Today was day three of the AARE Conference. We started the morning with an interesting keynote address on design for learning by Professor Peter Goodyear from The University of Sydney. I then attended a session on technology and learning, and the invited symposium on the international Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills research project.
For the afternoon I escaped the conference and took a ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Don't worry- my boss came along as well. As the name says, the collection is a mix of old and contemporary art. There are some challenging pieces, but nothing I found too shocking. None of the pieces are labeled but you use an iPod Touch to get information (it geotracks where you are and pulls up details on the art that is nearby). The building and grounds of MONA are also amazing. It was a fun way to spend the afternoon, and a great site for the last photo of the Wear My Wardrobe Challenge! I'm standing in front of the piece Snake by Sidney Nolan.
Today's outfit:
Blue long sleeve top (Now)
Black pants (Gap)
Black flats (Tony Bianco)
Today was day two of the AARE Conference. I attended sessions on NAPLAN exams, the Radford Lecture by Lyn Yates from The University of Melbourne, and a social justice panel discussion on equity and education research, policy and practice. Oh, and I also presented as part of a symposium with Deakin University on learning space redesign and pedagogy (the reason for this trip). I really dislike public speaking, but the session went well. I gave the Victorian Department perspective on our learning spaces research agenda, and Deakin talked about a few of the projects they have done for us. I am glad it is over and now I can relax a bit. Tonight I have a special interest group dinner to attend to meet others who are interested in politics and policy in education.
Today's outfit:
Floral top (Banana Republic)
Black skirt (Ann Taylor Loft)
Black tights
Black heels (Steve Madden)
Today was the first day of the AARE Conference. We were welcomed by the Governor of Tasmania and had a keynote address from Professor Miriam Zukas from Birkbeck, University of London on the conference theme of "Researching Across Boundaries." I attended symposia on supporting early career teacher resilience, reconceptualizing rural-regional pre-service teacher education, and contemporary professional issues for teachers in the 21st century. Today's photo was taken along the waterfront in between sessions (sorry I couldn't get a full shot).
Today's outfit:
Black long sleeve top (Mossimo)
Olive pants (Gap)
Black flats (Tony Bianco)
Last night I ventured down to The Hi-Fi Bar for Oh Mercy's final headline show of the year. The first act of the evening was five piece band Buckley Ward, who played a decent set of indie music. Next up was Owl Eyes (aka Brooke Addamo). She and her band performed a very entertaining set of electro/indie pop music which got crowd up and dancing. The biggest response was for her Triple J Like A Version cover of Foster The People's "Pumped Up Kicks."
Oh Mercy took to the stage and started with "Hold Out Your Hand" and then played one of my Privileged Woes faves "Broken Ears" (complete with a blistering guitar solo from Simon). For these shows they had a keyboardist in the band to filled out the sound. Alex was in a very giddy mood and did lots of hand gestures while singing throughout the night (almost like Neil Finn video level stuff). They played four new songs, including "Lady Eucalyptus," "My Man" and "Europa." Other highlights were "Confessions," "Let Me Go" and "Lay Everything On Me." At one point the band left the stage and Alex performed David McComb's (The Triffids) "The Good Life Never Ends" solo and mostly a capella to the attentive room. The first single off Great Barrier Grief "Stay Please Stay" was the final song of the main set, and for the encore they played "Keith St." and finished with a raucous version of Leonard Cohen's "Memories." This was one of the more interesting Oh Mercy live gigs I have attended, and will probably be it for a while as they take a break to start writing for the new album.
Here is a clip of Oh Mercy's Triple J Like A Version cover of ELO's "Evil Woman"
It is Saturday in Melbourne, which means it's raining (again). Today is a good day to relax, get laundry done, and pack as I am off to Hobart tomorrow for a conference.
It is a long trek up the two sets of escalators to get out of Parliament Station in the morning. I usually walk up the first set, but the second one is twice as long so I just tend to stand to the left and let others tackle the climb. Another work week is coming to an end and tonight I am off to The Hi-Fi Bar to see my faves Oh Mercy play their last headline show of the year.
This week is Melbourne Music Week, with today being the Live Music Safari where over 60 acts were playing for free in various venues around the city. Tash and I met up at The John Curtin Hotel in Carlton to catch the first act of the night on bill there, our beloved and much missed band The Harpoons. They started the evening with "You're The One I Love" and played a half hour set of old and new songs, including "Faith" and the fantastic new single "Keep You Around" (have a listen here). Bec Rigby's voice was as amazing and powerful as I remembered it to be, and the band harmonies were lovely. It is so great to have The Harpoons playing live again and hopefully a debut album is on the horizon.
I also had another concert to attend this evening, which was the first of two shows at the Palace Theatre by Boy & Bear in support of their debut album Moonfire. I arrived at the venue as Ball Park Music was finishing their set and caught their last two songs "Sad Rude Future Dude" and "It's Nice to be Alive."
Boy & Bear came out onto the stage to big cheers from the crowd and started their set with "Lordy May." They played the majority of both the Moonfire album and With Emperor Antarctica EP. Highlights of the set for me were "Blood To Gold," "Mexican Mavis," "Milk & Sticks" and "My Only One" (the end part of that song gets me every time). The band were accompanied by a violinist and cellist on several songs, and the crowd sang along to almost everything, including their cover of Crowded House's "Fall At Your Feet." Towards the end of the set they brought out all the supporting bands to sing backing vocals on "Big Man" and then finished the evening with their hit single "Feeding Line." Staying true to previous tour stops in Melbourne the boys continue to maintain their tradition of not playing encores. It was an excellent show and all the touring they have done this year has made them into a really tight live band.
Here's the video for the latest single "Part Time Believer"
Today was a day of industrial action in the city. The Community and Public Sector Union held a stop work rally at 11am around our campaign for Fair Pay For Fair Work from the Victorian government because 2.5% is not enough. Considering our department executives have been receiving yearly bonuses of around 14%, I think the government can at least give the public sector workforce something that meets the current CPI level of around 3.6%. After gathering for the rally we marched to the steps of Parliament House. We also joined the big Australian Nursing Federation community rally at lunch time where they marched from Bourke Street mall to Parliament House. It was a sea of red along Bourke Street as the nurses fight to maintain and improve nurse patient ratios and ensure a high quality public health sector.
Today's outfit:
Black shirt (Now)
Grey striped pants (Old Navy)
Black flats (Tony Bianco)
If there is one store you should not allow me to go into, it is JB Hi-Fi. I am old school in that I like to buy physical CDs, and I have quite the music collection of them at home. It is also impossible for me to leave the store with just one CD, as you can see from today's photo.
Today's outfit:
Blue-green top (Gap)
Grey pants (Gap)
Black flats (Tony Bianco)
Today's photo finds me in Parliament Gardens by the Coles Fountain. We walked past here on our way to lunch at the always yummy MissChu tuck shop on Exhibition Street.
Today's outfit:
Floral dress (Banana Republic)
Black heels (Steve Madden)
Unfortunately the weekend is almost over. I went to the gym this morning, did my grocery shopping, and then had a surprise visit from Chantal, which was nice. We spent the afternoon chatting in my courtyard, site of today's photo. Now it's time to cook some dinner.
Today's outfit:
Black striped long sleeve shirt (Gap)
Brown corduroy pants (Old Navy)
Flip flops (Old Navy)
It is a very rainy Saturday in Melbourne. I ventured out into the elements this morning to The Cutting Edge on Sydney Road for a much needed haircut. See how nice my hair can look when professionally blow dried?
It's not surprising that I have a massive sweet tooth (especially since I love to bake). Since it's Friday and also very hot outside, Zoran, Onagh and I decided to treat ourselves to some afternoon tea at Koko Black. I had a piece of opera cake and an iced chocolate. Slightly decadent.
After a drink at Tuscan Bar and dinner with Chantal, I headed to The Toff last night for Georgia Fair's sold out All Through Winter album launch. There were already a fair number of people in the venue when I arrived, and it was a very young crowd. The first act of the night was singer-songwriter Carry Nation (aka Jessie Warren). She played a solo set on electric guitar and had some interesting thoughts that she shared in between songs, including her obsession with whales.
Next up was Slow Dancer, which is Simon Okely from Oh Mercy's solo project. Simon played the first couple songs solo on guitar and then was joined by James Harding on bass and Rohan Sforcina (also from Oh Mercy) on drums. The songs had a really great laid back vibe and groove to them, and as expected, excellent guitar playing by Simon. I was very impressed with his set, and he finished with "Leave It To Me." I grabbed a free Slow Dancer postcard from Eliza Lam, who was working the merch desk, and told her I'd see her next week for Oh Mercy's gig at the Hi-Fi Bar.
The room was absolutely packed for Georgia Fair, and Tash, Jessie and Heath arrived just as they started their set. Jordan and Ben played most of the songs with a band but also did a few by themselves. Their set consisted of songs from the new album as well as a few from their previously released EP. "Picture Frames" got the biggest reaction from the crowd, and other standouts were "Times Fly," "Float Away," "Simple Man" and "Where You Been?" Thankfully the crowd were respectful and attentive for the tracks from new album, which are more mellow songs. The boys have recently moved to Melbourne, so hopefully there will be more local shows in the future.
Here's the first single off the album, "Where You Been?"
I do not have a car here in Melbourne so I am a frequent user of public transportation. Since I live close to the city I can either take the train or a tram (site of today's photo) to get to and from where I need to go. One downside to the way Melbourne's public transport system is designed is the fact that it's hard to get across town as most lines run in and out of the city. This often leads to longer travel times, but it's something I can deal with. Even if I did have a car, I don't know when I would use it as I wouldn't drive into the city for work and everything else I need is in walking distance of my home.
I should be at the gym but instead I'm having drinks at Tuscan Bar. Oops. Actually I wasn't planning to go today as I am off to see Georgia Fair at The Toff tonight.
Today's outfit:
Magenta top (Jacqui-E)
Long sleeve black top (Old Navy)
Black pants (Old Navy)
Flats (Tony Bianco)
While wandering through Treasury Gardens I was a bit surprised to come across a memorial to President John F. Kennedy (site of today's photo). It was designed by sculptor Raymond B. Ewers and erected in 1965 to remember Kennedy's service as President of the United States. The memorial is surrounded by a pond which is used by ducks, including some very cute little babies that hatched recently.
Today's outfit:
White blouse (Banana Republic)
Brown skirt (Ann Taylor Loft)
Brown heels (Steve Madden)
Tonight after work a group of us went to see economist and Federal Member for Fraser Andrew Leigh speak about The Economics and Politics of Teacher Merit Pay at an event run by the Grattan Institute. It was an interesting discussion and Q&A session in addition to being very relevant for my current work. Afterwards we headed to Seamstress on Lonsdale Street (site of today's photo) for drinks and a bite to eat.
Today's outfit:
Dress (odille)
Black cardigan (Charter Club)
Last night I headed down to the recently opened Phoenix Public House (formerly The Spot) on Sydney Road for Brous' sold out EP launch. First on the bill was American born actress and singer Jane Badler and The Give. She played a couple songs from her albums and did a cover of Kylie Minogue's "Can't Get You Out Of My Head."
Next up was Lost Animal, who were a bit delayed in starting due to technical difficulties. Featuring Jarrod Quarrell on lead vocals and keyboard, and Shags Chamberlain on bass, they played an interesting set of music that also utilized instrumental samples from a computer. I liked Jarrod's vocal delivery and enjoyed quite a few of their songs, including "Say No To Thugs" and "Lose The Baby."
Soon the voices of La Voce Della Luna filled the room. Performing in a space at the side of the venue, this amazing intergenerational choral group of 30 or so Italian women sang traditional songs in Italian accompanied by an accordion and tambourine. Sophia Brous even came out and joined them for "Bella Ciao." Unfortunately there were people talking at the bar while they sang, which made it a bit difficult to hear. However I found them very entertaining and they nearly stole the show.
Sophia Brous and her band then entered the stage and started their set with the current single off her EP "Little Ticket." Sophia was wearing this great blue long sleeve dress with pearl and gold buttons down the front. They played all the songs from the EP as well as a few new ones, with "Streamers," "Way Up On The River" and "Oh My Brother" being highlights. Sophia has an amazing and powerful voice and she alternated between two microphones- one normal and one with an echo effect. Sophia also sang a duet with Conrad Standish from the band Devastations, who was DJing for the evening. All in all I was quite impressed and the current buzz around Brous is definitely justified. I look forward to catching her playing live again soon.
Here is the video for her first single "Streamers":
One of the down sides of having a washing machine/dryer combo is that clothes come out more wrinkled than if you have a separate dryer. Here I am ironing clothes I won't be wearing again until December.
Today's outfit:
Green short sleeve shirt (Wednesday)
Black yoga pants (Gap)
It's been a beautiful day in Melbourne, although I have spent most of it inside cleaning my apartment. Tonight I am heading out for the Brous EP launch, which should be fun.
Today's outfit:
Purple short sleeve top (Gap)
Grey jeans (Old Navy)
Today's photo finds me in front of the Great Petition, created by Susan Hewitt and Penelope Lee in 2008 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women's right to vote in Victoria. The artwork, which is fabricated in rolled steel and painted white, references the "Monster Petition" signed by 30,000 Victorian women in 1891 calling for the right to vote from Parliament.
Today's outfit:
Teal top (edme & esyllte)
Black pants (Old Navy)
Boots (Sandler)
Working in and around historically significant buildings means there are many interesting little spots to explore- like the basement where the vaults are located. As you can see, some of these doorways are quite small in comparison to today's standards. I often wonder what kind of sinister things have gone on down here in the past (the building was built in 1875). It's another warm and humid day in Melbourne and I am hoping I will not have to swim home tonight due to the expected thunderstorms and potential flash flooding.
Today's outfit:
Black top (Merona)
Black camisole (Old Navy)
"Mad Men" berry skirt (Banana Republic)
Sandals (Diana Ferrari)
I awoke this morning to thunderstorms in Melbourne, so it was a bit tricky finding something to wear considering it is warm outside but also wet. Today's photo was taken in Treasury Gardens. I apologize for the wrinkles on my dress- I was sitting in meetings for 3 straight hours this morning (fun!).
Today's outfit:
Green dress (Maeve)
Flats (Tony Bianco)
It's another work week, but at least we are having our divisional morning tea this morning. A sugar hit will help me make it through the day (and I will work it off in kickboxing at the gym tonight). Today's photo is taken on the grounds at work.
Tonight Tash, Mary and I met up in St Kilda for the They Will Have Their Way tribute concert featuring the songs of Tim and Neil Finn. After a quick dinner at Grill'd we headed over to the Palais Theatre and took our seats in the orchestra section. The performers on this tour all feature on the newly repackaged They Will Have Their Way album: Sarah Blasko, Holly Throsby, and Sally Seltmann (solo and as Seeker Lover Keeper), Paul Dempsey, Clare Bowditch, Lior, and Alexander Gow (Oh Mercy). Each artist played several songs either by themselves or with others. There was also a backing band to round out the sound of the songs, which spanned all eras of Tim and Neil's careers: Split Enz, Crowded House, Finn Brothers, and solo.
There were so many great versions of the songs, but my favorites were Clare, Sarah, Holly and Sally doing "Fall At Your Feet," Lior's "Into Temptation," Sarah's "My Mistake," Paul's "Message To My Girl," Seeker Lover Keeper's "Sinner," Paul and Clare's "Turn and Run" (the one song I was hoping would get played), and Alex's "Now We're Getting Somewhere." I felt the crowd was subdued and a bit dull since they wouldn't really sing along or interact. Clare and Alex were the funny ones on the night and had us laughing a lot. The encore saw all the artists come onto the stage to finish with "It's Only Natural" and "Weather With You." All in all it was a great show with some interesting interpretations of the Finns' amazing songs.
I have ventured to St Kilda this evening for dinner and the They Will Have Their Way Finn tribute concert. Today's photo is taken in front of the entrance to Luna Park.
Today's outfit:
Blue dress (Old Navy)
Sandals (Diana Ferrari)
It's the last day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival with Emirates Stakes Day at Flemington Racecourse. Thankfully the Kardashians fled Australia so they did not make it down to Melbourne for today's races. The weather is quite warm, which is a nice change from the rain and cooler temperatures we've been having. I've just been doing normal Saturday activities- laundry, grocery shopping, and cleaning.
Today's outfit:
Black top (StudioM)
Olive shorts (Now)
TGIF! It's always good to get to the end of another work week. Fridays are casual dress days in the office and usually a time for drinks after work. Mary and I met up with Chantal at Tuscan Bar and we hit the rooftop bar since the sun was out. After a drink and catch up we went for dinner at China Red (site of today's photo), a sister restaurant of HuTong Dumpling Bar. We feasted on an assortment of dumplings from the touch screen menu, which were all delicious.
Today's outfit:
Pink polka dot top (Merona)
Black long sleeve shirt (Merona)
Jeans (Gap)
Sneakers (Puma)
One of the great things about working in the city is all the little cafes in the surrounding area. Taking a "coffee break" (more hot chocolate or chai latte for me since I don't drink coffee) is a good way to break up the work day and get out of the office. This morning we went to Little Bean Blue, which is the site for today's photo.
Today's outfit:
Black top (INC International Concepts)
Plaid wool skirt (Gap)
Boots (Diana Ferrari)
It is a public holiday today due to it being the Melbourne Cup. As a result, I have been spending the day relaxing at home. The winner of the race that stops the nation was Dunaden from France by the absolute slimmest of margins (it really should have been called a dead heat with Red Cadeaux).
Today's outfit:
Purple long sleeve top (Old Navy)
Black camisole (Old Navy)
Grey corduroy pants (Old Navy)
