The Way You Look Tonight

Recently we had the distinct privilege to see Tony Bennett perform at Juntiper's Casino. What a class act - he was just incredible and for a man in his 80's he had amazing vocal capacity and range.

There was no diminishing his talent, the years have been indeed kind to Tony.
In my view he out pointed Michael Buble who we saw last year, and by a considerable margin. Michael was very very good, it is just that Tony Bennett was great!

He sang so many memorable songs and told stories about the music. One such story was regarding the song "Smile" written by a Mr Chaplin who was living in Switzerland, who rang to Thank Tony for reviving his little ditty. None other than the legend Mr Charles Chaplin.

A song that he sang that stood out was: The Way You Look Tonight; a absolute standard that was featured in the movie: Father of the Bride.

As I write this blog article in transit to Amber's wedding, I'm in full anticipation of this moment and the words that are stuck in my head:

"Someday... when the world is cold , I will feel a glow, just thinking of you and the way you looked tonight"

What's in a speech....

Soon I will get an opportunity to make a speech that probably lasts no more than 6-7 minutes.


What makes this so special is that the speech will be at the occasion of my daughter's wedding.  This is a small task that I have been contemplating for the best part of 6 months.

The question is what to say and what to not say?  This is a simple task but the emotional aspect of the event will make this one of the most difficult things that I will do this year. Perhaps one of the more significant milestones in the life of my baby; now all grown up.

When Elton John sang the 'Circle of Life', there can be no more evidence of seeing your own flesh and blood grow up before your eyes and now you are the Dad walking down the aisle.

I will let you know how this goes - the anticipation has been aching for a number of months.

Wish me luck......well why do I need luck?  Whatever I say will be special......

Hall & Oates

Hall & Oates - apparently the story was they met when they both were hiding from a gun fight in their home town and as they developed their relationship there was a mail box named 'Hall and Oates'. 

Yes -- it was Darrell Hohl not Hall.

Last weekend we saw Hohl and Oates on the Green.  They are one of the music icons of my generation; they were hard to define, with a soul, pop, rock sound.  The songs take me back to my Uni and just out of University days, so much of this music was playing at the parties and functions that I was working as a waiter. The music kept me going through the 12 hour shifts, that had no meal breaks !

Clearly this what makes them 'special' and they appear to be quite normal with both having their own solo careers and without the normal breakups and reunions.

Talented and still making good music, they were fun to watch. However the Brisbane crowd were not always paying attention and was quite mixed with some grey-haired set with the younger ones. The audience was in general fairly passive and this made the event somewhat lower key.

Hall and Oates had an Australian band (Icehouse) as their support group and it was clear to me that the audience seemed to like the support more than the main event.

Interestingly one of the hits of Icehouse was "Electric Blue" that was co-written with John Oates.

What is important?

What is important? That is a lifelong question that we all need to struggle with. I've thought about this over a number of years and come up with a few simple questions to reflect on:

- How do I feel go about myself and how do I treat others?

- Am I spending enough time with my family and loved ones ?

- Is my work both rewarding and challenging?

- Do I feel life is taking me in the right direction?

- Can I connect with my spiritual feelings and do feel in touch with this dimension?

These are all questions that we all struggle with in our daily lives. The lucky ones are those few beings who are able to be at peace with this noise and constant struggle.

I would believe that our journey of life should address these issues and allow us to reconcile the meaning of our existence.

Good adventure with your own journey!

Sunshine Beach

Sunshine Beach sounds like a location with an abundance of sun-rays.

Yes I can report that this locale has clear beaches and blue skies. A nice little surf break and not over crowded or full of tourists.

As you examine the sea from a vantage point is the glitter of dolphins swimming in the distance. For the Dolphins in their natural habitat and they frolic happily in the clear water.

Thanks to our hosts for a great weekend of food and wine.

11 11 11

Like most 'special' days there are always the end of the world conspiracies. Plus a share of speculation and superstition. I'm glad to report that for me 11/11/11 was just another day in paradise.

27 degrees....lots to do

Enjoying the challenge at work Actually turned out to be a pretty good one.

There is one more of these special days to look forward to in my lifetime 12 12 12.

Leaving Melbourne

This weekend will mark my last official weekend in Melbourne. Having returned late last evening from Brisbane I immediately got into 'task' mode of packing some items that I have been missing in my new apartment. A good novel, some shoes a few more shirts etc

But today after a few hours sleep and Anna I will be back in the streets to experience what is arguably Australia's best city. Why is Melbourne so good?

Well I believe you really need to live here to appreciate the city and the richness of culture, sports and lifestyle. For me I would add these highlights:

- Australian Grand Prix
- Australian Open Tennis
- Theatre & Shows
- Mornington Peninsular Wineries
- Yarra Valley Wineries
- Aussie Rules @ the MCG (just an experience)
- Rebels Rugby
- Bars, Tapas and great great food
- Accessibility (the Trams are really a great way to get around)
- Sand Belt Golf Courses (so many to choose from)

I'm sure that I forgot many things that we also enjoyed and I do understand why it rates as one of the best places in the world to live. We will be going to the Theatre and eating one last time, at some of our favourite haunts.

Actually I should also add; that despite the bad press - the weather in Melbourne is really not that bad and you get used to the 4 seasons in one day. The new job is really really great and I'm enjoying being back in the saddle again. (I'm enjoying the challenge and also the organisation culture \ the people)

Goodbye to Melbourne and Hello to our new life in Brisbane !