Melbourne

I was a bad girl a few weeks ago -- it was early in the morning, I needed to get to work, and on boarding my tram I discovered that my purse held $1.45 in small change and a $20 note. And, as if starting work at 7am wasn't bad enough, the ticket inspectors loomed.

So now I have a fine waiting to be paid, but the inspector recommended that I appeal, as it was a first-time offence and I had extenuating circumstances. I was originally inclined to pay the fine, but then I saw how much it was. $178 >>>> laziness.

So, beloved Melbournians, have any of you appealed a fine, how did you phrase your letter, and did you have any luck?

 I'm happy to note that after months of rebuilding after that unfortunate fire, the Turtle  has reopened! I just drove by and it's packed with people. 

I can't wait to cure my craving for the Turtle Benedict this weekend.:)

  So, I've been inspired by tangent_woman to ask - would you leave Melbourne to live in country Victoria? And if so, where? And why?

After driving down the Great Ocean Road to Johanna Beach, I have to say I fell in love with Joanna and the lovely little seaside towns between there and Melbourne. Living on the coast really appeals to this island girl, but, I suspect it would be expensive.

Would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations on places to visit or live in country Vic. :)

 I see the melbournemaniac community on LJ just kicked off a massive "introduce yourself" thread... and it made me realise I should get my butt in gear and post something over here.

So, did anyone else go to Community Cup at Elsternwick Park? If you spotted a really hyper goldren retriever pulling his owner along behind him, you saw me and my dog. :)

"The City of Melbourne - despite having a surplus of almost $8 million this year - is cutting its arts funding by 20%, or $300,000, which will have a major impact on the independent arts sector in the coming months. Essentially it will result in 25 less exhibitions, events or arts jobs in the next year, which in the middle of a recession, which usually sees people flock to the arts to escape the grim reality of their everyday lives, is a thoroughly fucked situation," writes Richard Watts.

Can it be *Melbourne* doing this? :(

 For the musical theatre buffs out there... 
I went to see A Little Night Music at the Arts Centre last night. I can now say I really GET Sondheim, and I see why so many people are in fervent love with his musicals.

I was hanging off every word. Oh, the lyrics are wonderful! 

I was sitting up in the dress circle without my glasses *grin* so I can't attest to whether Sigrid Thornton really looks as young as she did on the cover of the Melbourne magazine, but I really enjoyed her performance, and the chap who played her lover (I have no idea of the actor's name, unfortunately).

Definitely worth seeing, if you're a musical person. Not as glitzy and eyepopping as Wicked but clever and funny, and I'm still humming "Send in the Clowns" to myself this morning. :)

 I was soooo happy when I heard the news... The RRR Community Cup is back. If you haven't been... make sure you come along to Elsternwick Park on Sunday, June 21 to see a silly, shambolic footy match where out of shape DJs (PBS Megahertz) play out of shape rock pigs (the Espy Rock Dogs) for charity. There are also bands and stuff, but for me the best part of it is everyone brings their dogs and it's a cool kind of "alt family day out" vibe.

The Community Cup has been on hiatus for several years as the charity it used to raise money for decided it had grown too big and they couldn't afford the public liability insurance anymore, or something like that.  The charity the event now supports looks cool - they do social sports stuff for disadvantaged/marginalised folk.

Yay, see you on the 21st. :)

Can anyone recommend a reliable electrician for me ? I'll be moving in six weeks, and need to get a couple of things done (replace old fusebox, fit a couple of lights, etc), and the Yellow Pages don't tell you if someone will turn up on time. Ideally someone based in the Eastern suburbs (the house is in Nunawading).

Also, any recommendations for locksmiths (reliable/not-too-expensive) ?

Is there a phone store where I can try out different phones ? I dislike the interface on my current phone, and really want to try a few out to see what works best for me, but that needs "live" phones to play with, not just display models stuck to the walls. Somewhere in the CBD, or Camberwell etc ?

Finally, possibly a bit late, but where are the best parks/gardens around Melbourne to catch Autumn colours ?
(yes, the streets around Balwyn/Camberwell etc are very pretty at the moment, but hard to take good photos of, and most of the trees have been butchered to fit around powerlines anyway)

 oooh. one for the World Music fans...
Youssou N'Dour: I bring what I love movie at ACMI. Ultra short season, 14-17 May!

 Bwahaha, I heard RRR advertising this event this morning: Show us ya 7 inch. It's a speed dating event, RRR style, which means you need to bring your favourite 7 inch single and be prepared to talk about what kind of music  you love.
I think it's cool - I'd like to meet other RRR listeners, but really the only events they seem to put on are live music events, which aren't great for chatting people up.
Any of you keen to take up the challenge? I have to admit, I'm tempted. :)

So what 7 inch would you take? I know I've jettisoned a lot of my vinyl over the years. Otherwise I could scare em with my daggy first single ever purchased (Genesis Invisible Touch). I would probably go with Retard Girl by Hole. Nice litmus test of how well they react to feminist/loud/angry chicks. :)