Hey Lame'o, Get outta my yard!

 Well we’ve pretty much hit the half way mark of 2009. A lot of shit has gone down in what’s been a quick 6 months. It has been a good year so far in the Viking camp and the outlook is bright for the second half. Winter is well and truly here and in my humble opinion it can kindly collect its hat and coat, and rack off. I enjoy winter for one reason only… snow. If I’m up at the snow (hoping to get up there in a few weeks) then it’s all good times, winter is the best! But if I’m just trundling along doing my thing in the burbs (The Burbs is one of the greatest movies ever made) of Melbourne then quite frankly, winter can suck a colossal wang. Give me summer any day. Anyway apologies in advance… pretty sure this blog is going to be a bit of a novel.

One of the big stories in the press of late has been the bashing of Indian students in Australia. This kind of made me sick and picked at one of my pet hates- racism. I’m a pretty strong believer that racism has no place in society, particularly in such a culturally diverse country like Australia. I’m sick and tired of seeing these xenophobic fucks parading around telling everyone to “fuck off we’re full!” thinking that it’s cool to beat down some dude because he’s from a foreign country. Check your family tree you cocks, if you’re not indigenous to this country then technically you’re just a fucking tourist, like the majority of us. Without skilled foreign workers, Australia wouldn’t be what it is today. For example- if it wasn’t for skilled foreigners, half our hospitals wouldn’t have some of the worlds best doctors. What would one of these jokers do if they smashed their XR8 ute into a pole and ended up in an emergency ward and the doctors/surgeons on duty were Indians? I bet they’re not going to tell them to fuck off because their country is full. If it wasn’t for this countries diverse range of cultures we wouldn’t be living in one of the greatest places on earth, so rich in diversity. It’s a big problem and a lot people need to wake up… it’s bloody disgusting.

Not long ago I realised that this actually happens more than what I once thought. I met a bloke (he was collecting empties) whilst tapping in beers at the Belgium Beer Garden. He was from Nepal and studying here in Australia. We got talking for a while (I tend to bail up randoms after a few jars) and he was telling me how he’s really struggling here and can’t believe how racist this country is. I was a bit dumbfounded by this. I tried telling him that not all Australians are racist but he said it’s just got to a point now where he doesn’t want to associate with us ‘Aussies’ in fear of being racially abused. I ended up sitting this bloke down and after a long chat (he got a bit emotional) and a few hugs I managed to kind of restore this lads faith in the country. He said he came here for a better life, a chance at a decent education, a good career, and to contribute to our society, but no- some rednecks who probably couldn’t even finish high school and spends every second thursday at centrelink, sees fit that because this guy doesn’t conform to what they see as Australian, they should beat the shit out of him and tell him to leave their country. Well as far as I’m concerned, old mate from Nepal has got more to give this place than these jokers do… In my eyes he’s more Australian than they’ll ever be.  

Anyway, thats just my view on it all and my rant is now over.

A good friend of mine, The Mayor of Point Cook- Mr. Cameron Chambers gave us a list of his top releases for 2009 so far in one of his recent blogs. I figured I might also drop a short list of my favorite releases so far. I can assure you, it’s going to look a little different to The Mayors. I could go on for a while but I’ll keep it short.  

Lilly Allen- It’s Not Me, It’s You.
This record is a bloody beauty! From start to finish it’s full of great cheeky pop tracks. God bless ya Lilly.
 
Art Vs Science- S/T EP.
Sydney lads cranking out some sweet hard electro/rock. This is the debut release from these guys. Catch them at the Parklife Festival later this year. Live show is outta control.

N.A.S.A- The Spirit of Apollo.
Two DJs and a host of guest appearances from people like Tom Waits, Kanye West, Santigold, and David Byrne (just to name a few) make one sweet sounding hip-hop record. Has been a party starter for me and will be in my top 5 for 2009… no doubt about it.

Closure In Moscow- First Temple.
Here's one both The Mayor and I agree on. Great dudes making amazing music. These guys are killing in the US at the moment and are only going to get bigger.

Royksopp- Junior.
Norwegian electronic gurus put out their first release in 4 years and it’s a corker. Listen to this is you decide to go wander through a forest at night.

Pheonix- Wolfgang Amadeus Pheonix
Everyone’s favorite French pop rockers drop a record that can make anyone dance. Big contender for top 5 of the year.

Some other releases that have taken my fancy include albums from Fever Ray, Neil Young, Passion Pit, Eminem, The Eels, and theres a bunch more. All in all a top year of music so far!

Other stuff that rules at the moment-
Danny DeVito.
Master Chef.
The Burbs (Tom Hanks’ finest work).
Squid on the bite again.
Fishing trip planning.
House Hunting.
My canoe is seaworthy.
Backing winners in QLD (Express Air you beauty!).
The Western Bulldogs.
iPhone update coming up.
Life.

That’s all for now. Wasn't as long as I thought! Hope everyone has a great week. Until next time… God Bless Ya!