Early Week Comedy Gold...

Film Freak 2014 - The Water Diviner

War movies/TV shows are all the rage right now (timing is everything with the recent anniversary of World War 1) and with a heap of war films on the way:

The Imitation Game - New Years Day
Unbroken - World War 2 based, 15 Jan 2015
American Sniper - Recent times and events, 22 Jan 2015

That's just January 2015 and on TV Channel Nine is following the ABC's Anzac Girls with Gallipoli starting early in 2015.

Now to the Water Diviner and Russell Crowe/Channel 7's latest effort.


Jai Courtney for me was the eye candy standout (FUCK - he is hot!) and Ryan Corr was just brilliant as Russell's son. Look this movie like all war movies is not everyone's bag and there are real eye rolling moments but this is a decent Aussie film at a time where there has been limited good Aussie flicks.

Felony was still my pick for 2014 but this on a large scale and casting wise was well done.

It's up for a few awards at the AACTA Awards and not being nasty but it will probably grab a lot of them due to the competition.

It's great to see a big budget Aussie film but maybe some of the big moments felt a little more Telemovie which may be due to the Channel 7 involvement.

Overall I enjoyed this and the session on a Sunday afternoon of a long weekend was packed. Maybe the Hobbit is not everyone's bag. I give this 3 Stars and will now potentially see some more War films for comparisons to be drawn.

So Wet N Wild (Sydney) word must have got out...

That the park is a disaster.

Guess all the Season Passes didn't sell this year right? I know only one couple who returned in the second year to the world's worst Wet N Wild. And I can say this after recently visiting the Wet N Wild in Kapolei and a year or so ago the Gold Coast Wet n Wild. And actually in regards to other water parks this park truly blows compared to:

1. The above 2 Wet N Wilds
2. Waterbom, Bali
3. Wild Wadi, Dubai
4. Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon in Orlando
5. World Waterpark, Edmonton

Yeah so I have been to a few water parks across a few continents and honestly management at Wet N Wild Sydney, you have FAILED the West and failed the people of Sydney.

40 minute lines, for a large amount of space in the dead zone area, you have limited rides and one of the WORST fake beaches EVER.

I have always been told if you are going to do something, do it to your best ability and clearly the Wet N Wild franchise is being let down here.

When Sydney's beaches are bumping it was always going to be a good idea to make something for the West to cool down, but this isn't it, just jump online to their Facebook page and see the rage.

Wet N Wild you have been in my sights for a while as this BLOG stands up to average and I like to consider myself an enemy of average and if anything your park is totally AVERAGE.

(Not so at the) Film(s) Freak 2014 - The Interview

On Sunday I posted my Movies of the year and this film made it (without seeing it) as the Most Controversial film of 2014. Last year James Franco's indie film Spring Breakers took out that title. Now comes a film by Sony which was pulled from the release schedule and then released online and shown only at a few select indie cinemas in the US.

The whole Sony Hack thing is going on and on and not only has this film been a big pirate hit this Christmas so has Madonna's Rebel Heart, so it's a long weekend for pirated material.

Now I want say how I got my hands on a copy of this film to give me two cents worth but let's just say I would have seen this movie and paid the admission fee to see it, however it angers me in 2014 that with companies complaining about piracy you don't just have a WORLDWIDE release date. We live in Australia not the middle of bum fuck nowhere. We love movies, music and entertainment.

Releasing films online and only having this available to Americans is always going to have some piracy issues.



Look all in all, there are a lot of fucks and a lot of ass sex jokes. Sometimes I don't know whether James Franco wants ass sex or whether he hates ass sex? It's an age old question to be thinking about on a Christian holiday weekend really.

Look this film isn't all bad but it's not great, there are few laugh out loud moments and it sort of just goes to show this holiday season (Boxing Day Movies - New Years Day films) is a little sub standard.

I want to see Into the Woods but I think Annie is enough of a musical film for a little while and I have already booked Taken 3 for the Open Air Cinema in February so I have little to look forward to film wise.

Sad face.

However I will be changing the title of my film reviews in 2015, so any suggestions drop me a line in the comments.....

Next up aside from the film can I also just say last night in the City (Boxing Day Evening) was magic, the city was alive, pumping and wonderful showing Sydney is a truly amazing city, no tragedy of threat or media beat up will kill peoples spirits.

The Interview I don't like to give a rating to films I don't see in the actual cinema so no ratings here just if you have a spare two hours and you like Franco, maybe give it a crack.

Until next time...

1,900 Posts and mid way through Summer Slack

So Christmas is done, I hit the Boxing Day sales today and tomorrow I look forward to a (regular) weekend. Escaping Sydney was divine, except god love bad tattoos and the Central Coast. My word if I had my time again I would study tattoo removal, fuck me senseless there are some rank tattoo's around. No offence folks but if you have a shit tattoo you are well on the way to becoming a bogan.

Bogan behaviour also revolves around this time of the year:

1. Thinking your a cricket expert even if the idea and possibility of running a single run would leave you puffing.

2. Drinking yourself into oblivion for the sake of it. Oh it's a public holiday or I have tomorrow off. I should just get shit faced and disgrace myself in front of friends and families.

3. Hitting the sales at the shops with your tramp stamps on display and wearing yesterday's Dotti and Supre numbers.

4. Eating Macca's and feeding your poor kids a shit load of bad food.

Now leaving bogans for a minute and the fact that as someone who doesn't really have Christian values or small children, I am very happy when I close my eyes and pass out at the end of Christmas, the lead up is terrible, the crowds and the frantic bullshit prior to the big day is horrible and there are always issues.

I must say I had a fairly pleasant day but I must say I can do without the lead up, the pressure and then all for what? So Boxing Day for me is the real treat, it's all done and dusted.

Now to the next big one New Years, and no plans, makes me nervous and excited all at once, could it be my year of going to bed before midnight? Fingers Crossed.

There we have it 1,900 posts, thanks again for reading and maybe shaking your head or saying hmmmm that made me think. I love the internet and still wonder about Sony films and the Interview, so film companies and media companies really think countries outside America are not going to Pirate your work when you release films online only available in one region?

God luck to Sony, this hack has been massive and only today more new music from Madonna has leaked, man if only artists would learn long lead in releases just don't work!

Good night one and all and Happy Holidays x

Merry Christmas & Thanks for Reading

Thanks for reading in 2014, y'all rock, here is a little look back (musically) at the year that was 2014. Have a very happy holidays one and all....

Best Television of 2014

So it's been an interesting year of Television, some US shows wrap over two years like Revenge which runs for ever and ever with all the breaks it takes. The Walking Dead does breaks best by cutting the season in half, 8 and 8 episodes, 8 in 2014 and 8 in 2015 for Season 5.

The Blacklist fails to do breaks well and this year it felt like it was only on for a week or two and then poof it was gone. Thanks for the memories.

New shows came and some are already gone, Hostages (a disaster, the trailer had SO much promise), How to Get Away with Murder had me hooked from day one and I can't see this one disappearing from the screen anytime soon. The 100 is a new teen drama on the CW who seem desperate for a hit however The Flash & Arrow (both comic books adapted for TV) seem to be the next big thing after The Vampire Diaries.

Glee over Fox is coming to an end next year after a sad season last year without Finn and Simon Cowell's The X Factor (USA) got the boot after a couple of seasons and no major stars. Unlike the UK where a star per season seems a definite. And another good year over in the UK this year however Fleur should have totally won.

Fox also brought life back into the 24 series with 24: Live Another Day and continues the serial killing drama/thriller The Following. Not that the second series had anything on the terrific debut season.

Over on FX they continued to have a dream run with American Horror Story & keeping the American theme going the Americans also continued to impress the critics and despite the Bridge's second season better than the first the axe came crashing down on it.

TNT also called it a day for the rebooted Dallas and over on HBO True Blood wrapped up with a rather lame finale, much similar to Dexter last year.

Mistresses took the crown for the campiest and most soapy drama without Dallas to compete with and despite Dallas being way better, Mistresses lives to see another season.

Hannibal like The Bridge (however unlike the Bridge it will be back for season 3) proved sometimes a show is better the second time around. And sometimes in Under the Dome's case the second season is a bit of a mistake.

HBO delivered hit after hit, in every genre, comedy Veep, Girls, Getting On, mini series/telemovie The Normal Heart, new drama/thrillers True Detective, The Leftovers and gay dramas are done with ease on Looking.

Over on Showtime (my other main favourite) Shameless continues to improve, Homeland season 4 came out on top and the critics loved it, Ray Donovan improved in leaps and bounds and his wife just delivered some killer one liners and new comer The Affair was a great addition to the stations already good roster. Californication wrapped up and I was 100% satisfied but good to see it go off before it got completely bat shit crazy. Speaking of bat shit crazy, Nurse Jackie will also wrap up next year which is another show which does need to call it a day, she is sober, she is on the pills and back and forth.

So 2014 it's been a lot of time in front of the box and there has been some good, some bad and some damn terrible. I won't even talk about Australian TV which is all bad (besides the ABC, Wentworth and if Foxtel would release Devil's Playground - I am sure this is good too).

Musically – the Sound of 2014

For the big 200 of 2014 and the Album of 2014 these will all be posted on my other BLOG Flashing off the Record as follows:

1.       200-101 of 2014 posted late Boxing Day

2.       100-1 of 2014 posted late Australia Day 2015

3.       Album of the Year (2014) will be posted mid-morning on Boxing Day

Flashing off the Record is also the home of countdowns and end of year wraps all Summer long so bookmark it NOW!

Happy Holidays folks and drive safe!

Best Movies of 2014

BEST hyped film of 2014 - Two Way Tie:

1. Wolf of Wall Street 
2. Dawn of the Planet of Apes

Last year was a three way tie so I am getting more decisive.

BEST jump out of the seat film - Annabelle (a prequel to last years winner - The Conjuring)


BEST Teen drama/coming of age/comedy blah - Two Way Tie:

1. St. Vincent
2. Men, Women & Children



BEST film of 2014 - Three Way Tie:

1. Bad Neighbours
2. Gone Girl 
3. Nightcrawler

2 serious films and one stellar gross out comedy, I couldn't pick sorry!

BEST small film - Pride


BEST 3D movie - NA I only saw Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 3D and let's be honest if I wasn't at a flash screening it would have blown.

BEST Aussie Movie - Felony



BEST Music film - Begin Again



BEST controversial film of 2014 - The Interview is causing a real stir right now (hey?) but I haven't seen it nor did I seen anything really controversial in 2014, it was a bit of a PC year for me and the movies in 2014.



BEST Drama - Two Way Tie:

1. Gone Girl
2. Nightcrawler

Film Freak 2014 - Annie {2014 Version}

Featuring new music from SIA and Beck, and an all star cast and crew how could this go wrong? Well according to Wikipedia most reviewers (and early illegal downloaders) are hating it.

Yes that's right like a lot of strange things happening with Sony at present Annie was uploaded to a peer to peer piracy site on November 27 weeks before the release. It looks like this might happen a lot more with the Sony hack gathering loads of data, emails and god knows what else.

I saw the recent stage version of this musical and bloody Alan Jones was cast in the show so it took every fibre of me not to storm the stage and abuse the old queen.

That said this musical actually makes good use of the big screen (other musicals - like Jersey Boys fail to make the jump to the big screen) and also continues to throw in the big songs whilst as above add new ones by musical genius and hit maker Greg Kurstin.

The film is produced by some of the A List in Hollywood including the Smith family (Will, wife and wives relo) and Jay Z. Random huh?

Sia even actually features in the film randomly however I have to be honest I did not pick her.



Look musicals aren't everyones bag and musicals on the big screen too aren't huge sellers but this is actually one of the better ones, Jersey Boys kind of sucked I rated it two stars earlier this year.

Sia's "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile" is great and some of the other tunes (not the musical ones) really work too.

It's been a hard week, the lead up to Christmas only gets more challenging year by year and I think the kids and mothers attending the screening I did all really enjoyed themselves. It's not going to win any major awards nor smash box office records but I actually really enjoyed myself. That said it is a little long, but really films need to stick to 90 minutes or less or really have something to say.

3 Stars for a different look at a classic musical.

Check out me other BLOG for some additional music from the film and Album of the Year nominated artists Sia.

Film Freak 2014 - Horrible Bosses 2

I can't remember if I saw the original at the cinema or two screen watched it at home, cause basically I forgot all references to the first film. Not that it mattered much as this film just plods along and could be seen individually.

Look this movie doesn't need long to review, it's another in the gross out adult comedy genre. All sex jokes, 14 year old boy humour are explored here and by the end of the film I learnt a few more dirty one liners but other than this I didn't take much away from this cinema experience.

Admittedly it's not a great time at the cinema with school holidays starting and Christmas around the corner there is a big lack of entertainment this first month of Summer.

Horrible Bosses 2, let's hope there isn't a third in this series but look it's OK for a laugh or two and Chris Pine is not too harsh on the eye.

Jennifer Aniston, Jamie Foxx and co's potty mouths rate 2 Stars for pretty much not the best comedy of 2014.

How good is Homeland Season 4?

I felt almost a little ill watching this back with the events in Sydney this week however I couldn't resist as this season has seen the show get it's shit together and come back to life.

Unlike what happened in Sydney this week Homeland is (thank god) mostly fiction, however this season's return to form has not only seen viewers who dropped off last season or the ended of season 2 but long time fans rejoicing that a great series has seen the light and returned to it's once great story lines.

Here is a look at what is shaping up to be a massive finale next week:

In these troubling times sometimes watching Hollywood dramas can just take your mind away for an hour or so.

My heart was heavy yesterday for everyone involved at the Lindt Cafe and I was so touched by all the flowers and tributes in Martin Place. Sydney is one hell of a strong city, we will rise up and continue to be the best city for living. No matter whether you black or white, gay or straight, young or old, Muslim or Buddhist or born here or immigrated here, we are all Sydney siders and we are all amazing positive people. People power works.

Sorry to get all soapbox mid week but it's been a week from here and fucking hell Christmas is almost here and people all seem to already be up to pussys bow.

Be safe all, have a great day and be nice to people, say hello to a stranger or do something to help another human being, that is how shit like Homeland does';nt go down.

#IllRideWithYou

Thank god for #IllRideWithYou after yesterday's terrible events, but again the Daily Telegraph, hang your head in shame.

Again incorrect facts and stirring hatred, The Daily Telegraph, you are NOT for Sydney but for more money in Murdoch's pockets and all staff should be ashamed of themselves.

Film Freak 2014 - St. Vincent

I was really taken by this film, St. Vincent was just a perfect pre Christmas way to chill. The acting is sublime and after a bit of a miss withe Exodus: Gods & Kings which I think I was a little easy on by giving it three stars as almost everyone who else has seen the film hated it. And not just disliked it I mean hated it with a passion.

Lucky an advance screening of the wonderful St. Vincent was on this weekend and especially around the announcement of the 72nd Golden Globe awards where St. Vincent collected two nominations and rightfully so.



Bill Murray is beyond perfect, however above and beyond this Melissa McCarthy is terrific as a non outrageous and compassionate mother, Naomi Watts is terrific as a lady of the night and young Jaeden Lieberher was just wonderful.

This is a heartwarming tale and a truly great film, it's nothing flash with special effects, there are no super heroes, no large scale action scenes, this is about people and there relationships. I long for great films like this and St. Vincent is is scrapping in at the tale end of the year for a go on my list of favourite films of 2014. I will publish this very soon and hopefully see a film or two before I post this.

So St. Vincent, not the singer but a truly wonderful movie.



I lift the cinema feeling overjoyed (I even teared up a little) and happy to escape the pre Christmas crowds to a nice cool cinema. This is a perfect little film, 5 Stars. Yeah that's right - 5 stars.

Another Day, Another Day closer to Christmas and Summer Slack

Yes my posts are getting a little lacking at this time of the year as the Christmas parities and the catch ups build up I find I have such limited time to jump on the PC (other than my work one) and smash out a little BLOG entry!

After weddings, Christmas catch ups and a massive pile of work I am so looking forward to Christmas and continuing to smash through more of Hart of Dixie and discovering some other trash to catch up on.

After consuming a lot of new series and returning series over the past weeks I must award my favourite show of recent weeks to the fantastic Getting On (US rework). Season 2 has been wonderful and full of laughs much like the below:


I am so sad the finale (yes only a six episode season) is on next week:



Tell everybody Getting On is the perfect remedy to a busy Christmas lead in.

December is Music Month!

Over on Flashing off the Record I am posting like mad, the album of the year will be announced on December 26th (Boxing Day - in Australia) and the first half of my 200 best songs of 2014 will go live 200 all the way down to 101.

Most Mondays (excluding around Long Weekends) I will also post a summer music list, a recap on the best of the year that was 2014 and more.

Coming soon to this BLOG though, like David & Margaret (final show tonight - ABC) I will post my favourite films for 2014. I saw a lot and you will find out my best for the year!

It's December, its Summer and it's heating the fuck up.

Film Freak 2014 - Exodus: Gods and Kings

Please don't laugh dear readers as I was tired after a wedding yesterday and I woke up early to assist at the Santa Fun Run so excuse me for not realising that Exodus: Gods & Kings had a bit too do with Religion.

I just went along for the free air con and Joel Edgerton waxed to the max.

Anyway heres how wonderful it looks:



I for one am not religious but some of the scenes took me (way back) to when I forced into going to Sunday school. I am not sure what happened but one week we just stopped going? No real great loss.

Anyway the film is LONG but moves by at a rapid pace. One minute crocodiles are attacking and the next a mysterious cloud is killing children.

It was a good picture when tired and escaping storms. Come on how fucked up was the storm yesterday afternoon/early evening Sydney? Wow!

So climate change is not true hey? One whole week of storms each and every day, I can never in my 32 (almost 33) years remember this as a start to summer/end to spring.

So yeah I am not into religion but into Joel and Christian's performances and appearance during this film. I have to say I did almost nod off a couple of times due to the cinemas air con set to -40 degrees. Another form of Climate Change for you Andrew Bolt.

But all in all, look it's a blockbuster, it's got some good scenes and some sexy men, three stars.

#Selfies @ Weddings - #SUMMERWEDDINGS #LOVEISINTHEAIR

A Sneaky Christmas Gift Idea List, cool right?

The Walking Dead - Season 2 
The Walking Dead - Season 3
Wentworth - Season 1 
Wentworth - Season 2
True Blood - Season 6 
True Blood - Season 7
Sia - 1000 Forms of Fear {Album}
Astronomy Class - Mekong Delta Sunrise {Album}
Melrose Place Season 6 & 7 (90's series) (direct from the USA - PLEASE)

Film Freak 2014 - Nightcrawler

What a fantastic film, it's not often I open up a film review (sometimes more an opinion piece) on a film I have taken in. But Nightcrawler and Jake Gyllenhaal are just perfect.



After seeing Gone Girl I was assured no other film would even close to it's brilliance however Nightcrawler came along and I was just beside myself the entire film. No wee break, no boredom, just plain glued to the screen the way I am sure director Dan Gilroy would want for his directorial debut.

He has written/co-writtern a few films and married to the wonderful Rene Russo who I forgot was in the Thor films but is just a standout in this terrific feature.

I am not going to ruin any of the film except say this is a near perfect film.

Everything about what is really a simple idea, turned into a truly wonderful crime/thriller.

If you get some spare time between Christmas shopping, Christmas parties, end of year do's this is a MUST see. Like Gone Girl this is perfect cinema. Yeah I'm doing it, 5 Stars of pure perfection, well done team.

Film Freak 2014 - Men, Women & Children

What a disturbing film, but in a good and weird way.

Social media is fucked up, and going through high school in 2014, even more fucked up. Juno director, Up in the Air director & writer Jason Reitman returns with his 2014 effort Men, Women & Children.

Adam Sandler does such a great job in a serious role seriously, he is really a shit down and out dude and I think this role was perfect for him. Elsewhere Jennifer Garner is a complete psycho and the rest of the cast is fantastic.



A lot of this film upset me, a lot took me back to high school where kids were cunts but at least I could go home and that was it, now Instagram, Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, SnapChat, Tinder and more can all follow you 24/7. At school, after school and on weekends. Just horrid.

So Men, Women & Children, I was close to tears, I thought it was an important film for young people to see and not follow what they see on the screen.

Like First Contact recently screened on SBS this could be a good tool for current High School students to see what's really up.

Men, Women & Children, it's the best thing Sandler has done in years (who could forget Blended - it was a bit LOL, but also a bit shit) so I give it 3 Stars.

Rupert... Is a really nice guy?

NOT, if you have picked up the Australian, the Daily Telegraph or read one of his vile Right Wing employees take shot at anyone who isn't married with two kids, christian, lives in the suburbs and generally struggles to understand change and progress and mainly hates inner city folk who are educated past year 6.

It's fair to say Rupert Murdoch is one of the most powerful men in Australia (and parts of the world) with his media empire an absolute nightmare if you don't agree with him on major issues.

I read a fairly good piece on the play which explains more about it here and you can grab tickets here (discounted) or here full price. I know which one Rupert would choose :)

I know I bang on about press and media in the country a lot. But have you seen how many pieces opinion writers at the Telegraph have written on the ABC recently? As if Budget cuts weren't bad enough, they continue to bash them while they are down. All because the ABC publishes news (and of a lot higher quality) online for FREE. Well to be honest not for free as a tax payer I am happy to get good, balanced (yes it's more balanced than Fox News) news for free and also I am happy to keep the Chaser on TV.

So that said I am not a fan of Rupert or News Limited.

But if you like being told how to think and what to think about Climate Change maybe Rupert is a cool (climate change bad reference - shit I'm tired) dude.

So all in all great to see the divine Jane Turner live on stage, James Cromwell (a fucking legend of TV screen - American Horror Story and Six Feet Under were my personal favourites.) and my mate Scott Sheridan and the dreamy Bert LaBonte. Not to mention a fantastic young Rupert Guy Edmonds.

This is a great bit of fun with lot's of colourful swear words and a nice bit of history. Well it's not nice but history.

Rupert - see it today....

We are Better Than This

Good luck Labor today in Victoria, it's high time a message is sent to Mr Abbott, Mr Pyne and that lazy Mr Hockey.

Full story can be found here.

Channel Ten actually did a good job with the ARIA's 2014

Look Channel Ten does not have a lot to cheer about, their programming is god awful and 2015 looks like another disgraceful year with poor programming choices and more reality on the way.

So yes well done Channel Ten the ARIA's were great on Wednesday night and for a rather average venue you made the Star Event Centre look not too bad.

Well done where credit is due.

Let's hope they do more in the way of event television and less of reality rubbish.

When Streaming Music invades the Charts

So this past Saturday night when the ARIA charts went live, it was the first week streaming songs were incorporated into the week's official charts.  I read an article on this recently and was really interested to find out that not only the album itself was dying but now one does not even have to sell their music to chart? What?

Music and it's distribution have changed so many over the past few years and music itself is in such a different place. 2014 has been a great year for many artists but there are few albums which are truly excellent. On my other BLOG where I normally talk the international language of music I have 5 wonderful albums which have meet my strict guidelines to become an album of the year.

Sia, Vance Joy, Chet Faker & Pharrell have lead the way for solo acts in 2014 and The Preatures are killing it in the Groups department whilst groups like the Hilltop Hoods, Flight Facilities, Broods and more have delivered wonderful singles just not complete packages when it comes to albums. Azealia Banks did a Beyonce and drop a wonderful debut (almost 2 years late) and Clavin Harris continues to show he is so much better than David Guetta at getting guests on his album.

So will streaming hurt the charts? Will it show golden oldies start to return to the charts as many of us find ourselves saying "I Like Your Old Stuff Better Than Your New Stuff"? Or will new music win with new songs dropping what feels like every two minutes.

The world of music continues to grow, change and evolve however heading into a Summer without Homebake, Big Day Out or any major International acts touring the large football stadiums it's interesting to think, where will music be in 2015? Will a song like "Happy" from Pharrell become a worldwide hit and inspire thousands of YouTube tribute videos? Will an act like Sia get a worldwide number one album after refusing to tour or speak to anyone about the album? And perform with her back to the camera/crowd in every live performance?

2015 could be interesting, in January we can expect new music from Marilyn Manson, Pond, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis & the big one Mark Ronson.

Who knows what else to expect in 2015, will Big Day Out return for 2016? Will music festivals continue to be a thing? Will Australians continue to smash it overseas (Iggy, Sia, 5SOS)? and will some artists well past their used by (sorry Kylie that includes you and Madonna (PS - where is that new album?)) finally call it a day?

Time will tell and I will be interested to keep an eye on the charts that once required us to spend money and now this is no more. The youth have grown up with torrents and Napster so is music forever destined to be free?

Film Freak 2014 - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

I don't know what to make about the latest instalment of the Hunger Games series, it was well made yes, but these books made into Part I & II's I just don't like it.

I am also having a real Hunger Games week featuring the soundtrack with a lot of help from New Zealand local Lorde over on Flashing off the Record. However you only hear the Lorde single "Yellow Flicker Beat" in the credits at the end of the film.


Jennifer Lawerence again is wonderful & although Liam Hemsworth wears too many clothes throughout the film he is good also.

It is one of Phillip Seymour Hoffman's last appearances (his actual final will be in Part II) and Julianne Moore proves woman can be strong leaders - sorry Alan Jones but it is possible women can be great world leaders/leaders.

I didn't love the ending, as above I think it's a sneaky money grab (mainly since part II is already in the can) making punters wait a whole year to see how it wraps up.

As far as whats on at this cinema right about now, you may as well see this film it's well done, just feels incomplete.

The latest Hunger Games rates 3 Mockingjays.

Film Freak 2014 - Whiplash

I have only heard amazing things about this film and this weekend I finally caught up with the latest film starring rebooted Footloose highlight actor Miles Teller.

Whiplash is a wonderful film that explores Teller Vs J.K Simmons at a top New York music school and I must saw I was glued to the screen the entire film.

It has been so well reviewed I have to add another good, solid review to this outstanding indie hit.

It's been a fairly good year for film and after the wonderful Gone Girl this is just another wonderful film currently doing the rounds at your local cinema.



Miles Teller continues a good run of films and adds Whiplash to his hit list. Whiplash is all sorts of Jazzy good, and gets 4 drum the fuck out of that kit stars.

PS - Massive language warning on this film, hence I loved it.

Another Reason Why the ABC is Fab

A real inspiring piece about a fantastic Triple J newsreader. Victorians next weekend is YOUR chance to stand up and defend the ABC, vote wisely so we don't end up only reading media from the likes of Mr Bolt and Ms Not So pretty terribly un Devine.

On a less serious note I hope to bring you another film review this weekend and it's almost the end of the year meaning end of the year wraps are just minutes away.

Chat soon dear readers x

It's time we really talk seriously about what the ABC & SBS mean to real Aussies

1. It means real news, not cross promotion or what the latest fuck wit on Dancing with the Stars is up to, but real news. Well researched and well presented.

2. Drama that makes you think. Unfortunately drama has left the building on the big three commercial networks. Foxtel (not affordable for all) makes some great dramas Wentworth, Devil's Playground and in the past Love My Way etc. So for those Australians who cannot afford the luxury of Foxtel, and like drama, ABC and SBS are the only two places you will find this.

3. Comedy. ABC is the champion of Australian TV, again the networks have given up on trying to produce home grown comedy and opt to show Modern Family or the latest US trash.

4. iView. Unfortunately again piracy is massive in Australia and this is namely due to poor catch up services offered for Seven, Nine and Ten. iView brings families hours of entertainment for the kids, Peppa Pig, teenagers with ABC2 content and older Australians and the over 20's can yell at the TV to their hearts content with Q&A, Media Watch, great comedies to laugh out loud to as above, fantastic dramas and even more news and current affairs for one to get angry about.

5. Documentaries. Both stations champion this element of Australian entertainment.

6. No fucking shit house Coles ads.

7. The Chaser.

I am furious at Malcolm Turnball for recent cuts and pathetic defence of Mr Abbott. Australian tax payers, if you don't like the ABC you have the right to complain, if your a pensioner or someone not paying tax (like a lot of the dreamy Andrew Bolt readers) stop complaining, tax payers should say where they want their taxes to go and if 86% in a recent newspoll agrees with the ABC & SBS, I am sorry Mr Abbott good luck in the next election but you are sure pissing a lot of people off right now.

Good luck and hopefully good riddance. The village idiot of the G20 summit was one of the best descriptions I have recently read about your recent public (locally and internationally) performance.

There needs to be more Wonderful shows like...

Getting On, this is just great in it's second year. I am loving the dry, dark and sometimes laugh out loud (rewind and play back) funny shit.

Good on you HBO, if only Foxtel here would churn out as much quality drama as you and Showtime (US) do it would be a much different TV landscape here.

Brazouka Makes You Feel like Your on a Cruise Ship.....

or Rooty Hill RSL. Definitely not the normal show one would expect to see at the Enmore Theatre right in the heart of Sydney's Inner West, an idea of hell on Earth for poor old Andrew Bolt.

So the show. Well half the show I left at interval as a woman and her small child were filming the entire show on their iPad so no doubt it will be on YouTube before too long.



Look the show is OK but really it does belong on a cruise ship or better still the pub/rsl circuit. It started off strange and the last thing pre interval (which dance shows should never have - straight through 1 hour 30 minutes pleas producers out there) was just laughable. Braz asking his dad if he can dance in Paris, to a loud NO.

The costumes were colourful but on the cheap side and the cover versions of popular hits from MJ, Katy Perry and Rhi Rhi were like those horrible numbers that are spat out on Dancing with the D Grade Stars. Fuck that show is a train wreck. Like it's reality stable mate right now Big Brother both have struggled to find viewers and other than Daily Telegraph and News.Com.au coverage in intelligent media.

So back to Brazil, look if you want to see some handsome and pretty folk dance around a stage and can't wait to get a ticket on Lastix to Dirty Dancing when they start discounting, this is for you, it leaves Sydney now and moves to Brisbane and Melbourne. I'm sure it will go well head to head with Once in Melbourne which is currently also on the discount circuit.

For tickets and more info go here and the most surprising thing about this whole thing is Billy Connelly's wife is one of the producers, weird hey. Anyway Ok if you have had a few VB's and need to learn a few new dance moves for the work Christmas party.

Film Freak 2014 - Exists

Eduardo Sanchez co director and writer of the late 90's horror film The Blair Witch Project is back with Exists and it's kinda random.



Unfortunately due to large lines (again - I missed it the day before seeing The Drop (see review below) as I got in early, but today - FUCK) I missed the start of the film and basically I don't think I missed much but still, 3 staff working on a Sunday Event Cinema's, really? The line was like all the way out to George Street, literally Event Cinemas no wonder I have brand loyalty to Hoyts, Hoyts at least staffs accordingly.

So to the film and like the Blair Witch Project it's fairly basic but a decent film all the same. I applaud Sanchez for not being extremely gruesome, I applaud Sanchez for teasing us with the monster and only doing the main reveal at the films conclusion.

The cast is so super so so, they barely grow on you the viewer so you barely care when they are picked off one by one as they all make lame decisions and really make one think, how many horror films can be a parody of the genre.

Exists is not all bad and not all good, it's mostly average however this babe made it a little more watchable.

So Big Foot is back on the big screen and rates 2.5 pass mark stars whilst Event Cinemas George Street, hire some more fucking staff you $9.90 large popcorn mother fuckers.

Film Freak 2014 - The Drop

Critically acclaimed and James Gandolfini's (The Soprano's) final film. Yes the Drop had me at times on the edge of my seat and the second film where the hero/lead had a cute little dog.



Opening this week to a reasonable number of screenings the Drop is the latest in a crime/gritty drama based in a shitty part of the USA.

Tom Hardy was wonderful and left his Bane (The Dark Knight Rises) role at the door. However at times his lines are a little hard to hear as he develops a Brooklyn mumble.

There is a major plot twist that I don't want to go into or it basically ruins the entire film, but this film whilst slow to start really kick starts itself around the halfway mark.

If on this (sort of) cold and wet day you find yourself with a spare two hours, this film is a cut above other crime/dramas around at present.

The Drop it's not perfect but I had a good time and the little puppy in this (unlike John Wick) is a great feature throughout the entire film, 3 Stars.

Channel Ten's SHOCKING Upfronts for 2015

A miracle was needed for Channel Ten for their 2015 schedule, instead we got a predictable RED HOT MESS. The network is rarely placed any higher than fourth on a nightly ratings game (even the budget troubled ABC continues to offer up higher ratings and much better programming) and if SBS lifted their game I am sure Network 10 would slump to fifth.

Content is king online, on radio and free to air TV or pay TV and the below content is a disgrace.

Some articles like the SMH article are still giving hope to fan favourites Offspring & not so much a favourite but another Asher Keddie vehicle Party Tricks would maybe return in 2015.

Puberty Blues future also remains unresolved and to be honest their best show in years Secrets & Lies (US version to air soon on the ABC (US) network) can't return unless a whole new series/story arc is developed.

Channel 10 clearly didn't read a recent article on News.com.au, listing reality TV as something viewers have grown tired of, repeats and sticking to their schedules. 

In the day Channel 10 had visions, had some decent programming and now it is wall to wall shit, the worst news coverage on free to air television (remember all those redundancies) and a trail of shows which sucked from day one. The Breakfast show with that Kiwi C%^t, Wake Up (their second attempt at a Breakfast TV show), Studio 10 (why on Earth has this not been axed yet), REBOOT So You Think You Can Dance, Everybody Dance Now, I Will Survive and the list just continues. But looking at these titles one thing sticks out: REALITY!

Also any station with this tool on the pay roll I wish you every failure.

I'm sorry but Andrew Bolt is a complete redneck who spreads lies, and brings out prejudices in a modern Australia. Dear Mr Bolt, it's not 1950 anymore honey boo boo child. Wake up the world is changing, it's getting hotter and your opinions (everyone is entitled to an opinion - however) are poorly researched (like your 3AW radio friends - dudes seriously check your callers) and you just make it easy for Media Watch to make you look like a crazed right wing fanatic.

So Channel 10 another year looms, another year of being placed fourth. I know for one I am competitive, you sure must not be cause let's be honest you could do a lot better than the above plan, sorry but y'all really suck.

Azealia Banks album Finally...

Drops.... yes after originally set for release in September 2012, it now finally sees the light of day. After splitting from her label and going out on her own and releasing this on an indie label it's a miracle it's finally here.

This album is currently my feature over at Flashing off the Record all this week. Yes this is music based posted and would normally live on my other blog but I can't get enough of this album. Since it randomly appeared on iTunes on Friday (much like U2's latest album appeared on all my Apple devices) I have not stopped listening to this wonderful release.

It took forever to come but now that it is finally here we can see how far Azealia has come since 212.

There are tracks fans would know, "212" (as above", "Luxury" from the Fantasea Mixtape, "Yung Rapunxel", "Heavy Metal & Reflective" & the latest cut "Chasing Time". But it's the great album cuts like the MJ Cole produced "Desperado", "JFK" features Theophilus London and "Wallace" finally sees the light of day after tweets and hints from Ms Banks.

A great album delivered in true Beyonce style, no warning but with a great result, it's already had critical acclaim and I am sure the true Azealia fans will rush out and grab this album.

Well done Azealia Banks, you may even be lucky to get an album of the year nod before this year (which is rapidly coming to a close) wraps up. Yes keep an eye on Flashing off the Record for all my end of year wraps and this blog will shine the spotlight on film and maybe even TV this year.

Til then, laters...

Which ad do You Prefer???

OMG vommit! So today Andrew Bolt wrote another vile piece on the ABC, dude give up, it's like me saying how shit reality TV is in this country and how your employer Channel 10 is one of the biggest pile of shit TV networks this country has.

To be honest if Network Ten pay you even $1 for your truly shit house program the Bolt Report I wish them every failure. Currently their shares are fetching $0.27, yes less than $1, wow you must be so proud of the Bachelor and Wonderland, pure trash on free to air. It's no wonder so many Australians download content.

So it's no wonder the Daily Telegraph is now a complete joke and won't even let YouTube viewers comment on this disgraceful TVC.


 OR



Thank god for this now defunct ABC show the Roast, The Daily Telegraph daily is a poor excuse for the news of the world, it's one of the main reasons we have a complete loser as our leader.

Conservative Australia, Bolt wants, well mate it's 2014 and shit has changed so deal with it, you and your Right Wing Hit Squad should all just piss off, your negative hatred of a modern world has past it's use by date.

Wake up Jones, Devine & Bolt, your fan club consists of pensioners who don't even pay tax (funding the great ABC) and bigots who feel their prejudices are valid when opening up the truly fucking horror publication known as The Daily Telegraph.

I work near this publication and god help me if Surry Hills is not one of the maddest places in Sydney.

Sydney choose another paper or like most just read shit online, cause honey boo boo supporting Bolt and crew is almost as bad as voting for another term from Mr Abbott. Free education only if it's for my daughter. Shame on you Mr Abbott and shame on you the Daily Telegraph.

Film Freak 2014 - Let's Be Cops

The latest film to be released months ahead of Australia in the USA (US release date - 13 Aug 2014), Australian release date - 13 Nov 2014. Thing is, the DVD/Blue Ray comes out in the USA around the exact same time as the Australian release date. How will the Australian box office go with this movie all up and online with decent copies available for download instead of just the usual cams.

With George Brandis going on Q&A suggesting too that online pirates will not be targeted by metadata retention this makes for an awkward position this film is in. It coming out months in cinemas here after the US is just strange. With online BLOG's/Twitter and Facebook also suggesting this film is either great or shit can also make or break the film. Bad reviews overseas = instant bad word of mouth over here.

So now to Let's Be Cops, with piracy against it, how does the latest R Rated (US rating) stand up???



So this film is actually totally lame, it's easily a DVD or iTunes rental or whatever it is these days that you do at home. As much as I have a wee thang for Damon Wayans Jr, not even his sexy ass could save this diabolical comedy doomed for bad reviews and pimple infested teenage screenings. Cause this will only appeal to teenagers who are yet to experience fine comedy.

Sex Tape was this year's biggest disappointment in the comedy department as Cameron Diaz has been on a bit of a roll, however this will stand beside Sex Tape as one of the years least funny films. Thank god for Rose Byrne and her wonderful effort alongside Zac and Seth in Bad Neighbours, still easily one of the best comedies of 2014.

Coming soon to this BLOG a full list of winners for the year in film and let's just say it's been a very hit and miss year for the big screen this year. Here is high hoped for the holiday season and 2015.

Let's be Cops, hows about let's NOT be Cops, 2 Stars, mainly for Wayans.

Film Freak 2014 - Interstellar

The latest Christopher Nolan flick is a departure from the rebooted Batman series (which I totally loved FYI) and is an exploration into Space & Time. Much like Inception it totally left me a wee bit confused and although this film has a massive running time, it moves at a rapid pace and with my usual wee break mid way through I think I missed about 6 major plot points.



McConaughey continues his great run of roles and after loving him sick in True Detective this role again shows how versatile he has become as an actor. For years he did some very average films, The Wedding Planner, Gold Rush & Sahara. But everyone loves a comeback.

Interstellar is a return to blockbuster film making and the return to pure cinema gold. After the wonderful and flawless Gone Girl, the movies are back with some great films, some smart films and not just your run of the mill super hero reboot, action, romance or R Rated comedy.

Interstellar may have confused the pants off me at the end of the film but overall it's pretty alright. I give it a sold scientifically proven 4 Stars. Well done Nolan.

Film Freak 2014 - John Wick

First up this movie was one on my wish list to see and basically I am happy it was on my list and I am totally happy I have now seen it. After having a bad tummy all this week the violence was so fake and so fast (or just plain stylised as described by David & Margaret on At the Movies this week) that it barely bothered me. And I can say from experience violence now as a 32 year old sometimes bothers me.

John Wick was fast moving and well done on Keanu's behalf, he was wonderful and that poor little puppy.



This film was definitely a lot better than your average action film of 2014. I now know why this has been getting better reviews than your average action thriller of the year. It's hard to cut through in such a crowded market of other films of similar nature or the constant super hero releases.

John Wick is not a superhero but a man out for good old fashioned revenge. It doesn't work so well for Emily on Revenge anymore but John Wick likes revenge served thick and fast.

John Wick rates a Wick-ed 3.5 Stars.

Now to the other highlight today, again Tony Abbott publicly booed. This is not the first time in recent months, the man is clearly out of sorts with the general public.



And this little gem from 2013, GO Seniors, GO!

My Movie Wish List

I am deeply suffering from missing my weekly film visits or double or triple features so I take this time (mainly to remind myself) of the current films I wish to see.

So here they are:

1. The Best of Me
- Low priority, but man how hot does James Marsden look and the young Aussie James Marsden character is not half bad too :)



2. Interstellar
- Only opens this weekend so I am sure I have time to catch the next Christopher Nolan blockbuster. To me this one looks interesting.



3. John Wick
- I do like a Keanu film, however session times look limited after only one week at the cinemas. Might have to catch this on DVD. However still on my list. It has got to be better than Boxtrolls right?



4. Tammy
- Really and truly if I get a free ticket and their is a good session time to suit me, I'm in. However Melissa McCarthy needs a new act me thinks.



5. This is Where I Leave You
- Was meant to see this yesterday however thanks to a bad stomach and a virus going around I missed it. However I am really keen on this one. Hopefully the weekend I will be 100% again.



6. A Walk Among the Tombstones
- Looks like every other Liam Neeson film, but hey I do love em and at present I am in film lust.



7. Whiplash
- Slightly more indie than the above films and has had extremely good reviews.



8. Son of a Gun
- Lack of screenings around town means I will proablly miss this Aussie film, there has been very little support for Aussie films at the major cinemas this year. Session times are generally all held for international blockbusters with local films pushed to the side and therefore people wonder why no one locally watches Australian films.

I recently read...

The below titled article:

TV networks asking ‘where have all the viewers gone’ as shows fail to break the one million viewer barrier

I read this and thought well the answer is simple and something I have written about countless times. Scrap the reality and start from day one again. The three major networks have completely lost their way, the ABC is always (well generally) ranked third behind Nine & Seven and Channel 10 just floats around aimlessly at fourth.

My main issue in the first part of the article is the "non ratings period", honey boo boo, first problem here, it might be Summer, it might be warmer (and Daylight light savings in some states) but seriously, in a 24/7 news cycle world their is NO room for a lazy two months of programming.

Radio is allowed to try out new announcers, ditch the chat and play a few additional tunes over Summer (well at least JJJ does the others will through on a few more adds and some best bits (or 2DAY FM's case - worst bits) segments which give Summer announcers time to race out and order an iced latte.

TV on the other hand this is not an excuse to through on Golden Girls, Two & a Half Men re runs and hope to god when the "ratings period" ends and 2015 kicks off (in most states this country comes back alive in February) people return to the networks that have treated them like brain dead corpses for the last two months,

As we are in opposite seasons to the USA and the UK these stations are firing at all cylinders with new programs and returning favourites. Gotham and The Flash are leading the way for the super hero shows whist The Walking Dead is continuing to score massive ratings. Unfortunately for Australia Revenge fans will have to wait until around Feb/Mar to see a show which is already onto it's 6th episode, the same goes for fans of Scandal who must be champing at the bit for her new show How to Get Away with Murder which is currently smashing it ratings wise.

Whilst Australia's wait for these shows to return/start we will have days of re runs, extended news bulletins and the shows held back from the regular season that were predicted failures ahead of screening.

The second part, of course Australia's are bored with what's on offer, new reality series, badly written dramas (Party Tricks - the first episode was dreadful) and American dramas which have already appeared on Foxtel or aired in the states a while ago. Even the US is struggling to launch new reality shows with the BIG budget series Utopia on Murdoch's Fox cancelled very early on in the piece.

The problem with reality TV is, it's getting boring, the casting is sloppy and every era of TV has a time to go (no Big Brother pun intended). The Golden Era of TV has said to be shows like The West Wing, Six Feet Under, Dexter, True Blood and surprise no reality shows make this list.

Drama is key for the three Aussie networks and not shit like Party Tricks cause let's face it when you look at Veep or House of Cards this is just a poor man's copy. Veep is funny, quick and smart, House of Cards is gripping, edge of the seat stuff, Party Tricks is neither of these. The ABC did well with the Code however it's ratings were not steady.

The third part US dramas, they all need to be fast tracked and put on at reasonable times. Not 9:09pm after a long and drawn out Dancing with the C grade Stars, 8:30pm on the dot and try not too load too many ad's in each break.

Getting over the magic million viewers, it will happen but you need to treat your viewers with respect. Leave shows not the same time each week, don't change your schedule, don't run your shows late, don't have a show on one week, have a week off and then resume. It's simple treat your viewers how you would like to be treated. You can read the full article here, but my point is the three networks have to change or stick to one thing:

Channel 7 - Bogan friendly reality giant station. Local content 100% reality.
Channel 9 - Your mans and conservative station. Lose Big Brother and other titles which don't suit the demographic ASAP.
Channel 10 - Drama for the youth (well 16-39). Channel Ten could be great but you need to lose The Biggest Loser, Masterchef, any ideas of ever bringing back Australian Idol, So You Think You Can Dance or any new reality junk, leave it to Seven, they do it better and their audience enjoys that shit.

Each stations currently like a Gemini has split personalities, they need to stick to the above and leave it, grow and once again develop and reward their audiences. Channel 7 could continue to be on top if they just aired wall to wall reality junk, Channel 9 would win some nights with it's sports broadcasts or more conservative dramas and Channel 10 may eventually beat ABC every night if they continue dramas locally like Offspring and Puberty Blues and international dramas that have some smarts and not the run of the mill shit which tends to get the axe one year in.

Channel 7, 9 & 10 programming and marketing departments WAKE UP you're stations are currently super shit, it's no wonder downloads are so high in Australia and the ABC and iView are institutions in a lot of folks homes.

Sorry to the major networks but the future looks bleak unless you embrace some change - ASAP.

Film Freak 2014 - Pride

Now for a film for the older generation, but like the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel sometimes these films are completely engaging. So without revealing too much it's a great story of the struggle of the miners supported by a group of Gays & Lesbians. It's touching and fun filled and such an easy watch.



Whilst watching this film I thought this had musical written all over it (think Billy Elliot plus gays) and with a little reading of Wikipedia, yes a musical is likely to be on the way.

So after a few weeks away from the comfort of the cinema and a hot (almost Summer's) day, this was perfect. The acting was amazing and the script was fun and to think the world is currently going through another conservative nightmare.

Pride is so full of heart it was hard not to smile ear to ear, I love a UK film at the grey rinse crowd, I have to give Pride four fully gay as stars, just wonderful.

Ronny Chieng..... Is an extremely Nice Guy

After seeing Ronny Chieng's recent show Chieng Reaction I sat their realising this man (29, 3 years my junior) has made a real impact on the Sydney Comedy scene. Along with fellow JJJ presenters, ABC types Ronny is ticking a lot of boxes and proving he is consistently funny and a great story teller.

A long way away from the previous venue I saw the wonder Mr Chieng (Sydney's Comedy Store - now taken over by Cirque and it's latest Totem) but the charming and fun Riverside Parramatta was my Friday (Halloween) destination for Ronny.

A good sized crowd had come in to see the wonderful talent and he had mostly good reactions from the crowd. It was a different room to the Comedy Store but after previously seeing the wonderful Britney Spears the Cabaret in this room, comedy works and Ronny worked the room well.

It's good for Sydney and good for Comedy if venues like Riverside and the Concourse (out at Chatswood) are utilised to get more crowds into local Comedy. Let's face it the Comedy Store is great but Fox Studios is not super friendly for people to travel to if their is a footy or cricket or Cirque also on.

Recently Ronny & Nazeem hosted Drive on JJJ for a couple of weeks and after years of the Doctor fumbling his way through 2.5 hours Mon-Fri it was such a relief to have two talented folks on the airwaves at those hours of the day when you just can't wait to go home.

I really hope JJJ management give these two a go for the spot next year when we finally see the end of the Doctor. Unfortunately for the Doctor his announcement seemed to backfire as not the joke he intended it to be but a load of criticism for him not leaving earlier. So please JJJ, please.

Ronny will also be in Newcastle tonight so if you keen, click on this.

A big thanks for the foyer photo too Ronny.

Unfortunately he lost out to this sex bomb for the Cleo Bachelor for 2014 but at least a personal trainer and an all round nice guy (but the looks of things) won.

Now bring on the weekend and I look forward to hopefully bringing you a film review ASAP.

#KEEPPORTLANDWEIRD

Miss you Mrs Lamb XO

The BLOG is back from the USA

After around 2 weeks in the USA and then Brisbane, it's so nice to be home with my washing machine, my TV shows (man how much good shit is back on the box) and my own bed and home comforts.

Holidays are great but their is always something special about returning home. I was super happy also to return to my lovely boot camp this AM with some great folk and two super amazing trainers. Thanks y'all.

While I am thanking people, thanks to all my co workers for being such a dream to return back to work too, thank you to my BF for putting up with me, thanks to Koko coffee shop for helping me flick over to Soy Milk and thank you to my Mum, what a sweet SMS you sent me today.

Will continue to update on my holiday and maybe upload a photo or two and will bring you a film review real soon I promise. But seriously how shit does Tammy look? Right?

OK until next time, speak soon OK....

Brisbane: Blog returns to normal tomorrow

It's a less angry post than last night but seriously if you're kids are cunts they don't belong in public, that is private. So after a dreamy breakfast, a good sleep and a serious iView catch up session this AM (man I'm gonna miss David + Margaret) I am ready for my final day of holidays. Work returns tomorrow, as does boot camp (fuck I need it) and the Sydney routine starts up. As a holiday ends its the countdown to the holiday season.

Goodbye Honolulu, hello Brisbane!

And a big FUCK YOU to the fucking savages on Hawaiian airlines flight today, you and your six or seven kids were absolutely disgusting on this flight. Thanks for allowing your kids to scream, yell and run around the plane for all ten hours of the flights. Yes you in rows 28 and 29. God help your kids with dumb ass parents like this.

Honolulu: Wet n Wild, final day, sad face

It's always sad when holidays come to an end, except for if you're at Wet n Wild. Not the shit house Sydney one where you can wait up to 45 minutes for a ride it Honolulu where the most I waited was three folks in front of me, cray cray. C'mon Sydney get it right. Do it for the West if anything, it's fucked living out there (or so I hear) so c'mon. Anyway Honolulu, easy best USA city this trip. The sunset swim tonight pre dinner, the food, the people, just choice. Thanks Honolulu it's been real xo

Honolulu: it's all happening at the fucking Cheese Factory

All up in here, ran into the lovely and delightful Zangers, then had a delightful host from NYC who was divine and then a lovely couple from Woy Woy! Spent the whole lunch gossiping away whilst smashing sweet potato fries, chicken and avo sannies and of course.... Cheesecake xo

Goodbye SFO, Aloha Honolulu!

Aloha again, this time from Oahu! Loving it, to be honest San Francisco was not my US city, but to be fair I had a shocking cold/bad tummy. I will do a full update once I return home and speaking of home, go on you 360, yes I also feel the Aussie flag (in the wrong hands) leads to dickhead behaviour.

San Francisco: Last full day, Cheesecake Factory and finally new shoes

So the city is busy, filled with hills and homeless folk, totally flies the pink flag and has cheap shoes at my favourite US shoe store, Journeys! Hooray new Tigers, as I chucked out a water damaged, Segway riding pair in Portland. As we head into our final US city before a quick stop into Brisbane it's time for me to reflect on what feels like forever on holidays. I will do a full update of my favourite things, places, hotels (Maui so far is looking good, it was divine) and my reaction to the Aussie dollar worth less than the US? Mot folk here look like they are two weeks away from bankruptcy. Enou for today, more tomorrow, can't believe the winner of the Australian X Factor, poor babe see you doing in store CD signings and bargain bins around Sydney summers post Christmas 2014. xo

San Francisco: Third city, the city of the Golden Gate

So tourist mode today on a hop on, hop off bus, loving it. But of course after jumping time zones, cities I got a wee bug which thank goodness think its passing. Fuck my belly is all I have to say on some holidays. After leaving Portland for dust, it's time or some California action, no longer tax free like Oregon, this place is a little more busy, with a lot more homeless folk and poverty, but also a lot more happening in general than back in Portland. Until tomorrow, Good Morning Australia!

Portland: bye my new friend - Keep Portland Weird, indeed

Yes it's time to farewell Portland and today it's time to get ready for some West Coast love in San Fran! Will keep you posted on how another West Coast blows my mind. Portland, you're weird, wonderful and wet, just like Seattle and a little like Vancouver, you're ok in my books xo

Portland: Part Two - Segway, Voodoo Donuts and Tapas

Fit a lot into a sleep in second day. Started with a massive breakfast, followed by a fantastic Segway tour of Portland downtown, next a quick shop downtown. Then saw my lovely Mrs Lamb for a nice night of tapas and famous as Voodoo Donuts. The line was a treat with a load of alt-J Portland hipsters also in the mood for a donut. Safe travels Mrs Lamb, miss ya guts x

Portland: Time changes, two flight day and public transport

Full review of all the cities I hit up coming up at the end of the holiday but for now it's Portland here we come. A wee tour today and a very late tart after a three hour time change. Good Morning back in Oz xo

Maui: The Road to Hana & a God Damn Parking Ticket

What a driving day yesterday and Maui is totally done and dusted, next stop its over to the mainland and hello Portland, Oregon. More updates to follow...

USA Today

Hello Fromm Maui! After 1 hour stuck on the ground in Sydney, a ten hour flight, two lost bags and a 30 minute flight to Maui, all is finally well now. I type these from a lovely holiday room with happy snaps to come.....

Well Done to the ABC & Mental As

As of right now the week has raised almost $1.2 million dollars. What a brilliant effort! There needs to be more of this and let's just hope after the ABC has proved how effective they can work on one topic no more funds will be cut.

One more nice little picture, from a picture perfect weekend here in Sydney before eI take off tonight.

Dear readers if I do drop the ball with posts over the next few weeks never fear I will be back soon. Until then take care of yourself and one another xx

Spring in Sydney Continues & Holiday Mode BLOG alert

Hello dear readers and I hope you enjoyed my photo essay of yesterday in Sydney running around the Eastern Suburbs. Yes no time for film reviews this weekend as the holiday commences tomorrow night from 9:30pm. And let me tell you, I can hardly wait to get on that big jet plane.

So warning their maybe fewer entries or better spaced out entries with unfortunately no images or fun. But stay with me when I return at the end of the month shit gets real as the year is closing in.

Can I just say how lucky we are in Sydney to experience this wonderful change into Summer through Spring, as I ran around Centennial Park this morning (amongst the dads in lycra (yuck)) I thought thank god Winter is done and hello Summer.

Now my other BLOG Flashing off the Record also has some posts pre loaded so keep an eye over there or for music lovers I have done a few Spring Music Lists (you know us music lovers love a list) so check these out below:

Winters Biggest 20 Tunes

Best Albums of 2014 (Thus Far - as of Mid September 2014)

Most Exciting Festival Acts for the 2014-2015 Season (Excluding Laneway announce and incoming Future Music Festival announce)

Top 20 Singles of the half decade (thus far)

Until next time dear readers, happy Sunday, it's the weekend!

#One #Fine #Day #Spring #In #Sydney