Binary Organism

On my recent foray to Middle Earth (New Zealand) – I managed to attain a number of second hand books. Note: Don’t buy books abroad; they are heavy. This compacted a visit I paid to Surry Hills Market in Sydney and I built a formidable foe as my bedside stack:

Consisting of: Bernard Cornwell ‘Vagabond’; Isaac Asimov ‘Foundation’; Peter F Hamilton ‘Judas Unchained’; Iain M Banks ‘Use of Weapons’; Iain M Banks ‘Excession’; Patrick Ness ‘The Knife of Never Letting Go’ and Lian Hearn ‘Heaven’s Net is Wide’.

Since this photo I have finished ‘Vagabond’ and started on ‘Foundation’. I primarily took the photo to share the spoils of my trip to NZ with a close friend Bruce and to see if he had any insight for the order of reading that was to occur. Bruce came back pretty quick with “Let’s see FIFO or LIFO?” which gave me a good chuckle but is a horrific computer geek reference – just how I like them (feel free to read more!) The insight Bruce finally gave was to read the Asimov next – which I have dutifully started and so far enjoy.

What next? I think it will have to be ‘Judas Unchained’ as the first book ‘Pandoras Star’ left me hanging for more.

While on the subject of Bruce (Is he even a subject?) he sent over a link to ‘SF Masterworks‘. While I haven’t read a great many of these (read: none?) OK no wait. 1 book ‘Day of the Triffids‘ which I really enjoyed when I was young.

So many books. Such little time.

Ahhhh yes – Bill Bailey. Hilarity did ensue. Having seen Dylan Moran at the state twice previously I knew we were in for a good show. The comedy these guys produced during Black Books is unrivaled. As stand alone comedians they present at very different ends of the spectrum. Moran is very critical and the humor is reflective and anecdotal while Bailey uses his talents in poetry/music/literature to present hilarious matter.

Bailey presented a great show – I had a number of highlights but his ‘Westcountry Hip Hop’ was a massive stand out. As was one of his short films toward the end – which encompassed nearly all of his passing jokes (“I’ve always wanted to be a bag man at an intersection yelling at traffic”). Bailey never ceases to amaze me with his talent and wit – his talent extending to instruments such as the Tenori-on.

The State Theater is a perfect venue for comedians – the size is decent and seating comfortable. The only downside would be the availability of drinks/food – while they have three (or more?) licensed bars these are all small and cramped and the lines take roughly 15 mins. Pity.

If you are ever presented with a chance to see Mr Bailey I advise you to jump on it.

I’m back from two weeks in New Zealand. Program will return to normal shortly.