Legally insane

'Criminally Insane' s a sick Slayer tune from their renowned and landmark 27 minute long release Reign in Blood from 1986. Deicide tried to make a faster album, but they failed. As it goes, many a thrash band has tried to emulate, imitate or compete with Slayer, but none have ever gone the distance. All have fallen short. Formed in 1981 by Hanneman and King, Slayer are THE metal band.

I used to listen to Slayer a lot, and am thinking that I should re-buy Seasons in the Abyss. Seasons is my favourite Slayer record, and I can picture myself right now, in the car, with a little bit of Slayer on the stezza. Come to think of it, I should get that debut Machine Head album again too. Pretty tough tunes.

But not as tough as Slayer.

Anyway, I am going back to university to study law. I finished my last stint there in 2000, which was ordinary. And the year's worth of study I completed in 2006 was a near disaster. Because I treated it with the same disdain as my degree. Sure I got the award, but what did I learn?

Undeterred, QUT accepted my timid application to study with them, and now I owe them some sum of money for the privilege. It actually is a privilege, and I'll be the best student you've ever come across. That's a personal undertaking to myself.

Slayer are still awesome. Here's a link to their latest studio sessions: http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1795749168/bclid0/bctid1877515798

And here's that title track:

Cyanide and Happiness

Usually ridiculous, frequent funnies such as this can be seen daily at www.explosm.net

Two thousand and fine

Early afternoon on January 2. That's what it is right now. I haven't had my usual full spectrum consideration of the year just elapsed, nor have I set any ambitious resolutions for the year ahead. Sure I've had a couple of thoughts about what 2008 included, patted myself on the back for a few of my decisions, and thought some more about those ones that weren't so hot. In all I can say I'm happy with '08 and am a better person for the experience. Perhaps there is some utility in mentioning the good bits here:

• Quitting the job I started the year in (a sensational move)
• Starting a new job (also excellent)
• Organisational involvement in the Sounds Boutique 'festival' in January (much learning happened there)
• Playing various shows at Ric's, Glass Bar and the Moon Bar (rocking dancefloors, or making heads nod, still floats my boat)
• Taking the personal pledge to surf more often, and relearning all that I had picked up while in Brasil in '07
• Spending the insurance money from my wrecked Daihatsu on a Kestrel pushbike (solid cardiovascular fitness without the aches and pains of running)
• The 'penny drop' experience in Sydney whilst at a contract law course... (watch this space)
• Chatting with Dan F on email and the subsequent article produced (thanks Dan)
• Getting confirmation of my first ever residency, which is a once-a-month Friday night at Glass Bar
  

I'm in the midst of nearly a month off, and am enjoying it enormously.