My Journal. I like stuff

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:09:51 GMT

Obama has finally ended, as the Iranian Times put it, the torture of Bush.

I have to admit, I'm a little bit concerned about this cult of personality, but it's hard not to get swept up in the promise of hope - after such a soul crushing 8 years of Bush's attempts to personally fuck every nation in the arse (not to mention Howard doing his dirty work here), the promise of someone who is actually a professor, a arbiter or change, and most importantly someone who appears to care more for the base person as opposed to his rich mates is a wonderful thought.

And he certainly can write a speech (even if he only co-authors them)

My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet. Watch the full inauguration speech »

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land -- a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the fainthearted -- for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long, rugged path toward prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again, these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act -- not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions -- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them -- that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control -- and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort -- even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West: Know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed -- why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations

What's that, a post?

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:04:37 GMT

So, it's been fucking ages since I've posted anything on here. I migrated to Myspace, which in turn led to Facebook, and my poor LJ was relegated to the occasional friends page checking, and that was about it.

I've been slack in many aspects of my life, including keeping in contact with good friends in Newcastle. Apologies if you haven't heard from me recently - I do intend on correcting my mistakes, but you have my number too :)

Anyway, what have I been doing? So much to talk about.

Music:

I was playing with a prog metal band called Nevetherym, but that was only a temporary thing. Am playing full time with Storm still, but doing some side project stuff. Gra and I keep promising to do something other than jsut jam when we drag all our shit out and play, and we'll see how that goes. I think we both need slightly more direction.

I've also been playing with a friend of mine down here called Cameron. He's a good singer/songwriter (think Jack Johnson mixed with Ben Harper). Quite commercial and poppy, but I can see him doing very well with it (he has interest from Song and EMI already), and I'm more than happy to ride his coat tails to success ;)

Car:

My poor car was broken into, and burnt out:

So I bought one of these instead:

Oh yes, it's a chick magnet. But it's good to sleep in, drag band shit around in, and besides, when you're a muso, you don't need a hot car to pick up women ;)

Body:

I'm still training relentlessly. Am now down to about 86 kilos, from around 130. Here's a terrible photo of my head, but a good indication of what my body looks like now:

Oh, and I've had laser eye surgery performed on Wednesday. Was a rather painful and harrowing experience, because I don't deal well with having my eyes touched, and there's a lot of pressure involved. Here's a photo of me with my eye protectors things I had to wear to bed the first night:

Yes, I am that hot. But I am sitting here typing without glasses, and I am eternally happy for that.

Living:

I'm currently living in Terrigal, with an awesome guy named Kiam. We live just off the beach, up behind the Crown Plaza, where the majority of the night life is. Quite happy with the place, and will post some pictures when I get round to taking them.

Women:

Well, I won't lie, I've been attempting to be as bad as possible of late, but have found one in particular that seems to have caught my attention. Her name is Sakura.

The complication (and there always is one, isn't there?) is that she lives in Adelaide. For the moment. She will be over here permanently early next year, but it does make life slightly difficult.

Here's a photo of us from Halloween:

She was a vampire, I was her victim.

Here's a better photo, without my ugly head in it:

So that's going all rather well now.

I'm not sure what else there is to report now. If I think of anything else, I'll post it soon.

Hope all is well with my loyal readers in LJ land.

I hope this day comes soon...

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 05:41:45 GMT

This is what my workplace is like

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:31:18 GMT

I'm thinking I might print this out and stick it on my office wall.

19th of July

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:01:05 GMT

To anyone that may like to attend, I'm playing on the 19th of July at the Lucky Country.

$6 entry, with two good bands this time. I promise they won't be nearly as unlistenable as the last two.

It'll kick off around 9pm.

If you want to get a sample of what you're in for, go to our Myspace site to lsiten to a few songs.

Hope to see you there.

Also...

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:47:37 GMT

After you listen to the new tracks on the Storm Myspace, why don't you put hte 19th of July into your calendar, as our next gig at The Lucky.

That'd be tops!

Everyone had a good time last time, and I'm sure you will this time. We're playing with a great Newcastle band called Avenue of Allies, and another unconfirmed band.

Storm!

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:28:31 GMT

Hello Livejournal Interwebs Inhabitants,

We've very recently posted 4 Storm tracks on our Myspace, for your listening pleasure.

It'd be great if you could jump on there, give all 4 a listen, and leave a nice comment.

Get 'em here

Thank you!

Strange, free laptop

Fri, 30 May 2008 01:16:13 GMT

So, about 6 months ago, I was given a laptop, as the hard drive had failed, and the owner wanted a new laptop altogether.

I wasn't going to complain.

Ten, very nicely, fixed me up with a hard drive (although considering it spent the majority of that night kicking around in Sez's handbag, it may not have been in the most pristine condition), which I installed.

Things went along ok for a little while, then I went to turn it on one day, and the PC speaker went on a full ball, and wouldn't stop. It also locked when starting up. It did that a couple of times, and I put it in the too hard basket and forgot about it.

When moving this week, I rediscovered it. I turned it on, and it still beeps constantly, but I think that may just be because I don't have the drivers for the soundcard.

I downloaded the drivers, but everytime I go to install them from either a USB drive or a CD, I got to my computer, and it just loads Desktop. I'll double click on My Computer, and it just loads Desktop again.

Has anyone encountered this before? I was going to try re-installing Windows, or punching it until it works, but I think both of those are unlikely to make it go.

I'm thinking maybe it's a HDD/CD Drive issue, but laptops really aren't my speciality...

Help?

Saturday Night

Thu, 22 May 2008 01:33:33 GMT

Hi Everyone,

Unlikely, I know, but if any of you were planning on being, or would like to be, on the Coast on Saturday night, I'm playing at the Woodport Hotel.

The guy's given us the headline spot, with the view to get some more big support slots, and into some big name venues in Sydney.

The only problem is, the guy has booked three other bands that are unlikely to bring anyone - one Central Coast band that didn't bring anyone last time they played, a Newcastle band that doesn't know many people over 18, and a Sydney band with a similar problem.

So, it's up to us to bring people. And if we do, it'll put us in the good books with the pub owner.

Details:

The Woodport Hotel
The Entrance Rd, Erina
$5 entry if you let me know you're coming (so I can get a ticket to you), or $10 on the door.
Doors 8pm, we're on at 10ish.

Hope to see y'all there!

Oh for fuck's sake Brendan...

Thu, 15 May 2008 23:36:01 GMT

Tantrum alert

Get over the fact you lost power, and sit in the corner and think about what you've done over the past 11 years.

Lower tax on petrol? Why don't we jsut follow Pauline Hanson's theory on solving the inflation crisis, by releasing more money into the system? That'll fix everything.

Your economic false idols, Howard and Costello, both always argued that lowering exise on petrol won't work. We need to decrease demand to lower inflation. That means stopping people buying so much shit.

Most economists agree that we shouldn't be having tax cuts, but we're stuck with them, because your mates promised it at the last election, and hoodwinked everyone into thinking it was a great idea.

Australia voted, quite clearly and emphatically, that your politics and idiology was not wanted. Your own leader lost his seat, a fact that hasn't happened in 90 years.

Just fuck off back to your box. And take your mates, Hockey and Turnbull, with you. You are no longer relevant, and will remain so for a very long time.

Guess who Storm is supporting next weekend?

Tue, 13 May 2008 22:43:56 GMT

Don't forget:

Fri, 09 May 2008 01:54:42 GMT

Gentle Reminder

Mon, 05 May 2008 03:32:20 GMT

My new band, Storm, is playing this Friday Night at The Lucky.

It'd be great if y'all could make it (and bring all your friends). It's only $5 entry, and it should be a great rock n roll night.

Storm are a rock/hard rock band, playing almost entirely originals, in the vein of ACDC, Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Guns n Roses, Motorhead and The Scorpians. Falling of One have recently supported The Screaming Jets, so you know they're a top quality rock band.

I'm running this gig myself, so if we don't get enough people, it's going to cost me money. So come along, bring some friends/workmates/random people, and if you're cute, I'll let you take me home for the night :p

Check us out at our Myspace site

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:26:55 GMT

Hey look, I finally made it into the paper for something other than public displays of vulgarity.

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:58:21 GMT

I'd just like to say, that if at any time if you've seen me drunk or otherwise inebriated, it wasn't my fault, someone obviously spiked my drink, and then planted drugs in my pocket.

It's all because I'm a massive star, and everyone has tall poppy syndrome.

Take some fucking responsibility, you useless little twat. No-one thinks enough of you to waste drugs either spiking your drink, or planting GHB on your unconscious body. Learn to take them responsibily.

You fucked up. Admit it, pretend you're sorry (a la Andrew Johns), and make some more money admiting you have a mental illness that has driven you to drugs.

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:05:10 GMT

For any of you who missed it through the multitude of OTHER social networking sites...

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:38:21 GMT

My new (and permanent, I swear) band, Storm, is playing a string of gigs coming up.

There's this Saturday in Sydney (the Lewisham Hotel). This one

But the big ones will be:

26th April - The Woodport Inn, Erina (near Gosford). Playing with Ethereal and New Sedition

3rd May - Pulse Nightclub, Gosford. Running our own show here, and t would be great if we could get a few people along to this one

9th May - The Lucky Country, Newcastle. Running this one too. Please come, Novocastrians

16th May - Sirens Nightclub, Terrigal.

More to come, as we book them.

Too soon?

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 23:49:03 GMT

Can we have the gun back now, you cold hearted psychopath?

The End of an Era :(

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 22:44:58 GMT

Unfortunately, it's just sitting around gathering dust, a tribute to my more metal days.

So, she's up for sale.

"The Bitch", as she was so lovingly known, will soon belong to someone else.

She was with me for countless gigs, impressing people with her size, shape, and evil growl when cranked right up.

I hope someone you know (or you yourself), will want to buy her.

As a warning, it's probably not the best bass to learn on, unless you have large hands.

$1,000, or nearest offer. Better yet, if you want to swap it for one of these, I'll be most grateful:

For all you D&D nerds out there...

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 21:44:00 GMT

http://www.chaser.com.au/content/view/3483/72/

21st of March Gig

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 22:05:13 GMT

If any of you were planning on coming to the Storm gig on the 21st of March, it's been postponed until the 9th of May.

You can, of course, still catch us at the Grand Hotel, Wyong this Friday (the 14th of March), or on the 19th of April at the Lewisham Hotel (they liked us so much, they asked us back 5 minutes after our set).

I'll keep you posted as more gigs are booked and confirmed.

Newcastle Gig

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:43:25 GMT

I know a lot of people go away over the Easter long weekend, but if any of you are around on Good Friday, it'd be really cool if you could make it along for this gig.

It's the first Newcastle gig for my new permanent band, STORM. It's also the first gig I've organised completely myself, so if you could me make it less of a financial disaster, I'd appreciate it :)

Details:

Catch you there!

Clarification...

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 04:10:24 GMT

Just a clarification, the "morons" term in my post yesterday is NOt about those who don't believe in personally apologising (you're entitled to your opinion, no matter how wrong it may be :p ).

Rather, it was a dig at the talkback listening, Piers Ackerman reading people who are incapable of their own free thought who refuse to actually listen, and realise that Rudd's speech was an apology from the present and past Federal Governments and Parliments only. No where was it mentioned it was on behalf of anyone of these imbiciles, unless they happen to be ex Members of Parliment.

Your apology is left to your own devices, should you wish to give it.

I'm Sorry.

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:53:12 GMT

Today is the first time in 12 years I can be proud of my Federal Government.

Firstly, for the morons out there who have been quoted as saying "I don't want the government to apologise for me".

This apology is from the AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT. It's not given on behalf of the Australian people, but on behalf of the current government, and previous governments. For the obvious wrongs conducted against Aboriginal people taken away from their families, simply because one of their parents or granparents were white.

Personally, I wish to apologise. I'm sorry those people were taken away, without any reason. I'm sorry families were torn apart, parents and siblings to never see each other again.

The text of the Australian Government's apology:

"Today we honour the Indigenous peoples of this land, the oldest continuing cultures in human history.

We reflect on their past mistreatment.

We reflect in particular on the mistreatment of those who were Stolen Generations – this blemished chapter in our nation’s history.

The time has now come for the nation to turn a new page in Australia’s history by righting the wrongs of the past and so moving forward with confidence to the future.

We apologise for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians.

We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities and their country.

For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry.

To the mothers and the fathers, the brothers and the sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry.

And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry.

We the Parliament of Australia respectfully request that this apology be received in the spirit in which it is offered as part of the healing of the nation.

For the future we take heart; resolving that this new page in the history of our great continent can now be written.

We today take this first step by acknowledging the past and laying claim to a future that embraces all Australians.

A future where this Parliament resolves that the injustices of the past must never, never happen again.

A future where we harness the determination of all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to close the gap that lies between us in life expectancy, educational achievement and economic opportunity.

A future where we embrace the possibility of new solutions to enduring problems where old approaches have failed.

A future based on mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility.

A future where all Australians, whatever their origins, are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country, Australia."

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:02:24 GMT

Oh, and for your viewing amusement, a couple of pics of me on stage, during the Festival of the Dead tour, down in Wagga Wagga: