yup, it's that time of year

It's that time of the year when all good plans go terribly wrong - in the best possible way. Christmas shopping was supposed to be done and finished by now - but it isn't. I never have an action plan to just get what I want and leave - no, I have to wander around in a daze with no idea of what I'm doing.

The food I've bought with the intention of saving for the big day has been attacked and crumbs remain.

The shops all look terribly festive - each trying to out-do each other and grab your attention - except mine. I just wander from shop to shop, no worse off but coming home with the frustration of knowing I have to go back and do it all again - hopefully buying that perfect gift. I wouldn't have it any other way.

New purchases

While most people seem busy with Christmas 2007, I'm well ahead and planning for 2008. While I've always had a fondness of the aluminium or aluminum (depending on where you live) tree. I've been after one for years - I do have an original but it's seen far better days and is missing most of the tinsel. The other day I found a brand new one - I had no idea they were making these here in Australia - so I bit the bullet and grabbed it. The only problem, it's not green and lush and it's going to take some getting used to.

I think I'll decorate it the true minimal style and most probably red baubles. God only knows where I'm going to find a color wheel.

And in the true spirit of Christmas when I was in the city today they were marked an extra 30% off. Why do shops always do this once I've bought something!

back to Hairspray again...

Hairspray arrived today. And I'm pleased to say that the DVD is pretty awesome. The quality is brilliant - the sound faultless. As expected the bonus features are terrific. The cast and crew talk about the film with relish and excitement. It certainly comes across a great set to be on.

If you've seen the film or haven't had the pleasure...keep your eyes out for the council member, Shelley (Sarah Jayne Jensen) . She's one of those characters who has no lines but manages to steal almost every scene she's in.

I can see this being staged a s a concert one day. Hopefully the film cast and Broadway cast can appear together, it would be a concert you wouldn't want to miss.

I'm off to watch the commentary. (With 2 to choose it may take a while!)

new book

Anyone living in Adelaide has most certainly attended the Magic Cave or Christmas Pageant at least once. And during the Christmas Pageant 75th anniversary lead up, a book has been released chronicling the 75 Pageants and the 111 year old Magic Cave.

The Legendary Magic Cave and Christmas Pageant is by Lee Lennan, is a 310 page, hardbound, coffee table sized book. The book lovingly looks at all facets of these two local icons. Nine chapters delve into the history of John Martin’s Magic Cave from it’s design and creation to the changes it saw over the years. The author has spoken with many key people who designed and built the cave every year – so you can expect some wonderful behind the scenes stories.

The Pageant is also lovingly looked at (16 chapters in all) – from float design and construction, the media coverage from early radio to today’s satellite TV broadcast, a definitive history of Nipper and Nimble, costumes, carpentry, certainly nothing is overlooked. Countless colour and black & white images convey a great sense of time travel through Adelaide history.

I personally think Lee’s book will become a bible over the years for anyone wanting to know about these two iconic events. The $69.95 price may deter a few people but it’s certainly great value for your money. This book was well overdue and a pleasure to read. Available at all South Australian bookstores now.

possessed candy corn

Okay..so I'm ready for halloween. I'm too old for trick or treating - so that's out. I've eaten all of Candy Corn. Hmmm....doesn't really leave a lot to do, does it!? Maybe I'll watch a movie. Or at least an episode of Bewitched! Geez...maybe I should have done all this when I was younger.

It's Hairspray!

Today's post is brought to you by Ultra-Clutch Hairspray. Being a fan of the original 1988 John Waters movie, I have tried my best to avoid the Broadway play and now the new movie. I seriously doubted it would be any good. Could Michelle Pfeiffer out-do (no pun intended) Deborah Harry? Could Nicki Blonski be better than Ricki Lake? Well, I have to admit they came pretty close. The soundtrack was superb. Certainly a soundtrack to own. The subtle differences from the original film worked and to the movies credit, it was pretty darn good.

There seriously isn't really anything you can find fault in. From start to finish it kept my attention (always a good sign). I'm looking forward to the DVD release. The bonus features seem very impressive...check them out...

Two-disc "Shake and Shimmy" Edition special features

• Feature-length audio commentary with director-choreographer Adam Shankman and star Nikki Blonsky
• Feature-length audio commentary with producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron
• Deleted scenes with optional audio commentary with Adam Shankman and Nikki Blonsky (9:30)

1. Never-before-seen musical number I Can Wait
2. Edna Gets Arrested
3. Welcome to the '60s Alternate Street Segment
4. You Can't Stop the Beat" Alternate Version
5. Big, Blonde and Beautiful (Reprise) Velma-Only Version

• You Can't Stop the Beat: The Long Journey of Hairspray documentary (80:00)
• Step by Step: The Dances of Hairspray featurette offering how-to-dance instruction
• Hairspray Extensions featurette, giving viewers dance breakdowns (36:42)

1. The Nicest Kids in Town (4:11)
2. The Legend of Miss Baltimore Crabs (5:16)
3. Ladies' Choice (5:16)
4. Welcome to the '60s (6:21)
5. Run and Tell That (5:49)
6. You Can't Stop the Beat (9:49)

• Jump to a song with optional sing-along feature
• The Roots of Hairspray featurette (40:00)
• Interactive menus
• Theatrical trailer (2:25)
• 16x9 widescreen (2.40:1) version of the film
• English 2.0 Stereo Surround
• English Dolby Digital 5.1 Ex (on feature, deleted scenes, and interactive menus)
• English and Spanish subtitles
• Closed captions

I now can't wait to get back to New York to check out the Broadway production.

Christmas Lighting

For years I've been a fan of the 1960's & 1970's Christmas "bulb" lighting. You know, the traditional Christmas globe. Now with L.E.D flooding the market, older style lighting seems to be fading out. I haven't seen the old style of lights for years and was thrilled to find it's made a return. So thrilled I bought 3 boxes. Did a quick test run and there appears to be about 8 - 10 lighting options. Gone are the days of the old blink every thirty seconds or so. These are great for the retro look (providing that's what your going for). These are very reminiscent of the American C-10, C-7 style of lights.

So the lights have been purchased. All we need is the season to commence. Roll on November 1st.