The 80s relived

Came upon this video while searching for Icehouse's No promises. No real point to the clip (except showcase the original Miami Vice) but I thought it blended well with the music and radiated with that let's cruise and get it on vibe.

Anyway, felt a bit on the downside of things. Hence, the search for the tune as it pretty much captured my disposition.

life in your new world

turning round and round

making some sense

where there's no sense at all

No promises

But if you should fall

Paul Weller in town

To hold anyone in higher esteem over England's favorite Liverpudian sons is regarded as blasphemous. Consider me a musical heretic then. Well, maybe slightly. I rate Paul Weller higher than John but at par with his McCartney namesake.

In his performance at Enmore theatre Wednesday night, the sheer, raw power of Eaton Rifles alone was worth the $100 cost of the ticket. The packed venue was served with a continuous assortment of gems. One after another, the songs came, pulled out from an extensive, glorious and versatile history which included the Jam and Style Council.

"I don't know why I haven't been back in Sydney in a long time. Fuck, I have no excuse."

Yes, Paul. Fuck. Don't make us suffer your absence again.

Ka-titian Japanese style

Tetsuya: Watashi wa voltes anata desu? (Bakit walang tao dito sa vigan?)

Toshiro: Kyo Shubasaki aratama nan ja. Hudas! (Eh, nakalabas kaya baril mo. Pangit!)

(The translation may or may not be correct).

City to Surf

Congratulations Gabriel!

In 2008 you were 56,549th over the line with a time of 182:21 mins.

The Sun Herald link carried that announcement. Of the multitude that swarmed Sydney's annual City to Surf marathon/walk, I was at the back of the almost 57,000 pack which completed the 14-km effort. Another 16,000 or so opted to abandon the race.

My participation was exploratory in nature -- the intent was to gauge how fast I could complete the distance at a leisurely pace. It was part of a walking regimen to prepare for two separate multi-day treks in November.

It was also a pretext to revel in the excellent views of the city and of Bondi beach from the numerous vantage points.

It was a fine day for a walkabout. Until the skies opened and my final kilometer was typified by rain.

Along the way, I came upon one with an artificial limb. Everyone around him either stared (though not disrespectfully) or stole a furtive glance. But the point was well made.

There can be no excuse.

of birthdays and birthrights

Nikki turned 19, and I moved further away from immortality. 

But the oil lamp is passed on to those whose wicks are longer. Whose resolve is steel. The flame will burn much brighter, raising a fist to darkness and illuminating the earth so that others can find their way.

So, who says we don't live forever?