X is for………..

So Cat Balou in India issued a Challenge. 

“Mo, bet you a bottle of Peter Rumble Sparkling Shiraz that you can’t come up with something for the letter X”.

Darling girl of little faith, submit your order to Dan Murphy’s now.

For Australian trivia purposes X is for XANTIPPE, a small rural locality in Western Australia’s wheat belt. It is located 220 kms north east of the city of Perth and according to the 2016 Census has a population of 20.

It is the only locality name in Australia that begins with X.

Never heard of it. 

Established in 1925 it once was a thriving farming community. A school opened in 1930 on Struggle Street to cater to the needs of children, though closed in 1940. ( Anyone else getting Tim Winton vibes?)

The locality’s big feature was the water tank built in 1927, designed to pump water to nearby Dalwallinu, but there were major issues pumping the water uphill. It doesn’t even have its own postcode.

It has been suggested that the name means “looking for water from a deeper well” which ties in with the proliferation of Gnamma holes in the area. 

What is a Gnamma hole? According to the Merriam -Webster Dictionary , “a hollow or hole eroded or indented in solid rock of Australian deserts that sometimes contains water.” Apparently these water holes are featured in the 2002 Australian movie, “Rabbit- Proof Fence”  which I will now source for the weekend’s *entertainment.

Western Australia extends across a massive area, at least one third of Australia. Honestly, I am familiar only with the Margaret River area and have no  enthusiasm to explore Xantippe and its environs. However, if anyone can shed any further light I’de be pleased to hear.

*Entertainment is a poor choice of word for this movie. Based on the book of the same name it is the true story of several young Indigenous girls taken away from their parents who escape the mission to return to their families. The Stolen Generation should not equate to entertainment.

#A-ZChallenge 2024

Australian Trivia

R is for Red Dog

Louis de Bernières is an English novelist, best known for his 1994 historical war novel, “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.” I’ve mentioned previously that I would have enjoyed the movie of the same name about Italian soldiers who occupy the Greek Island of Cephalonia during World War 2 except for three things:

1. Nicholas Cage
2. Nicholas Cage
3. Nicholas Cage

The writer holidayed in Australia at one stage where he came upon a statue of a dog during a visit to the Pilbara region of Western Australia. What can I tell you about the Pilbara? It’s remote mining country, wickedly hot and with nothing but red dust for miles.

But I digress. Back to the statue …….

The dog’s name on the statue was “Red Dog” ( 1971 – 1979), a kelpie/cattle dog cross.

He had a series of owners and lengthy periods travelling on his own, essentially becoming a beloved friend and mascot of the greater Pilbara community. “Red Dog” was made a member of the Dampier Salts Sport and Social Club and the Transport Workers Union and was also given a bank account with the Bank of New South Wales which was said to have used him as a mascot, with the slogan. “If Red banks at the Wales, then you can too.“

When “Red Dog” died, presumed poisoned, a local vet had him buried in a secret unmarked grave. There is a plaque, fixed to a boulder, very close to this site, just outside of the town of Cossack WA. The plaque states: 

                                   ” Red Dog

                                     The Pilbara Wanderer

                                      Erected by the many friends

                                      Made during his travels.”

This story so inspired de Bernieres that he wrote the novella, “Red Dog”, published in 2001, which was adapted to a film of the same name in 2011.

As of 17 November 2011, the film made more than A$21 million at the Australian box office since opening in August 2011.  Red Dog is ranked eighth in the list of (Cinema of Australia) highest-grossing Australian films of all time. Eleven days after opening, Red Dog became the highest-grossing Australian film of 2011. Much of this success is because Nicholas Cage was not involved.

*For bonus trivia, the soundtrack to the movie features some truly great Aussie  pop music.  Grab a glass of plonk and prepare to flit across the lounge room floor.

*I remember seeing this movie with Cat Balou. There was laughter, tears, and bopping to the music in our seats. It was my last time being in a cinema where everyone clapped at the end of the movie.

#A-ZChallenge 2024

Australian Trivia

M is for Mad Max with Mad Mel Gibson – Or is it for Harry Harbord (Breaker) Morant?

The letter M has been hugely problematic. Melbourne, a capital city in Australia’s south, bores me to tears – sorry, not sorry – and marsupials have been done to death.

So let’s talk about a couple of lads who have captured my imagination since the teenage years : actor and film producer, Mel Gibson, and Breaker ( as in horse breaker) Morant.

Both talented and controversial figures. Gibson won huge praise as Max Rockatansky in the 1979 Australian movie, Mad Max. This was a post apocalyptic world with a collapsed society , a shortage of resources, destruction of the environment, and war. All fun things.

So popular was Mel as Mad Max that Mad Max 2 followed in 1981, and then Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome  in 1985. ( We wont mention any others in the franchise. Without Gibson they were pure malarkey). Of course, Mel found fame and fortune and moved to the other side of the world -which is not surprising the way he wore leather – where he has gone on to produce and star in some monumental movies. Sadly, he is often the topic of disdain which is odd given that country’s penchant for the likes of Donald Trump.

Harry Morant too is often judged poorly, despite his talent for writing bush ballads and skill with horses. The subject of film and numerous books, The Breaker’s execution by British firing squad in Pretoria in 1902 continues to create debate.

I am currently reading Peter Fitzsimon’s  version of events. Three weeks in and I’ve made it to page 21. ( Message to Pete : why is each and every book you write the size of a doorstop? And you know that bandana around your forehead? Loosen it; that may help.)

Anyway, M is way too challenging.

I’m off to Miles in the Western Downs for a few days because of its proximity to the Dingo Fence. Promise more focus for N.

#A-ZChallenge 2024

Australian Trivia

This Months Movie and Book – March 2024.

Went to the cinema mid-week to see “The Great Escaper“, based on the true story of navy veteran, Bernard Jordan. Ninety year old Jordan ( Michael Caine) absconds from the age care facility he resides in with his wife Rene ( Glenda Jackson), to participate in the 70th anniversary commemorations of the landing at Normandy.

I rarely bother with a trip to the flicks as there are 500 assorted DVDs stashed in my hobby room.  It’s much more comfortable I find watching a movie in your pyjamas with a glass of wine and a cheese platter. On the rare occasions that I do  make the effort audience numbers are usually less than ten. Really, would pyjamas be that offensive?

In spite of it not being “half priced Tuesday” the cinema was a good three quarters full. I have since read that the latest genre of movie is “Pension-spiration” or those targeting a more “senior” demographic.

Damn that! This is a good story worth telling for all ages with subtle reminders that we are all young, ten foot tall and bullet proof at some stage, and those of us who are lucky enough, age, either gracefully or disgracefully. The flashbacks to Bernard’s and Rene’s courting days during WW2 reinforce this.

There is gentle humour with Jordan describing himself as a “coffin dodger”, despite some sad scenes overlooking the beaches and cemeteries of Normandy. Both Caine and Jackson, the latter passing away before the movie was released in 2023, were absolutely courageous putting themselves out there at this stage of their lives to film this movie. As actress Bette Davis famously said, ” Getting old is not for sissies”.

A friend warned me that the movie was “slow”. I guess if you’re featuring people in zimmer frames and wheelchairs you shouldn’t be expecting Mission Impossible type car chases.

Two things resonated with me in this movie. Bernard, 70 years after the war, confronts his inner demons from D Day and finally talks to Rene about something that has been haunting him for all those years, an incident which forced his focus to attend the commemorative services in France.  It wasn’t until my Dad was dying in hospital at 79 years of age that he broke down after downloading about the bombing of Dresden for the first and only time.

Wow, what some of these old boys must have ” hung onto” throughout their lives, hey……..

And two, I don’t want to think about getting that old. It was all a tad confrontational for me. 😫

This month’s favourite book was posted from India by my youngest, Cat Balou. 

“For Your Tomorrow, ANZACS Laid To Rest In India” is a labour of love about our fallen, including the nurses. Beautifully done.

What Have I Been Reading Whilst In The ‘Berra?

Mostly the labels on jars so as not to induce allergic reactions in the three year old and picture books, lots of picture books featuring dinosaurs.

Question : How is it that a child can correctly pronounce the title of 14-lettered dinosaur that twists the adult tongue in all kinds of directions, yet they battle with “please” ?

It was a painstaking effort, though pleased to report I did manage to read two novels throughout February. Both well worth the effort (and the movie of the former is a better than average depiction of the book.)

My movie viewing pleasure was restricted to ” White Fang” and  that was the cartoon version. Unable to confirm who cried the most:  Harry or my good self.

We have been watching the much promoted ” Masters Of The Air” on pay TV. Dammit; it’s taken six episodes to become invested and I’m now heading home to no pay TV. The way the story is progressing every one will die anyway……

The Paradox Babies have joined us at long last : little Audrey ( after Hepburn whose photos adorn the walls) and Lawson.

I wish I could tell you that I was returning home and planned to sleep for a week. The old bod is feeling a tad fragile, what with the responsibility of Harry and the grand furbaby. But my old Da always said that ” you’re along time dead” so heading off to another Festival : music, mayhem, and touch wood, bubbles. Might need to pack the boot scootin’ clobber.

Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps With Doris

I know, you’re going to think this makes me sound old and somewhat decrepit, but this week I attended a performance dedicated to the music of Doris Day. However, “A Sentimental Journey” carried the audience through a long and interesting history of music dating back to the mid 1930’s when Doris focused on singing with the big bands.

“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” — Berthold Auerbach

I wouldn’t be at all surprised if I was the youngest in attendance. All good. 

“Music is the great uniter. An incredible force. Something that people who differ on everything and anything else can have in common.” ― Sarah Dessen, Just Listen

Born Doris Mary Ann Kappelhoff in 1922, Doris performed in 39 movies and in her solo career recorded more than 650 recordings on the Columbia Records label. She performed two songs in films that won the Academy Award for Best Original Song “Secret Love” from Calamity Jane (1953) and “Que Sera, Sera” from The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) and more importantly, in my book, inspired my eldest daughter’s Calamity Jane period, just before she moved on to her Audrey Hepburn phase as a teenager and into her early thirties. (That is, before children.)

“Music replays the past memories, awaken our forgotten worlds and make our minds travel.” ― Michael Bassey Johnson

So of course, I rushed home on a high to watch a fun little movie with Doris and the LOML, Errol Flynn, in “It’s A Great Feeling”. Only about three seconds of Errol though that was more than enough. Sigh. No murders, no car crashes, no bedroom scenes, no swearing – just light and fluffy.

I hadn’t realised that one of my favourite songs featured in a favourite Australian film from 1992, ” Strictly Ballroom”, was a Doris song – “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps”. ( for which I am unable to attach a link. Boo Hoo!)

And to leave you with an indication of Australian humour a movie Doris appeared in as a band singer with Kirk Douglas and Lauren Bacall named ” The Young Man With A Horn” had to be renamed when released in Australia as “The Young Man With A Trumpet”.

“Music is the moonlight in the gloomy night of life.” ― Jean Paul Friedrich Richter 

Next up, the musical history of David Bowie. I should be better acquainted with the words. Used to be my Go To at kareoke.

Movies In The Heat & Anger Management Issues

This long, hot summer humidity is totally draining and instead of fighting it I’ve opted to simply retreat with books and movies under the ceiling fans. Call me unsociable. I can live with that, unlike feeling so wet and slimy you feel your eyebrows are sliding off down your cheekbones.

Last week I watched a couple of flicks I hadn’t seen since a child, and then it was on the old HMV Black and White television that sat in the corner of a 2 bedroom bungalow in a little bush suburb of Sydney. “Zulu” was released in 1964 and featured a young, long haired (almost effeminate until 60 minutes in) Michael Caine. It tells the story of the British Army, amounting to some 100+ bodies, defending Rorke’s Drift against 4000 Zulu warriors. Think “The Alamo” in South Africa with lots of body paint and spears. Brutal, really brutal.

My movie watching friend had never heard of Rorke’s Drift and I feel after two glasses of wine I may have mumbled something scathing about the Australian education system. 

Today I rewatched “Gallipoli” the 1981 released Australian movie which starred the delightful Mark Lee and a young, extremely beddable Mel Gibson. ( Still lookin’ damn fine too, Mel.) This movie garnered massive interest back in the day and encouraged Aussies to take a relook at the myth that was Gallipoli and subsequently all other theatres of war in which our country participated. Again, brutal. And once again, as it did forty odd years ago, the movie made me angry.

Watch the movie and you’ll discern the reason for my anger management issues.

Which reminded me of a night long, long ago before children at the infamous Coogee Bay Hotel in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. A night with The Hunner’s, which is Ozspeak for “The Hunters and Collectors.” Great pub band.

My movie watching friend had no recollection of having seen “Gallipoli” previously.

I know. WHAT?

The good news is that “Zulu” and it’s successor “Zulu Dawn” are my son-in- law’s favourite movies. Yes! Something positive gained from the heat after all - a shared interest, though not sure death, war, armed combat would be in the Relationships Australia Guide Book.

Seasons Greetings

It’s only two weeks until Christmas Day and December is performing the way it always does: 42 degrees C in Sydney, floods in Victoria, and North Queensland is facing a Category 3 Cyclone. Ho Ho Ho.

With all this, and the carnage of the past year across the world, I’m firmly ensconced in my bunker, surrounded by Frangipanis listening to Christmas music. And yes, you know it’s the Season when Hans Gruber falls off the Nakatomi Plaza.

So here are some Aussie Christmas Carols for your enjoyment. With the recent passing of Celtic frontman of The Pogues, Shane MacGowan , I haven’t heard Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas”, not even once. Yay!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uW-I2ei92PU. Ronan Keating

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=x1rw1fx170s. Tim Minchin

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-o0UbMEiPSE.      Keith Urban

If you have some time to spare I’ve also included a link to an award winning short movie with a Xmas theme made by our friends across the ditch in New Zealand, more commonly referred to as Enzed.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P1dZTsjhEJc

I’m surrendering – the white flag is waving in the wind. The ceiling fans are on, the bar fridge is chilling a plethora of goodies, and I have a pile of books to keep me occupied till the New Year.

But one last Hurrah for the year : am off to frock up for some Irish music this afternoon and to send off the poet from The Pogues. 🥂

Enjoy these special days and hold on tight to the joy………..

With a final message from my boy, Errol……..

Halloween Be Damned…..

“I believe every coincidence is a message, a clue about a particular facet of our lives that requires our attention.” — Deepak Chopra

Whilst those in the northern hemisphere have been celebrating Halloween my personal interests involved the commemoration of Beersheba Day, a day back in 1917 when the Australian Light Horse Divisions secured the town of Beersheba, bringing to a close a crucial battle in the Sinai Palestine Campaign during World War 1.

It means an evening dedicated to watching a little known Australian movie from 1987, “The Lighthorsemen” which is worthy viewing if only for the charge across the desert in order to capture the township. There are nostalgic reasons too for revisiting this film on an annual basis as the actors were all young, good looking lust-worthy lads ( * Sonny Blake, John Walton, Gary Sweet – sigh) around my own vintage and it is a good reminder that we all once had our own teeth and hair and were 10 foot tall and bullet proof.

Interestingly, author Elyne Mitchell wrote the novelization of the screenplay. Mitchell was the author of a series of children’s books popular in the 50’s and 60’s – “The Silver Brumby” series – and also wrote non fiction books including her family history containing her own photographs. Her father just happened to be war hero Henry Chauvel from the Australian Lighthorse Brigade. 

Each year there is an Elyne Mitchell Photo Story Competition connected to The Man From Snowy River Festival in which I participated for the first time last year. Great fun.

On the weekend I am taking the 20 minute ferry ride across Moreton Bay to Macleay Island to view the annual Art My Word Festival. Created only three years ago as a fundraiser for the Island’s Community Library it has evolved into a “celebration of art, storytelling and community.”

As well as Author talks there will be displays based on : 

A) a brown paper covered book selected at random sparking some sort of 2D or 3D artistic creativity and

B) an unseen photo in an envelope igniting a story telling exercise by way of creative writing. 

I’m champing at the bit to get involved and will also be investigating whether the Community Library would be an interesting excursion for Book Club.

“I always interpret coincidences as little clues to our destiny.” — Ann Brashares

*leaving Peter Phelps off the list.

Jon English And The Purple Pants

With very little decent television viewing available I’ve been watching Opera Australia’s “Gilbert And Sullivan Collection”on DVD. Have to admit I am more familiar with this music than that of The Beatles, with apologies to Sir Paul who is currently swanning around the neighbourhood. 

Grew up on a steady diet of G & S, Mario Lanza, and Zorba The Greek. Depending on the company and the number of scoobies consumed there was also a lot of music from the war years, particularly duets with Vera Lynn.

It wasn’t until I fled the nest that my interest in musical theatre blossomed. It’s an interest that has cost me a small fortune and a poor parenting mistake was introducing the daughters to theatre from an early age. Think about it :

Cost of Tickets

      “.      Lunch or Dinner Out

      ”       New Outfit ( possibly including new shoes)

      “.      Incidentals like haircuts and ice-creams

The kids were 5 and 6 years of age when they saw their first live musical : “The King And I” starring Hayley Mills in Adelaide over thirty years ago, whereas my first show was at 25! None of us will ever forget the crowd applauding The Frock!

Last night I sang along with Anthony Warlow as the Pirate King in “The Pirates of Penzanze”. Apologies to the neighbours.

Warlow has always been a dreamboat. First time I ever saw him perform in “Guys And Dolls” I was 8 months pregnant with my first. He impressed me so much I was convinced if the child was a boy I would name him Obadiah, after Warlow’s character in the production. Boy, was the mother-in-law peeved. When Warlow played “The Phantom” I had one daughter in tears saying ” he was just misunderstood”, whilst the other thought ” he was on speed.”

So it’s not surprising that we’ve seen “Pirates” on stage on numerous occasions. At both the Sydney Opera House and with David Hobson in Brisbane and both different yet wonderful productions!  My all time favourite performance starred raccoon-eyed rock singer Jon English in purple pants. Yep, the Pirate King in purple pants. So much fun and boy do I miss him……..Gone way too early.❤️

Warning to the neighbours : ” HMS Pinafore ” tonight and my Buttercup is akin to a cat at the vet’s – without anaesthetic.