When Boy Meets Girl...

Admittedly, this is one of my more 'brutal' pieces of writing. It covers what I think is an unnecessary concept of the 21st Century, and being something of a target for being blamed for doing this to someone, I feel the need to examine its irrelevance.

Go to Current and Thought-Provoking to read the entire spiel.

63 Not Out

The tragedy of the late passing of Phil Hughes has shaken many in a way I’m sure most people never would have imagined. I can’t help but be moved to tears at  some of the tributes I’ve heard and seen.

I guess all I can contribute as an Aussie and a mourner is that few people will pass away doing exactly what they love. Even though it was far too soon, and in a way that was far from kind, there must be some comfort in knowing Phil Hughes had made incredible achievements (with more that should have come) and that his last stand was at the cricket pitch.

This will not leave our memories. It will have significant prominence for some time to come. Cricket games will never be the same.

Biggest condolences to the Hughes family, who aren’t far from where I live, and to Sean Abbott and his family for this time that goes beyond melancholy. Also a huge kudos to Captain Michael Clarke for bearing the heavy role of delivering a speech on behalf of the cricket team and to the world’s media. Let the tears fall. Anyone with a heart is shedding one too.

Phil Hughes has hit for 6 in the minds and hearts of many.

Blog Extension

In the interest of expressing different sides of myself, more often, and in a different way, I have joined Tumblr.
The reason I chose it was because of the flexibility. I hope to continue posting here, maybe with some extra inspiration from Tumblr, but this will continue to be a higher grade blog. The Tumblr will be for much more general content, such as things I like or little quotes that are meaningful. I'll probably copy my quotes here.

Having said that, I am at http://hannahkchristian.tumblr.com

Positive Links #1

The last two posts I've made about www.judoinfo.com haven't been the most positive ones. In the last one, I mentioned that I do in fact like the site and that I am simply making corrections as I see them. Now to balance the critique, here are a few aspects that I do quite like about the site. Keep in mind that since this website has been running 1995 so they have many, many resources and I am gradually discovering what they have.

http://judoinfo.com/katamenu.htm

After having my interested piqued by Feldenkrais from reading his "Judo: The Art of Defense and Attack" in which he finishes with briefly covering the most common forms of kata, I realised that I have never followed up on the others forms. I've only ever watch the Nage-No-Kata, which is the set of pre-arranged throws, used particularly for blue, brown and black belt gradings.
Found at the above hyperlink is, and appropriately names, a menu of katas.

I will also be starting a new page for judo and martial arts-related content so most (if not all) relative posts will be included on that page too.

Rescue Remedy

It has been a while since I've had the chance to post anything so I'm trying to get back into the swing of it.

To start, I wish to recommend Bach's Rescue Remedy. I don't use it often but there was a period of my life where I was tense and using this natural remedy helped to calm me. This one is a spray that is applied to the tongue. I quite like the taste and I dare say others do too. It's certainly worth keeping a small bottle just in case of stressful times, especially when your tummy feels fragile. It is a little expensive, but it will last for quite some time.

Poet's Book Editing

I have recently had a mentor give a bit of feedback on two of my pieces that I sent to them from my blog. I have made changes to those pieces and have updated them on the page. The two in question are 'Memory Box' and 'Subjective Moments'. Some changes are more obvious than others. Hopefully, they have been a step in the right direction. I hope to post more soon.

You Mightn't Understand Judo If... #2

A sequel to the first annotation on some misconceptions of judo, here is another from the same site. Some of you may be wondering if I actually like this site, and if I can take a joke. Truthfully, I do, and I will contribute posts of things I appreciate about it. However, being a judoka and frequently experiencing these misconceptions regularly prompts me to address them first, and finish or continue with the better stuff. I guess I'm taking the whole "end on a positive note" approach. 
And I do actually have a sense of humour. My friends and family comment on how light-hearted I am, but for something like this where people may take the wrong message from it, I can't bear to have that as a possibility.
Anyway, another list by Neil Ohlenkamp, this one entitled "You May Be Getting Too Old For Judo If..."

1. The first and last words that you say every day is "Ouch".
   You don't have to be old to say that. And there are ways of changing that response. Get your hands on some Feldenkrais "Awareness Through Movement" recordings and rehabilitate yourself. It is the best thing anyone can do for themselves, even those with the most fit bodies.
2. The last time you gave a kiai your dentures projected across the dojo.
   Not a problem. It shows a good kiai, although not always a necessary technique. Who's to say young ones with giant mouth guards, especially for kids with braces (as I experienced myself), who could do exactly the same?
3. Your training partner always begins each move with "Don't worry, I won't throw you".
   If this older person has any experience, which will automatically involve ukemi, there is nothing wrong. We learn ukemi for a reason, and each person should be capable of throwing with a certain amount of competence that will not break their partner.
4. If you try the same movement twice in a row you consider it uchikomi.
   It's the beginning of uchikomi.
5. Your belt and your hair have both turned white with age.
   A sign of wisdom and experience. Probably a sign that a new belt should be ordered. Either way, a belt is simply a public notification of what you should have in your head. The belt doesn't make you good; what you know and can execute does.
6. Each time your training partner takes his grip he always says "Did I hurt you?"
   Your partner is arrogant.
7. "A little action" means your prune juice is finally working.
   No comment.
8. Your get up and go, like your knees, have long ago, got up and went.
   Must have been doing judo the wrong way. Again, get some Feldenkrais.
9. You are wondering if a walker is allowed in randori.
   Same as above.
10. You would rei but you are afraid of not getting back up.
    Same as above. Not an excuse.
11. Your tokuiwaza is now geezer waza.
    No comment.
12. Your favorite competition throw is a kata move.
    If the kata move works, there is no problem doing it this way. Kata is done to improve motion and style, which in turn will help technique.
13. You hate meditation because you fall asleep.
    Not an excuse to give up.
14. You barely have enough ki to pull up your judogi pants.
    Not an excuse to give up.
15. Your favorite combination is Nuprin and Geritol.
    If a little pain killing is needed, than do it. Add some Feldenkrais for good measure.
16. You do have a favorite hold-down but you can't, for the life of you, remember it.
    Get a book and look it up. Choose a new one. Not an excuse.
17. The cute new girl asks you if its really true that you met Kano.
    That's just a story to pull someone's leg. Not an excuse.
18. You are adamant that tatami, like redwood, becomes petrified with age.
    If you've learned ukemi properly and practiced them as long as you have, it's not a problem. No excuse.
19. Your Judo membership number is the Roman Numeral I.
    Show it off.
20. Your Life Membership certificate has the word "EXPIRED" stamped across it.
    It shouldn't. That's not being responsible for your business. Renew it.
21. More and more you wonder why it is called "The Gentle Way".
    Not doing the proper judo. Get back to basics, slow things down as much as necessary, and find some original material (Kano, Feldenkrais, Kudo, Mifune) to help yourself.
22. You remember when Judogi pants were above the knee.
    That's just a memory. Things change.
23. Your best technique is Ne Ne Waza (sleeping techniques).
    Not doing real judo.
24. Your artificial joints squeak when you perform ogoshi.
    If you're not in pain, you're fine. Again, get some Feldenkrais. Probably should have gotten into some of his rehabilitation material years ago.
25. You are more active on the JudoForum than the Judo Mat.
    Do what you can. Not an excuse.

I argue that no one can be too old for judo. Only in February 2013 did the last surviving student of Jigoro Kano, Keiko Fukuda, pass away. She was only a few months off turning 100 and was, and still is, the highest rank female judoka in history. She gained 9th dan from Kodokan and 10th dan from USA Judo. She continued to practice judo up until her death, proving absolutely nobody is too old for judo. Ever.

I have personally experienced it myself. My sensei, one about whom I have previously posted, is 76 this year and has been practising judo for 50+ years. He still comes every lesson, even when he doesn't feel well. He is always well enough to come and give some help and to watch. He competes when he can.

You Mightn't Understand Judo If... #1

Recently, I found a judo website, www.judoinfo.com, that has extensive postings and resources, and I generally liked what I could find on there. However, there were a few contributions that caught my attention for the wrong reason, so I will correct them here and work through them one by one. In this instance, there are a handful of points that are made and they are actually correct, but there are unfortunately some that are not. Here is the initial list for the piece "You Might Be A Judoka If..." written by Neil Ohlenkamp:

1. You think learning to fall helps you learn to throw people.
   If you don't know how your partner is going to fall or experience the throw, then it can make the throwing experience awkward. I have worked with a number of newbies lately and they freak out when they're given the chance to throw me because they're still learning to overcome the fear of falling for themselves. Oddly, that equate to them being concerned for me.
2. You see someone taking a bad fall off his bike, and the first word that pops into your head is "ippon!"
   Small accident with minimal-no harm, maybe. Anything else, where is your humanity?
3. Every time you see a big open space you have to restrain yourself from doing ukemi for no apparent reason.
   This one has some element of truth. Once the fear of falling is beaten, it becomes a fun game of throwing yourself over open spaces and performing the most beautiful forward-rolling breakfalls possible. It is good practice.
4. When you see some big guy walking down the street you plan how to throw him on his back and then armlock him.
   An alert judoka will have a method for defending themselves against any person of any dimension. Picking on a 'big guy' simply because they're the ones that seem most likely to attack or because it would bring about the most impressive result is a bit vain.
   Also, since when is 'armlock' a verb?
5. You secretely wish that some untrained, unarmed, and unaccompanied robber would come and attempt to rob you.
   Where do I start? First, no modest and intelligent person would want a stranger to attack them in the street merely for the amusement of exercising martial arts training on them. That is not what we learn in the dojo. If someone is learning that, they have a dumb sensei, no excuses.
   If a person does in fact wish a stranger would attack them, they are hoping for someone without knowledge, which may suggest they have no faith in their ability or the skills that have been taught to them. This brings them into serious questioning about their martial arts discipline in general.
   Finally, any crime is not worth being hoped for just for the sake of a performance. Remember to pick up your common sense at your next lesson.
6. Your girlfriend thinks you're a freak because you have callouses on the back of your fingers from doing judo grips.
   No judoka I know gets callouses from doing judo grips. That may be exaggerating the amount of practice, but even the biggest judo junkies I know never get close. Tatami (or mat) burn would be more appropriate.
7. You instinctively bridge and roll whenever you wake up from a nightmare.
   A possibility. I haven't experienced it, but I do ask why ebi (shrimping- an escape technique for ground work) is left out.
8. You're teaching your kid to ride a bike and start off with ukemi drills!
   All children, whether judoka or not, should learn ukemi at home and/or at school. I completely agree that it would be very helpful for learning to ride a bike.
   For some reason, falling has become a negative thing and kids are encouraged not to do it. If they do, it is automatically associated with injury and negativity, hence why many people hurt themselves when they fall. If everyone was taught safe ways to fall (ukemi), falling would lose the bad stigma and there would be far less injuries. It's inevitable that we will fall over from a misplacement of balance, so why stop something that has already started and won't stop? Make it better.
9. You get into bed with a forward roll.
   That would be great, if my bed was positioned in such a way that I could do that.
10. A shirtless attacker becomes your worst nightmare.
    This is as disgraceful as #5. Any dojo that doesn't teach the 'street' equivalent or that doesn't incorporate some amount of self defense into the lesson is a dojo with sensei who don't do judo. Not true judo. Many, if not all, of the throws can be modified slightly so that with or without a gi, a judoka can successfully throw any opponent.
    Judo is renowned for being a defense-oriented martial art, for being a method of most efficiently using the body that allows a physical confrontation to be subdued with a few swift movements. "He who fears loss has already been beaten"- Jigoro Kano. Our founder would not be pleased with this point.
11. You choose your dates by how well they look in a Judogi.
    This is an interesting point, to say the least. I'm aware my response will say a good deal about my character. I will highlight that this is something of a vain trait, but I find that anyone can look good in a judogi. No body type will look bad in one, even if that was an issue of concern. When training with a fellow judoka, I know that I spend more time concentrating on my techniques and what the other person is doing, not how they look.
12. You spend more time on top of your friends than your girlfriend.
    I'm not sure how to approach this one. Quite frankly, if your friends don't mind having the occasional improvised judo lesson, it's not a problem. And given the innuendo, I think it is a much better use of time, and far more beneficial.
13. You say "you should see this new technique I learned" and all of a sudden you're the only one in the room.
    I'm fortunate that most of my friends have had some martial arts training, or they have an interest. Approaching from the view where someone doesn't have friends who are martial arts enthusiasts, it is a bad sign if your history with informing them of new techniques results in them avoiding you, especially with judo. Judo is "the principle of the gentle art" and the discipline that a judoka should be learning from it should result in a modest explanation that is not harmful.
14. You keep having this dream about your mother-in-law reversing your best choke.
    No judoka should have just one best move. That is limiting, and there are ways of getting out of most, if not all, techniques. Granted there are some moves that will have a 'point of no return', but a good judoka will be ready to make adjustments before that point.
15. Your dog shakes hands with everyone but you.
    This is a repeat of #13. I won't waste space and words.
16. When you are sawing wood or hammering nails you consider it uchikomi.
    I can see why these basic actions are considered 'repeated skill practice', but if I'm honest, they are a very weak form.
17. You can take your child to practice because you're in the same class.
    It is great when more than one person in a family can come to judo lessons as it gives them someone to work with outside of lessons, and the understanding within a group or household is increased.

From these annotations, hopefully I have demonstrated why some (maybe even, unfortunately, many) mistakes are made in these areas. Feldenkrais, student of Kano and black belt holder, predicted the fall of judo and that it would come once it became an Olympic sport. That happened in 1964. Since then, judo has retained most of its initial purpose, but those who have never learned the real concept of judo teach it in terms of the modern world, or the 'no pain, no gain' form. I hope that more people will learn and remember and pass on true judo.

Individual

Each person is one of one; not one of many. 1/1 only, like none before and none to come.

[Adapted from Pharrell Williams and Jay-Z]
I don't have much interest in the world of over-praised celebrities, but I heard this comment and it rang true. While some of us may find these famous people don't have much to say that is of significant value to us, there is the occasional moment when their words and thoughts come together in a poetic way that stands above everything else they've said or done. The catch is that we need to be able to pick those bits out.
A beautiful and simple way of expressing the uniqueness of each person that ever has and ever will live.

Old

Old. The word is simple, as if it was deliberately made easy for those who are.

Photo & Eternal Rest

I recently realised that I have not explained the picture I have for a 'DP'. I must give credit to YouTuber epicLLOYD. It is a still from his music video "Pawn" and as far as I can deduce, the woman is his lovely wife, Josie. Mrs Ahlquist has a blog also, which is a combination of personal stories and posts in relation to her dissertation.
I used it purely because I enjoyed the video and I love the costume she wears. The whole screenshot is something I felt drawn towards and I ended up using it for my Gmail photo.

Also, for those who read the homepage in conjunction with updates on other pages, here is a small note about my new creative piece, "Eternal Rest". Whether or not it is noticed that it has a 'morbid' air about it, I wish to say that I am not being depressive, but reflective on funeral conventions. Most particular is how we talk to those who have passed as though they can hear us. My thoughts on that I will not share right now, but I hope it evokes some thought and that others can relate in some way. This one, I think, can draw on each person's individual experiences in such a situation.

Gift of Judo

I practised judo a few years back but due to an increase in commitments, I regretfully didn't have the time to attend lessons. It didn't help that the closest club closed its adult class. After having finished my mandatory schooling, I have since found out the club has started back up and I have been attending classes again. It has been such a liberating and joyful feeling to be back.

Tonight, I was graced with a most heart-felt gesture. The senior sensei is a wonderful elderly German man. He is second Dan and this year he is 76, marking 62 years, at least, of judo. I had recently rediscovered my judo books and mentioned to my sensei that if there were any books he didn't want or considered selling, I am interested in acquiring them. He then took off to the storage cupboard and pulled out four books, one of which I had started planning on acquiring from America. This particular book is not the easiest to get and can be particularly pricey. Along with three other books, one of which was in German, he handed them to me. After discussing how he had to learn all his martial arts from books as practice was forbidden after the Second World War, and translating a judo comic from the German book, I asked him when he would like them back. He told me they were mine. He wanted me to have them.

As I was supervising the younger judoka as my sensei was searching for something, he returned with another book, roughly A4 sized. He told me he paid roughly 20 pounds for it at the time he bought it, and it has gone out of print for some years. He told me he would prefer to see me with his books than try to give them to anyone else because he feels they would not be appreciated properly. He wants someone to use them, and that he won't be around forever, at which point he promptly said he would leave the rest of his library to me in his will. All said with a light-hearted smile.

This sensei of mine is more than just a judo instructor: he has become like a grandfather to me. He always looks out for me and took me under his wing from the the first few lessons all those years back. I ingest everything he says, and not just because it is delivered in a delightful German accent.
My future judo practice will be tribute to his nurturing.


The elusive book that was kindly given to me. There are two books, and I already had one. This completes my set. Greater than that, it is filled with incredible instruction, and best of all, it was given to me by someone who has earned a dear place in my heart.

Rough Contemplation

In the moments when we are the most desperate is where we exhibit the strengths and weaknesses of our character at their most raw form. We demonstrate to ourselves and those around us the result of our thought life, how we conduct ourselves, what we believe and how we put it into practice.
We may like what we see, we may not. Whatever the outcome, take from it what you will and always try to improve upon it. When you can't find an area to improve, you are lying to yourself that you know everything. We are always growing, always learning.

[This observation may or may not be redrafted. If there is time to develop it, I will do so, because that is part of learning and reshaping focus]

Cosmetic Hope

I have posted a new discussion on the topic of confidence for women and the use (or rather, overuse) of cosmetics.

The Poet's Book

In the Poet's Book section, I have published a new original piece. This one is a little different to the previous pieces. It was inspired by a box of toys from my childhood of which they were a very dominant part.

Books Never Age

With the invention of computers, it was predicted that books would become obsolete. Yet, well and truly into the 21st digital century, books continue to hold their own and are still enjoyed and loved by many. Why is that? What does the humble book provide that an endless sheet on a screen cannot?

For a start, the book has the satisfying tactile surface of paper, which in turn has varying textures to please our touch. I, for one, enjoy the simple motion of page-turning and surveying my efforts by the gap between the front cover and the bookmark.

Then comes the art of writing, that which we learn to master from a young age. Though typing (for most keyboard-comfortable Gen Y-ers) is the faster option with software aids to correct programmed spelling and grammatical offenses, there is nothing like watching the ink of a pen weave its way effortlessly and hypnotically across a page. The thoughts and personality of someone is mapped and recorded in their words, in their handwriting. There is the satisfaction of then reading back over the speech of your hand and pen, and even admiring, to a certain extent, the appearance of the handwriting.

A certain perk of the electronic device is the ability to hold many literary pieces in one item. It allows for one device to hold these many pieces of literature with the only space occupied by the device. For situations that require light packing or space efficiency, this is perfect. However, there is something poetic about an old personal library. There is a certain comfort that comes from being able to go to a cabinet or a book shelf and being able to look among the bricks of spines for a piece to pass the time or for something specific. Within my house, we have a bookcase with dictionaries, science and maths books, atlases and an assortment of literary topics, not to mention my personal fiction collection and the plethora of cooking books kept under the bench. There is a certain joy in selecting that one book you want to use.

Computers may allow for instant and easy editing (re-writing can be very tedious) and the strange syncopation of the tapping keyboard can be soothing, but the personal achievement that is felt via this modern method is not parallel to seeing, holding and forming the very letters of our language which we wield so often.

It is with immense gratitude and happiness that I realise that society did not exclude the book when advanced technology was born that could replace it. Not everything that is complex has to stand in place of the more simple, yet very effective ones. For many people, they still reserve a special place in their hearts for the beloved book. The smooth and decorative cover, the satisfying weight, the hush of the pages as they move; every trait of the book makes it a treasured invention of man, one which I hope continues to be embraced as fondly as it has.

Of course, even as I publish this post to my blog, I am aware of the role computers and technology plays in being able to produce many pieces of literature and projecting the words of authors around the world. For that, I am also grateful, but there will always be a certain service that only the book will be able to accomplish.

Abstract Gardening

I enjoy a good garden of flowers and having them hang from structures or trees is one of my favourite methods of displaying them. But I can't always have a hanging basket so I tried something different. I have three large trees in my backyard, one of which has a few forks in the trunk. With an Alyssum seedling, I created a barrier on the lower end of the fork, placed the seedling within it and filled the remaining space with soil.

With time and sufficient watering, I made sure that the soil wasn't being drained out of the bottom. The result has been the most flourishing seedling of the batch that I planted. It may be due to the fact that it had to grow to reach around the trunk to get sunlight, but even after it accomplished that feat, it has continued to thrive. The plant really seems to enjoy the secluded home.

  

This experiment works well with hardy plants and for people who want to have flowers growing in trees but don't want to pay the expensive amount for an orchid.

Greyscale, Black and White

I find it curious that music is written on a page is black and white, it takes that one-or-the-other understanding, but the result is greyscale.

With music, people either comprehend or they don't. Many people admit they don't. Too many trick themselves into thinking they do when, in reality, they're clueless. Then there are the ones who do grasp every piece, and some are modest enough not to make it known.

Picking the difference is difficult.

Yet, what is created amongst the staves of tone is a rainbow of expression. There is no set understanding for that, and it will always be vast.

Sorry

My apologies to anyone who has come to the main page of my blog and couldn't access the "Quirky Ideas" page. I didn't realise till I had a look at it myself that I had forgotten to link up the page to the main page. If I ever manage to make the same silly mistake, please let me know.
On the concept of comments, please feel free to leave comments on whatever you read.
I appreciate anyone who has taken the time to read what I have published, so thank you :)

Inspiration

A moment in my writing time that brought me this short statement, but represents what I do.

"My ink and paper are my sword and shield: they are with me to carve my way."

The Poet's Mind

A pretty little quote that I love. I feel it encompasses what each true poet senses.

Vex thou not the poet's mind
    With thy shallow wit:
Vex thou not the poet's mind;
    For thou canst not fathom it.

Clear and bright it should be ever,
Flowing like a crystal river;
Bright as light, and clear as wind.

~Lord Byron Tennyson

New Picture

With the recent rain and opportunity to enjoy the flowers in my garden, armed with my DSLR I took to the garden to capture the vibrant contrast of colours. Here is just one...

http://chanceapoet.blogspot.com.au/p/captured-moments.htmlhttp://chanceapoet.blogspot.com.au/p/captured-moments.html

Quirky Ideas

I have created yet another page for this blog, and is aptly named "Quirky Ideas". It is simply a space where I will write about the projects and plans I think are worth recreating or that I make up myself. I know that it can be hard to find a DIY project to do and practical gifts for others can be tricky. I strongly support creativity and practicality. I hope I can provide an array of options that will be fun, affordable and useful.

Godzilla

On Friday, I joined my friends to see ‘Godzilla’ in 3D. It doesn’t fall under the genres I would usually pay to watch, however I was open to viewing a modern spin on a classic story. And now, my brief review of the film.

The opening of the film begins with an investigation into the find of a giant underground cave. The writers and producers wasted no time ensuring the beginning did not lag; there was action immediately, preparing the audience for an intense film. Some people would be unimpressed by an introduction that doesn’t ease the viewer into the film. In this case, this was the subtlest way to ease into the film, and it also breaks convention. The opening also served to provide a thorough backstory, yet this was not abused, revealing the vital details upon which the rest of the film would be based.

As attention switches to the Brody family, who reside in Japan, at the centre of the film, I appreciated the small exploration into the theme of family, as it reoccurs throughout the rest of the film. I did, however, find the scene where Brody’s mother, Sandra, was so close to escaping the nuclear cloud with the collapse of the Janjiro nuclear plant, but had to be trapped inside the tube, to be slightly overdramatic. It should be realised that it is to emphasize the loss, especially with young Ford watching the collapse of the nuclear plant from his classroom.

Flash-forward 15 years, Ford Brody has grown up, married and had a son. He and his family live in America, and it’s from there Ford is requested to bail his father, Joe, out of jail for trespassing on the fenced-off land where the explosion happened.

Conflict ensues as Ford struggles to believe his father’s claims and investigations into the strange occurrences surrounding the nuclear accident. This conflict morphs to end up between the Brody’s and authorities, and continues to build until one of the beasts, a MUTO (Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organism), that the authorities had been keeping under control and examination, bursts free. Ford’s father was correct about all of his assumptions. Unfortunately, in the chaos of the MUTO escaping, Ford’s father is caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, falling from a collapsing metal scaffold. Ford, a returned EOD, finds himself assisting the armed forces as he is recruited gradually back in to bring down the MUTO.

[The rest of the review will be brief as much of the film now revolves around the continuous struggle against three immense beasts]

From roughly between one-third to half way through the film, it is realised there are two of the MUTO beasts: one female and one male. It is also during this that the hero, or hero in disguise, Godzilla, is introduced. A mad rush and fluttering of humanity-saving decisions are made and executed by various governmental authorities. (I won’t disclose the ending and ruin it for any who are yet to watch the film)

While this movie is a remake of a classic, and is intended to be an action film, any artistic work will inevitably explore a number of issues. Particularly evident in this adaptation of ‘Godzilla’ is again family, humanity and our ability to handle crisis. It definitely shows, as humans, we are not in control of everything that happens on this planet. Regardless of our species being the intellectual superiors and dictators of order, there are still many things in existence that we cannot control. There are also creatures that maintain their own natural order, without the influence of humans, as shown by Godzilla and the MUTOs.

A particularly noticeable aspect of the film is the utter destruction of cities and the helpless air enveloping the human race. With the two MUTOs destroying anything in front of them, and Godzilla careless of the puny terrestrial world he traverses, it would seem by the end of the film that the majority of the northern hemisphere has been reduced to rubble. It would be an impossible task to create a death toll of the number of humans estimated to have been “killed” in the film since so many buildings are crushed or collapsed.

The writers and producers have done an incredible job at ensuring there is noticeable tension for the audience, to realise the die situation of three uncontrollable beasts, yet it doesn’t breech the line of unrealistic. Sure, it is a surreal realm that has never been experienced, but there is an amount of realism that is required for a film, regardless of absurdity, and within this film it doesn’t give the impression of being over the top.

With Ford Brody being a recently returned EOD and finding himself drawn into assisting with the crisis, it appears to be good fortune when he continuously escapes multiple fatal accidents. Most of the others around him are killed or are unfortunately sucked into the destruction. It would seem slightly more believable if he suffered even a few cuts and bruises. It is made up for by the end where we see Brody with a crutch under one arm to support an injured leg.

As a concept, it isn’t grand. It doesn’t have epiphany-inducing themes. It focuses mainly on the story upon which it was based, upon the action, fear and anticipation of the beasts that can’t be tamed. It relies heavily on overwhelming shots, action sequences and immense structures. The proportion of the crisis is meant to dominate, and the vague science behind it provides it with the minimal credibility it needs to be “real” enough and to be convincing. But while it isn’t an “Ender’s Game” style sci-fi, it is a blockbuster-style sci-fi that is intended to be grand visually, and it most certainly accomplished that. I was able to appreciate the struggles of humanity to handle the chaos that seems to increase exponentially.

“Godzilla” is a film for those wanting action, conflict, human struggle and incredible monsters that are unpredictable.

Another Moment

I realise I need and want to set aside more time to write. I have so many ideas I wish to express. As a way of getting myself back into a rhythm, I've started by posting something simple and easy to arrange: I have put up a new photo in Captured Moments and I have recently taken many more in the bush adventures my family and I have encountered recently. I hope to post more soon.

21st Century Stereotypes

In December 2013, I stumbled across an online article belittling three social media "celebrities" who posted a 9-minute video discussing what they find attractive in girls. I found the majority of this video to be derogatory to the female species and felt compelled to write a reply.
Being a recent HSC graduate, and having done 4 units of English subjects as part of it, I felt it only appropriate to write my reply as an essay critique.

Go to Current and Thought-Provoking to read the response.

If you haven't seen the video, it was removed, but naturally some people get their hands on videos before they're removed, so here's one:
http://youtu.be/RsDtN756rm4

Captured Moments

I personally wish to add to my blog as regularly as I can. While I'm yet to write another piece to publish, I thought I could at least upload some more of my photos.

Go to the Captured Moments page to see the recent additions.

Thanks,
Aussie Mik

Irony at Work

Recently, I posted a new response regarding my thoughts on the new 'Noah' movie starring Russell Crowe. A few days ago, I had a shift at the local cinema where I've worked for just over 3 years.
Whilst on shift, one of the supervisor's asked me to hang up the new banners for the movie.

He gave me some assistance as it's quite difficult to put up the approx. 5m ladder, move the stiff hooks and carry up both a shifting pole and the rolled up banners. He made the observation that the design for the banners was quite boring, not very creative. It's just a long shot of the ark in a sea storm and the only difference over the four banners that we received was a different head shot of the actor whose name was on the banner.
Not only is the design 'slack', but the supervisor noted a lack of "Based on the true story" or "According to the book of Genesis" kind of quotations. Usually there's some sort of slogan or catch line for any movie poster. Instead, it had "Written by Darren Aronofsky". Technically it both is and is not written by Aronofsky. He may have adapted the script, but he did not write the story. Especially so when there is the newly applied disclaimer by Paramount that says "... we believe that this film is true to the essence, values and integrity" of the story.

Ironically, my supervisor said the banners weren't very original. My response was along the lines of "Well, they've already decided to make an entire movie off a story that has been around for ages. Why should they create their own material and be original now?"

Contemplations Intro

On a nearly regular basis, I find myself pondering aspects of this world. While many of them lead to what seems like an article or short story in my head (some of which I hope to share), some of them lead to statements where I attempt to make an observation. These I will also post.

24/12/13 - My message to my friends on Christmas Day.
"Of all the presents and gifts we can get,
The presence of love and joy is the best one yet."

25/12/13
"For any animal, humans included, their cruellest nemesis is a member of their own species."

29/12/13 - A comment made one of my dearest friends. I'll refer to her MuserEB.
"I like being inspired by the intelligence of others."


More to come!
- Aussie Mik

Starting this Blog

When I eventually confirmed within myself that I wanted to start a blog, I stumbled across this article when doing a Google search for “Blogger”:

1. Pick a name that represents who you are and what you want to communicate.
Don't make it too complicated to remember because most people don't have the attention span for long a$$ names. My best friend Mint and I chose Old School/New School Mom for me because it represented who I am as a person. But this choice took us over an hour. We hashed out different options and made lists.

2. Chose a platform
There are quite a few blogging platform options. WordPress is popular choice because it's pretty and you can custom design your site. For the layman who is just starting out and isn't so tech savvy, I would recommend Blogger. The advantage to using a site like Blogger is that it's connected to Google and you can use your Gmail to log in. If you want to get serious, go with WordPress though. Then there are other things like Tumblr and Square Space Personally, I find Tumblr confusing. I have many friends that love Square Space though. It's a great platform.

3. Create a Blog Facebook Page and a Twitter Account
A majority of social media success is based on networking. You want your readers to be able to reach out to you and say "hey, I loved your post." You also want potential brands to be able to contact you and pay you to write for them. Having a Facebook and Twitter is a great way for those people to stay in touch with you. People make fun of Twitter all the time. I did for years. But now, I'm a convert. Twitter is an excellent marketing tool. I've met some truly valuable connections on there.

4. Read and comment on other bloggers post
Let's face it, people love to be heard. If you scratch my back I'll scratch yours. When you comment on someone's post, they are now aware of your Internet existence. They can click on your website and now they are compelled to read what you wrote.

5. Make friends online
This is crucial. You need to find people you relate to on the land of the Internet and talk to them. They will be your allies and advocates. I personally love these people: Jenni Chiu, Jessica Bern, Liza Hippler, Jessica Davis, Byron Hamel, Sarah Carmichael, Julie Provost Erin Best Margolin and more. I could go on.

6. Don't give up
That's it! Don't give up. Be persistent. Ask for advice from other bloggers. If no one comments on your post, it's okay. Keep going. 90 percent of blogging is perseverance.

(Written by Sarah Fader - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-fader/so-you-want-to-be-a-blogger_b_4929141.html) 

I definitely found parts of this article useful. My blogger name is the name I assumed for online use a number of years ago. As I’ve explained in the About Me section, I choose to remain anonymous in my Internet tracks. I see myself as an average Internet user and no matter what I do, I’m hesitant to let just anybody know my true identity. Besides, I think there’s a mysterious nature about having a pseudo-identity.

I’m obviously publishing through Blogger. It didn’t require much to set up and I’m quite excited to organise my posts and pages in a way that allows readers to discover new pieces. I don’t want to bombard everyone with immense slabs of text. I know that I myself enjoy a well constructed blog, which means that the content needs to be arranged in an aesthetically pleasing manner. I’m an organiser in real life (I organise my own world; I don’t let it slip into bossing others around, that’s not my nature) so I love to organise my own material.

One part I don’t see myself doing is reinforcing my blog with social media. Sure I have Google +. It’s kind of hard to avoid it given it accompanies my Google account. But the general reason I will be avoiding the social media support is because I don’t trust them. I used to have Facebook about 4 years ago. Even then, I didn’t use it for over a year, then when I did, it was rare. I was uncomfortable with the site in general; I couldn’t trust Zuckerburg as far as I could kick him, and so, I permanently deleted my account. There is also the issue of how easily an account can be hacked. Facebook is not a labyrinth for hackers with a decent knowledge, no matter what measures Facebook lets you install.

Then there’s the issue of addiction. I’ve watched so many people become addicted to social media (this will be another post) and I prefer to use my time for better production. Whether it is playing piano for hours on end, or writing about things where I’ve been inspired, I value my time. In saying that, I don’t believe blogging sits on the same level as social media. It is a personal publishing of a person’s thoughts, but it is as personal or impersonal as that person chooses. Readers can choose how much they want to see and the blogger can choose how much they want to write. The freedom aspect is greater.

And I feel I can learn from other bloggers. One blogger I enjoy is Kayla Tompkins (The Daily Hopeful). I feel I connect with her in a number of ways and I enjoy what she has to say. She posts when she has the time to write and I appreciate that.

Now why did I give my blog the title of “Chance: a Poet”? I love the word ‘chance’. The sound, the appearance, the definition, everything. Here, I have a chance to publish; I have a chance to write. There are chances for readers. And ‘poet’? I am a poet. For my HSC, I wrote a suite of poems (or as I labeled them, an ‘Opus’) and I have been writing poetry for roughly 6-7 years. I have mainly written for myself. Now is my chance to share some of my pieces.

As people read this post, they may or may not be aware of my deliberate choice not to address the audience in the second person (you, your) or to say “my readers”. I feel that in starting out I shouldn’t be arrogant and say that I have readers. I have only just started sharing my words so I need to give people time to find my blog, read it, share with others and/or give feedback. With time, I may become comfortable to say ‘I readers’, but until then, I will continue with this approach.

So from what I have found and experienced so far, I’m excited to see what the future holds. Whether readers are drawn immediately, or grow over time, it’s a chance for me to save a little part of myself online. A select part of myself, admittedly, but thoughts that I hope can inspire and enrich others, and hopefully those others can inspire and enrich my life.

First Post

Hey all,

I am working on what to write for my next post. I'm also excited to organise how I'll display my posts, whether I'll make separate pages for different content or throw it all on the one page.

I will be writing on a variety of subjects, from my own experiences to recipes, from media reports to social issues. Depending on how this all goes (because this is my first day) I may or may not ask for viewers to send requests. If you find you my writing and style intriguing and you would like to hear my opinion on a topic, hopefully it will get to the stage where I can sit down and write a post on what is suggested. But I will verify that later.

Anyway, I should probably work on producing a decent post; I should hate to consume your time for a cockamamy reason.

Talk soon,
Aussie Mik