What can I say about the latest masterpiece from Disney and Pixar... Hmmm... Let me begin by saying that the animation of Zootopia is pretty darn good, but with the technology available today I would not expect anything less from anything involving Disney and Pixar. Animation aside though this film held my attention the whole time, there were no stages where I lost focus or suddenly found I no longer connected with the characters and what they were attempting to achieve. The light and shade (build up to big events/discoveries and then the events themselves) were created very well and all in all this was just a really entertaining and enjoyable film.
We had a very young niece with us when we went to the cinema today and probably about three quarters of the way through she seemed to lose interest, but out six year old loved this film just as much as I did. What I loved the most though was all the adult humour 'Easter Eggs' that I spotted, little moments of cleverness that I couldn't laugh out aloud for or the kids would have asked awkward questions (e.g. "Dad why did you laugh then...")
This 'kids' film all about an amazing city where all animals can live in harmony together was such a treat to sit through. I give it a strong 9 out of 10.
Sunday 27 March 2016
Saturday 19 March 2016
To Market to Market
A glorious and sunny day has greeted us here in South Australia and there is nothing that could better fill such a beautiful day than a trip to the local market.
After a late night catch up with great friends last night (an education in the latest Magic:The Gathering) it was never going to be an early arrival to the parade course where our local markets are set up (I think) four times a year. The call of the delicious cinnamon doughnuts from Rotary are the best ever breakfast so we were down there by half ten, just in time to catch up again with the same friends we had seen the night before. It is always fantastic to see the Rotary doughnut stall and their BBQ where you can get a killer bacon and egg sandwich too busy to handle all their customers.
It was disappointing to see at this market many gaps where stalls are normally set up. There were plenty of people out on such a splendidly warm Autumn day but not as much to see. As well as delicious doughnuts we managed to get some amazing pies (chicken!!) and pasties for lunch and some SPICY sweet sauce to transform said pie and pasty from amazing to fantas-mic-awesom-al!!! That little Italian man sure knows his stuff!
So if you find yourself presented with a day straight from a Hollywood movie script and you know that there is a country market on nearby go ahead and check it out. Not only are you supporting locals and helping them continue a hobby or a new business they are trying but you may also be rewarded by something delicious and delectable or you may stumble across he exact thing you need for whatever problem you have around the house... Country markets are a great place to meet characters, catchup with friends and score some fantastic and unusual bargains... Get out there and enjoy!
After a late night catch up with great friends last night (an education in the latest Magic:The Gathering) it was never going to be an early arrival to the parade course where our local markets are set up (I think) four times a year. The call of the delicious cinnamon doughnuts from Rotary are the best ever breakfast so we were down there by half ten, just in time to catch up again with the same friends we had seen the night before. It is always fantastic to see the Rotary doughnut stall and their BBQ where you can get a killer bacon and egg sandwich too busy to handle all their customers.
It was disappointing to see at this market many gaps where stalls are normally set up. There were plenty of people out on such a splendidly warm Autumn day but not as much to see. As well as delicious doughnuts we managed to get some amazing pies (chicken!!) and pasties for lunch and some SPICY sweet sauce to transform said pie and pasty from amazing to fantas-mic-awesom-al!!! That little Italian man sure knows his stuff!
So if you find yourself presented with a day straight from a Hollywood movie script and you know that there is a country market on nearby go ahead and check it out. Not only are you supporting locals and helping them continue a hobby or a new business they are trying but you may also be rewarded by something delicious and delectable or you may stumble across he exact thing you need for whatever problem you have around the house... Country markets are a great place to meet characters, catchup with friends and score some fantastic and unusual bargains... Get out there and enjoy!
Saturday 12 March 2016
The endangerment of the friendly librarian
The libraries of today are (hopefully) decades worth of evolution away from the hallowed halls of "shhh" where old ladies in specticals, cardigans and their hair in a bun ruled over ancient tomes, the only weapon they needed being a sour look of annoyance. The libraries of today are community spaces where everyone is welcome, young and old, quiet and loud and everyone in between. The library that I work at is especially busy during the school holidays and I could not be happier to see so many customers...
Most recently I, like many of my colleagues received an email from one of the main universities in South Australia explaining that their students of the Librarianship course may stop in and ask to observe a reference query. To my surprise we were visited by a student today.
I am happy to say that my customer services skills are not too rusty, although I must admit I may have lain it on a touch thicker than normal knowing I was under observation and trying to set as great an example as I could to one of the next generation. The thing that stood out for me though as we debriefed after was that I got the biggest tick for simply being friendly. So sorry if this is a spoiler alert for any of the great SA library staff yet to be observed but this is something that really troubles me. This university is not promoting the need to know the importance of knowing just what keywords to use to interrogate the system or where to find the items when they are on the shelf (but not necessarily where they are supposed to be)... It is all about the smile when people first walk through the door. "How can we help you?" "Good morning and how are you today?" Simple statements that let each and every one of our customers know that no matter what sort of day we have had before they came in or who the previous customer was, that customer before us is our focus for that very moment and THEY will be our focus and that the experience will be friendly as much as it is professional and accurate.
This makes me wonder (and seriously worry) is the friendly librarian on the verge of endangerment? I don't think we are extinct yet but why would a uni be trying to teach friendliness unless it is slowly but surely dying out...
Most recently I, like many of my colleagues received an email from one of the main universities in South Australia explaining that their students of the Librarianship course may stop in and ask to observe a reference query. To my surprise we were visited by a student today.
I am happy to say that my customer services skills are not too rusty, although I must admit I may have lain it on a touch thicker than normal knowing I was under observation and trying to set as great an example as I could to one of the next generation. The thing that stood out for me though as we debriefed after was that I got the biggest tick for simply being friendly. So sorry if this is a spoiler alert for any of the great SA library staff yet to be observed but this is something that really troubles me. This university is not promoting the need to know the importance of knowing just what keywords to use to interrogate the system or where to find the items when they are on the shelf (but not necessarily where they are supposed to be)... It is all about the smile when people first walk through the door. "How can we help you?" "Good morning and how are you today?" Simple statements that let each and every one of our customers know that no matter what sort of day we have had before they came in or who the previous customer was, that customer before us is our focus for that very moment and THEY will be our focus and that the experience will be friendly as much as it is professional and accurate.
This makes me wonder (and seriously worry) is the friendly librarian on the verge of endangerment? I don't think we are extinct yet but why would a uni be trying to teach friendliness unless it is slowly but surely dying out...
In awe of our historic efforts by Australia's armed forces
I have just spent an afternoon at the amazing Spirit of ANZAC Centenary Experience currently on at the Adelaide Showgrounds until March 20. Although there was a bit of a wait and a bit of rigmarole before we got to go in (understandable when you think about the size of the exhibition, the technology involved and the huge numbers of people attending each session) but the exhibition itself was well worth the wait.
The display of World War One memorabilia, rifles, gas masks, the uniforms and water bottles full of bullet holes... To hear the stories of the soldiers, the nurses, to hear the history as well as see the visuals on the screens, the strange black and white footage of the people who were there and lived through it of sadly left and never came home...
And then to have the chance to speak with soldiers serving today, seeing some of the vehicles currently in use made in Australia by Australians for our Aussies overseas and at home to protect us all and our allies overseas... Makes me proud...
So make sure you see this amazing display while you have the chance.
Go to http://www.spiritofanzac.gov.au to book your FREE tickets.
Take the family, there is something there for everyone...
The display of World War One memorabilia, rifles, gas masks, the uniforms and water bottles full of bullet holes... To hear the stories of the soldiers, the nurses, to hear the history as well as see the visuals on the screens, the strange black and white footage of the people who were there and lived through it of sadly left and never came home...
And then to have the chance to speak with soldiers serving today, seeing some of the vehicles currently in use made in Australia by Australians for our Aussies overseas and at home to protect us all and our allies overseas... Makes me proud...
So make sure you see this amazing display while you have the chance.
Go to http://www.spiritofanzac.gov.au to book your FREE tickets.
Take the family, there is something there for everyone...
Thursday 10 March 2016
Escapes...
I was going through some old scrapbooks the other day and stumbled across some of my Trippin Timmy journals from when I was over in the UK over a decade ago (no... sadly I don't throw anything away (just ask my wife or my coworkers if you don't believe me) and it made me think of the amazing times I had while on my o/seas adventure...
Now that I have my amazing wife and my three crazy, beautiful kids I am wondering where are the best escapes? What are the best places in SA, in Australia and of course overseas for (1) a romantic getaway and (2) a family holiday?
Because it is always fun to dream... and you just never know when dreams come true...
Please share your ideas of places you have been or would love to go one day or maybe even where you are right now on a magical escape...
Now that I have my amazing wife and my three crazy, beautiful kids I am wondering where are the best escapes? What are the best places in SA, in Australia and of course overseas for (1) a romantic getaway and (2) a family holiday?
Because it is always fun to dream... and you just never know when dreams come true...
Please share your ideas of places you have been or would love to go one day or maybe even where you are right now on a magical escape...
Best ever
One day I hope that when people say "my favourite author of (insert genre here) is..." that every now and then they think of me. For now though I would need to say that as a fan of well written fantasy I enjoy Tolkien of course (the grandfather of the epic quest), CS Lewis whose stories I have loved since before I was 8, David Eddings who I have read religiously all my life and of course Raymond E Fiest who I had the pleasure of meeting when he came to Mount Barker. My favourites though are none of these although they do run very close...
For me Katherine Kerr and Tad Williams would have to be the best I have read to date.
The Devvery series weaves beautifully through many centuries, allowing you to follow the two heroes and other characters across many lives... Magic is brilliantly portrayed and the Wealsh mythology is used so well as a backdrop and inspiration to these stories.
Williams does just as amazing a job (in my opinion) as his Sithi, Trolls and Nord each gave the books in the Memory, Sorrow and Thorn books an element that took the stories interwoven from epic fantasy to mind explodingly incredible tales of adventure... Tales I still wish I could live for real...
So who are your fav authors? Have I got it right? Or is there a genius author out there I am yet to read who is going to make me rave on and on about their brilliance. I hope they are out there and that one day (soon) that author will be me...
For me Katherine Kerr and Tad Williams would have to be the best I have read to date.
The Devvery series weaves beautifully through many centuries, allowing you to follow the two heroes and other characters across many lives... Magic is brilliantly portrayed and the Wealsh mythology is used so well as a backdrop and inspiration to these stories.
Williams does just as amazing a job (in my opinion) as his Sithi, Trolls and Nord each gave the books in the Memory, Sorrow and Thorn books an element that took the stories interwoven from epic fantasy to mind explodingly incredible tales of adventure... Tales I still wish I could live for real...
So who are your fav authors? Have I got it right? Or is there a genius author out there I am yet to read who is going to make me rave on and on about their brilliance. I hope they are out there and that one day (soon) that author will be me...
Tuesday 8 March 2016
Loving Wanted
We have really enjoyed the new tele-series Wanted, tuning in every Tuesday night to watch this show. Rebecca Gibney has been very entertaining and it is great to see other familiar Aussie actors really getting into this action adventure. We now await eagerly the final installment to discover just how this show is going to end...
Go Lola! Bring on Wanted!!
Go Lola! Bring on Wanted!!
Monday 7 March 2016
Black Diamond - A homage to 007
Black Diamond
M swirled the scotch in his glass and savoured the smell of a bouquet aged for half a century. As the liquid touched his lips and then burned his throat the head of MI-6 relaxed in his leather bound office chair. A pager buzzed at his hip.
"Damn," cursed the burly Brit.
The nightcap was regrettably placed on the desk as M checked the text.
Blocks of ice clinked quietly in glass, filling the silence.
"Double damn," whispered the old man. "Dispatch... Who do we have that we can send out immediately?"
After reading the tiny grey lettering scrolling across the pager M had reached immediately for the phone.
The scotch that reamained in the glass vanished while M awaited a response. He considered pouring another glass but quickly decided against such a notion.
"What do you mean nobody? Talk sense man!" M grumbled at the brown suit at the other end of the line. "Roads? Smith? Golds? Every agent is on assignment?"
There was a moment of chatter and M's eyes narrowed.
"What about Bond?"
James had been a touch reckless on his last mission and the Russian President had needed some swift words and a lavash gift before things been the two countries could be smoothed over again. That had been a week ago and still 007 had yet to check back in.
"Forget that... If his ear piece is anywhere near him I want to hear exactly what he's hearing..."
"Oh James, it is beautiful."
"Yes, beautiful and incredibly expensive," suave, debonaire super spy James Bond replied to the dark haired beauty about whose neck he had just adorned a piece of jewellery, a rainbow of the finest rubies, emeralds and black opals.
"Sounds like me entirely," the young girl purred, flashing James a lusty look with her sky blue eyes.
There was a pop as a bottle of golden bubbly was releved of its cork.
"We have hours before dinner, do you have any ideas of how we could pass the time?"
"I may have a few ideas," the girl replied.
The girl's dress fell away as James' nimble fingers made short work of the zip.
"Let us start at the top of your list and work our way down then shall we..."
"Oh James..."
"So do we have any idea where the hell he is?" M barked.
There was another moment while the bean cruncher gave all the technicals.
"Right then... I want him in my office at 800 sharp.
There was more explanation... More pointless detail...
"I don't care how you do it or what it costs! Just get Bond in my office by tomorrow morning at the latest..."
As the phone was replaced with a click M sought the bottle and refilled. The second glass disappeared far faster than the first.
M pushed a single digit on the phone and was put straight through to the PM.
"Yes sir..." "We believe Sweden..." "We have our best agent on the job already sir..."
It was going to be a long night...
M swirled the scotch in his glass and savoured the smell of a bouquet aged for half a century. As the liquid touched his lips and then burned his throat the head of MI-6 relaxed in his leather bound office chair. A pager buzzed at his hip.
"Damn," cursed the burly Brit.
The nightcap was regrettably placed on the desk as M checked the text.
Blocks of ice clinked quietly in glass, filling the silence.
"Double damn," whispered the old man. "Dispatch... Who do we have that we can send out immediately?"
After reading the tiny grey lettering scrolling across the pager M had reached immediately for the phone.
The scotch that reamained in the glass vanished while M awaited a response. He considered pouring another glass but quickly decided against such a notion.
"What do you mean nobody? Talk sense man!" M grumbled at the brown suit at the other end of the line. "Roads? Smith? Golds? Every agent is on assignment?"
There was a moment of chatter and M's eyes narrowed.
"What about Bond?"
James had been a touch reckless on his last mission and the Russian President had needed some swift words and a lavash gift before things been the two countries could be smoothed over again. That had been a week ago and still 007 had yet to check back in.
"Forget that... If his ear piece is anywhere near him I want to hear exactly what he's hearing..."
"Oh James, it is beautiful."
"Yes, beautiful and incredibly expensive," suave, debonaire super spy James Bond replied to the dark haired beauty about whose neck he had just adorned a piece of jewellery, a rainbow of the finest rubies, emeralds and black opals.
"Sounds like me entirely," the young girl purred, flashing James a lusty look with her sky blue eyes.
There was a pop as a bottle of golden bubbly was releved of its cork.
"We have hours before dinner, do you have any ideas of how we could pass the time?"
"I may have a few ideas," the girl replied.
The girl's dress fell away as James' nimble fingers made short work of the zip.
"Let us start at the top of your list and work our way down then shall we..."
"Oh James..."
"So do we have any idea where the hell he is?" M barked.
There was another moment while the bean cruncher gave all the technicals.
"Right then... I want him in my office at 800 sharp.
There was more explanation... More pointless detail...
"I don't care how you do it or what it costs! Just get Bond in my office by tomorrow morning at the latest..."
As the phone was replaced with a click M sought the bottle and refilled. The second glass disappeared far faster than the first.
M pushed a single digit on the phone and was put straight through to the PM.
"Yes sir..." "We believe Sweden..." "We have our best agent on the job already sir..."
It was going to be a long night...
Saturday 5 March 2016
Best Birthday Memories
We are celebrating a very special moment today in the Law house... Our youngest is turning 6 on March 6 and for weeks now we have been planning the Rainbow birthday party of the century... Our local soccer club has been great in allowing us to use the club rooms again and after some amazing work by my gorgeous wife yesterday I think we may be ready to pull this off... So while we count down the hours before this massive day truly begins it makes me wonder what are your favourite memories from childhood parties?
I remember having one of my birthday parties (maybe my 8th) at Puzzle Park in one of the Indian wigwams there. We had an ice cream cake (ice cream in July on a freezing cold day while the rain poured down... Crazy I know...) We sped around on the go carts and played mini golf. Such an awesome day. I also remember one of my brother's birthdays (January this time... Much hotter with all of us needing to cool off) and my brother got this great toy where you wore this hat filled with water and everyone pulled out rods. If they pulled the right one the person wearing the hat got all the water but if they got the wrong one hey got sprayed.
Much more recently (but still at least a decade ago) I was in the UK for my birthday. So far from home I didn't want to do anything but my cousin still found me and convinced me to celebrate. Middle of summer but somehow it still rained which for me was a way of connecting back to home... Thanks Chelle for a magic day checking out old South Hampton (Sotton) and finishing off with some great Chinese food...
So what is your fondest birthday memory? It may be your birthday or someone else's... It could be something from long ago or even something from yesterday. I would love for you to share...
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