*commit no nuisance

Once upon a time I would write what I wanted on this blog. No-one read it, no matter how much I sold the idea to friends and strangers. So I "self-published" elaborately futile prose and had a great time compiling my online scrapbook. A little later I decided a "self-respecting" web log needed to be political, tackling the nitty-gritty issues that are supposed to interest and enrage us as plugged in citizens. So I pondered the newest Gulf War, discussed (with myself) the quagmire of Afghanistan and endlessly referenced 'Dear Raed' and Riverbend for their brave and honest reportage. Then again, something happened, something closer to home, which some might call a bunfight, although I would be more inclined to describe as a massive clashing of divergent interests and tastes, which left this poor site as a moderator, an itinerary of places visited, people met, and sorrows burdened. It has become one site in a plethora of other sites, all tiptoeing around these same issues and producing nothing of any real benefit to anyone. In short, Commit No Nuisance has lost its way, inadvertently causing much nuisance, discomfort and awkwardness. And the reason? "There are no (good) reasons...Who needs a reason when you've got (the outside unknown)...I mean heroin".
And the result of this soul-searching? Perhaps a more honest, less tedious medium for stories in and around my life. Not for an audience, although always hoping that someone, somewhere, is gaining something, somehow by reading it.

I've just returned from an excellent weekend with Jess down in Lorne. A little bit of ocean, and little bit of forest, and a whole lot of casual bliss. Still to come, organizing insurance and whatnot, and partying like I never wanna leave. All night Saturday, all day Sunday.

You're a Dracula vampire!
You're all tradition and appearances. You are
gentlemanly toward your victims and probably
hideously rich. You owe your image to Bram
Stoker and Bela Lugosi. You get all the good
lines, such as "I do not drink...
wine."


What type of vampire are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Hello world,
I spent the weekend in a whirlwind - being drunk and disorderly at Walsh on Friday after refereeing (au revoir Markus), recovering with J on Saturday then a film at the French Film Festival, early morning wake up call on Sunday to sell junk with Theo and Val and Jess at Camberwell Market, rushing to Werribee to try to cheer up my dad, racing back to catch La Dolce Vita at the Astor Theatre with J. Met up with R and P this morning to talk more about Polyglot, our top-secret new project, then off to organise travel insurance insurance. Apparently it is very difficult for an Australian company to cover you for more than a year, harder still if you may make some money while OS. There is a workshop on tomorrow, as well as a date for me at Loop bar for some sort of opening. I still haven't had a propor conversation with Avi, and I still need to organise a going away/welcome home/housewarming party that will suit Theo, myself, Avi, Jimmy, Vitty and his coterie of German backpackers. It looks like Saturday 3 April might be best. By then everything will be perfect, I'll be ready to leave, and all will be ready to see me go. Fingers crossed.

So here I am, strangely, standing at an internet connection that is costing me $2 for 20 minutes (no less) in the international terminal of Melbourne Airport. A practice run, with my mum and bro jetting off for a whirlwind, organised tour of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. The drive here was hilarious, in retrospect. C howling for the heater, more speed, grumbling about row Z. M panicked and nervous, D rushing, angry at all the advice, glad we got here on time. The tackiness of airports must be universal, but I've got to say security is still quite relaxed. Although, of course, I have not had need of a metal detector yet. Still (or only?) three weeks to go.

Just back from watching Errol Morris' "academy award winning" new documentary 'The Fog of War', followed by a video link Q&A with the man himself. It was an amazingly honest interview-based film focussing on Robert S. McNamara, who among other things, was US Secretary of Defense for most of the Vietnam War. The film was organised into eleven ironic 'lessons' that Morris learnt, the last of which made the first ten null and void; 'You cannot change human nature'. After the film I was looking for a coffee and J was looking to talk, resolve. She came out with a perfect description of the film, and our current situation. I can't quote it because I forget the words used, but the jist of it was 'how do we avoid making mistakes as we are making them? What can we do without hindsight?' It wasn't a line of questioning that expected an answer, but the determination to know how to live as we live was enlightening. The film may have focussed on decisions of worldwide significance, but the model fits all the way down to the most basic of human relationships and decisions. War may cloud and discolour decisions, actions and reactions, but so does life.
And so, what is there to apologise for?

OK that last blog was not the last words to anyone, I mean, give me a little credit. There is still 36 days until it's time for last words. C'est vrai, I have finally booked a ticket, got a date, the world can return to equilibrium. Thursday 8 April at 5.10pm I am flying from Tullamarine to Kuala Lumpur airport. Earlier than anticipated by most (including myself), and more than likely a tad rushed, but hey!, one must live in the edge, right?
To people that felt left out or underappreciated by my last blog, here's something for you.
Witty, I wrote a whole blog for you and now you're getting jealous over a couple of lines!? C'mon, I thought you were stronger than that! Anyway, I'm leaving a day before you now so maybe a last drunken escapade is in order...like a naked dash down Walsh Street for old time's sake!!
Avi, you bastard! I'm giving you details, make sure you're back before I leave. You have fair warning. I will never forget.
Hammy, congratulations on getting your blog up and out there. I'm sure you're thesis will be much more refined for it.
Previn, thanks for perspective, smiles, happiness.
Dewi, you are so much more than a supplier of coffee cups, I didn't mean to offend. You are like a sister to me and I wish you every glory.
Dan, I may just be sneaking into North Korea with you, with our additional height we will be able to see danger appraoching from miles away.
I have a whimsical piece of poetry I found from years ago that I want to post, if only to change the mood slightly. I can't find it at the moment, but it'll be up soon.

Back at Walsh for the first in a while. Borrowed coffee and R's "infernal racket" (my mother's favourite phrase) Aphex Twin delicacies scratching my eardrums. Just rang the immigration service trying to get onto DFAT for passport advice and had a lovely chat with a young man who was of little help to me. Rang the proper number (as prominently displayed in the 'Handy Hints for Australian Travellers' brochure) and spoke to a machine for a little while more, which was a little less helpful. Yet funnily enough, sitting at this kitchen table, listening to those two drones feeding me advice, my mind was set. When I leave this house it is to Carlton, and Andrea the STA agent who is booking my flight. All this waiting around on borrowed (or, fear I admit it? stolen) time in a departure lounge of intimate friends and dear loves has gotten me depressed about my so-called wanderlust. I has got to go, already. Dewi, I'm taking my coffee cup on my journeys...until it inevitably breaks. I think that's the best life a coffee cup of mine can ask for. Jimmy, good luck taking over the young-man-as-pliable-pupil mantle, you'll be stronger for it in the long run. Krissy, don't take too long getting over to someplace European or Latino where the people can appreciate your talents. Guy, keep fucking rockin'. Mauro, thanks for offering to fix my computer, and like being, y'know cool and stuff. Macca, take over the task of secretary of our basketball team, and maybe get the team registered for a change!?! I know you're up to the challenge. Theo, hurry up and leave so I can chase your tail all over Asia. Roland, hurry up and finish so you can chase my tail all over the world (Mwa haha). Dave, O Dave, I don't know where I could start listing my advice for you, maybe I should email you privately, or make an appointment. Et non, tu n'ecrit pas en francais assez! Je te reverrai a Paris ou Marseille? Jess, last but not least, I'll see you tonight.