“A bore is someone who deprives you of solitude without providing you with company.”
— OSCAR WILDE
Quote of the Day – Boring People
Author: yggdrasille
Third Girl by Agatha Christie – Book Review
This foray into the swinging sixties doesn’t seem to be highly thought of among Agatha Christie fans, but I enjoyed it quite a lot, maybe because the idea of Hercule Poirot among mods and beatniks is just too much fun.
John Butler @ Palais Theatre (03/2022)
There were happy faces all around the Palais Theatre, after an evening of virtuoso musicianship and warm banter.
New Music 02/2022 – Julia Stone, Baker Boy, Martha Marlow
I picked up some great releases by the Australian artists after working through Double J’s Best of 2021 list, including a couple of impressive debuts and an intriguing musical re-invention.
The Lost Daughter – Film Review
I had mixed feelings about this slow-burn Netflix drama initially, but then I found myself thinking about it for days afterwards, so the least I can say for it is that it lingers.
Montaigne @ 170 Russell (02/2022)
It’s been a long while since I enjoyed a live gig in a general admission, in a smaller venue where you can feel the thumping bass and the floor reverberate under your feet. I’m glad I took a chance on this young Aussie, who turned out to be a fabulous live performer.
Destination Unknown by Agatha Christie – Book Review
A standalone spy thriller set during Cold War and inspired by Dame Agatha’s journeys in the Middle East, Destination Unknown is a fairly decent quick read that doesn’t really stick in the memory for either good or bad reasons.
The Australian Garden
The Australian Garden, situated in Cranbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, must be one of Melbourne’s best kept secrets. It’s a long way away from the CBD and I wouldn’t think that it’s on the radar of most tourists, unless they come on some kind of organised garden-oriented tour. As for me, I’ve been driving past it pretty much every year on the way to Phillip Island, thinking that we should really make an effort to see it one day. After finally visiting last year, we were impressed enough to come back for another stroll.
The Australian Garden is all about celebrating the native Australian plants and landscapes, with plenty of photo opportunities. It doesn’t waste time and sets out to impress just as you walk in, with its most spectacular Red Sand Garden. Just like the last time, I wished I had a jet pack to get an aerial view of this stunning spot.
This is no pretty manicured garden, but it blends nature, art and architecture in its own unique and beautiful way, with exhibition gardens, waterways and imaginative displays inspired by the natural cycles. It was wonderful to visit again on a Sunday morning, before it became too hot and crowded.
Parallel Mothers – Film Review
Pedro Almodóvar’s latest film with Penelope Cruz mixes personal drama and political commentary in a warm, empathetic, twist-laden story about two very different single mothers.
Sarah Blasko @ Elisabeth Murdoch Hall (02/2022)
