Psalters

Having been an avid music buff for a long time it's rare that I come across any music that sounds truly new and exciting. A month or so ago I discovered The Plasters, a musical breath of fresh air. They sound like a cross between Tom Waits, a world music festival and Shane Claiborne all infused in hypnotic religious fervour. I just love their powerful energy and all without single electric guitar. A good place to start is a free download of We are all Lepers Here and Turn me Round from there website. If you like what you hear you can download the last two albums from Potter Street Records for free. Don't forget to donate if you like what you hear.

Shardenfreude

It's rare that I post youtube videos on my blog but this one I just couldn't resist. It's a cover of Europe's big 80s hit "The Final Countdown".

The Annual Vomit Pilgrimage

I’ve recently come back from my annual pilgrimage to leavers (schoolies) celebrations. I organise people to look after those who are heavily intoxicated. apart from the usual vomit and regretful behaviour two things really stood out to me this year. (1) What 17 year olds thought were a normal amount to drink. (2) What some girls wrote on themselves or their clothing. Drinking amounts included: 4 litres cask wine for one person and 1 bottle of bourbon, 1 bottle of vodka and some cask wine for another. This second person started their description of what they have had with "I’ve only had...". Then there was the things girls had written (ironically I presume) on their clothing or their bodies. this included "fuk me I’m hot" (their spelling) and "can you help me find my g-spot?".

As a society we may have given up a "just don’t do it" attitude to sex and drugs and embraced a more liberal attitude. The problem I have with our current liberal attitude is that it is also an ignorant attitude. An attitude that is unhealthy if not out right dangerous. The lack of awareness about the possible consequences of their actions demonstrates to me that these are issues are not being discussed with our young people in a mature a sensible way.