Okay, last night I decided to go out after weeks of staying in because of the weather. Well, that's not quite true - I did go to Inquisition XVI, and the weather at that time was bleak, to say the least. But I digress. I said to a freind at work that I would go see Speed Racer at the weekend because, you know, we're fanboys and we talk a lot about sci-fi, manga and the like. And besides, Supanova was on at Sydney Olympic Park and I always wanted to go to a sci-fi convention. So anyway, after shopping, gym and Supanova (which was neat), I finally get to see Speed Racer. And you know what? I felt the movie was missing something. I liked it, don't get me wrong - the explosion of colour and movement was breathtaking, even with the corny dialogue. And I liked how the Wachowskis kept the film true to its' Japanese origin. But it's the kind of movie that's lends itself very easily to the effects of illicit substances, even though it's a kids movie. Certain other movies offer this advantage. Think "Cat In The Hat" and "Shrek", and many other Disney-Pixar films. But if this is a gimmick, or a subconscience tool that the film-makers are using to their advantage to gain a wider audience, I don't really know. I'm sure there must be some kind of scientific research in this phenomenom. Just so you know, I didn't use any kind of illicit substances while watching Speed Racer, because it's rated PG. I'll save that for the home-viewing.

You know, after a hectic Mardi Gras month and some catching up with friends, usually at Fair Day, the Party, or at any number of events, ie - FuckLove : "Hi John, how are you? I didn't expect to see you here!" John - "Really? In a mens' toilet? I practically live here, Frank! Ha, ha, he!" I decided I have had enough of drinking myself into a stupor, and cherished the thought of staying at home going through my DVD collection. Now, my collection is as diverse as anyone elses, but I DO try to buy the alternative movies and documentaries when I can. And that's not as easy as it sounds. These "indie" movies are really hard to like. Films like Mysterious Skin and Solaris are not favourites and need only one viewing. But there are other films that need to be seen over and over again, just because they are so well constructed and heavily detailed. Films like Blade Runner, Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, and 12 Monkeys can be viewed many times, and every time with a different train of thought. These films can be labelled as classics, although that classification is quite debateable. I also have in my collection some DVDs quite a few people would label "childish" and "immature". I just think - well, if it's available for sale, then why not? Movies like "The Cat In The Hat" make me laugh. Also, there's a hidden message in there somewhere. You just need to be stoned and off your face to find it. And what's wrong with owning copies of Family Guy, huh? Sometimes you need a big belly laugh. Which reminds me of The Catherine Tate Show and The Complete Series of Bottom. Ha, ha ha. Fall-down hysterics stomach-in-stitches funny! Friday night last week I decided to test an urban myth. Let them try this on Mythbusters! I watched The Wizard Of Oz with the sound turned down while playing Pink Floyd's The Dark Side Of The Moon on my stereo. I had a pipe in one hand a vodka in the other. What happened next was ordinary. The music was NOT in sync with the action on the screen, and futhermore, as the CD runs out one-third of the way into the movie, I don't know what all the fuss is about. I was drunk, stoned, tired and very dissappointed in everyone's assumption that these two forms of media could create an alternative experience. But I digress...seeing Judy Garland in the "Making Of..." featurette highlighted a new distinction which is indicative of her gay icon status - cheap and nasty!

Yeah, well I decided to go to the Club Arak event at the Manning Bar at SU last night. Met a couple of friends there. Gotta tell ya, it was unique. And different. Arabic-influenced music is generally not my cup of tea, but coming from the western suburbs, I am used to hearing Arabic music being blasted out of car stereos from Middle Eastern guys driving their hotted up Toranas. Stereotypical, I know, but it's true! And I got to a gym in Bankstown that is mainly patronised by Middle Eastern males, so I do have some idea of their behaviour. They are some the most unselfishly caring, modest, genuine guys I know. Which in my eyes, makes them "hot". All these qualities were in abundance at the event last night. The music was rhythmic and entrancing, the boys (and girls) were sensual and passionate in their dancing, and it was hard not to get caught up in the atmosphere.