Mind Power

Tonight I saw a story on Australia's 60 minutes and was truly inspired, amazed and grateful for people who have pioneered technology by creating computers that can read brain waves from people who have had accidents, strokes or disease which has caused them to be unable to speak and communicate, and how this computer has created a life and a voice for people who have been robbed of such an opportunity to interact with the people they love. I was humbled and so grateful for people who have dedicated themselves to this technology. This is nothing short of miraculous. I saw people with these computers control television, write emails, control prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs and even speak.

The full transcript will not be available on the website until tomorrow, but for the moment here is a brief.

Mind Power
Friday, March 27, 2009

Reporter: Liz Hayes

Producer: Phil Goyen
Every now and then, you see something that really does take your breath away. A kind of miracle.

And this is one of them. Just try to imagine a computer that can read your mind. It's not some wild fantasy, Liz Hayes has tested it and, to her astonishment, it works.

The computer knew exactly what Liz was thinking. But that's just the beginning.

This new technology can mean a whole new life for those suffering from "locked in" syndrome, people trapped in their own bodies, who can't move or say a word.

Liz has seen them actually write emails, send texts, and even speak, using nothing but their thoughts.

For more information on BCI go to:
www.bciresearch.org

or

www.braincommunication.org

For more information about ‘Braingate’ go to:
www.braingate.com

For more informationa bout Andy Schwartz’s research go to:
www.neurobio.pitt.edu

Full transcript arrives Monday at the link below:

http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=793854

This is for real!

I have been shown a pair of stereo speakers in an advertisement which is available in this country from Len Wallis Audio at 64 Burns Bay Road lane Cove. They are hand made speakers. Made in France and are crafted to precision and rigorous standards. The Ad says;

Design you Can't ignore, Sound you won't believe

Let me add here that the following line should also be applied.

Design you Can't ignore, Sound you won't believe, with a price tag that will knock you for a six

They claim that the price is worth every cent. Just love how they make it seem affordable.

The Price here in OZ is $269,000 for a pair. Yes, that's right. A small apartment, half a house, two brand new A6 series AUDI's or 20 brand new small cars for a pair of speakers! they would want to be really damn good for that!

Even were I to have that sort of money, I would NEVER buy these. Think of how many people you could help with that. I have an expensive stereo now as I really love music and being surrounded by it, but I just cringed when I saw how much they were. No doubt there are a great many people who could afford these, and would not think twice about it, I certainly understand the feeling of knowing you have the finest money can buy, but WOW.

The speakers for those well heeled amongst the audience can find them at
http://www.grande-utopia-em.com/

Thanks, but no thanks.

just one - me

I can be a complicated person at times and certainly, I don't believe I am Robinson Crusoe on that point. I have over the last couple of years been trying hard to be truer to myself and to find a way to realise my true potential. I have worked very hard and ostensibly held two full time jobs in the hope of funding my dreams. I have listened to the "Secret" , and to a number of courses and positive thinking schools and have sometimes felt that I am having the weight of the world on my shoulders by wondering if my expectations or hopes and dreams were impossible, unrealistic or even fanciful. I have included positive thoughts and feelings on this blog for the longest time more for my help than anyone else's, and the fact that my comments of revealed self have for the most part always been met with care and responsive comments from those who had the warmth to express them, I remain grateful. I have wondered on many occasions as I have stared at a sunset or sunrise, or looked at the mountains, or lay on the ground under a big night sky trying to avoid the mozzies (mosquitoes) and other night time critters, did anything I do really matter? I have certainly not been oblivious to the life of my son, Marcelina, my family and the people whom I have helped along life's journey, I guess I was searching more for a deeper, more personal answer. I grew up the son of a widowed pensioner, I grew up around people who had much more material wealth than I and it used to really trouble me. I used to feel I was hard done by or that the world owed me something. I felt that when my step father died, I was 14, he was a devout follower of God, that as a result of his passing I had in fact started to become faithless for a time, whilst I tried hard to come to terms with the life I was now embarking on.

I had seen life a certain way, and as I grew through adolescence I never had the "Father" I wanted, I certainly had my doubts that I wanted my step Father back as we had a love hate relationship for a period of time prior to his passing, I just wanted someone to show me the way. I remember asking soul searching questions to a couple of adults I respected at the time like, "what do you think I can be?" or "Who do you think I can become?" I can still remember the three peoples face on each occasion when my soul earnestly yearned for answers, it was painfully obvious that they felt the questions were too onerous and weighty to give me an answer. They were. Yet I yearned to know who I was, I yearned to know what I could achieve, who I could become. I have struggled with this for a number of years, feeling all the while I was trying so hard to be the someone I envisioned, and coming up sadly short. My adopted theme song for a number of years was I Still haven't found what I'm looking for by U2.

I am turning 44 next month, the same age my step father reached when he died. I know what he failed to achieve everything he would have wanted to and I have only a glimpse of his life in knowing if he was pleased what he did achieve, and wonder when you depart from this life does anything really matter to you anymore. I ask that question feeling secure in the fact that I already believe the answer is a definite yes. I suspect however that what those who have moved beyond think or care about things very differently to us, with their new perspective.

As I have passed through the last few months I have noted some tectonic shifts within me. I have certainly been a witness to the power of that positive thinking I referred to earlier, I have physically seen and felt the fruition of many of my life's paths. I have sensed for many years certain things would "happen" to me, and that thought has continually driven me forward, it has made me get up in the morning and love doing what I do.

I have begun to slowly peel away the layers of desires and hopes. I have started to choose what things are really important to me. I know there are some people who continue to judge me and put me in a pigeon hole though. It is becoming a sweet feeling when I see those walls of prejudice and limit come forward and be replaced by wonder and surprise. It is a special feeling. I have begun also to share that the pictures of me on the blog with the famous people, are just there for establishing relevance and in the hope of securing more work and having industry credibility, and that if I never met another famous celebrity again I would not be shattered. My life does not revolve around being "seen" with these people which some may find a contradiction. My life is much more simple than that. I want to love, be loved and love what I do - to that end I am a success. I am missing a few paints in my life's painting though, and I believe I will find those metaphoric colours in a coming day and time so my canvas can be complete. I await them eagerly.

I also have the desire once I reach a certain level, to help people, without them ever really knowing it was me. I would so love to do that, I would love to help people realise their potential, I would love to be a financial "seed" starter for people. I would love to financially touch the lives of those who struggle. I have such a ways to go to get there however, but I have begun to realise that things I thought I knew I have had to re-learn, things I thought I wanted, I have had to re-assess, and in this process have been able to finally change the song on this journeys soundtrack of my life.

Rows and floes of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons evrywhere
Ive looked at clouds that way

But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on evryone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way
Ive looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
Its cloud illusions I recall
I really dont know clouds at all

Moons and junes and ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
As evry fairy tale comes real
Ive looked at love that way

But now its just another show
You leave em laughing when you go
And if you care, dont let them know
Dont give yourself away

Ive looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
Its loves illusions I recall
I really dont know love at all

Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say I love you right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
Ive looked at life that way

But now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads, they say Ive changed
Well somethings lost, but somethings gained
In living evry day

Ive looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
Its lifes illusions I recall
I really dont know life at all
Ive looked at life from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
Its lifes illusions I recall
I really dont know life at all

Whilst this post may seem a little melancholy, I am of the belief that it is deeply personal and positive and simply a new awareness that I have found within, one that as the last line of the song says, I don't know life at all, but i continue to be deeply grateful for the journey and the chance to experience it. I still feel I am open to new horizons, thoughts or experiences and perhaps even more so now with this feeling of awareness.

Just a shout out to all my dear friends who visit here. Thank you all. Knowing you makes the journey much more rewarding.

just a quick note

I had a special and warm chat with a dear friend tonight who shared with me some experiences they have faced recently, and I am so proud for them. They have reached a point in life where an inner strength or an inner guide has made a choice and I believe they have reached a point of self awareness that is so inspiring. I am proud to know you and thanks for sharing. You are a real inspiration.

Also

Another blogger friend of mine is troubled at this time. I feel they are going through a difficult time with their son, and whilst I know few facts, I know that my friend hurts and I feel for them. I don't know if you will read this T, just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for being the special person you are.

Whether the rod is golden or whether it is just rain, I am so pleased and grateful to have so many friends who visit here. I am still surprised when people tell me they have been reading what I have said on my blog. I don't know who visits here and I know even fewer comment, but just know I am grateful for you.

News from OZ

A SLEEPY hamlet on the far north coast of New South Wales has been named Australia's leading town by a panel of tourism and travel experts, beating many traditional "hot spots" to top the list of 100 must-visit destinations.

Yamba, with a population of 5600 people, is best known as a fishing town closest to Angourie which is one of Australia's most famous surf breaks.

According to the survey conducted by Australian Traveller magazine, Port Douglas, Broome, Byron Bay, Port Fairy and Margaret River were among the towns pipped by Yamba.

In a state-by-state breakdown of the listings, NSW had the most towns in the top 100 with 29.

Editor Greg Barton said Yamba's selection as top town, along with the second choice of Esperance in southeastern WA, was surprising.

He said they had qualified as outsiders but that both could be described as "coastal fishing gems".

"Yamba ... may be upset at being named the Best Town in Australia. Their idyllic secret is out and they may have to share," Mr Barton said.
"The final list was surprising for me but on reflection it makes sense.

"These towns have stunning scenery, a unique story and the mystique of the understated and undiscovered - until now. They just don't come with the crowds and circus that surround some of the more popular towns.

"I'm sure we'll be inundated with alternatives and howls of injustice. Let the people decide."

The top ten towns were Yamba, Esperance (WA), Port Douglas (QLD), Broome (WA),
Port Fairy (Vi)c, Beechworth (Vic), Byron Bay (NSW), Apollo Bay (VIC), Strahan (Tas) and Margaret River (WA).

The magazine has steered clear of naming the nation's "worst" towns this year.

In previous years, it voted West Wyalong in NSW and Zeehan in Tasmania as towns best viewed from behind car windows on a drive-by.

Kevin Rudd meets Barack Obama

BARACK Obama has tread carefully on the issue of seeking more Australians to fight in Afghanistan after he and Kevin Rudd enjoyed a "great meeting of the minds" at the Oval Office.

The US President has made much of his rapport with the Prime Minister after their first face to face talks in Washington. Reports of the meeting carried around the world have described the pair as political "soul mates".

"I think he's doing a terrific job, and I'm looking forward to partnering with him for some years to come,'' Mr Obama said after meeting Mr Rudd for more than an hour.

Mr Rudd has said it was good to have the US "back on board'' on world economics and global warming.

Afghanistan

The US President gently signalled he would welcome an extension of the mandate of Australia's 1100 troops in Afghanistan or an increase in their number, as he prepares to unveil a new war strategy.

"The American people, just like the Australian people, are always frustrated with the need to send our young men and women overseas for extended periods of time ... it puts enormous strain on families and some don't return," he said.

"But I think that the American and the Australian people also recognise ... that we can't allow vicious killers to have their way, and we're going to do what is required to ensure that does not happen."

Mr Obama has evoked memories of the September 11 attacks in the US and the bombings in Bali to press home the need to confront extremism in Afghanistan. The Rudd Government is understood to be expecting a request for more troops at some point soon.

But Mr Rudd needs to balance the desire to get his relationship with Mr Obama off to a good start with polls showing a lack of support in Australia for boosting our military commitment. Nearly two-thirds - 65 per cent - of 1200 voters responding to a recent poll in the The Australian newspaper said they were against sending any more Australians into battle.

Two Australians died in Afghanistan last week, taking to 10 the number of personnel to have been killed while serving there.

"Every time we lose one of our brave men and women in uniform in Afghanistan I understand fully the concerns of the Australian people about this war and about where it goes in the future," Mr Rudd said.

"Our mission remains to ensure that that country doesn't become a safe haven for terrorists in the future."

Mr Obama has said he and Mr Rudd have worked through some important issues ahead of the G20 summit next week in London on the need to stimulate economies and to better regulate global finance.

"I feel that there's a great meeting of the minds between Prime Minister Rudd and myself," Mr Obama said.

Mr Rudd has said they also discussed the need for immediate global action on the "enduring challenge" of climate change. "It's going to be tough, it's going to be hard, it's going to require a lot of political leadership," he said.

"I'd just say it's great to have America on board. Mr President, to see the return of US global economic leadership - we appreciate that very much, and it's going to be necessary in the difficult times which lie ahead for certain."

BFF

Two months into office, Mr Obama has handed out only select invitations to world leaders for meetings in Washington and some analysts have suggested the two new leaders have much in common.

"They are ideological soul mates," said Alan Dupont, director of the Centre for International Security Studies at the University of Sydney.

"Both are personally inclined to be analytical individuals, both have a degree of detachment about how they look at things. They will be able to connect intellectually."

He has said he expects Mr Rudd to seek to cash in on his access to Mr Obama. "Everybody wants to see Obama and there's not a whole lot of people who've gotten to see him yet."

(both stories are from www.news.com.au Pictures by Nathan Edwards and Gary Ramage respectively)

Pirate Radio

I had the opportunity recently to photograph a few famous Australian radio disc jockeys who in the 1960's became active broadcasters in what was known as Pirate Radio in the United Kingdom. An interview highlighting their memories were created for a documentary soon to be broadcast on Ovation channel via Foxtels cable TV. The interviews were conducted by the very knowledgeable and dear friend, Glenn A. Baker. What an interesting thing it was to listen to the recollections of these lovable rogues. Their experiences and memories are humorous and a marvelous snapshot of that period in history.

These men were almost as popular as the rock gods whose careers they helped to launch. They were treated like royalty. They come together often for reunions, and in this instance were here in Sydney for a preview of an upcoming film about to be released called The Boat that Rocked! From the stories these DJ's spoke of, the movie's writers and producers certainly never let the facts get in the way of a good story, the reality was much more tame than was sensationalised in the film. I was so pleased to see these Pirates speak. They are a great bunch of guys and I really had a great time listening and learning.

A brief about pirate radio taken from a couple of sources is shared below. Aharr me hearrties! Pieces of eight!

Pirates from left to right: Ian MacRae, Graham Webb, Craig Peihopa (a pirate wanna be!) Norm St. John, John Kerr and Bryan Vaughan

At the beginning of the 1960s, an event occurred that changed the sound of Britain's radio forever - the growth of 'pirate' radio stations. What started out as a protest for the freedom to play music ended up challenging the British government and the BBC's rather conservative radio broadcast output. If it had not happened it is possible that commercial radio as we know it may not have been allowed to develop.

At the beginning of the 1960s there were only three national radio stations in Britain, all run by the BBC. In the spirit of public service broadcasting, the government insisted that all programmes were respectable, hopefully educational and impartial - hence the BBC was not allowed to broadcast commercials for fear that advertisers or sponsors could try to influence the quality or content of the programmes.

At the start of the 1960s the BBC played very little contemporary or 'youth-orientated' music, partly because those in charge of output were quite disparaging about pop music, and partly due to existing agreements with the Musicians Union regarding the employment of musicians, which limited the amount of recorded music that could be played. So in the evening, if you wanted to hear pop music you'd have to retune to Radio Luxembourg a commercial station that broadcast from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, in mainland Europe. As it was originally granted a low-powered internal frequency and was not licensed to broadcast to Britain, it paved the way for British audiences to appreciate the later pirate radio stations.

Pirate radio was started by Australian Record Label owner Allan Crawford. Allan borrowed an idea already successful in Sweden. His Radio Atlanta would be sited aboard the mv Mi Amigo, anchored in international waters, which would circumvent broadcasting legislation to bring commercial radio to the UK via a powerful on-board transmitter.

Although the station traditionally celebrates its launch over Easter each year, 27 March, 2004 marks the 40th Anniversary of the first test transmission from Radio Caroline. The station was officially opened by Simon Dee two days later on Easter Sunday 29 March, 1964.

The first ship - which was placed in the North Sea three-and-a-half miles from Felixstowe - was the 763-ton former passenger ferry MV Fredericia. On 27 April, 1964, she was joined by a smaller ship, the 370-ton coaster MV Mi Amigo, which was home to Radio Atlanta. Atlanta and Caroline were at first rival stations, though after a few weeks the two stations merged. The Fredericia sailed around the coast into the Irish sea to become Caroline North while the Mi Amigo stayed in the North Sea as Caroline South. In November 1964, the Mi Amigo was joined there by a major rival. The 780-ton American minesweeper MV Galaxy, housing Radio London.

Other ships soon followed, and stations were also set up in the old wartime forts that still stood in the Thames estuary; the result was that the British coast was soon surrounded by music. The young DJs, the majority of them just into their mid-twenties, were admired for their daring defiance of the government and rebellious choice of playlists. They played upon the 'romantic pirate' image, although in reality they were sometimes homesick or seasick. For audiences exposed to our 'Digital Age', it's difficult to explain the spirit of adventure and challenge that the pirates conveyed. Being confined on board ship for weeks at a time they developed a happy camaraderie that they communicated through their broadcasts to the listeners, a feeling of togetherness and freedom that the land-based stations could not capture. It lasted for over three years, until the Government's Marine Offences Act made it illegal for ships to broadcast within British territorial waters. The pirates were forced off the air on 14 August, 1967. All, that is, except one: Radio Caroline continued alone for another seven months.
(source BBC UK / Mary Payne - Radio London)

Where do we go from here?

I arrived back from New Zealand on Sunday night, and within minutes heard that earlier in the evening, on the other side of the runway at the domestic airport in Sydney a man was murdered, bludgeoned to death with steel bars in front of passengers about to check-in and board planes. Sydney radio reported from an eye witness, too afraid to speak on air lest he be recognised, said one young girl was so struck with fear that she was unable to speak or even be moved or dragged out of the way by her mother.I make no judgements whether the person who died provoked the attack, or deserved it or lived a life that was on the "edge" or anything along these lines. He is a fellow being whose life was snatched in a violent way in front of people whose lives will never again be truly the same.

There appears no security or members of the Australian Federal police were any where near when the fight and subsequent murder took place, and much of Sydney radio and television is asking the questions as to why? and so they should.

It is certainly a very sad situation. Finger pointing is useless, I just hope that we can get this right. I do not subscribe we live in a police state but there needs to be some minimum standards by which our behaviour and lives are measured by. Especially when it impacts negatively, the lives of innocent parties. There needs to be a swift reminder and judgement that shows the offender the behaviour is unacceptable to society.

There are those in the press who would have us believe that Sydney is reeling into a state of lawlesness and nobody can feel safe anymore. I do not subscribe to this totally. Police are flexing their public relations muscle and the Government of the state is declaring a crackdown and tough new measures on gang members and criminals. It certainly is somewhat disconcerting to hear and witness the growing rise of of drive by shootings and related behaviour.

That said however, there is so much good in the world, in this place, and like most things, there are always a few who will mar the peace and order we generally enjoy. I do hope that steps are made by those in authority to try and ensure that such overt lawlessness be brought into line. I make the observation that whilst we have currently a senior federal law court judge who is now starting a 3 year jail term for misleading and perverting the course of justice because he lied in court about a speeding fine, which is wrong, and we jail him for three years. Yet, as a casual observer, we seem to go more lightly on the more serious offences which I do not quite understand. Is might really right? I am sure that will depend on where you stand, and in what you believe or feel strongly about, but I shall continue to believe, perhaps foolishly, that we are all children of a creator who loves us all, and values each and every one of us.

Certainly in my life I have seen and learned of individuals whose very existence causes me to wonder why, but I allow them the respect and value, to believe and follow whatever course or path in life they choose. With the same courtesy I hope they should afford me.

I am an idealist it would seem and Burt Bacharach is again on my days playlist today, because what Sydney needs now IS Love sweet love.

lately, part 5

I am just letting you know I shot over to New Zealand on the weekend and had a wonderful time, I have lots of images, and lots of experiences and have been truly grateful for the opportunity. I will share more with you all this week. stay tuned!

One Trillion Dollars!

Tammy, a follower on my blog and wonderful lady, had a post the other day with a visual expressing the relative size of amounts of money compared to the size of an average man. Have a look at this link, it is quite simply amazing to have the meaning of the term a trillion dollars expressed in this way. I would be happy with just the million though!

http://www.pagetutor.com/trillion/index.html

Meeting Harry Vanda

I recently had the honour and pleasure of meeting Harry Vanda, a name that will not resonate with a number of people, but Harry Vanda would by any reasonable measure be Rock Music Royalty in this country if such a thing officially existed.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia on line we have the following;

Harry Vanda (born Johannes Hendricus Jacob Vandenberg, 22 March 1946, in The Hague, The Netherlands), is a Dutch-Australian popular music singer, guitarist, songwriter and record producer.

His family migrated to Australia in 1963, and settled in Sydney. Vanda came to fame there in 1964-65 as the lead guitarist in Australia's most popular and successful group of the 1960s, The Easybeats.
In 1966 he began a successful and enduring writing partnership with rhythm guitarist George Young; together they penned all of The Easybeats' late 1960s recordings, including their major international hit, "Friday On My Mind".
After returning to Australia in 1973, Vanda & Young took over as the house producers for leading Australian independent record production company, Albert Productions, and publisher J. Albert & Son. From 1974 onwards they enjoyed huge success in Australia and elsewhere, writing and producing hits for a number of popular Australian groups and solo singers, including John Paul Young, Cheetah, Stevie Wright, Ted Mulry, Rose Tattoo, The Angels, William Shakespeare, Mark Williams and, most notably, AC/DC, producing landmark albums such as Let There Be Rock, Powerage, If You Want Blood You've Got It, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, High Voltage/TNT, amongst others.
Vanda and Young also had major international success with their own studio-only project Flash and the Pan, scoring many hits round the world over a 15-year run, particularly in Europe where they had many chart topping records.
Most recently Vanda has left the long time partnership with Albert, and started Flashpoint Music with his producer/engineer son, Daniel, setting up Australia's premier private studio.
For those interested in guitars, Harry Vanda used a 1964 Hofner Verithin 1574 with Bigsby tremolo and 511 pickups, before switching in 1965 to a Gibson 345 which it is believed he proudly uses to this day. In The Easybeats Vanda also often played a cherry-red Maton 12-string electric guitar, which he donated to the collection of Powerhouse Museum in Sydney in 1999.

It was a great thrill. I found harry to be such an unassuming gentlemen, who never had or gave off any vibes to suggest, "Don't you know who I am?" and well he could have, but no, he was the most down to earth person. It was suggested to me by one of his admirers that he earns royalties in a week from songs that some people earn a year in the mortgage belt! WOW! But honestly, it was not about the money he earns for me, it was just the wide range of talent he has, people he has met, and knows, and the ability he has to indelibly make a mark on the world through songs. What an admirable gift. Many people chart their lifes moments by songs and many, will know where they were, what they did and how they felt by Harry's songs and wont ever really know it was him! Judging by my brief meeting with him, I suspect that is just the way he likes it.

I enjoyed telling a few people I met Harry to see these blank looks on their faces, and then say you may not know his name but you will know his work. His songs have been used in a number of film scores, been sung in an Olympic Opening ceremony, and at most weddings in this country! and when I attempted to sing or share his songs with them to see their faces light up with recognition was fun.

Some of his songs are:-

"Friday On My Mind" - The Easybeats, David Bowie, London, Gary Moore (1987), Richard Thompson
"Good Times" - The Easybeats, INXS & Jimmy Barnes (1986), Australian Idol - The Final 10 (2004)
"Evie, Parts 1, 2 & 3" - Stevie Wright (1974), Pat Travers Band (1978), The Wrights (2004), Suzi Quatro
"Hard Road - Stevie Wright, Rod Stewart
"Black Eyed Bruiser - Stevie Wright (1975), Rose Tattoo (2007)
"Love is in the Air" - John Paul Young (1978)/(1992)
"Standing In The Rain" - John Paul Young (1976)
"I Hate The Music" - John Paul Young (1976)
"Yesterday's Hero" - John Paul Young (1975), Bay City Rollers (1976)
"Down Among the Dead Men" - Flash and the Pan (1978)
"Hey St Peter" - Flash and the Pan 1976
"Walking in the Rain" - Flash and the Pan, Grace Jones
"Waiting for a Train" - Flash and the Pan
"Midnight Man" - Flash and the Pan
"Running The Red Light" - Meatloaf
"Show No Mercy" - Mark Williams (1990)

Just to name a few.

Here are a couple of clips, the first is Friday on my Mind from the Easy beats in the 60's with their biggest hit, written by guess who? Harry is the blonde guitarist on the far right. This song has been released by a number of notable international rock acts, David Bowie among them, and Harry still gets the credit! He is still tall and still blonde and as said earlier, a true gentleman, and let me add, songwriting genius. The next clip is a song called Love is in the Air which was used in the film Strictly Ballroom and was sung by John Paul Young. This song made John an Australian star, he still sings this song, and still as well. I hope you enjoy. It was a thrill for me to meet Harry.

Happy St. Patricks Day

Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated worldwide by the those of Irish descent and increasingly by non-Irish people (usually in New Zealand, Australia, and North America). Celebrations are generally themed around all things Irish and, by association, the colour green. Both Christians and non-Christians celebrate the secular version of the holiday by wearing green, eating Irish food and/or green foods, imbibing Irish drink (such as Irish stout, Irish Whiskey,Guinness or Irish Cream) and attending parades.

Farewell Lolo

Denzel's only Grandfather he knew and interacted with, passed away late last night Sydney time. The news came not so much as a shock, as he was almost 82, and had some health complications of late, but as we were there just three weeks ago, it was a shock. The family in New York, Oman , Saudi Arabia, Sydney and Miami were mobilised and on the phone for much of last night. There wasn't much sleep to be had in these households at all.

Juanito Lim Sr. was a quiet unassuming man with a wicked sense of humour, a caring nature and a heart for the downtrodden, and the struggler and for those he loved. His life would fill a volume of literature and be a very interesting read. He leaves a legacy and a hole for those who knew and loved him that will not ever be truly filled.

We are proud to have known and loved him.

Whilst there is certainly much sadness, there is also much joy that he passed quickly without suffering and was with members of the family. Though the tears will undoubtedly fall for a while, there will also be much laughter as the many jokes and one liners are recalled. Even to the end, his timing was exceptional.

Adieu lolo


The picture at the top was a concept I thought of and photographed in April 2007.
The bottom picture I took also.

SOUND RELIEF at the SCG

In response to the devastation caused by the bushfires in Victoria a little over a month ago, and the havoc strewn floods in Queensland’s north, a massive concert was created in a little more than a week and staged simultaneously in Melbourne and Sydney boasting the creme de la creme of the Australian and international recording artists. No concert on this scale has been attempted before in this country and was certainly a landmark event. No artist, stage hand, venue promotions, flights, or media was paid for.

It was a truly united nationwide effort without charge to get the concert-goerss to pay for a rare one off concert with ALL the funds raised going straight to provide financial assistance and aid for the people who lost their possessions and homes and lives of loved ones in the massive destruction caused. It was a proud day to be Australian.

For the most part the days event, certainly from a participants perspective was a huge party atmosphere, with the evident few who flouted the rules and were caught, arrests were low, anti-social behaviour was a minimum and the atmosphere warm and friendly.

The acts included performances from World famous Coldplay, who teamed up with John Farnham, one of Australia’s musical icons to sing You’re the Voice which rose some 50,000 people to their feet, it was a magical moment for all who witnessed and heard this.

Other artists included, Wolfmother, Macia Hines, the Presets, Icehouse, Barry Gibb (Bee Gee’s) with Olivia Newton John, Taylor Swift, UAMI, Architecture from Helsinki, Little Birdy, JET, Eskimo Joe, Josh Pyke, the Hoodoo Gurus and in Melbourne, Midnight Oil, Kylie Minogue, Hunters and Collectors, Split Enz, Jack Johnson, Paul Kelly, Gabriella Cilmi and many, many more.

It was an event I was honoured to be a part of. I was not there as a photographer as such, but in the VIP section with some dear friends, BUT I am rarely without a camera and whilst I could have taken a bigger camera, I chose to take a small compact camera which I have on loan from Nikon Australia called the Coolpix S630.

WHAT a Camera!. I had people around me amazed at the results this little camera produced, which you can buy for $499RRP. I am still so very impressed. ALL the pictures I took were on this little beauty. It has a 7x optical zoom and a massive 260mm zoom capacity. Everyone I know rubbishes digital zoom, and whilst it is not as sharp and the like, I defy anyone to say for a unit that is so small and can fit into a pocket or small bag that this isn’t a very viable image for most people. I cannot speak highly enough of this amazing unit. It takes a 12 mega pixel image and is just a wonderful unit. Please note that NO tripod was used in these images, it was ALL taken hand held. The camera has auto scene mode and face recognition and many more features. Admittedly it's low light performance was a little grainy, I am yet to see a camera that offers the other features listed AND has terrific low light performance. Overall, it is a camera I would genuinely recommend.

Here are some sample images

37mm wide


approx 70mm zoom


approx. 160mm zoom


approx. 200mm zoom


Full 260mm zoom

Another example in the zoom capability.

Full 37mm wide angle


approx 80mm zoom


Full 260mm zoom

NOW, some of the other pictures I took...


Coldplay on stage.


The Crowd numbered almost 50,000 I am told and an 80,000 people crowd supported in Melbourne


More Crowd shots


coldplay were sensational. This is a shot I took in the crowd on the ground.


Chris Martin lead singer of Coldplay with Australia's own John Farnham (close-up photo by ninemsn.com.au) wide photo by me




I retreated to the VIP stand to get out of the biting sun. The grey flooring you can see was placed over the ground to minimise the impact of people on the grass


The Men and Women in Blue keeping the ground safe and even.


always time for a catch up photo with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and then.....


The skies grew dark


and within seconds it bucketed down.


As dozens of people sought refuge under a blue tarpaulin that inched its way across the ground collecting more souls eager to avoid getting drenched


It poured! Some were angst ridden, whilst others just danced and loved it. On this occasion I was happy to remain dry in the stands but I loved seeing them having fun.


And as quickly as it came the rain was gone, and the sun returned! it was 4 Seasons in one day.


Then, after the rain the shone through, as accomplished and classy Aussie import and current Australian Idol judge Marcia Hines came on stage and sang Fire and Rain, by James Taylor and what a beautiful version.


The sun came back out with the darkening sky and thunder made for an interesting shot.


Then came Taylor Swift, a new sensation from the US of A hit the stage. Very talented and adept young lady.


and within seconds her T-shirt and jeans were ripped off highlighting this gold dress underneath. She had LOTS of young members of the crowd bopping and dancing.


This close up of Taylor was very good considering, I was so far away it wasn't funny. At this time though the sun was biting...again.


a reverse zoom shot, Taylor still on stage...



Same view of the stage from my seat in the stands. See how far this is!



Lets see this zoom capacity again. 37mm wide


approx. 75mm zoom


approx. 180mm zoom


Full 260mm zoom!


Right in front of stage this time with Iva Davies of Icehouse, Great Southern land. They played a great set!




I am at the barrier to the side, and took a shot of the crowd.


Australia's iconic music presenter Ian Molly Meldrum


Barry Gibb (Bee Gees) still looking and sounding magnificent. Has this guy found the legendary fountain of youth? He was a huge hit. Much better than I imagined. Let me explain. I didn't think the crowd would think he was "hip" enough but the crowd knew all or most of the words and it was a great pleasure to hear and see. I was right at the front here.


More Barry


and still more


Barry with Australia’s favourite daughter, Olivia Newton John. Still so elegant and so charming – her voice is still there!


I have met Olivia once before when I photographed her and found her to be a charming person. Here she seemed to be looking right at me! Perhaps she was thinking, is that tall guy really expecting me to take him seriously with THAT camera?! Yes Olivia, you certainly can!

Here is a couple of great clips. The first is only a short clip. I actually took this on the Nikon Camera of Barry Gibb and Olivia Newton John. I wanted to show the quality - remember it is handheld and zoomed in. Noting that, and remembering of course this camera fits in your pocket. It is a great camera.
The next clip is of Coldplay singing one of Australia's most iconic songs, Youre the Voice by it's writer and original artist John Farnham, amazing. The words are very powerful. And lastly, the clip of Coldplay singing Fix You, as Chris Martin abandoned the stage and ran into the crowd. It was a magical moment. I still feel the tingles and yes I WAS THERE!!!