Collection management

We are having a push on weeding at present.

Tomorrow trilogy

Here's another DVD adaptation of a book, or in this case the first of a seven book series (or a trilogy in seven parts) - John Marsden's Tomorrow when the war began. The story is well known, it follows the journey of eight high school friends in a remote country town whose lives are suddenly and violently upturned by a war that no one saw coming. While on a weekend camping trip, the country is invaded. Cut off from their families, these eight teenagers must learn to escape, survive and fight back against a hostile occupying military force. While there is lots of action (hence the rating) it does delve into the emotions and convictions of the characters. I must visit the Luskintyre Bridge.

It is a fairly close rendition of the book, obviously lacking some of those thought processes that are easy to write but difficult to film.

The obvious question is what about filming the other books to, as this one has an open ending begging for a sequel/s.

The DVD includes special features: Collector's booklet; The extended interview with writer John Marsden; The making of the movie; Alternate movie ending; The books - John Marsden interview and passage readings; Character profiles; Audio commentaries; Behind the Scenes - How to blow up a bridge & VFX breakdowns. The feature has a running time of 100 minutes, and is rated M.

The Lost Thing

It is not often that I'd say the film was better than the book, but this time it's true.

The DVD of Shaun Tan's "The lost thing" is heaps better, and more cheery than the book.

In a typical Shaun Tan-esque 'steampunk' world, while out collecting bottle tops at the beach, a boy discovers an enormous, bizarre and lonely creature that nobody else appears to notice.

Feeling sorry for it, he decides to find a home for his new friend, even as others warn that 'some things don't belong anywhere'. But is this reallty true? Can a thing be just plain lost?

A modern day parable and cautionary tale for all ages.

One of the best features is that it has Tim Minchin narrating the story, so so right for the role.

It is a DVD of 16 minutes, but you'd be doing yourself a dis-service if you only watched the feature - check out the audio commentaries by Shaun, and director Andrew Ruhemann, and the other Special Features.

And there aren't many DVDs which come with their own hard-back books. The 50 paged "What miscellaneous abnormality is that? : a field guide" is referred to in the story and is an illustrated depiction of some of the weird creatures which inhabit the film.



The book was an Honour Book in the CBCA 2001 Picture Book of the Year awards (which came with the note that some of these books are for mature readers).
Sound interesting - click here to place a hold

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to All

Another abandoned building

and

In the spirit of Christmas, here is a yuletide abandonment, just prior to its demolition.

This very yummy chocolate house was created by a 'cottage industry' lady in the Dandenongs, and presented to me by one of our suppliers - thanks Dean & the crew.

- The cottage in pristine condition

Crossing the ditch

New Zealand is now 30cm closer to Australia, after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake which struck the Fiordland region of the South Island in July.

The cost to fly there, and the flight time remain the same!

Mt Cook, N.Z.

And thereby hangs a tale

While I'm not a big reader of short stories, I do admire authors who can encapsulate an entire narrative in the short succinct format. My favourite SS authors would be Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Jeffrey Archer.

And thereby hangs a tale is Jeffrey Archer's sixth volume of short stories. It has his distinctive characterisation and suspense combined with the unexpected plot twists. Taking inspiration from his favourite short story writers - F. Scott Fitzgerald, Maupassant, H.H. Munro, W. Somerset Maugham and O. Henry - and from Willie Shakespeare too, as the phrase "and thereby hangs a tale" is from Shakespeare's As You Like It. This collection contains 15 stories, 10 of which are based on true incidents. Being Archer stories, they come with the twist at the end, some you can see coming, but others are classic ohh woww.

What’s the world’s best airline?

From the Lonely Planet blog comes What’s the world’s best airline?

A recent survey saw airlines achieving the top scores hailed from Asia and the Pacific. The gold, silver and bronze winners were Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand and Emirates, respectively.

Qantas though, didn't rate a mention (obviously they're not trading on the Rainman repution any more). The survey used a 30-point scale that incorporated several subfactors into an airline’s overall rating – including the quality of its website and luggage policies.

Kanamaroo weekend

Just realised what I was doing this time last year (as it is Kannamaroo Festival weekend). Last year we were in the throes of the building renovations, I was uploading photos, and while that was chugging away, strolled down the street to check out the food vendors and didn't quite make it back before the heavens opened with peals of thunder, lightning & wind driven rain.

Have McLachlan Street blocked off by the Dodgem Cars, which besides frustrating many, must have confused one driver who left the Mibus Centre carpark turned right and drove down the left-hand lane to the amazement of all - pedestrians and other cars.