Québec anniversary musical tribute
A copy of the CD Québec arrived at the office last week. I normally pass music samples onto the young reporters, but this looked like something I might enjoy listening to.
That turned out to be the case. Released by Putumayo World Music, Québec is a 400th anniversary celebration in honor of the French-speaking Canadian city.
Drawn from a variety of influences such as French and Celtic folk traditions and European pop, Québécois music includes a broad range of sounds and styles. Yet despite its potential broad international appeal, the music of Québec is not very well known to people outside of the province. Through this enchanting selection of songs, Putumayo seeks to introduce listeners to the compelling music of this unique province.
Scooby Doo
The twins (4) are watching Scooby Doo with some enthusiasm. I remember watching Scooby when I was a kid, so these must be new episodes.
I used to like it, I must admit, although there is no logical reason for that. I also found Velma strangely attractive. Not sure if it’s her short skirt or brains.
There is really no variation to the Scooby plot.
He eats a lot, gets chased by monsters and foils them. It never changes.
Apparently there have been three Scooby movies. I haven’t seen them, but I can probably guess what happens.
Wilson speaks out on mannequin stunt
Respected football journalist Carolin Wilson has written in detail for the first time about Sam Newman’s mannequin stunt on The Footy Show.
Wilson’s heartfelt, considered response makes a compelling argument against the mindless sexism of Newman and his mates.
I abhor political correctness and my first impression (without seeing the program) was that reactions to the stunt were over the top. Read more
Vote for Eric and Louise
A Kalgoorlie couple, Eric Piazza and Louise Dutton, are among five finalists in The Morning Show’s wedding competition. 
They were flown to Sydney and appeared on Channel Seven’s popular program this morning.
Viewers now get to vote for their favorite couple by sending a text message.
The Kalgoorlie Miner ran a story about Eric and Louise on Monday. They have been engaged for 24 years.
The winning couple will be wed on national television and pick up an all-expenses paid reception and honeymoon in Kuala Lumpur.
To vote for Eric and Louise, text to 5 19 777 477. Polling closes on Thursday, May 8.
Debutante balls
According to Wikipedia, Catherine Deveny is a comedian and columnist. It’s a shame she doesn’t make her columns amusing.
Andrew Bolt ripped into her last year as the “hateful columnist” which probably won her a medal among the left.
I think her latest piece on debutante balls was hateful, ill conceived, unfunny and inappropriate. Read more
World Without End
I enjoyed Pillars of the Earth immensely and it was with genuine excitement that I picked up a hardcover copy of the “sequel”, World Without End, around Christmas.
Pillars is an all-time classic, a modern masterpiece in my opinion. I guess it’s not easy to follow an epic with an epic, which is probably why it took author Ken Follett 18 years to write World Without End.
I won’t rehash the storyline here. Basically it continues the trials and tribulations of Kingsbridge, its inhabitants and cathedral. The setting is 200 years after Pillars and the narrative is through the eyes of the descendants and successors of the main characters in the original novel.
World Without End is a very good book and well worth reading. It’s probably not necessary to read Pillars first, but that would assist with context.
I don’t think it’s as good as Pillars. It’s hard to describe why I say that, so take it as the subjective statement it is.
World Without End just lacks a certain grandeur compared with Pillars. It’s more like a Mercedes than a Rolls Royce.
Vote for Kalgoorlie
The makers of Monopoly are taking votes online for cities to appear on a new world edition of the popular board game.
Last year I wrote how the Kalgoorlie community galvanised enough support to win a place on the Australian version. There is now a push for the Goldfields capital to go global.
The only chance is for Kalgoorlie to win a wildcard entry, as the organisers have already selected a bunch of cities to choose from for the main places.
To vote for Kalgoorlie you have to visit the Monopoly Worldvote web site, register, and nominate Kalgoorlie for a wildcard.
Beach moments
We had a particularly enjoyable day on our beach holiday with some interesting moments.
The waves at Florida Beach looked bigger than they had been for a few days, but were still moderate, then literally out of the blue some giant swells rolled in. By that stage Juliet and I were holding Maggie and Jim respectively with their floaties on.
When the first monster came, your hero surrendered himself to the wave and lifted Maggie high into the air. I’m told Juliet did the same with Jim, but actually threw him airborne.
Needless to say, Juliet and I were dunked. Michael Jnr, who was watching from the shore, said Maggie didn’t even get her face wet and Jim came through remarkably unscathed.
The little ones then departed the water. A few minutes later kids near us shouted the alarm for a stingray. I’ve heard false alarms before for sharks, but this one sounded genuine.
I headed towards dry land and saw a five-foot wide dark stingray in the water about 10 feet away. I’ve got no idea if it was deadly or not but had no intention of finding out. Steve Irwin RIP. Read more
Movie madness
We took the kids to see Alvin and the Chipmunks yesterday. It cost $80!
The tickets were $11 each. The popcorn was something like $6.50 and the drinks were about $5 each.
The popcorn came in sizes of massive or extra massive. The drinks were super large or super super large, and they didn’t have any juice.
Every business needs to make money and I imagine cinemas struggle somewhat in the face of competition from video stores and pay television, but the food and drink prices are virtual extortion.
We saw one parent smuggle sweets in for his kids, ruefully explaining it was just too expensive. I think we’ll do the same next time.
Juliet and I went out for lunch while the kids watched their movie. It cost us $71 for a three-course meal with a bottle of wine.
Highland dancing
Maggie has graduated from Tiny Tots at the Kalgoorlie Dance Academy and next year will do tap dancing. After that she has a choice.
I was keen for her to do Highland dancing, which the academy has a great reputation for, but the cost is high. Someone told me it could be $1000 to get the required apparel.
Ballet or Irish dancing might be the go unless my Scottish roots and preference prevail.
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