They got on at Malvern, and stood together on the train. One dressed like an accountant, one dressed like a student, neither saying much, just watching the world go by. Until Richmond, where the student whispered to the accountant about something on his back, and brushed it off. The accountant whispered thanks back, and they ... [More]
You can do everything in the Post Office nowadays. I suppose that’s why they’re calling them Post Shops instead. They sell cards, telephones (mobile and fixed line), music CDs (what’s the point of those year CDs, eg 1970 including hits from 1970? I was born in 1970, but why does that mean I would identify ... [More]
My delayed Valentine’s Day present arrived last night, in the form of tickets to the Paul Kelly concert at the newly re-named Hamer Hall (aka the Concert Hall at the Victorian Arts Centre). A more mixed crowd than your average standing-up gig. A worrying number of oldies. I suppose what you lose on the enthusiasm ... [More]
A couple of the blokes in the office today dared to try what I wouldn’t yesterday: to re-load the photocopier toner. I knew if I tried it I’d end up struggling with it for half an hour before scattering that lovely black toner all over the carpet. So I went and did my photocopying on ... [More]
To the guy in the navy blue suit at Hawksburn station at 8:38 this morning who ran down the ramp as the train doors closed because he thought the train with 1000 people on board should be made later than it already was, just for him and thumped on the door in a rage as ... [More]
The Cat In The Hat. Not many kids’ movies on at the moment, and Jeremy chose this one to while away some time on ANZAC Day afternoon. A couple of semi-amusing moments that just — just raised a smile, but otherwise it was proof that Hollywood has an uncanny ability to take a classic book ... [More]
Tickets for The Who went on sale last Sunday. At $99 to $199. Yikes. I considered booking, depending on whether or not good but cheap seats could be had. But then I found the damn Ticketek web site demanding some long-forgotten username and password (with no hints on the e-mail they had sent me), so ... [More]
Sometimes it’s easy. You pass someone in the street, or see them on the tram, and they’re instantly recognisable. A soapie star, a reknowned actor, a government minister, or some other high-profile person. But what about all those countless people who pass you by who are not recognisable? Who are they? How many movers and ... [More]
On my way back to work after lunch with lovely girlfriend yesterday, I hopped on a tram on Collins Street. Before it even reached the next stop, some bloke in a seat near the front keeled over, his two sneakered feet the only thing visible to me, sticking out into the aisle. The driver stopped ... [More]
I don’t think I’ve ever shouted at the television in frustration before. Certainly not when I was on my own, nobody else to hear it. I don’t consider myself an angry person by any means, and it took several steps to get there before it all boiled over. Step 1 was doing ironing and wanting ... [More]
I may never get to see Mulholland Drive. Week after week we go to Video Shop A and look for it. Sure, the case is on the shelf, but it has that little annoying “Sorry, I’m out!” tag in it. It’s been that way for months. Maybe it’s missing in action. Last night on a ... [More]
Remember these old things? Sold by a real human, as I recall. I found this one in a book I dipped into last week. A book I never finished. Must have been there for six or seven years. The government announcement the other day of the board for the Public Transport Industry Ombudsman should have ... [More]
A guy got on the train at Prahran yesterday. Very torn jeans. Obvious safety pins in one spot on them. Studded belt. Multicoloured jacket. And a luxurious coiffure of Fabio-style hair, but tied up… and carrying his very own hair dryer. ‘Cos hey, you never know when you might need it. Had a quick look ... [More]
I don’t normally post cutesy kiddie stuff, but I’ll make an exception this time. My eldest son Isaac, nearly 9, has reached a coming-of-age, of sorts. A big step on the way to adulthood. Last night, independently, with no help or pushing, he looked at, read, comprehended, “got” and laughed at, his first Far Side ... [More]
Easter Monday. A life saver watches the surf, just down the beach from Station Pier and the Spirit of Tasmania. PS. Footy tipping. 7 out of 8. Can’t complain about that.