking - the sound, the visual, the space, the audience
eye hit a peak and then drop away to near silence in a transfixed room
peter porteous then caressing his tibetan bell and the sound carries
a signal of another build imminent with him then strapping on his guitar
his bandmates then also digging in to provide their own unique sounds
in the meantime the visual treat just keeps rolling - there's lots to see
50 minutes of sensory pleasure - the second peak falls back nicely
peter stapleton finishing off the set with some chant-like vocals
the film credits flash up as they wind down - perfect coincidence
we the audience then in long and enthusiastic applause and whistles
confirming for me that we have witnessed a very special performance
and talking with the band afterwards - they too seem well satisfied
time for coconut-lemongrass cake and appropriate refreshments
people lingering and chatting - not wanting the night to end
but of course it has to - load up, drive home, collapse
...we'll put that down as another successful show...

pexidition week end

we wake early on saturday morning of this labour weekend
rustle up another delicious breakfast and bid farewell to ohiwa bay
driving out of the caravan park - beach behind - lagoon in front - lovely
then a short distance along the bay of plenty to the town of ohope bay
stumble on a farmers market and spend a very easy hour or so there
hard to resist the fresh fruit and vegetables on offer - nice crafts too
we leave with fresh asparagus, dried persimmon, smoked chilli, etc
next stop - whakatane town - a cruise up and down the main drag
looking very welcoming too - summery feel, greenery, shops, cafes
hit the hole in the wall and cruise out again with rotorua the target
feeling on a bit of a roll with a so-far-so-very-good trip thus far
mudholes and geysers need to be seen and sulphur needs inhaling
nice drive too - past the holiday-homesville of  glistening lake rotoma
a whistle-stop taster tour only on this day so a few tourist spots selected
first stop - the redwoods - whakewareware - 5600 hectares of forest
there's a visitor's centre and a number of tracks to follow and explore
we opt for the shortest - 30 minutes - the longest takes weeks - no time
huge redwood trees in every direction - sunlight filtered by the canopy
the air - pungent and slightly intoxicating - a longer walk would be great
but we enjoy our stroll and exchange greetings with walkers and joggers
it is rated as one of rotorua's main tourist attractions - then on to the next
te puia - 60 hectares of geothermal park - well set up for the throngs
price - ouch - but they know we know we just have to be part of it
a guided tour for less than an hour and only a few visual highlights
the kiwi enclosure (asleep), mud pools (simmering) and the big one
pohutu geyser - goes off every hour or so - we wait most of that
but worth it - steaming water blown 25 meters up - we are in awe
bypass the cultural show (extra bucks) and decide to strike forth
kerosene creek 25km out of town - a natural hot water spring
but they didn't warn us about the goat track in - potholes galore
our campervan not supposed to be there and not very happy either
so abandon this one and also rotorua - we will return but time to go
the nagging thought of the need to get some digs organised for tonight
target - tauranga - our gps triggered guide makes a suggestion near there
mclaren falls park - 60 hectares of park and camping ground around a lake
sounds good and when we got there - oh wow - another treat is in store
first mission to find someone to pay the camp fees - an honesty system
park the van in a higher area near facilities then we start exploring
quite hilly with lots of paths, trees, a lake and vehicle access
we park ourselves by the lake with beer in hand and admire
swans, geese and ducks in the idyllic late afternoon sunlight
the chill in the air finally sends us van-bound and for dinner
asparagus and snapper awash with the final drops of shiraz
a great night's sleep in the quiet and beautiful starlit night
in the morning a drive to matamata and a shot at hobittown
no go - takes 3 hours - we have 1 and a plane to think about
next time for sure - so drive to auckland to deliver the van
thus fulfilling our part of the contract - and to the airport
all very easily done - as with everything else in this week
two very happy travellers - 2400km, 7 days and 6 nights
definitely will be applying for that gig again some day...

the long road

day 5 of the campervan trip through the north island of nz
today's target is opitiki at the east end of the bay of plenty
choice - 2 hours direct inland or 6 hours round the coast road
both apparantly offering stunning scenery - but we in no hurry
so the long haul wins out especially with another stunning day
we also have the latest edition of the guide to the pacific highway
superbly detailing every point-of-interest and distance along the way
the biggest concern on this gift of a day is hours of sunlight (only 14)
as we creep out of the tatapouri campground at 7am and head north
first stop - tolaga bay with it's impressive 600 metre long wharf
built in the 1920's to service ships but now it's pedestrians only
the beach itself quite extraordinary - piles of driftwood abound
we pass through the maori welcome entrance and onto the wharf
a set of railway tracks in the centre leading us to the distant end
some young fisherman well set up there and looking very relaxed
tempting to take a plunge into the beautiful blue-green seawater
but no ladder provides the necessary out and then a walk back
check the guide and head off - how much better can it get?
anaura bay - our guide says it is one of the most beautiful
a few kilometers drive up the off-road to a high point
jaw-dropping views of the bay beyond the native bush
a drive down and a walk onto the wide, flat, pristine beach
me - all i can do is put my head back and utter some quiet thanks
the definition of overwhelming is experienced at this time and place
a mental bookmark made for future reference and a return visit
and a decision made to push on to the most eastern point of nz
still quite a distance away so a few hours easily spent driving
mostly in a rural setting with many farmers spotted at work
we push on to the top of the cape and then head eastwards
the plan is to get to east cape and check out the lighthouse
but a narrow, 20km gravel road gets tedious within 1 of them
stop, park, explore and then double-back and on to hicks bay
underwhelming also - tourist town it is not - for better or worse
and pretty well from that point on for the rest of the day the same
stunning scenery with the road surging high up and then down low
a very good road too so the driving very easy and most enjoyable
few towns encountered and even fewer cafes - the tummies not happy
a stop at the waihau bay pub offers no food and about the same hospitality
we are now convinced this whole part of nz is resisting the tourism boom
but we are resourceful - a tuna and avocado open sandwich is conjured
consumed in the shade by a small bay shared with some snorkellers
then push on to opitiki - 8 hours later - stock up and onwards again
spot a sign to ohiwa bay caravan park at the start of a long weekend
fearing congestion we head in, queue up and secure a parking space
another great find - beachside, great facilities though also crowded
relatively at least but the kitchen empty so our evening meal had
mussels, snapper fillets, fresh asparagus and some more shiraz
both very tired after an exhilerating day of drive and discovery
the decision to take the long road totally vindicated - tick...

north by north-east

day 4 of the expedition and well into the guts of the north island
monday - kaikoura - tuesday - castlepoint - wednesday - napier
very much enjoying the constant change of scenery and stays
early to bed, good sleeps and early waking and into the day
today - 7am sneak out of the bay view snapper holiday park
on the north side of napier so hit the (open) road running
target - gisborne-ish so a trip up and around hawkes bay
new territory for both of us so that an adds to the allure
another beautiful sunny day and only a few other vehicles
no sign of the past drought with green the dominant colour
the road a constant but gentle change in slope and direction
an easy driving rhythm easily achieved and no want to break
but a mirror roadside lake too much of a photo opportunity
we push on - few towns and damn - even fewer petrol stations
should have filled up in napier - this could be a tad embarrassing
the concern parked as we roll into the morere hot springs carpark
pay the very reasonable $10 and walk the 10 minutes into the bush
arrive at the centre just as the only other visitors are clearing out
we have a couple of exterior stainless steel pools to ourselves
so hot and so relaxing - the body knows it is being pampered
a cold plunge pool and shower jarring things back to reality
but a sense of a change walking out again - the body buzzing
what a treat - and such a low-key place - entrepreneurs barred?
resumption of the drive and with it the concerns re low petrol
the needle below empty and still 70km to the nearest town
oh well - it's an adventure - take it as it comes - no biggie
but we get there - phew - fill up and then head to gisborne
low and flat - geography as well as economy is the feeling
not very enticing at all - trip advisor is not very excited either
nothing leaping out for a lunch stop so we go back to traditional
i.e. pick something that looks ok - nope - average and overpriced
so hit the countdown and high-tail it out of down (troden) town
the decision made to go all the way around the east cape - tomorrow
today we travel another 12km north to a caravan park at tatapouri
stunningly placed between high hill and beachside - looking good
budge the proprietor so welcoming and only a few other campers
a walk along the beach and a wish for low-tide - crayfish in wait
bad timing for that so we settle for scallops and rice noodles
and as it has been lately - dusk draws curtains on the day
4 down and 3 to go - getting very used to this lifestyle
...and quietly excited about the big friday drive...

vampercan pexidition part 1

there's a lot of campervans on the road in new zealand
the largest majority paid for by tourists heading south
which presents a logistical problem for rental companies
vans left in the south by renters flying home ex christchurch
solution - offer free rental, petrol and ferry to drive 'em home
we sign up for that - only issue is getting from dunedin to ch-ch
so at 6am on this monday morning we are up and waiting for a bus
a short trip into the city with the very friendly local/regular commuters
me thinking - yep - this is going to be a nice little holiday - good signs
then onto the atomic bus for the near 6 hour journey to christchurch
done it before - tedious - this time - not so - company and a laptop
acquainted with our small-ish toy-motor campervan and northbound
weather - good - roads - clear - mood - bouyant - snacks - devoured
plan was to get close to picton but tiredess came-a-calling too soon
paying the price for the prior nights entertaining of 10 dinner guests
kaikoura is a handy stopping point so into the top 10 park we go
very impressive and clean facilities for an early dinner and night
next day is an early start for a straight-through drive to picton
roll on to the inter-islander and into queen charlotte sound
blue skies and calm seas make for an enjoyable crossing
roll off and then head directly north over the rimutakas
all the time taking in the on-board guidance system
a black-box of pre-recorded music, ads and info
triggered by gps signals to be very location precise
first stop is carterton - very cool - beer at the white swan
then push on to masterton and our guide kicks in with advice
a 64km trip east to castlepoint is recommended - camping too
that'll do so off we go - an easy drive through verdant rolling hills
check in to the deserted and slightly derelict caravan park - hmmm
dinner cooked up and a decision made to go for a beach amble
good one - heading south along the beach and sights to behold
strange - there's waves crashing into an inland looking lagoon
and before that there are huge fishing boats marooned on shore
there's a lighthouse up on a point with a path leading up to it
and behind the lagoon a huge mound shaped like a jedi helmet
this all leads then to a couple of hours of wander and amazement
we are alone in what is a very special place - so glad to have come
next morning - birthday - yummy breakfast and we head off
the mental compass set and then a back roads discovery drive
more gravel roads on hilly sections than required but all good
a stop for refreshments at the pongaroa pub - classic kiwiana
eventually we get back on the road proper through to napier
head north past town to the caravan park of trip advisor choice
very nice too - right by the (stoney) beach and quite deserted
then the serious business of selection of a restaurant for dinner
let's avoid town - and go for something special and well - classy
the mission wine estate it is - booking made for an early dinner
a very large colonial looking building over-looking napier city
the meal - stunning - the gourmet cook in our party is happy
as discussed - love went into it's preparation/presentation
mission - accomplished - and the final touch - shiraz
2008 black puma carried from maker to consumer
and stashed in the luggage on pexidition - g'night...

high mountain flowing water

otago arts festival 2014 - give some support so get in a few shows
so far - dunedin jazz orchestra in st paul's cathedral - as expected
next day same venue - balkan sounds - surprisingly well attended
that same night - kaha - maori modern dance troupe - good to see
and tonight - high mountain flowing water - or - gao shan liu shui
interesting read-up in the festival program - mostly about the guqin
a traditional chinese zither instrument - similar to the japanese koto
wu na is woman master of the instrument - and has western influences
has worked with various jazz, rock and avant-garde oriented musicians
tonight is the world premiere of this new work so another enticement
also - glenroy auditorium - never been there so a chance to investigate
a multi-purpose flat-floored room tonight with rows of chairs in place
we are stage left  5 rows back with a good view to the raised stage
that hosting a grand piano, guqin and a hanging narrow backdrop
pianist gao ping glides on, lights a candle, washes his hands, sits
what seems like random and obtuse bars of music then played
good - this is going to be musically challenging - bring it on
before long he is joined by dong fei - he a peking opera artist
very androgynous in look and attire - gentle and slow motions
his voice adding to the impression of traditional chinese opera
and then smoothly leading wu na to her seat behind the guqin
as she settles in a very subtle projection begins on the backdrop
shadowy shapes moving very slightly and some english words
introducing each part of this interpretation of a chinese fable
explained very simply in a handout program as we entered
yu boya is on a boat travelling up a river playing his guqin
2 tunes - high mountain and flowing water - a string breaks
from this he knows he is being observed from the riverbank
he goes ashore to meet zhong ziqi and there is an instant bond
and from there every year they meet to share their love of music
until one year zhong ziqi fails to show - he has fallen ill and died
yu boya then smashes his guqin as without his listener it is of no use
perfection - the program informed us and the projection assisted
the music and movements coming from the stage - just exquisite
a single hour spent fully entranced by the totality of the show
a pianist seen pushing the boundaries of a familiar instrument
augmented by the plethora of sounds coming from the guqin
at times gently plucked or strummed other times hammered
the projectons - surreal - the movement artist - mesmerising
me sitting there and thinking it just does not get any better
us lucky to be part of the world premiere - lookout world
next stop wellington (te papa) then - well - anywhere
but surely it is bound for big things in e.g. new york
that's it for me then - don't need to see anything else
very positive conversations in the foyer afterwards
snagged it - the festival highlight for me for sure
no more needed  - we shall follow with interest

a five star life

part 3 of the low-level commitment to the italian film festival
richard e grant the main inspiration to take the time for this one
he making it appealing to spend some (virtual) time in 5 star hotels
irene's job as a mystery guest hotel inspector takes her world-wide
the opening scenes of her methodically checking out a luxury room
gloves on, white clothing, a laptop being used to record observations
very sharp directing going on - many changes of angle and proximity
impression being that the sumptuousness of the film matches the hotels
oops - an errant napkin found under the bed - failure with a capital f
irene next berating the hotel manager thus proving her credentials
exits the chic hotel, into a luxury taxi and disappears into paris
next back home somewhere in italy and settling in there
a sparse apartment and only sign of life a photo of 2 nieces
dinner dug out of the freezer, cooked and eaten with a beer
so a very deliberate contrasting of professional/personal life
next an outing with her doting nieces and 'normal' sister and hubby
he an obsessive though struggling classical musician - she a busy mum
more pushing of the concept that irene leads an average life outside work
including an amicable and close friendship with her love of 15 years prior
a bit of a shock for both to find out his latest fling is pregnant with his baby
but then back into the fray - more scenes of her living up the 5-star life
an attempt at hooking up with a single man in marrakech fails badly
he unexpectedly announcing he is totally married and totally faithful
so another reminder of her envious but lonely professional lifestyle
it's all very slick - short, sharp scenes all very nicely filmed/edited
berlin of particular appeal to me - many places seen in a recent trip
and a very modern soundtrack mixed in too so that also absorbing
a spa scene in a hotel in berlin and irene conversing with a lady guest
she an english commentator on women's issues in town for a tv show
that show then part of the film with irene watching on respectfully
but irene then stood up for a pre-arranged breakfast next day
adding to irene's growing sense of loneliness and abandonment
but seems the lady had a heart attack overnight - so yet another jolt
the tipping point for irene and then an attempt for some reconnection
an ill-advised one-night stand with her ex causing all manner of drama
her sister also tired of irene's intinerant lifestyle and lack of reality
final scene - they on the phone - irene announcing a major  change
off to tanzania to teach children at a remote village - 'just kidding'
actually off to shanghai to use up some air miles and a holiday
finito - yeah not too bad - not mind-blowing but pretty good
technically excellent - filming, editing, soundtrack, etc
moral of the story - money don't buy you happiness
...or something like that...nice hotels though...

honey

big rap for this one - un certain regard nominee at cannes
and subject matter - euthanasia - not seen before in film mode
the opening scene - closeup of a 70's style amber glass sliding door
a muted discussion heard and advice given it is still possible to stop
miele (honey) then emerges, sits down, dons ipod and loud music heard
the soundtrack to the film being what is playing in her head - nice touch
she then seen boarding a flight to los angeles and a late phone call taken
irene (her real name) curtly telling the caller he must talk to her superior
so something covert going on - next scene she welcomed back to a l a hotel
5 star too it seems - money not an issue - next day she is on a bus to mexico
the tour guide advising passports needed at the border but not likely checked
our italian lady then seen repeating in english - 'i want to put my dog to sleep'
and then in a pharmacy securing a couple of packets of the required drugs
cut back to italy and she is in a small apartment talking to a man and wife
she obviously terminally ill and then the routine of assisting in her death
the drug and her requested alcohol, chocolates and music then served up
and clear instructions that only her fingerprints to remain on the glasses
poignant - tears flow and honey remaining composed but compassionate
as she leaves she is handed an envelope containing a large amount of cash
thus confirming the lucrative and commercial nature of her illegal work
then she is seen plunging into the sea as if cleansing herself of the deed
and more revealed of her private life - a lover with a wife and children
a nearby father who lost his wife and irene's mother some 10 years ago
scenes of her visiting him and reminiscing over photos of happier days
she lives in solitude by the beach near rome supposedly studying there
this obviously to account for her regular trips there and beyond as seen
her partner in crime makes an appearance to discuss upcoming cases
a repeat of the process shown with an ill man choosing to end his life
his sister handing over the cash and stating honey has 'a real shitty job'
next - an architect - the preliminary visit goes well and a connection
he talks about his profession and the wonder of large domed mosques
and a theory that a placed piece of paper in a mosque would float up
she leaves the drugs and routinely tells him to think about the process
him stating it better than jumping out the window and upsetting people
but a later phone-call reveals he is not terminal but merely depressed
this then a real problem for irene - euthanasia - ok - murder - not so
things get ugly as she tries to retrieve the drugs and extract herself
similarly on her domestic front the lover has to go - knows too much
irene is young, beautiful, alone and now compromised - we're hooked
she makes the decision to give up her vocation which is not so easy
her partner not so happy but the latest case has unsettled her big time
the architect makes a surprise visit to return the drugs and all is well
irene realises she is quite fond of him and promises to keep in touch
but after the visit a fear that suicide is still possible and a dash to rome
too late - police swarming around his apartment - he has done the jump
final scene - off to istanbul - paper on mosque floor - floats up - nice
what a richly satisfying film - a serious subject very deftly handled
sparking after-viewing discussions about the film and euthanasia
that being the likely point of it - more discussion much needed
and a change to it's current legal and social categorization
the italian film festival - come good on the second one
not sure how many more to be seen - but in the mood...

the lithium conspiracy

the first film of the 2014 italian film festival for me
a thriller written by respected italian author tullio avoledo
breve storia di lunghi tradimenti - or - the lithium conspiracy
opening scenes very impressive - huge bright white salt flats
beautiful blue and white-cloudy sky and a horse-drawn carriage
a signing ceremony then the approach of  brightly garbed natives
met in turn with the charge of a small band of armed infantrymen
this film looking good - then cuts to the modern day equivalent
armed police in turin clashing with placard-bearing protesters
a man dashing down some stairs through the police and crowds
then a car pursuit through crowded streets and a final head-on crash
cut to a man in a seedy flat talking to his segway mounted landlord
the man being guilio and then seen in conversation with his boss
he is being granted unlimited signing rights on financial transactions
next seen despondently visiting his estranged wife and young daughters
action then in a corporate boardroom and an attractive blond interloper
she announcing a 51% buyout leading to the chairman dashing out
guilio pulling up in his car as the chairman's body lands on the roof
so lots of disjointed scenes no doubt all making sense eventually
lots of dialogue read in sub-titles meaning concentration demanded
but so far so good - next - the action relocates to south america
the country - queimada - ficticious - let's not get too realistic
the bloke (guilio) and the blonde (cecilia) there to do a deal
seen handing over a suitcase of cash to the country's president
he then rejecting the deal because they do not have 'the document'
guilio no idea really what it is all about so mabel the guide explains
she apparantly an agent and explaining it's all about the lithium rights
then back in turin and guilio and his left-wing beliefs now to the fore
sees mabel killed while in a skype conversation and then the car chase
ah right - we have gone back in time to explain the leadup to the pursuit
still confusing - the murderer also the bloke being pursued by guilio
but a setup - his brakes disconnected and hence the head-on crash
right - thanks - that bit explained but there's a lot of other threads
for one - cecilia - now seen as the grand-daughter of mister big
he the buyer of the bank that presumably has the secret 'document'
the baddie in turin one of his hitmen with a twin brother in queimada
one the murderer of mabel and the other one now out to get guilio
a scene then of a pursuit with both riding segways - quite silly really
at which point interest pretty well lost - let's just get it over and done with
a review pre-screening mentioned john grisham - another james bond
whatever - it's quite well done but just too many unlikely scenarios
moral of the story - don't take it at all seriously - the makers aren't
but to complete - mr big also makes money by betting on disasters
the turin baddie planting a bomb in the abandoned nuclear plant
intercepted by james 'guilio' bond - he saves the day (world)
gets the girl (wife), mr big seen lying in state  - yay - finished
nope - final scene - mr big on a plane with cecilia to madagascar
that's it folks - kind of disappointing after the crisp opening
but it all ended up a pretty average thriller-flick-thing
some novelty factor being a foreign language fil-um
but hopefully not the best at the italian film festival
looking forward to something more original...

robert scott

we did it - pulled together all the elements to make it work
first and foremost - robert scott - how lucky to get him on board
and so easily - hey robert - want to do an intimate show for us - sure
the hardest part was agreeing on a date - and that took an email to/from
made possible of course by having a suitable venue locked in as well
matt easton from the poolhouse as genial in his offer of the space
the havana lounge set up as a theatre but perfect for a small gig
33 seats and a few more loaded in to accommodate our 38 punters
the ticket price of $20 came with a promise of some delicious food
lucy to the fore in that department - days spent planning and preparing
6 o'clock opening and some exposure to some under-preparedness
the laptop loaded up with 10 selected pre-show videos glitchy
visual only - sound refusing to make any so efforts abandoned
mental note - more thorough testing of equipment needed in future
but no biggie - people happily chatting over a pre-show beer or 2
the food then rolling out despite a similar glitch with a hot-plate
meaning plan b kicks in - a hasty retreat to the venue's kitchen
fraser and nathaniel doing the food-plate running from kitchen to lounge
beetroot topped blini, mushroom arancini balls, bamboo shoot spring rolls
skate fishcakes, chicken curry lettuce cups and thai beef lettuce cups
offered and devoured over the first hour before start of show at 7:15
the me/mc welcoming people to our first show and then on with it
robert had quietly set up late afternoon - a thanks also to ian henderson
kindly loaned us a compact vocal p.a. to augment robert's own gear
he seated and with acoustic guitar ran though the first set of tunes
a backdrop of some of his own photos running on a slideshow
confirming the thoughts that live music in this venue would work
the music - gentle - robert strumming his way through his tunes
he looking very relaxed and very honest with us the audience
some tunes from way back or very recent and under-played
but in his hands and voice we know we are very privileged
tunes from 3 solo albums and the odd clean/bats song also
the slideshow of rural scenes/towns adding a dimension
not a whisper from an entranced (hopefully) audience
the loud and louder applause indicating all is well out there
robert letting the music do the talking but the odd jibe added
all quite mesmerising really and a timely break after 40 minutes
un-plug the failing slideshow and mingling with the audience
spoon loaded raw salmon and wasabi mayonnaise devoured
refreshments topped up and resumption of the fine music
acoustic guitar in hand (still) and now some newer tunes
tunes from the latest album - the green house - then featured
very familiar with these songs and played in solo mode superbly
thinking - something so engaging about a man, his tunes and his guitar
and also thinking - we have snagged it - this is a very special night
the electric guitars then brought into play and we go up a level
robert very deftly demonstrating his obvious guitar skills
possibly just me but the feeling of one-on-one engagement
totally absorbed by what i am witnessing a few metres away
loud applause and occasional shout out appropriate interruptions
the end of the second set and an offer of covers made and accepted
johnny cash and joy division then wrapping up robert's show
there's a palpable buzz in the air and plenty of approval
myrtle cheese cake and sticky date cake seen on the bar
also devoured in record time to complete the food show
most people moving out and on - a few more lingering
a 9pm finish - so civilised - thanks to all and sundry
load up the car - head home - high-fives and collapse
that seemed really good - the feedback will be interesting
but as a concept - we are up and running - portabil is born...

gone girl

oh well - time to lower the bar and take in a blockbuster
good reviews of this one and ben affleck is usually reliable
the marketing in overdrive and so too the popcorn machine
with an unusually large crowd in the theatre a tad disquieting
the film snob in me not so happy mixing it with the masses
but - moving on - a slick set of opening shots and music
early morning in a mid-western town with nobody around
except for nick dunne (affleck) seen standing outside his house
a pensive look then into the sleek suv volvo and a drive away
next seen in 'the bar' be-moaning to his sister about his marriage
his 5th wedding anniversary and they both down on amy the wife
a phone-call, return to an invaded home and she now gone (girl)
rewind 5 years and amy in voiceover gives us the background
they met in new york - she the daughter of an ivy-league couple
also authors of a series of children's books titled amazing amy
so their own daughter living in the shadow of her famous self
suggestions this may be significant but nick and amy hit it off
rumpy-pumpy all over the place then a forced move to missouri
his mother had cancer and dies not long after the relocation
the recession hits and they both lose their creative writer jobs
amy's solitude and distaste for nick's hometown also featured
back in the current day and amy's disappearance goes viral
the parents arrive, a press conference, tv news, town vigils
suspicion mounts on nick as he seems less than distraught
his case not assisted by the revelation of him having an affair
not public knowledge yet but us the audience now also off-side
a few days after her disappearance a new perspective is introduced
amy then in voiceover takes us through her complex escape plan
staging her violent disappearance to then frame nick for murder
drives off and parks herself in a cheap motel in a distant town
a couple in the same motel then rob her of all the cash she has
forcing her to make contact with an old flame to seek digs
he (desi) provides it in a remote and luxurious holiday home
in the meantime nick has made contact with a slick lawyer
the realisation that amy has set him up means a fight is on
phew - intense plotting and a big-budget covers a lot of ground
but wait - there's more - nick makes a staged tv appeal to amy
she sees it and falls for it - sets up desi and brutally murders him
staged as rape and self-defence - slashes his throat and blood gushing
trent reznor's soundtrack pumped up to the max for added intensity
then seen arriving back home to nick covered in blood - yea right
interviewed by the police - all good - the couple then reunited
a shower scene to wash off the blood and show his torso/bum
the lawyer departs congratulating nick on the money to flow
a book, movie and franchise bar business setting him up
amy announces she is pregnant - the public go ga-ga
he apparantly now totally entrapped in the marriage
they hate each other's guts but she has him - the end
crikey - 2 and a half hours endured in this film
pretty average really - with lots to dislike also
not just hollywood's usual lack of genuine emotion
or it's propensity to throw buckets of money at films
but in this case for one the way women are presented
the psychopath wife, bitter mother-in-law, bimbo girlfriend
but the book and screenplay from the hand of a woman
so maybe i'm wrong - still - not much to like about it
certainly none of the characters are at all endearing
so that's my blockbuster for a while - nice try...