The Light Fantastic TLF

Believe

2009-07-11T22:02:00.002+10:00

Marcelina created this. How good is it. I think she could make posters and sell them with this quality!

City shots

2009-07-10T07:46:00.008+10:00

At the Jeans for Genes launch on Monday night I took a couple of images of people that I really loved at the event which I wanted to place here, and afterwards I went out and walked around the city and took a few interesting shots that I liked and thought I would share. I like looking at seemingly common things I have seen on more occasions than are worth recalling, in a new and different way.

Some beautiful sentiments

2009-07-09T09:20:00.004+10:00

These were emailed to me and were too special not to include here.

...And a special Thank you to Tammy for the text of the full poem. She emailed it to me and I am including it here.

ANYWAY

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it is never between you and them anyway.

The Jeans are launched!

2009-07-08T18:58:00.009+10:00

For those who have been following my blog for a while you would be aware that I was asked to paint, yes paint, a pair of jeans from a famous Australian country singer, Lee Kernaghan who was also the Australian of the Year in 2008. I have not painted before and indeed was very nervous at how they would be "seen" and judged by the public and those in the art community who are REAL artists with staggering talent.

I need not have worried too much by the warmth and courtesy that was extended toward me by the people who were there at the launch.

Last Monday night I was at the launch of the Jeans For Genes day art exhibition which will be on display for the public to see until the 30th July when they will then be auctioned off with the proceeds going to benefit the Children's Medical Research Institute who scientifically identifies genetic abnormalities that occur in the first glimpses of life and finds ways to help nature get the balance right.

I am so very proud to be associated in a very small way with this important and vital cause that helps make a difference in the lives of children. Here are pictures of the jeans that the one's I painted are numbered amongst this year. I love the high standard, and am very gratified that even if remotely, I am numbered amongst these wonderful artists whose work I truly admire. The jeans depict in most instances, aspects of the celebrities life. For those who are in or coming to Sydney to visit and who want to see jeans or paintings hanging, they are in the Arthouse Hotel in Pitt street next to the Hilton Hotel in the city. They are all upstairs hanging in their glory and will soon be purchased by corporations, companies and individuals who love art and who like one off art pieces that are extremely unique. Last years top prize was one by the incomparable Nafisa Naomi for her painting which I featured on my blog at the time and it sold for $35,000. see here

Here they are.....

Lee Kernaghan's Jeans (Former Australian of the Year and current Australian Country singer and entertainer)
Painted by lil' ol'e me.

Sephanie Rice's Jeans (Australian Gold Medalist swimmer
( I will add who it is painted by when I have the name. Apologies.)

Lisa Kudrow's Jeans (Famous Actor)
Painted by Elizabeth Barden

Renee Zellwegger's Jeans (Famous Actor)
( I will add who it is painted by when I have the name. Apologies)

Gai Waterhouse's jeans (Famous Horse owner and trainer)
Painted by the amazing Kathrin Longhurst

Guy Sebastian's Jeans (Former Australian Idol and entertainer)
painted by Max Mannix

Vanessa Williams' Jeans (Former Miss USA, Entertainer and Media Presenter)
painted by the great Robyn Caughlin

Human Nature's Jeans (Famous Aussie Boy Band)
( I will add who it is painted by when I have the name. Apologies.)

Leo Sayer's Jeans (Famous singer and entertainer)
( I will add who it is painted by when I have the name. Apologies)

The living End's Jeans (Famous Aussie Rock Band)
painted by Robyn Ross

Gough Whitlam's Jeans (Former Prime Minister of Australia)
painted by Vincent Fantauzzo

Miley Cyrus's Jeans (Famous teen superstar aka Hannah Montana)
( I will add who it is painted by when I have the name. Apologies.)

Orlando Bloom's Jeans (Famous actor)
( I will add who it is painted by when I have the name. Apologies)

Casey Stoner's Jeans (Famous Moto GP rider - Australian)
Painted by the amazing Nafisa Naomi

Billy Joel's Jeans (Famous musician - The Piano Man)
painted by Garry Fleming

Coming back to me

2009-07-08T05:51:00.004+10:00

I arose at 3;30am to watch the memorial service of Michael Jackson. I watched it with a mix of emotion. I could not help wonder what the impact will be of Michael's life, what the impact was of a young boy's dream, what the impact was of the allegations, and what the impact was to the family when all the well wishers were very quiet during the courts of public opinion. It has caused me to reflect a lot on life in general. I would agree that he was one of the greatest entertainers who ever lived, I do not know if I would agree he was the greatest, but make no mistake I will treasure seeing him live in concert. I was mesmerised watching him, and when he came out on stage in a cherry picker over the audience and I was underneath and saw him up very close, it was an amazing experience I shall never forget. I still maintain it was amongst the fastest 2 hours of my life. The signed photograph I was fortunate to obtain will not be sold, it will remain a simple moment in time that I have.

I was touched by the eulogies of Brooke Shields who painted eloquently the life of an actual person, a wonderful human being and a her dear friend. I was also touched by the Rev. Al Sharpton who spoke of Michael who lived beyond limitations and was driven, even from a young boy, to fulfill his dreams. I was in awe of that.

I too have felt for the longest time, driven to achieve and fulfill a dream. Certainly my life has no relevance to Michael's but the magical process that is born within and bids me to rise each day and work toward the realisation of my hopes and dreams is real. And that is something that was acknowledged that Michael had in abundance and achieved.

I was adopted into a family who I say were poor. Not destitute, but we just didn't have a lot. I am fully aware that many, many families world wide were or ARE in a similar situation and worse, I am not unique. One of my most humble memories was watching and helping my parents look around the house for a few more dollars and cents that may have fallen between the cushions on the lounge so they could make the difference in the entry fee to a polynesian concert that was being held. We went and enjoyed it, but I have never forgotten that feeling of sadness, pity and appreciation I felt, even then, toward my parents who tried their best to give me and Kayleena a happy childhood.

There were many times I recall when the money, or lack of it, caused arguments or meant I had to make excuses to my school friends as to why I could not go on excursions, or the moments when we could not afford the latest fashion shorts I so desperately wanted, or the many times I simply had to go without. It certainly never killed me, but It was then, when I knew that I wanted to live differently. I wanted my life to achieve something and perhaps even mean something. I promised myself that I would find my "calling' in life, my "thing" that would help me live more abundantly.

I wanted to never live in that hand to mouth struggling way again.

I soberingly and honestly have been right back in that situation a few times as an adult, which brought back a flood of feelings I had long suppressed, I have felt like a failure on the odd occasion, and even grappled once with the dark feeling of hopelessness and once fleetingly contemplated suicide. Thankfully I stayed the course and saw beyond the moment of despair. The situation came about largely because I was judging my life by what other people have and what I don't or didn't have. How wrong and sad I was.

Though in recent times I know that I have grown so much and have come to know that the way in which the public or even myself judges or compares is flawed. I, for the most part, am so much richer than my parents, not in assets or dollars but in the way I am trying to live more freely and more meaningfully and living without regret. I recall my adopted father Allen saying that he wanted his life to be different, and it could have been. I have heard similar sentiments on the odd occasion from my mum. I am trying to live so that if any inspiration falls from the sky in my direction I will recognise it and act...and I do.

My dream is to touch the world through my photography, and who knows maybe even art, which has started to open up a whole new door of opportunity. As a youth and finding myself "without" much, I now know of a surety, that it provided good earth and soil to help germinate my desire to express myself creatively. I find so much joy and satisfaction and pleasure n seeing something differently and creating something from what I see. I am no Monet, or Gaugin or even Philippe Halsman, or Annie Liebovitz.

I am a simple person who is grateful for the realisation that if you work at something long enough and hard enough you become better and better, I have discovered that principle also applies to my understanding and self appreciation. If money comes as a result of my personal realisation and expression, and I somehow feel it will, it is pleasing to me that money now, compared to me as a teenager, is not my goal or end game.

Let me draw these collection of thoughts together and close this post.

I am so very grateful. Whether rich or poor, I have come to understand this more fully that the process of self-discovery, self-expression and the persistence to express that, and not place limits upon myself, or live within the limits others may wish to place upon me, and succeed at that, already fulfills my dreams!

I already live abundantly. I am already successful. Not in the way the world would see me, but in a very different and very real level. A friend who has seen much in their years and has much of life's bounty has kindly and resolutely said, "I envy you!" - "The people you meet, the things you do and the way you see and photograph, make me want to find more to do and be more" I am deeply honoured. I hope one day that my images will be seen, loved and purchased around the world. I give the absolute best I can, I give my all to what I do and may often fall short of what others want, or even what I want, but I continue on. If any of you have ever really wondered if dreams do come true. They do. I am living proof of it.

A new picture

2009-07-04T17:30:00.003+10:00

Marcelina created this and wanted to show me, I really liked the thought, the look and style of what she created and thought it would be nice to share also. Thanks Marcelina, it looks great.

Continuing on

2009-07-02T04:41:00.008+10:00

I am about to do the Down Syndrome Calendar artwork for 2010 and I ask myself yet again, where did that year go?

Life is speeding up, not slowing down as I once may have imagined. I have also finished working on creating an instructional DVD for a client and friend who wanted me to do the filming, editing and the voice over narration for an instructional DVD that will be sold in the USA for an automotive product which could potentially sell a few million products, so I have completed that last night, and I will be getting a small, VERY small percentage of the profit should it indeed sell well. I have done so many hours of work and so many jobs for this person and have received NO payment whatsoever, but I truly believe in this guy, I believe in his vision, and believe that it will come off for him. It is exciting to see others now believing in him, and if it works, I might get some money, and if it doesn't, I have helped a good friend.

I have also just finished the artwork for another CD two nights ago for Steve Prestwich, a songwriter and singer, and former drummer of AustraIian rock band legends Cold Chisel and have become quite appreciative of his talents and voice. That has been fun and exciting to have been apart of. I will be giving away a few of that CD when it is printed and complete, which will be 2-3 weeks away.

I have also started compiling a high quality book as a draft on the pictures i have taken of rock bands and music generally. I found a place or company that can produce actual books in one offs or two offs or multiples which are hard cover and classy books, so I could actually produce a sample to show publishers. They are not cheap but boy they look good.

I have two word statues(?) or carvings at home and they are carved out of wood and are quite large. They simply say DREAM & BELIEVE. I look at these words each and every day and follow their subtle prompting.

I am also in the middle of 4 wedding albums and juggling a new presentation for training people on photography and Nikon Cameras specifically for Nikon.

I have also been approached to do another painting, having only done the Jeans previously, which get launched officially along with all the other pairs this coming Monday night, and will be auctioned on July 30. Tickets for that Auction will be $250 per head with all proceeds going to help children's medical research. I am nervous. I hope it sells well, and does well. Not that I see any money for it, it all goes to charity, but because it is my first, I hope it does reasonably well. Though compared to people and true artists like the lady and talent I mention below I am but a bit part player, who has dreams and is grateful for any medium in which to express them.

Here is a picture of the Jeans that a wonderful friend and hugely talented artiste Nafisa Naomi painted of Casey Stoner's jeans. He is a young Motorcycle GP racer, a very successful one at that. He rides a Ducati motorcycle and they loaned a couple of bikes for the shoot together with Nafisa's own bike and I took the photos. I really admire Nafisa's work. I think I am busy until I spend a few minutes with this amazing woman who works tirelessly and consistently. I will hopefully be photographing a few more images of her soon and will feature them here in another post when that happens. I also photographed her poodle Romeo and she loved the portrait I created and so did I. If you look very carefully in the second picture you will even see Romeo sitting on the bike's seat on the Red Ducati Monster! a subtle but cute touch.

My life is certainly very full, and this is what I was alluding to in the previous post titled the Journey. I indicated when I don't have to worry about my weaknesses because others remind me, I was referring to the many jobs I have before me, it seems when I finish one, and take a breather for a few hours, I have one of those clients or friends who I have said I would help calling me or emailing me asking for their project yesterday. But obviously I cannot expect everyone to "get" me and recognise that people's perceptions are different, and I am learning more and more to appreciate the differences.

It is a good time to be alive. I am so grateful.

I must love being busy because it is a space I am want to swim in for the longest period of time. I can however see ahead a light, a glimmer of hope that beckons me forward, a feeling that all the work and all the effort will pay off, so I continue forward in the direction of my dreams. Whether it pays off or not, I have truly lived and opened every door I possibly could to realise my potential and satisfy my desire for inner expression.

16 THINGS by Dave Barry

2009-07-01T09:09:00.002+10:00

This was emailed to me today and I liked it and thought I would share.

16 THINGS THAT IT TOOK ME OVER 50 YEARS TO LEARN:
by: Dave Barry, Nationally Syndicated Columnist

1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
2 If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be ‘meetings.’
3. There is a very fine line between ‘hobby’ and ‘mental illness.’
4. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
5. You should not confuse your career with your life.
6. Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.
7. Never lick a steak knife.
8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
9. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
10. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she’s pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
11. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.
12. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
13. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to a waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It never fails.)
14. Your friends love you anyway.
15. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.
16. Thought for the day: Men are like fine wine. They start out as grapes, and it’s up to the women to stomp the crap out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.

"A Hummer on Steroids"...

2009-06-30T11:15:00.003+10:00

Cars guide.com.au reports that a new Canadian may be making its way to our shores. The Knight XV is obviously for the well heeled and makes a hummer look small.

Chick here to read the article. I thought I would share some of the pictures from their gallery. Amazing. Imagine how much it would cost to service and to run? I guess though that for those who can afford them, those few would not worry about such trivialities!

The journey...

2009-06-28T07:14:00.011+10:00

I am sometimes reminded and it is often not an altogether pleasant inner experience, how imperfect and flawed I am. There are things happening on one level that are just spectacular and things on another where people are waiting for things from me and there never seems to be enough time to accomplish the tasks that are before me.

I have however come pleasantly to a place where I know that I give my all to whatever I am doing, and it is OK not to be perfect, and yes some people will be unhappy on the odd occasion, but with patience and persistence I will get to the space where I can be better. I am learning that it is not possible to please everyone. I knew that already outwardly, but on a much more personal level I am understanding this more.

Like most things of worth in life, it is not simply in the destination where one finds a pure joy but in the refining and clarifying journey.

I sure love the journey, with it's incumbent bumps and curves. I love that I am filled with foible and weakness, and thanks to some other people I do not have to look for the areas I need to improve in, others bring that to my attention.

One more day at the show today and it will be the biggest day, all the public comes in today and it will be chaotic, but I am ready for it and will triumph at the end. Sore feet and dry throat from talking all day notwithstanding. My morning walks are a source of rejuvenation and personal time to reflect, plan and dream. I value this space in the dark and cold it is like a daily tune up.

An interesting Postscript

yesterday I received this as a comment. With a smile of interest, I share it with you.

"I love that I am filled with foible and weakness, and thanks to some other people I do not have to look for the areas I need to improve in, others bring that to my attention." What you are telling us is this: I will keep doing anything I want until someone complains about it, or until it becomes painfully obvious that I am breaking the rules!

You are a great impersonator. You have mastered the art of deception without feeling any sense of guilt whatsoever! Even if others bring your foibles and weaknesses to your attention, do you really care? Not at all. One day though, they will all come back to haunt you.

This is a small world Craig. What goes around comes around. It's high time you grow up, and face the music. Honesty is the best policy. -hs

Another faceless voice in the wind who sees it as their contribution to bring me to an awareness of just how troubled and wretched they think I must be. Out of a seeming civic responsibility to "tell it like it is".

I publish this here because this person has no clue about me, about what I am trying to do and accomplish or even any clue about what truly motivates me. They only think they do.

They feel wronged or cheated over an incident that they perceive went a certain way and conclude that their assessment is the only one and the right one and then take it as their personal crusade to expose me yet again for the charlatan they purport me to be. They have no idea and no life it would seem. As stated more times than I wish to review, I am flawed! You cannot explode the bomb once it is gone off I submit.

I make mistakes, they already sadden me, they don't haunt me, I have no skeletons in the closet. To the person who wrote this above who chooses to mask their identity, do you honestly think that I should live like a hermit and be afraid of such a spineless comment like this? think again. I am not without sin or guile and have never purported to be. I am a wanderer along life's paths trying to find a way to make the area of ground and the people with whom I associate a little happier and feel a little more special and in that wonderful light feel appreciated and happy that I could discover and do something that pleases and interests me and hopefully touches the lives of those I come in contact with.

If I have wronged anyone and they have the courage to approach me privately in full view of who they are and air their grievance I will sincerely apologise and try to make amends where I can, and if I cannot, I will seek their forgiveness and go on my way and wish them the best for their journey. I simply cannot and will not live a life of regret. There has been enough pain and anguish with things I have already faced in my life without unnecessarily adding more in to the mix.

This person obviously has no concept of how innately regretful and anguished I feel within, at many of the mistakes I make day to day, or in times past, or even the current times. The whole point of this post was to suggest that I have noticed that Haba na haba (little by little) I am maturing, and my perceptions of what I think life really is and what my place in it is, is constantly being reviewed and refined. I do not suspect that any person who achieves a level of advanced years is ever totally happy with everything they said or did when they were younger. That is why the saying "You cannot put an older head on younger shoulders exits" because often times we wish we could to save us all the grief. But I strive to seek the best within inspite of the many times I have fallen and continue to fall, short of my own expectations. I simply cannot live a life to please others because then I would be an impersonator, though I absolutely am not. Watch me soar as I strive to go beyond the limits that you and others set before me.

Jasin Boland

2009-06-27T06:33:00.002+10:00

Last night I had the opportunity to spend time with a world famous photographer Jasin Boland. Most of you would not know who he is but many of you have seen his pictures, he is a movie stills photographer and has covered many of the worlds big blockbuster movies. In fact next Wednesday he is off to China to do another movie with Jackie Chan and will try and get one of the pictures I have taken of Jackie Chan autographed for me when I met and photographed him some time ago now.

I really enjoy photography and am passionate about it, Jasin has my all time dream job, and who knows I may even follow in similar footsteps in time to come. This You Tube clip really highlights Jasin's enthusiasm and commitment to his craft and it is infectious. I really am appreciative of his time and words of encouragement.

This man numbers Tom Cruise, Brendan Fraser, Will Smith, Matt Damon and many other major celebrities as friends, he knows them and more importantly, they know him! I think it would be fair to say that his eye and perception is very good. His attitude and warmth is evident and certainly would be a major factor why these people like and employ him. I share his enthusiasm and passion for the image.

He is on the Nikon stand at the PMA show in Sydney today and tomorrow at 4:15pm in Sydney's Darling Harbour exhibition centre if you want to meet him! It is the biggest photographic show in the country and it is amazing to see all the vendors and all the equipment, it is a photographers equipment dream. I am involved for Nikon doing training on some cameras for members of the public today and tomorrow as well using Nikon's new D5000 camera for people who are new to DSLR, and it is fun. This is mecca to a lot of closet and professional photographers, so if you like cameras or photography come on down.

Black Friday

2009-06-27T05:29:00.012+10:00

Well it is Saturday morning here now as I write this and by now the world is fully aware that Farrah Fawcett has died, along with musical genius Michael Jackson. I think it would be fair to say that one time when I was in my formative years I and every other young man I know would have been swept up in Farrah fever and gone with her in a heartbeat, I thought her smile was wonderful.

Now for Michael Jackson, I saw this guy in concert twice and was mesmerised. I can honestly say of all the concerts I have ever been to, seeing Michael was never like closing your eyes and listening to a CD of his music, he really entertained, he assaulted the senses and really delivered a show that left you breathless. I for one shall miss Michael Jackson, there are already lots of tasteless jokes circulating about him and someone said to me yesterday when it was announced he died, "Good Riddance!" to which I believe was an unkind assessment of a person who lived most of his life in a fish tank with the eyes of the world looking in, under such scrutiny I wonder how many of us wouldn't look weird in some measure.

Admittedly, he is not the same facially as he once was, but so what, if that is what he wanted. I wonder why he was so disdained and vilified. When other people get facial or breast or other surgeries, they may be criticised in some measure but the world's media seemed to go after him with relentless voracity calling him WHACKO. It's a shame. A shame that a person's worth and overall contribution is dismissed and removed in the broad sense because of a single moment of poor judgement or in a more sinister and disguised way, because someone is different. Who will the paparazzi target now?

Farewell Michael and thanks. My autographed picture of him has taken on a whole new importance to me.

All the fuss!

2009-06-25T07:18:00.004+10:00

Australian's seem to be in a bit of a lather at the present over the infinitesimally small and remote whiff of winning Australia's biggest lottery prize of $90 million - TAX FREE for our international friends.

Let it be said and known, that I am not interested in buying a ticket and living on the hope that I could win. I work damn hard for the few bucks I get and the feeling I have is that I may as well give my money $20 I am told, to get a few games, and help a homeless person get a decent feed or whatever. No denying I have thought about what one would do with such an obscene amount of money, which I will admit I have little or no concept of, but I genuinely will not buy a ticket But wish those who do all the best. I even found an article where people have studied the numbers and came up with the most popular numbers so I post them here for your listening and dancing pleasure - Good luck for those who want to buy a ticket .

As for me, I place my hope in the big man upstairs who has never let me down. I am in awe at the things which are developing before my very eyes. I cannot share all that is unfolding at this stage, and it may be some months before I can, but I am in awe with the gratitude I feel for seemingly random meetings and events which are opening a world to me that I have only ever dreamed about.

Dreams do come true, I am living proof they do.

Another busy night

2009-06-21T10:37:00.010+10:00

A serendipitous day yesterday. I was training a group of people in photography yesterday morning, then came home to work on the images of the last week, and then got a phone call inviting me to one of the biggest concerts in Sydney for Simon & Garfunkel. I went not as a photographer, but as a guest and witness, and yes I don't go anywhere without a camera and took a couple of shots as well.

That event coincided with the Sydney Swans & Collingwood AFL (Aussie Rules) game in the ANZ Stadium next door and with inclement weather and cold air combined for a huge array of people waiting to get in to cars and public transport back home and to the far distant carparks. I walked briskly back to my car about 3km's away and then went to another concert of the Brewster Brothers at a private residence in a warehouse. It was owned by a wonderful young man who collects mannikins and curios that spanned generations, what an interesting venue. I was there for a couple of hours and got home very late or very early depending on which side of midnight you look at. It was a very interesting day, and I am so very grateful for the opportunities that are available to me and growing.

My review on the Simon & Garfunkel Sydney concert number 1 at the Acer Arena was an interesting one. It was a great feeling to be at the feet of such musical legends. Their tunes have spanned the years and are warmly enjoyed by millions, including me. I absolutely loved Artie Garfunkel's voice. It transcends the years and was truly inspiring. Paul Simon's section of the concert where he sang his songs was also great, however when they were together, I could not help feeling that despite Art Garfunkel's warm and generous praise he showered on Paul was not reciprocated. I could be totally wrong here, and will accept the criticism if leveled at me, but I sensed Paul was not totally happy to be there. Perhaps he was tired, perhaps he was un-rested or whatever, it is just that after the concert of Tommy Emmanuel, and afterwards at the Brewster's I felt that Paul didn't connect with his audience as warmly the other people did. Artie certainly did. Despite that I loved the concert and was again very grateful to be there, especially when the seats I was in were selling for $385 each! But musically, harmoniously they are still so good. The back-up band who played for them did such a great job, they were very good.

Then the Brewsters!

What can I say about these guys I haven't said already, I love them. They have introduced a new member called Andrew Toner and after having met and photographed him, I found him to be a wonderful guy. John Brewster's son Sam is now also starting to play along as well in different venues. It is a very nice experience to be such a small part of.

The Simon & Garfunkel shots were taken on the Nikon P90 which is a great little camera.

Tommy Emmanuel CGP

2009-06-20T11:41:00.011+10:00

Some facts about Tommy Emmanuel!

Biography

Tommy was born in the Upper Hunter in Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Australia. He received his guitar in 1959 at the age of 4 - being taught by his mother to accompany her playing lap steel guitar. At the age of 7 he heard Chet Atkins on the radio. He vividly remembers this moment and says it greatly inspired him.

By the age of 9, in 1964, he was a working professional musician. Recognizing the musical talents of Tommy and his brother Phil, their father created a family band, sold the family home and took his family on the road. With the family living in two station wagons, much of Emmanuel’s childhood was spent touring Australia with his family, playing rhythm guitar, and rarely going to school. The family found it difficult living on the road; they were poor and were often hungry, never settling in one place. His father would often drive ahead, organize interviews, advertising and finding the local music shop where they'd have an impromptu concert the next day. Eventually the New South Wales Department of Education insisted that the Emmanuel children needed to go to school regularly.

After his father died in 1966, the family settled in Parkes (NSW - where the giant Telescope that recorded the first transmission of images of Neil Armstrong's moon walk and speech was transmitted to NASA via this telescope first!!!.) Tommy eventually moved to Sydney where he came to be noticed nationally when he won a string of talent contests in his teen years. By the late 1970s, he was playing drums with his brother Phil in the group Goldrush as well doing session work on countless albums and jingles. He gained further prominence in the late 1970s as the lead guitarist in The Southern Star Band, the backing group for vocalist Doug Parkinson. During the early 1980s, he joined the reformed lineup of leading '70s rock group Dragon, touring widely with them, including a 1987 tour with Tina Turner. He left the group to embark on a solo career.
Throughout his career he has played with many notable artists including Chet Atkins, Eric Clapton, Sir George Martin, Air Supply, John Denver and Les Paul.
In 1994 he became a member of the John Farnham Band. Australian music veteran John Farnham invited him to play guitar next to Stuart Fraser from Noiseworks for the Concert For Rwanda.
Tommy and his brother Phil performed live in Sydney at the closing ceremony of the Summer Olympics in 2000. The event was televised worldwide. When performing together the pair will sometimes share and play just one guitar with each having one hand free.
In October 2002 he was invited to perform the Australian folk song Waltzing Matilda at a service at the Washington National Cathedral held for the victims of the Bali bombings. Over 80 Australians were killed by the terrorist attack.
Tommy tours the world, playing in both large and small venues. His concerts are extremely popular with his dedicated fans, much due to his powerful and energetic stage presence. Steve Vai has cited Emmanuel as one of the musical artists that anybody with a love of the guitar should see.
Late in 2007 he was diagnosed with heart issues and was forced to take a break from his hectic touring schedule due to exhaustion, but returned to full-time touring in early 2008.

Musical Style

Tommy has said that even at a young age he was fascinated by Atkins’ musical style – sometimes referred to as Travis picking – of playing bass with the thumb and melody parts with the first two or three fingers at the same time. This technique became the basis of Tommy's guitar style.
While Tommy has never had formal music training, his playing ability has won him fans from all over the world. He is known to play percussion parts on the body of his guitar. As a solo performer he never plays to a set list and uses a minimum of effects. He usually completes recordings in one take.
He frequently uses his left thumb to fret bass notes on the 5th and 6th strings as well as playing chords such as Am and E with just two fingers. He uses a thumb pick mostly, a flat pick or just fingers.
His main guitar is a small-bodied custom Maton EBG808, that is fitted with a pickup and an internal condenser microphone, to which he has given the nickname "Mouse" due to its quieter volume unplugged but massive sound when plugged into an amp. Two of his three main stage guitars, notably his signature TE1 Maton dreadnought, are battered and worn on the necks and soundboards from his excessive playing and percussive techniques on them. He recently stated at a workshop during his annual festival, Tommyfest UK (2008), that all three of his stage guitars have been broken and repaired numerous times over the years.

As a young man in Australia, Tommy wrote to his hero Chet Atkins in Nashville. Eventually Atkins replied with words of encouragement and a longstanding invitation to drop by to visit.
In July 1999, at the 15th Annual Chet Atkins Appreciation Society Convention, Chet presented Tommy with a Certified Guitar Player award, an honor Atkins has bestowed on other guitarists.This award gains its fame from being bestowed by Atkins himself, a widely recognized leader in guitar music. The award states: "In Recognition Of His Contributions to the Art Of Fingerpicking." Tommy performs at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society (CAAS) in June each year in Nashville.
In 1997, Emmanuel and Atkins recorded as a duo and released the album "The Day Finger Pickers Took Over The World", which was also to be Atkins' last recorded album before he died.
Discography

1979 From Out Of Nowhere
1987 Up From Down Under
1990 Dare to Be Different
1992 Determination
1993 The Journey
1993 The Journey Continues
1994 Back On Azubazi
1995 Initiation
1995 Terra Firma (with Phil Emmanuel)
1995 Classical Gas
1996 Can't Get Enough
1997 Midnight Drive (US release of Can't Get Enough)
1997 The Day Finger Pickers Took Over The World (With Chet Atkins)
1998 Collaboration
2000 Only
2001 Greatest Hits
2004 Endless Road
2005 Live One
2006 Happy Hour (with Jim Nichols)
2006 The Mystery
2008 Center Stage
Tommy released the DVD "Live At Her Majesty's Theatre, Ballarat, Australia" on 11 July 2006 and also the "Center Stage" accompanying DVD in late 2008.
[edit]Awards

"Smokey Mountain Lullaby", a duet with Chet Atkins, was nominated for the 1998 Grammy award for Country Instrumental Performance but did not win. His song "Gameshow Rag/Cannonball Rag" won "Instrumental of the Year" at the 35th Tamworth Country Music Festival on Saturday, 27 January 2007,[7] and also was nominated that year for a Grammy for "Best Country Instrumental Performance". [8]
In the May 2008 issue of Guitar Player Magazine, Tommy Emmanuel was named as "Best Acoustic Guitarist" in their readers poll.
Wikipedia was the source for the above facts

Whew!

The other night I had the opportunity to photograph this legend in a private interview soon for television, and was then invited to the concert the following night. What an experience. This man is a solo performer who really holds an audience in the pure talent and stage presence that oozes from every pore. His guitar is an extension of his arm and part of his body. He is every bit as good a person as he is a guitarist. I placed the facts as they are above because they state them much better than I could, but I was truly amazed at what this man can do with his guitars. He creates sounds and percussion on a guitar case that seem impossible. It truly is a "I can see it but I don't believe it" situation.

Having been to Muswellbrook many times in my life, I wonder in amazement if he had any idea where he would go as a child. He said in the interview that he "sometimes looks and thinks quietly to his well used guitar and says where will we go next?" He has played to audiences in Russia, Eastern Europe, the US, Africa, Asia and of course Australia and New Zealand. He is a man for all seasons, as is the music he creates.

He now lives in Nashville, Tenn. USA and last year completed a record 340 performances in one year!!! Unbelievable but true. He is one of the most hard working and generous artists I have met. Before every concert if there are children who want to play for him, he will listen and give them a critique. If people want to meet him and they come before the concert they can have that chance, he will sign pictures, CD's and guitars and is so giving.

He is one of the rarest and most accomplished guitarists in the world, who hailed from a small town here in OZ, and is truly a deserving title holder of the often worn used word of Legend. I have included some pictures and some live shots and some You Tube clips. In the middle of his concert he thanked and praised You Tube. He once played in Eastern Europe and was amazed when his agent had sold out one show when he had never played there, whilst on stage he asked the audience, "How did you know about me?" to which they almost universally shouted, "You Tube". So he is grateful to them and would be pleased me linking some clips I am sure. They are of Tommy playing some percussion on his guitar and Haba na Haba which gives me tingles as I write this and listen at the same time. Haba Na Haba Lala Salaama- Little by little - your sweet dreams come true....and thus it is. Then there is Guitar Boogie. There a few clips and not all of you will watch them all, but I recommend the percussion one and Haba Na Haba for sure! In the pictures below you will also see shots of Tommy with the great Australian trumpeter James Morrison, whom I also had the pleasure of meeting, more on him on another occasion.

Meeting Tommy, hearing and seeing closely what he does was such an inspiration to me, such as I have never had previously, to pick up a guitar and learn to create a new method of expression. Thus today is the day I get an acoustic guitar! I cannot afford a Maton...yet! But will undoubtedly own one soon. Perhaps so that I can sit on the balcony overlooking a small lake or river at Sunrise and sing Haba Na Haba!

Take care and enjoy friends. I hope you walk away with a feeling of appreciation of this talented individual. I will nominate him for Australian of the year.

POSTSCRIPT -

I have not been able to stop listening to this song for a couple of days. I cannot really describe the pure joy and love I feel for the tune, the message and feeling that Haba Na Haba gives me. As though it is a subtle reminder that little by little (Craig) all your (my) sweet dreams will come. They are certainly manifesting themselves and it would appear the universe is rotating in a harmonious direction for me. I am so very grateful.

I will also place a link to his website here.

We have a fighter in the family

2009-06-14T18:26:00.005+10:00

I have been a little absent minded of late. I have been really concerned about one of my Brothers-in-law Bruce, who has been unconscious, and still is, in hospital. On Friday he was given 12 hours to live, his body had started shutting down, and as I write this on Sunday evening, they have taken him off dialysis and they are considering taking him off the respirator. He is not showing too much awareness of his surroundings, but what a fighter he is. He is the bishop in his local parish or ward and his parishioners have all been to visit him, and the family has been conducting a vigil at his bedside. It has been an interesting and heartwarming experience to witness the movements and support networks from the wider family. Bruce is not out of the woods, but I hold much hope that we might yet see a miracle.

POSTSCRIPT - dated 20 June 09

Yes we did see a Miracle. Bruce is still in hospital but now in the general ward, out of Intensive care. After only a week ago of him knocking on heavens door, this is truly amazing. I spoke with him yesterday and I can tell you my new nickname for him is Lazarus, and I will make it stick. A guy who has come as close to death as any I have known, and lived to laugh about it, is a living, breathing miracle. Thanks to the big Man upstairs.

Benjamin Button

2009-06-13T10:16:00.005+10:00

I just finished watching a movie I had resisted watching for some time. I cannot think why that was, just that it was. I loved it. It is a very curious film, and book by F. Scott Fitzgerald. But found many elements that inspired me and warmed my heart. What an absolute talent Brad Pitt is, and there were more than a few times I thought he resembled Robert Redford. Wonderful. I would like to do a portrait shoot with Brad Pitt one day. He seems like he would be a very interesting person, who knows it may just happen.

I love Musicals!

2009-06-12T06:11:00.006+10:00

One of my nieces once quipped that she thought I was a gay guy in a straight mans body. I was pleased to disappoint her. I note for political correctness though that I am not a homophobe or in anyway prejudiced against those who may be so inclined. It is just not a life choice I make for myself, that is all. One of the reasons she said this was because I love colour and have a very deep sense of co-ordination and visual harmony, and because amongst other things I love musicals.

I have loved the songs and scenes from musicals such as the Sound of Music, Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar which was the first musical I ever saw live as a young lad of 9 or 10. Phantom of the opera, Les Miserables, The Scarlet Pimpernell, Evita, Cats, Billy Elliott, Guys and Dolls, Porgy and Bess, Showboat, South Pacific, Aida, Dreamgirls, A Chorus Line, Cabaret, Sweeney Todd, Chess and many, many others.

I think what I love most about the musicals is that they highlight a small section of life and create a thematic score that seems to touch on the excitement, the tragedy and pain and yet accentuate the highs and euphoric moments to weave together an incredible and inspiring story, often true but mostly entertaining.

This introduction was designed to give you some background into how special it was for me last evening to meet and photograph a person who has written the lyrics for many, many songs that are in my music collection. He is a wonderful talented genius and a man who is incredibly talented and generous, Sir Tim Rice.

Tim has written the lyrics for solo songs for various performers including Sarah Brightman, Michael Crawford, Sacha Distel, Placido Domingo, David Essex, Elton John, Paul Jones, Freddie Mercury, Elaine Paige, Elvis Presley, Bobby Vee and Rick Wakeman, as well as for groups 10cc and INXS.

Tim Rice's autobiography covering his life and career until just after the opening of Evita in London was first published in England in 1999. His work has won him numerous awards including 12 Ivor Novello awards, 4 Tonys, and 3 Oscars. Tim was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1999. During the Broadway run of the Jesus Christ Superstar revival in 2000, he had a total of four shows playing simultaneously on the Great White Way. This record was equalled in Japan when, in December 2003 with the opening of Aida, he had four shows playing simultaneously : Beauty and the Beast, Aida, and two productions of The Lion King. In recognition of his work in film and theatre, Tim was inducted as a Disney Legend in March 2002 at the Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris during the celebrations for the tenth anniversary of Disneyland Paris. On 20 November 2008, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Tim was knighted by HRH Queen Elizabeth II in 1994.

Yes, he has been knighted by the Queen. A title which he said he has become comfortable with but humbly said, "whilst it is an honour, you should never take the awards and accolades too seriously, I [he] would rather have them than not, BUT don't ever take them too seriously otherwise it will distort what you do and your importance" An interesting comment from the recipient of not one but three Academy awards, Tony awards, the recipient of the highest award Disney can offer the Disney Legend award. He spoke for more than an hour on aspects of his life and I sensed the wand of serendipity and chance in many of his highlights he spoke of. It has made me reflect a lot on my own life experience, and recognise that many directions people take in life, or many destinations can often swing on small hinges. It is a profound thought.

For example, After a 6 or 7 week stint doing a ceremonial role at Disney, Sir Tim was asked about doing a score for a Disney animated musical that had a working title of king of the jungle or something like that and after he accepted it and was working on that for a few months he was asked by Disney to stop working on that as Howard Ashman, lyricist for Disney's Aladdin had passed away leaving 3-4 songs that had still to be written for the musical, Sir Tim then stepped in and wrote the songs needed and in that short process won an Academy award for "A Whole New World" . He then went back to the Lion king, the only member of that team who had won an Academy award. His first of three, and may perhaps not be his last.

I shall not forget this meeting. As I write this and on the way home from meeting him I have been listening yet again to a variety of his songs. I particularly love the lyrics from the Lion King which he wrote, "From the day we arrive on the planet and blinking step into the sun, There is more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done." I have adopted some of Sir Tim's lyrics from some of his musicals to become the affirming theme of my life. It was a great honour and thrill. I found him to be a very grounded, warm and generous man. I am truly blessed to rub shoulders with people like him. He also wants copies of my pictures! I think I muttered a resolute "Yes Sir!"

After meeting Sir Tim, I walked outside to more of the Vivid light festival and shot a few more pictures which I share with you here.

If my nose were runnin money!

2009-06-11T07:07:00.003+10:00

This clip is a scream. Aaron Wilburn is talking to a group about phrases from songs that are unusual. The song he gets to in the end is hilarious. Enjoy

Vivid in Sydney City

2009-06-10T07:09:00.010+10:00

Yesterday I had to do some training on photography and before the class started at 8am, I took some shots around near Mrs. Macquaries chair opposite the Opera House at 7am. It is bitingly cold but I love these shots.

Later in the evening I took some pictures of the light display under what is classed as the Viv.d (Vivid) festival at present - for the Viv.d website details click here. Here are some pics.

Vivid Sydney, developed by Events NSW in partnership with the City Of Sydney, will be the biggest international music and light festival in the Southern Hemisphere. It will showcase the city as a major creative hub in the Asia-Pacific region, celebrating the diversity of Sydney's creative industries.

Vivid Sydney features four exciting new events:

- Luminous

- Smart Light Sydney

- Creative Sydney

- Fire Water

The Vivid Sydney festival in May and June creates irresistible stories through light and sound and brave new ideas; stories that inspire and entertain people, stories which combine to become a unique and powerful expression of 'Creative Sydney'.

Vivid Sydney is vested in creativity, dreams and aspirations.

This unique new public festival will transform the city into a spectacular living canvas of music and light in and around the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, Circular Quay and the city centre.

Happy Birthday Queenie!

2009-06-08T10:40:00.012+10:00

Today is the Queens birthday, well not really, but Australia has chosen this day to celebrate it, and I embrace any opportunity to celebrate a public holiday. So in that spirit I raise my glass and wish the Queen a generous salutation.

This morning I went out with the family to the best cemetery in the world with the absolute best view, overlooking the ocean in Waverley. The few remaining spots that are empty are worth millions I have been led to believe. It is the most sought after address it would seem. Go figure! It has the earthly remains of some very notable people. The residents include Dorothea Mackellar - Poet (famous for "I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains..." among many other fine poems). Other notable residents include some of Australia's most famous business empire creators, Sargeants pies, Alberts music and others including some of the very first actors and vaudevillian stars.

Then I took some sunrise shots, we then went and had a wonderful cooked breakfast at Macca's that even had a car parking meter! Obviously there are people who park and take off, but really, I had to photograph this! The proceeds got to a great cause, but I suspect if you get fined the proceeds will not go to Ronald McDonald house judging by the many notices everywhere about avoiding tickets. The last shot is of a derelict city building, and a rainbow I shot yesterday afternoon.

Now I am back home and back into the computer photo work that beckons.

Enjoy the images....

On the road again....and loving it!

2009-06-06T10:44:00.011+10:00

No sooner was I back from Hamilton Island when I was driving out to the regional New England areas of the state up to Glen Innes and Inverell. See below. The route I took, took almost 8 hours to get to Inverell from my home. But it was lovely. I love long drives, with my music, my thoughts and my camera!

Leaving the rat race of city traffic like the first two pictures is always wonderful. I got back last night and am sooo happy just to be home. I absolutely love traveling, meeting people and seeing things differently. It challenges me and provides a passing landscape that infuses the soul with an appreciation for the land, for my creator and for life. I love looking at the variety of things my eye sees.

In one instance the drive between Armidale to Inverell passes through several different terrain and vegetation landscapes it is almost incongruous. I believe it gets damn cold out here, and so in the next visit I make here I will be here to see the snow, and maybe THIS time I can do a snow angel!

There was even a town called Tingha obviously from the early gold mining areas the concentration of the chinese was high, there is even a big, perhaps the biggest business in town that is chinese. It was in Tingha that I saw the shop advertising in premium space, a CLEAN toilet, Then advertising the fact that they sold food. It must be a real important feature of the establishment. It was almost a ghost town, and the rocks, were everywhere. A brief history of the chinese store in Tingha is here

Wing Hing Long was established in the late nineteenth century as one of a number of stores servicing the tin mining communities of the Tingha district. Tin was first found in the area in the early 1870s. The discovery created a boom in productivity and population which peaked in the late nineteenth century and which declined as the tin was mined out.

Here was a typical general store in rural New South Wales where you could buy anything and everything. It was a busy place and, at this time, the building with its new timber walls and iron gabled roof demonstrated that the town itself had moved from the slab walls and bark rooves of a temporary mining community to more permanent structures. This was a store with a sound business and good prospects for the future.

In 1918, Jack Joe Lowe became the owner of the store.' Born in China in 1882, he had landed at Cooktown around 1900, and spent time in Sydney and Gunnedah before arriving, with his wife and eldest son, in Tingha in about 1915. J.J. Lowe was the fifth Chinese owner the property. The first was Ah Lin, identified as a storekeeper from Inverell. He purchased the land from George Fearby in 1881. Subsequent Chinese owners were Jock Sing of Glen Innes (1883-1887); Ah Bow, a miner from Tingha (1887-1899); and Charles Hing, a storekeeper from Tingha (1899-1918). It is unclear which of these early owners built the store, but building materials and styles suggest that it was constructed some time during the 1880s.

I thought I would share some images I captured - there is little or no reason I took them, other than what you see caught my interest.

Hamilton Island - post #2

2009-05-26T19:07:00.005+10:00

Here is a collection of images I liked from my time on the Island. I really liked the house you see below, or the sign for it at least. It was a lazy $8 million!! and the overall colours and feel, I still crave when I looked heavenward at the sky back at home tonight. I am very grateful for the opportunity I had to be there. I took a picture - self styled portrait of my shadow on the glorious water. I also got really close to a hang glider styled wire flyer and shot the Gala Dinner that was created to rsemble the famed Moulin Rouge of gay paris (paree).

Hope you like the images below also.

For more info on this slice of paradise click here

Hamilton Island - post #1

2009-05-24T13:02:00.007+10:00

I have been away for 8 days in the tropical, gorgeous holiday and conference retreat that is Australia's version of the Caribbean I would guess and have been working very hard. I was there to photograph the happenings and events for a major retail chain in this country and found it to be both exhilarating and draining. I happened to be there whilst I had my birthday as well, and it was good that it was kept quiet for the most part from the almost 600 delegates, their partners, support crew and event staff.

I was essentially working from 5 am photographing the sunrises, until about 12 midnight each and every night. I think it was the adrenaline and expectation required of me that help keep me going coupled with generous helpings of energy from a higher source and now that I have returned home I have slept some 10 hours and am still yawning. I am drained, but very satisfied at the images I captured and the overwhelming support I received from the delegates who all want copies of the images.

I will show only 2 or 3 here at this point as I have many to go through, but I am particularly proud of these two sunrise images and the shot of the plane I flew home on late last night.

I will write more on Hamilton Island soon, but this place is just gorgeous. There are no private cars on the island at all, except a jaguar they use for weddings, but the mode of transport is golf buggy's and what a civilised way to travel. The only deaths that have occurred on the island from these are from people who have been excessively inebriated and rolled the buggy's from the hill and died or in one case, a person who thought it would be fun roof surfing on the buggy. But in actual fatalaties from general driving they are none. it is something I really liked. I saw a house I loved here and pondered much. I also saw apartments for sale, and drooled. I already know i will be returning here and really like the laid back nature of the place. You can also have breakfast cooked by a wonderfully charming fellow on the island and after breakfast actually cuddle a koala, and I believe it is only one of two places that will actually leave the Koala with you. Most have a cushion or toy the Koala rests on but it was divine. As I started rubbing the Koalas back it started falling asleep and the keeper said dont do that, the others wont get good pictures, but I loved the experience.

The pools are divine, and there are lots of them. I swam for about 30-40 mins everyday after my sunrise excursions before eating brekky and continuing the work. It is a two hour flight North east of Sydney in the middle of the great barrier reef and it is truly heaven on earth. All around us in the week I was there have been raging storms and rising flood waters which have seen the evacuation of thousands of people on the Australian mainland because of rising flood waters and in this pocket of bounty were sunny, warm and sumptuous days. In the distance I even saw and photographed a giant twister like water spout from the storm, but it never affected the island.

If you are looking to have a corporate event or getaway, Hamilton Island is the place to go and Be.

For more info on this slice of paradise click here

44 today...yesterday

2009-05-21T23:40:00.004+10:00

Well, I sit here at the late end of the 21st of May 2009, and at some time during this day 44 years ago, I was born. I am now officially the age of my step father Allen, when he passed away, and that thought has passed through my mind more than once today.

I have been kept very busy on assignment and at what is now 11:44pm I am truly tired, drained and perhaps even exhausted for good measure. I was shooting the gorgeous sunrise this morning at 5am and believed that there was a moment or two at that time when the colour disappeared from the sky and the tendency I had was to leave thinking the colour had gone, but as though a birthday gift designed just for me from the BIG man Himself, the sky then doubled in it's intensity and created a massive and beautiful swathe of colour and beauty through the heavens. I feel so honoured to have witnessed and felt this experience.

I am also very humbled at the amount of friends, relatives and family who have emailed and texted me birthday wishes. It certainly made me feel loved and appreciated. A big thank you to all who took the moment to let me know a simple birthday wish.

My feet are throbbing, my head is heavy as are my eyes, and I certainly did not want the day to pass as it will in a mere couple of minutes, without expressing my gratitude to you all. what a day of mixed blessings and feelings. One of my colleagues bought me a cup cake and a single candle and I just finished eating it with a soy milk hot chocolate and feel like a king.

I was sent this today from a friend.

Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ..... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans ! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!