SONG TODAY: You're a Wolf, Sea Wolf

Today while watching a documentary on Clay Marzo - one of the most amazingly, talented, professional surfer who actually has Asbergers Syndrome - which works to his advantage because he is able to focus incredibly well on his surfing.
Anyway this song was featured in it and I love the surfy, laid back feel to it. It struck me because I have recently moved from somewhere coastal back to somewhere suburban and bland so I like the lyrics in it that say,

I’m runnin’ on the northeast street, cut to the ocean ‘fore I run too low.
I’m runnin’ on the northeast street, cut to the ocean ‘fore I run too low,
Cut to the ocean ‘fore I run too low.
“The one that you are looking for, you’re not gonna find her here.”
“The one that you are looking for, you’re not gonna find her here, here.”




Lyrics | Sea Wolf lyrics - You're A Wolf lyrics

AREN'T THEY GORGEOUS!: Shane Watson and Lee Furlong

Shane Watson, 29 plays cricket for Australia and Lee Furlong is a Fox Sports Presenter. The couple were married this year in June. My personal opinion is that they are a gorgeous couple who look very in sync. How lucky is Lee - she works in TV as a presenter (dream job), has good looks herself and has a hot, sporty partner. The only downside I can see for her is having to sit through games of cricket and look interested, personally I do not understand the rules/scoring of cricket - people have tried to explain it to me many times but I chosen not to understand haha! And they live in Sydney (one of my favourite places)probably in some beautiful house with their two one-year-old schnauzer maltese puppies, Clappo, named after their favourite musician Eric Clapton, and Bobbi. They have been together since 2006 after meeting through friends.

My favourite photo of the couple

MY SHOWREEL

I recently created a showreel out of footage from a television presenting course I did. I won't go into the finer technicalities of what I think about it but for a bit of fun, have a look for yourself...

ON MY WALL: Motivational Quotes

I went through a phase two weeks ago where I was intent on putting a list of some good motivational quotes up on my wall for various reasons to motivate me.

A lot of the quotes are by Napoleon Hill - a young version of the man above.
For those of you who don't know Napoleon Hill wrote the book Think and Grow Rich. Hill's works examined the power of personal beliefs, and the role they play in personal success.

As part of a series of articles in 1908 he was writing about famous and successful men, he interviewed industrialist Andrew Carnegie. At the time, Carnegie was one of the most powerful men in the world. Hill discovered that Carnegie believed that the process of success could be outlined in a simple formula that anyone would be able to understand and achieve. Impressed with Hill, Carnegie asked him if he was up to the task of putting together this information, to interview or analyze over 500 successful men and women, many of them millionaires, in order to discover and publish this formula for success. Hence the creation of one of the best selling books in the world.

Enjoy the quotes and take careful not of Napoleons.

There is no money to be made lying in bed.


Poor is the man whose pleasures depend on the permission of another.
Madonna


Any idea, plan, or purpose may be placed in the mind through repetition of thought.
Napoleon Hill


Before success comes in any man's life, he's sure to meet with much temporary defeat and, perhaps some failures. When defeat overtakes a man, the easiest and the most logical thing to do is to quit. That's exactly what the majority of men do.
Napoleon Hill


Don't wait. The time will never be just right.
Napoleon Hill


Edison failed 10, 000 times before he made the electric light. Do not be discouraged if you fail a few times.
Napoleon Hill


Fears are nothing more than a state of mind.
Napoleon Hill


Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living the result of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinion drown your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.
Steve Jobs


Better to live one year as a tiger, than a hundred as a sheep.
Madonna quote


If you must speak ill of another, do not speak it, write it in the sand near the water's edge.
Napoleon Hill


Opportunity often comes disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat.
Napoleon Hill


Procrastination is the bad habit of putting of until the day after tomorrow what should have been done the day before yesterday.
Napoleon Hill


Reduce your plan to writing. The moment you complete this, you will have definitely given concrete form to the intangible desire.
Napoleon Hill


There are no limitations to the mind except those we acknowledge.
Napoleon Hill


There is one quality which one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it.
Napoleon Hill


You give before you get.
Napoleon Hill


You might well remember that nothing can bring you success but yourself.
Napoleon Hill


No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt


The more anger towards the past you carry in your heart, the less capable you are of loving in the present.
Barbara De Angelis


The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settled for.
Maureen Dowd


We are each responsible for all of our experiences.
Louise L. Hay

We think about all of our tomorrows, but we don't know how many there are, so let's start making the most of our Todays!
Ivana Trump


Life is meant for living.. I know that sounds simplistic, but how many days do you let slip by without really doing something, accomplishing something, making a life change, a lifestyle change?
Ivana Trump


If you are not in the mood to do anything and can't seem to focus, start and have a meditate then start again.

What is Oprah doing?

Oh dear, what is the Big O thinking....

FAVOURITE SONG: Stay Wild by Little Birdy

This is a really good summer song, always reminds me of going away somewhere in holidays without the any technology and just appreciating things for what they are. It came out last year and I am surprised it was not more popular. It is a beautiful song by Little Birdy and this is what singer Katy Steele said about it:
"This is a full-on driving song. It's a song about being free, embracing life, moving. We got the gospel choir in for it and the bass and drums sound very '70s, which is totally cool. It's a glorious kind of song."

TASHA WISDOM - Number 8

This is Tasha, a 2.5 year old Labrador cross German Short Haired Pointer.

She is has been very busy lately, going for two walks a day along with chasing bugs as it is summer, although she does not like the rain.

Here is her wisdom for today:

"When you read the newspaper, don't forget your glasses. And to look extra smart, I suggest your make your eyes look squinty, people will give you more respect for your smartiness. I read the Herald Sun every morning. My favourite time is when I see my buddies on the pet's page on a Sunday afternoon, their owners are so cheeky! Jen Jen and Ritchie always ensure I wear my glasses so I don't strain my eyes - thanks guys." 

TASHA WISDOM - Number 7

This is Tasha, a 2.5 year old Labrador cross German Short Haired Pointer.

She is has been very busy lately, going for two walks a day along with chasing bugs and ducks in the garden as it is almost summer.

Here is her wisdom for today along with a photo documentary of her time swimming today:

"When you go for swim, you need to imagine you are a fish. Sometimes I like to chase the ducks that are on the other side of the river and they don't it's me because I sneak up and pretend I'm a fish. These are some photos of me going for a swim - as you can see I am quite a stylish swimmer, I like to bring my front paws fully out of the water and make a bit of splash."

          

MINI FILM REVIEW: The Social Network

Stressful. That is how I will describe The Social Network. Why? How could a movie be stressful? Because I spent majority of the film with the thought flying through my head, 'What idea could I think of?' and 'How clever is it that they came up with Facebook.'

Mark Zuckerberg is portrayed as a very complex character. He seems like a bit of a social desperado at the beginning. His attitude in the film is quite dismissive at times but I like it - why shouldn't he have been like that just because he is young? At the end, however, he really made me angry in regards to how he treated his business partner, won't spoil it for anyone.

It is a perfect Generation Y film, there is so much talked about in the film that is relevant to our generation such as Napster, Myspace and most importantly, Facebook. (I jokingly told my mum I had to test her knowledge before she watched it and asked her if she knew what 'Napster' was, she didn't know...)

Justin Timberlake is actually a very good actor and his character Sean Parker, angered and annoyed me too.

The well written film makes them out to a real basket case in the start who somehow managed to turn Facebook into a billion dollar empire. It reminds me of the start of E.M Forster's novel, Howard's End that says 'only connect' and yes, that is all we really want to do in life.

Here is the trailer:



And here are some quotes from the film:

Sean Parker: One suggestion: Get rid of the "the". Just *Facebook*. Flows better.

Mark Zuckerberg: As for the charges, I believe I deserve some recognition from this board.
Ad Board Chairwoman: I'm sorry?
Mark Zuckerberg: Yes.
Ad Board Chairwoman: I don't understand...
Mark Zuckerberg: Which part?

Marylin Delpy: The site got 2200 hits within 2 hours?
Mark Zuckerberg: Thousand.
Marylin Delpy: I'm sorry?
Mark Zuckerberg: Twenty-two *thousand*.

Marilyn Delpy (Rashida Jones): "What are you doing?"
Mark Zuckerberg: "Checking in to see how it's going in Bosnia."
Marilyn Delpy: "Bosnia? They don't have roads, but they have Facebook."

Marilyn Delpy: "You really hate the Winklevoss twins, don't you? "
Mark Zuckerberg: "I don't hate anybody. The Winklevi aren't suing me for intellectual property theft. They're suing me because for the first time in their lives, the world didn't work the way it was supposed to for them."

Lawyer: "Mr. Zuckerberg, do I have your full attention?"
Mark Zuckerberg: "No."
Lawyer: "Do you think I deserve it?"
Mark Zuckerberg: "What?"
Lawyer: "Do you think I deserve your full attention?"
Mark: "I had to swear an oath before we began this deposition, and I don't want to perjure myself, so I have a legal obligation to say no."
Lawyer: "Okay...no. You don't think I deserve your attention."
Mark Zuckerberg: "I think if your clients want to sit on my shoulders and call themselves tall, they have the right to give it a try, but there's no requirement that I enjoy sitting here listening to people lie. You have part of my attention - you have the minimum amount. The rest of my attention is back at the offices of Facebook, where my colleagues and I are doing things that no one in this room, including and especially your clients, are intellectually or creatively capable of doing. Did I adequately answer your condescending question?

YOU'RE ON - Nick Bracks

I don't know why but my post of Nick Bracks' from October 4 is still getting heaps of hits.

So just for laughs, I'm going to tag Nick Bracks' in every post. Just in case you were wondering.

Hope that keeps you happy Nick Bracks' lovers out there, whoever you are.

DAILY OUTRAGE: Hamish Blake and Zoe Foster

Tell me, how on earth did Zoe Foster get a ripper of a funny boyfriend as Hamish Blake? Well done to her.

PHOTO EXHIBITION: Hello Beach

Friday night was a new but interesting experience. I was part of a photography charity exhibition for my parents Rotary Club. They were raising money for street kids in the Philippines for an organisation called Bahay Tuluyan, you can view their website here. If anyone is interested in buying any of them, it can be arranged! haha
Excitingly, I sold one photo! Quite a thrill - was very happy about it :-) Below are the photos I had for sale:

THE STEPHANIE FILES: Part 1

A few weeks ago, I took some photos of my friend Steph for her portfolio at Brighton Beach in Melbourne. Such a lovely area and Steph was a wonderful, professional, patient and fantastic model - I've got a feeling you'll be seeing you up on billboards, in fashion parades, in catalogues and at the latest events in the near future. She has all the traits of a fantastic model, including a down to earth personality.
She also has her own blog here - Another Refreshing Creation, worth checking out, a very good blog.

NICK BRACKS: What is going on?

I have absolutely no idea why but my post on Nick Bracks has had 156 views and it seems to be getting around 10-15 more every day and I posted it over a month ago!?!?

I can't seem to work out why it keeps getting hits. There must be a glich somewhere.

Supposedly he is part of an exclusive, socialite crowd who often get invited to lots of events including the very best marquees of the Spring Racing Carnival - the lucky young man!

Nevertheless, just for fun thought I would put up some more photos of him haha

Love the suit! Photo also from Herald Sun

Photo by Rowand Taylor off Flickr

Photo from Herald Sun

IMPRESSIVE LITTLE SINGER: Maddi Jane

My friend Caitlyn recommended this video clip below to me. It is by 11 year old Maddi Jane who is a You Tube star. She appears a very heart felt singer, especially for her age. She has even been featured on the Ellen de Genres show. Another good thing about her is that she sings very clearly, there is no struggle to understand the world. I really like the song too. What do you think?



Lyrics

I remember years ago
Someone told me I should take
Caution when it comes to love
I did, I did

And you were strong and I was not
My illusion, my mistake
I was careless, I forgot
I did

And now when all is done
There is nothing to say
You have gone and so effortlessly
You have won
You can go ahead tell them

Tell them all I know now
Shout it from the roof tops
Write it on the sky line
All we had is gone now

Tell them I was happy
And my heart is broken
All my scars are open
Tell them what I hoped would be
Impossible, impossible
Impossible, impossible

Falling out of love is hard
Falling for the trail is worst
Broken trust and broken hearts
I know, I know

Thinking all you need is there
Building faith on love and words
Empty promises and war
I know, I know

And now when all is gone
There is nothing to say
And if you're done with embarrassing me
On your own you can go ahead tell them

Tell them all I know now
Shout it from the roof tops
Write it on the sky line
All we had is gone now

Tell them I was happy
And my heart is broken
All my scars are open
Tell them what I hoped would be
Impossible, impossible
Impossible, impossible
Impossible, impossible
Impossible, impossible!
Ooh impossible (yeah yeah)

I remember years ago
Someone told me I should take
Caution when it comes to love
I did

Tell them all I know now
Shout it from the roof tops
Write it on the sky line
All we had is gone now

Tell them I was happy
And my heart is broken
All my scars are open
Tell them what I hoped would be
Impossible, impossible
Impossible, impossible
Impossible, impossible
Impossible, impossible

I remember years ago
Someone told me I should take
Caution when it comes to love
I did..

DIVINE VIDEO CLIPS: Angus & Julia Stone

I am a bit of an information junkie, if someone is the flavour of the month, I'll look them up on Wikipedia to find out more about them. So with all the ARIA hype while on Wikipedia, I was looking up Angus and Julia Stone. I came across news of an acoustic cover they had done of "Your're the One That I Want." from the movie Grease. I am not a massive fan of the film, however, I think the Stone's cover is lovely and flows well.
According to Wiki it has, "proved to be a cult hit with fans."



Also how absolutely gorgeous is this videoclip by them - the scenery in it is spectacular. It is always good when an artists wins heaps of awards and you rediscover their music. Angus and Julia Stone will be great car music today.

JUNIOR MASTERCHEF: Little Siena

Little Siena is my favourite contestant on Junior Masterchef. For a 9 year old, she is a phenomenal - she speaks very well and cooks the most intricate, complicated and amazing meals. The cutest was when they had a scrambled egg challenge and she said, 'I'm pretty confident about this because I cook scrambled eggs every Sunday morning for breakfast.' She also loves cooking so much, she started up a 'Cooking Club' with her friends where she shows them how to make some of her favourite meals. My mother and I can't help going, 'Ohhhh she's so cute, she's so nice to the other kids,' every time we watch her. Take a look at her gorgeous manner in the video below - let's hope the little star wins!

I CAN COOK: Salmon Panzanella

When it comes to cooking, I feel like I am the child in the class who sits at the back and struggles. It does not come naturally to me, I often find it a boring and monotumous task Many times I will just stare into the pantry with no idea on what to eat or cook (how on earth do those gorgeous little Munchkins on Masterchef do it?)  And if I am going to cook, it has to be quick, easy and not filled with preservatives.

However I found this recipe in Madison magazine today and actually decided to make the trip to the supermarket to make it. It ticks the boxes - healthy, easy and quick to make.  I even took a photo of it below!

Salmon Panzanella (my actual photo)

Here is the recipe (Thanks to Madison Magazine!) of this divine Italian meal:

Preparation 10 minutes
Cooking 10 minutes
Serves 2

1 tbsp olive oil
350g boneless salmon fillet, skin on
Sea salt and cracked black pepper
2 thick slices sourdough
1 garlic clove, peeled and halved
250g punnet baby roma, grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
Handful basil leaves
3 tsp white wine vinegar
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper. Cook skin-side down for 7–8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet. Turn and cook for a further 2–3 minutes for medium or until cooked to your liking. Remove from the heat and set aside to rest for a few minutes.

2 Meanwhile, toast the sourdough. Rub the garlic clove halves lightly over both sides of the toasted bread and tear into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large bowl with the tomatoes, basil, vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil. Squeeze the salad while combining the ingredients to release the tomato juices and allow them to be soaked up by the bread. Season with salt and pepper.

3 Remove the skin of the salmon and either discard or roughly chop and add to the salad. Flake the fish and add to the salad; toss gently and serve.

MORE RACES: Stakes Day

Had another great day at the races - this time it was Emirates Stakes Day which is well regarded as 'Children's Day'. The weather was fantastic, unfortunately I got a little bit sunburnt.

Took some time out to study the form guide

The gorgeous Caitlyn and Emma

The stunning Jess and Kassie

LOOKS I LOVE: Melbourne Cup 2010

Yesterday I went to the Melbourne Cup which was amazing and heaps of fun. We brought reserved seat tickets and just my luck, we were seated right opposite the finishing line - the photos are up below but in my opinion, I don't think I could have had better seats (being in a Birdcage marquee would have been pretty special though!) Nevertheless, these are some of my favourite celebrity looks from the day.

That random person has an amazing red facinator

Gary Ablett never goes wrong

Emma Freedman always looks amazing

Twig by name, twig by nature

Look what the cat dragged in...or should we say Mickey Mouse

Kasia Zachwieja, Anthony 'Lehmo' Lehmann and new Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge - good looking bunch