"The story of King George VI of Britain, his impromptu ascension to the throne and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch become worthy of it." (Introductory synopsis for The King's Speech). I and my friend S recently went to see this omnipresent film and afterwards S asked me to reflect on the film; all this within the context of my personal habit of thinking like a turtle and a reflection process somewhat akin to what a cow does slowly with its cud, my shyness and S's acute and impressive intelligence.

Nevertheless, of course, I did reflect, and later offered this: Within the shadow of our hopeless and less than bright media's gross response to "Australia Day" I thought there was something more subtle emerging here. I thought it was about two things: One was about the contribution we, one, can make to the lives of others. This spirit of contribution I think is becoming something valuable in our community and culture.

Secondly I thought this film offers us something of the valuable nature of personal friendship in the existentialist battle against shyness, loneliness and alienation from a vast and undefinable mass of fellow human beings. These are two things that I hold are of worthwhile and lasting value in this film.

Cold Chisel - "When the War is Over"

Death of Steve Prestwich : Sunday 16th January 2011.

It is a sad duty to acknowledge the sudden passing of Steve Prestwich, gentle person, superb songwriter and generally lovely human being (and eternal drummer for Orange and Cold Chisel). All any musician could hope for is to write one song as good as this before they die; and Steve did. So for Steve the war is over but forever now, whenever I hear this song, ain't nobody gonna steal this heart away. Lyndon

Floods in Australia..

Further posts on my Blog and Facebook will be halted while much of my country goes under water. Wishing the best to all. Lyndon.

Raindance 2...

This was essentially a serendipity event, hastily organised by people with their heart and feet in the right place. I personally think it would have gone better if there was out loud music so everybody could hear what everyone was dancing to – and the general public and it might have made the dance vibe more infectious and joinable and maybe to dance across the road on the WALK signal. Nevertheless, it was rather lovely to see my friends enjoying themselves, even me (occasionally) and my beautiful friend Chrissy H, who I think stood out and who, of course could not help striking a pose for the camera...

Raindancing 1

I have a lot of catching up to do, on Facebook, and on my Blog. I'm going to be briefer than usual. I am going to catch up on a few things I've been up to while whirling around this country, and I'm going to start backwards with an event here in Melbourne on the evening of the day I got back: DANCE DON'T WALK : DANCE PORTAL : 6.00pm Intersection of Flinders and Swanston Street, beginning under the Flinders Station Clocks.

In the photo is Lyndon at lunch on New Years Day with his favourite female of the moment : Mishka, the long haired jack russell terrier....