Well, its here at last. Boy, 2007 was something of a trial! Lots of hard work, some emotional stuff, some soul searching, some self-questioning. Oh, some family stuff. A bit of everything really!
But here I am, coming out the other side, having survived with body, mind and soul more or less intact. I find I've had moments these holidays of looking at myself honestly, warts and all, and questioning what I see. I guess what I'm getting at is I feel the call to shed old behaviours that don't do justice to the person I want to become.
What I mean specifically, is just old personality traits, like occasional dishonesty, or excess distractions, that are dying and need to die away. Out with the old, in with the new!
I think that the more we can release, the more psychic debris we can confront honestly and release after gaining understanding, the more empowered we can be as we move into 2008 and toward 2012. I believe 2012 represents a major turning point for the world, and we all are called to prepare for this and be ready.
As citizens of the world I feel its important for everyone to look at their own life, and to start to look at the bigger picture as well, asking how do I fit in to this whole? What do I contribute, and how can I eliminate what is negative in my habit patterns?
Of course, these are big questions, but the investment they require is, I feel, well worth it! As I mentioned above, I feel the inner work I've been doing is going to stand me in good stead. I could sit back feeling knocked about by life, but thats a victim mentality. I want to feel invigorated and strong, and thats what I am and what I'm going to be.
Have a great 2008, everyone. May it be filled with truth, and blessings also.
God bless!
Regards, Anthony
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Computer wizard - and the benefits of Unwired
Hello all, and happy Christmas!
Well its been a busy last few days, what with wrapping up the year and setting up a new computer. This is my 2nd PC, but the first one I've ever had an internet connection for! So its been a learning curve but not too bad.
There's so much involved! What with getting the latest Windows, getting updates, installing anti virus.....the list goes on. But its all done, up and running now! Phew.
I must say it does feel great to be connected to the net at home, finally. The energy and money I spent getting around to internet cafes will get paid back pretty quick by having the net at home! (the costs of buying snacks on the run mounts up!!)
A word about my internet service. I bought an Unwired modem from department store Harvey Norman. I wanted a pre-paid broadband but didn't think one was available - but after a quick look at the Unwired display I realised I could get it! So I purchased a wireless modem for $189, which includes 7 days internet access.
Ihave to say it was easy to set up, the modem sits quietly in the corner on the window sill and I've had absolutely no problems so far. At certain times of the day the connection slows somewhat, but that hasn't been a major issue.
I highly recommend Unwired to anyone wanting a relatively quick and painless setup! It comes with free email and a very easy way to check your current balance and remaining download allowance. Very nice!!
OK - that's all from me, probably my last post for the year. God bless to all, take care and have a great holiday period!
Be safe, be well.
Kind regards
Anthony T
Sydney, Australia
Well its been a busy last few days, what with wrapping up the year and setting up a new computer. This is my 2nd PC, but the first one I've ever had an internet connection for! So its been a learning curve but not too bad.
There's so much involved! What with getting the latest Windows, getting updates, installing anti virus.....the list goes on. But its all done, up and running now! Phew.
I must say it does feel great to be connected to the net at home, finally. The energy and money I spent getting around to internet cafes will get paid back pretty quick by having the net at home! (the costs of buying snacks on the run mounts up!!)
A word about my internet service. I bought an Unwired modem from department store Harvey Norman. I wanted a pre-paid broadband but didn't think one was available - but after a quick look at the Unwired display I realised I could get it! So I purchased a wireless modem for $189, which includes 7 days internet access.
Ihave to say it was easy to set up, the modem sits quietly in the corner on the window sill and I've had absolutely no problems so far. At certain times of the day the connection slows somewhat, but that hasn't been a major issue.
I highly recommend Unwired to anyone wanting a relatively quick and painless setup! It comes with free email and a very easy way to check your current balance and remaining download allowance. Very nice!!
OK - that's all from me, probably my last post for the year. God bless to all, take care and have a great holiday period!
Be safe, be well.
Kind regards
Anthony T
Sydney, Australia
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Update - my job
Since my last post on this topic - ie my job! - there've been some interesting developments...
First, I feel I've reached a point where I feel more empowered. Its been a real test of communication - and having the skills to deal with people without becoming a total wreck! ;)
When dealing with callers, I find that they are expecting the world - naturally enough - and that by detaching myself from caring too much from their outcomes, by just "handling" them in a more concise and stronger way, I find I'm avoiding a lot of suffering! Which is fantastic.
So yes, definitely improving. And my assignment here is due to end soon, and I find myself tossing up whether to stay or not.
Im something of a restless soul, I don't like to stay anywhere too long. My goal is to find something I can truly stick with, something that is good for me and satisfies my soul in some way. I guess that's the challenge for everybody isn't it!
Take care everyone
Anthony
First, I feel I've reached a point where I feel more empowered. Its been a real test of communication - and having the skills to deal with people without becoming a total wreck! ;)
When dealing with callers, I find that they are expecting the world - naturally enough - and that by detaching myself from caring too much from their outcomes, by just "handling" them in a more concise and stronger way, I find I'm avoiding a lot of suffering! Which is fantastic.
So yes, definitely improving. And my assignment here is due to end soon, and I find myself tossing up whether to stay or not.
Im something of a restless soul, I don't like to stay anywhere too long. My goal is to find something I can truly stick with, something that is good for me and satisfies my soul in some way. I guess that's the challenge for everybody isn't it!
Take care everyone
Anthony
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
What's with race and religion?
Hi.
In my working life I've worked with people from a variety of backgrounds. Sydney itself is a place where a multitude of people from different backgrounds gather, and intermingle freely without any issue.
Of course if you're in the States reading this, you'll know how sensitive a topic this can be. Ever since slavery, it seems, the issue of race has been intertwined with the haves and have nots, the powerful and the downtrodden. Hence the conflict born out of this situation.
And of course we have the interminable Arab-Israeli conflict.
Occasionally, in my own life, the issue of race pops up. For example, when my girlfriend is in the CBD and sees a woman in full burqa. Window shopping for jewellery. She couldn't help but feel deeply disturbed by the sight - a woman clad head to foot with only a slit for her eyes. She told me it made her feel disturbed to think how repressed women must be by that culture, and how strange it is to see that in Australia.
I know how she feels - every so often the intersection of cultures causes internal friction - not that it's anyone's fault, it just seems that one's own consciousness is challenged out of a sort of emotional comfort zone into encompassing someone else's reality.
I think that's what challenges me the most- when I suddenly encounter someone else's psychic reality, it can throw up all sorts of mental debris. Prejudices, misconceptions and just plain errors.
Once its all said and done, the best I feel I can do each day is to take each person on their merit. To abandon any fears, and just go with what is presented to me in each moment. After all, if the person is treating me fairly and decently, I really have no reason at all to be concerned!
In my working life I've worked with people from a variety of backgrounds. Sydney itself is a place where a multitude of people from different backgrounds gather, and intermingle freely without any issue.
Of course if you're in the States reading this, you'll know how sensitive a topic this can be. Ever since slavery, it seems, the issue of race has been intertwined with the haves and have nots, the powerful and the downtrodden. Hence the conflict born out of this situation.
And of course we have the interminable Arab-Israeli conflict.
Occasionally, in my own life, the issue of race pops up. For example, when my girlfriend is in the CBD and sees a woman in full burqa. Window shopping for jewellery. She couldn't help but feel deeply disturbed by the sight - a woman clad head to foot with only a slit for her eyes. She told me it made her feel disturbed to think how repressed women must be by that culture, and how strange it is to see that in Australia.
I know how she feels - every so often the intersection of cultures causes internal friction - not that it's anyone's fault, it just seems that one's own consciousness is challenged out of a sort of emotional comfort zone into encompassing someone else's reality.
I think that's what challenges me the most- when I suddenly encounter someone else's psychic reality, it can throw up all sorts of mental debris. Prejudices, misconceptions and just plain errors.
Once its all said and done, the best I feel I can do each day is to take each person on their merit. To abandon any fears, and just go with what is presented to me in each moment. After all, if the person is treating me fairly and decently, I really have no reason at all to be concerned!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Review: The Keeper of Traken (1981)
This story was the 2nd to last of the 18th season of Doctor Who. The season had linking themes of dissolution, decay, and destruction - which tied in with the fact that Tom Baker, the iconic fourth Doctor was leaving the role after a record 7-year stint as the Doctor.
With The Keeper of Traken, these themes became more explicit, being mentioned several times. There was a sense that the series was building up to something, and with its other themes of power (seeking it, using it, holding it and losing it) and domination, it provided the most dramatic expression yet of the series.
As a program, it has a cracking good first episode. It starts very unusually for a Doctor Who story - we are introduced to many of the main plot elements right off the bat. The titular Keeper appears inside the TARDIS and, in a scene similar to the one in season 16 with the White Guardian, the Keeper explains to the Doctor about his homeworld, the Traken Union.
Traken is a benevolent Empire where peace, order and tranquility reign, and anything evil that is drawn into its influence immediately calcifies and becomes immobilised. Such is the all-pervading goodness that prevails there.
Once our introduction story is over, the Doctor and companion Adric agree to help the Keeper, who senses some great evil is about to invade Traken. We meet the natives who, in their sumptuous costumes and quaint dialogue, are as elegant and stylised as their homeworld. The direction is smooth and intelligent, as we get nice long shots of the main Traken hall wherein the five Consuls periodically summon their Keeper.
As the drama unfolds and the Melkur statue begins to walk, events rapidly close around our heroes and the first episode comes to a dramatic close. Unfortunately, the next two episodes are very much a run around, with nothing of note revealed save that the Melkur somehow knows the Doctor...
The pace picks up again in the final episode, where the Melkur assumes the Keepership and is then revealed as the Doctor's arch enemy - the Master. Chaos reigns as his link with the Source is broken and elemental forces are unleashed. A substitute Keeper is found and order is restored - but the Master escapes, and, stealing the body of Consul Tremas, discovers a new lease of life...
The most that can be said about The Keeper of Traken also applies to this era of Doctor Who as a whole - that style and glamour is favoured over substance. A great first episode gives way to a lack-lustre run around, with the usual imprisonments, escapes, and confrontations. This robs episode four of much of its climactic feel, although it is heart rending when the Master takes over the body of the kindly Consul Tremas (whose only daughter Nyssa, is then left behind).
So something of a disappointment, but in the context of early 80's Doctor Who, the re-birth of a series that had grown very tired indeed was well under way.
(The Keeper of Traken was written by Johnny Byrne and directed by John Black, (c) BBC 1981. The next and final story of season 18 -- and of Tom Baker -- was Logopolis. )
With The Keeper of Traken, these themes became more explicit, being mentioned several times. There was a sense that the series was building up to something, and with its other themes of power (seeking it, using it, holding it and losing it) and domination, it provided the most dramatic expression yet of the series.
As a program, it has a cracking good first episode. It starts very unusually for a Doctor Who story - we are introduced to many of the main plot elements right off the bat. The titular Keeper appears inside the TARDIS and, in a scene similar to the one in season 16 with the White Guardian, the Keeper explains to the Doctor about his homeworld, the Traken Union.
Traken is a benevolent Empire where peace, order and tranquility reign, and anything evil that is drawn into its influence immediately calcifies and becomes immobilised. Such is the all-pervading goodness that prevails there.
Once our introduction story is over, the Doctor and companion Adric agree to help the Keeper, who senses some great evil is about to invade Traken. We meet the natives who, in their sumptuous costumes and quaint dialogue, are as elegant and stylised as their homeworld. The direction is smooth and intelligent, as we get nice long shots of the main Traken hall wherein the five Consuls periodically summon their Keeper.
As the drama unfolds and the Melkur statue begins to walk, events rapidly close around our heroes and the first episode comes to a dramatic close. Unfortunately, the next two episodes are very much a run around, with nothing of note revealed save that the Melkur somehow knows the Doctor...
The pace picks up again in the final episode, where the Melkur assumes the Keepership and is then revealed as the Doctor's arch enemy - the Master. Chaos reigns as his link with the Source is broken and elemental forces are unleashed. A substitute Keeper is found and order is restored - but the Master escapes, and, stealing the body of Consul Tremas, discovers a new lease of life...
The most that can be said about The Keeper of Traken also applies to this era of Doctor Who as a whole - that style and glamour is favoured over substance. A great first episode gives way to a lack-lustre run around, with the usual imprisonments, escapes, and confrontations. This robs episode four of much of its climactic feel, although it is heart rending when the Master takes over the body of the kindly Consul Tremas (whose only daughter Nyssa, is then left behind).
So something of a disappointment, but in the context of early 80's Doctor Who, the re-birth of a series that had grown very tired indeed was well under way.
(The Keeper of Traken was written by Johnny Byrne and directed by John Black, (c) BBC 1981. The next and final story of season 18 -- and of Tom Baker -- was Logopolis. )
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
My job...my current one, that is
Hello, readers.
As I type I am at my day job, a humble phone answering person. Now while that may sound ordinary, I can say it is in the TV industry.
Its actually a unique place to work - a fact I'm valiantly bearing in mind as I deal with some difficult callers! It's the place that approves & classifies all TV ads before they can go to air.
For ages I've at least wanted to get a start in the TV industry - the fact I've accompished that makes me happy.
Its just that some of these callers are getting under my skin....they make their demands that I chase stuff all round the office and I'm like F!*& OFF I don't have time you F&^#%^ers.
Aah. I've got that out of my system now. Look sorry about that, I'm just struggling with my own frustration.
My work is located in the Sydney suburb of Mosman, and I have to say that makes the trip here and back, and lunchtimes, very pleasant indeed. Its a beautiful ferry ride across Sydney Harbour. The fresh sea air and the natural surroundings leave me blissing out in the mornings and afternoons, while the well-cared for streets of the suburb and the beautiful houses create a wonderful spring-time ambience on my lunch break.
So its not all bad! Just have to work on that temper of mine....and not scare my poor co-workers.
Bye for now
As I type I am at my day job, a humble phone answering person. Now while that may sound ordinary, I can say it is in the TV industry.
Its actually a unique place to work - a fact I'm valiantly bearing in mind as I deal with some difficult callers! It's the place that approves & classifies all TV ads before they can go to air.
For ages I've at least wanted to get a start in the TV industry - the fact I've accompished that makes me happy.
Its just that some of these callers are getting under my skin....they make their demands that I chase stuff all round the office and I'm like F!*& OFF I don't have time you F&^#%^ers.
Aah. I've got that out of my system now. Look sorry about that, I'm just struggling with my own frustration.
My work is located in the Sydney suburb of Mosman, and I have to say that makes the trip here and back, and lunchtimes, very pleasant indeed. Its a beautiful ferry ride across Sydney Harbour. The fresh sea air and the natural surroundings leave me blissing out in the mornings and afternoons, while the well-cared for streets of the suburb and the beautiful houses create a wonderful spring-time ambience on my lunch break.
So its not all bad! Just have to work on that temper of mine....and not scare my poor co-workers.
Bye for now
Monday, October 8, 2007
Introduction to my blog
Hello, readers. Welcome to my first stab at a "blog", as opposed to a dinky Myspace page!
This blog will be about my thoughts and of course, rants and ravings in general.
However I also have a kink for writing about the TV program Doctor Who. You know, story reviews, commentaries, thoughts. Fan stuff like that.
So read on, gentle blog-peruser! Enjoy, that is my wish for you as you drift through these pages. Er, blogs. And please - leave your scepticism at the door, open your mind and prepare to be enlightened and uplifted!
Kind regards,
AnthonyT
Coming Soon: a review of 1981 Tom Baker serial "The Keeper of Traken".
This blog will be about my thoughts and of course, rants and ravings in general.
However I also have a kink for writing about the TV program Doctor Who. You know, story reviews, commentaries, thoughts. Fan stuff like that.
So read on, gentle blog-peruser! Enjoy, that is my wish for you as you drift through these pages. Er, blogs. And please - leave your scepticism at the door, open your mind and prepare to be enlightened and uplifted!
Kind regards,
AnthonyT
Coming Soon: a review of 1981 Tom Baker serial "The Keeper of Traken".
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