I'll write a proper entry tomorrow, but I thought given that there is 20 minutes left in the year and I have had a beer it would be a good time for the first ever Barteesee awards. This may be the only time the Barteesees are dished out so feel proud if you receive one. As the name suggests I decide the catagories and I decide who wins what.
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:
- Zoe Young
- Lee Nott
THE 'TOUCH TOO MUCH' AWARD:
- Kayne West for 808 and Heartbreaks, too much synth or electro voice thingy
THE 'I DON'T GET WHAT ALL THE FUSS IS ABOUT' AWARD:
- Kings of Leon for 'Sex on Fire'
THE 'TV DISCOVERY OF THE YEAR'
- Season Two of the American Office
THE 'SO GLAD YOUR BACK' AWARD
- AC/DC (specifically Rock n Roll Train)
THE 'BEER OF THE YEAR' AWARD
- Newcastle Brown Ale
THE 'UNIT OF THE YEAR' AWARD
- Hist 2270 - Australia at War
THE 'PANTO OF THE YEAR' AWARD
- The Curtin version of Aladdin
TRIP OF THE YEAR
- Wheelcats to Brisbane, Wheelcats to Japan
ROLLERCOASTER OF THE YEAR
- The Simpsons Ride
THE 'HIT ME OVER THE HEAD BECAUSE ANYTHING IS BETTER THAN THIS' AWARD
- Yan and Claire for merciless playing of Death Cab for Cutie on a trip down south. Although it provided plenty of fodder for comedy.
THE 'JOKE GONE TOO FAR' AWARD
- Siobhan
THE 'BEST PARTY ORGANISATION' AWARD
- Tim Burns
THE 'SPEW OF THE YEAR' AWARD
- Ben Wright's 21st
THE 'BEST THING TO DO ON A MONDAY NIGHT' AWARD
- Cards
THE 'SPORTING VICTORY OF THE YEAR' AWARD
-The Rollers
- Stuart McGill retires
Sorry if I missed anything out but its New Years now so there is no point dwelling. Lets get on with it.
ctb.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Seasons Greetings
Hi everyone,
I think its fair to say that tourism part of my trip is over. Having been to the theme parks and seen the Hollywood sign it is definately time to get down to business. I needed to find a place to train.
Basketball having a well renowned street element to it, I was pretty excited to start training at one of the local parks. That was until a kids basketball team turned up being driven by their parents in mini-vans and SUV's. Not particularly 'street'. That said I was pretty pleased with my touch given that I had a week off.
The next day I decided to seek out a proper gym. Having not seen any of them I wanted to make sure that I found a decent one. Then my dad had the suggestion of shooting around at UCLA. Surely not. Could Chris Barty shoot around at the home of such names as Walton, Kareem, Miller and Wooden? I was slighty pessimistic. However to my surprise, there was a gym available for general use.
One thing I will say about UCLA is it is a seriously impressive campus. The minute you arrive, you know are somewhere. The Ronald Regan Medical Centre greets you when you get through the gates. It definately excites me for what's to come.
Needless to say the courts are amazing and the facilities are first class. Especially considering its not even the main gym. What has impressed me the most though is just how approachable and friendly everybody there has been. I have been lucky enough to meet a couple of former UCLA Bruins and a bloke who played in the NBA D-League. Then yesterday I took a visit to the Athletic Hall of Fame, which was definately pretty cool. Hopefully it won't be long before they have a Wheelchair Basketball program of their own, they definately have the facilities.
Other than that, last week featured shopping for gifts and watching the movie the Wrestler. Worth a look if your into that kind of thing (which I am) but probably not a great date movie.
I'm definatley missing watching the cricket with the lads on boxing day, its not quite the same listening to the coverage online. Hopefully you sink a few beers and make many colourful remarks.
Oh and Subway. American Subway doesn't have Old English cheese or Parmesan Oregano bread! What the hell!?
Tomorrow I'm hoping to go to the tolerance museum which is located across the road. Fans of South Park will know why this is a must do.
Merry Christmas and I wish peace and prosperity to you all.
ctb
I think its fair to say that tourism part of my trip is over. Having been to the theme parks and seen the Hollywood sign it is definately time to get down to business. I needed to find a place to train.
Basketball having a well renowned street element to it, I was pretty excited to start training at one of the local parks. That was until a kids basketball team turned up being driven by their parents in mini-vans and SUV's. Not particularly 'street'. That said I was pretty pleased with my touch given that I had a week off.
The next day I decided to seek out a proper gym. Having not seen any of them I wanted to make sure that I found a decent one. Then my dad had the suggestion of shooting around at UCLA. Surely not. Could Chris Barty shoot around at the home of such names as Walton, Kareem, Miller and Wooden? I was slighty pessimistic. However to my surprise, there was a gym available for general use.
One thing I will say about UCLA is it is a seriously impressive campus. The minute you arrive, you know are somewhere. The Ronald Regan Medical Centre greets you when you get through the gates. It definately excites me for what's to come.
Needless to say the courts are amazing and the facilities are first class. Especially considering its not even the main gym. What has impressed me the most though is just how approachable and friendly everybody there has been. I have been lucky enough to meet a couple of former UCLA Bruins and a bloke who played in the NBA D-League. Then yesterday I took a visit to the Athletic Hall of Fame, which was definately pretty cool. Hopefully it won't be long before they have a Wheelchair Basketball program of their own, they definately have the facilities.
Other than that, last week featured shopping for gifts and watching the movie the Wrestler. Worth a look if your into that kind of thing (which I am) but probably not a great date movie.
I'm definatley missing watching the cricket with the lads on boxing day, its not quite the same listening to the coverage online. Hopefully you sink a few beers and make many colourful remarks.
Oh and Subway. American Subway doesn't have Old English cheese or Parmesan Oregano bread! What the hell!?
Tomorrow I'm hoping to go to the tolerance museum which is located across the road. Fans of South Park will know why this is a must do.
Merry Christmas and I wish peace and prosperity to you all.
ctb
Friday, December 19, 2008
Universal Speaking
Firstly I'd like to wish my Grandma a happy birthday for last week. Happy Birthday!!
OK so, I might have spoken to a few of you already about one of the perks of being in the US.
Basketball.
So much basketball.
Watching the Lakers/Heat game and the Clippers/Pacers game (at the same time) rammed home one very important lesson. Practice your free throws. Both games were incredibly tight and came down to the last play. The difference being that Kobe missed his game winning shot, where as the bloke from the Clippers was able to able to drain the crucial three, forcing the game into overtime. After the game went into a second overtime, the Clippers were able to come away with a crucial win. However there is no doubt that the outcome could have been different for the Lakers and a little more comfortable for the Clippers had they hit their free throws.
My short description doesn't do it justice, but the point is that free throws will be a focal point of tomorrow's practice.
There has also been a reduction in my cheesburger intake. I actually ordered a salad the other night! I don't think that's ever happened before. Sure I've had things with salad, but a salad by itself? We must be at high altitude or something.
Speaking of high altitude, one thing I didn't expect about LA was the mountains. They are pretty spectacular, and given that most of the architecture around the place is pretty flat, it emphasises them just that bit more. It is definatley worth a look if your ever in town, (not that you'll be able to miss them).
I was also lucky enough to pay a visit to Universal Studios. On the whole I have to say I enjoyed it more than Disneyland, if for no other reason than there were hardly any lines given that it was in the middle of the week.
The Simpsons ride was totally awesome. It shreds biscuits. One of the best rides that I have ever been on. The Simpons, has it ever let us down? The other massive highlight was the Mummy ride, definately one for the roller coaster junkie.
Throw in a couple of good shows, a tour and Universal Studios definately makes for a sweet day.
Oh and Skype. If you have it let me know.
ctb
OK so, I might have spoken to a few of you already about one of the perks of being in the US.
Basketball.
So much basketball.
Watching the Lakers/Heat game and the Clippers/Pacers game (at the same time) rammed home one very important lesson. Practice your free throws. Both games were incredibly tight and came down to the last play. The difference being that Kobe missed his game winning shot, where as the bloke from the Clippers was able to able to drain the crucial three, forcing the game into overtime. After the game went into a second overtime, the Clippers were able to come away with a crucial win. However there is no doubt that the outcome could have been different for the Lakers and a little more comfortable for the Clippers had they hit their free throws.
My short description doesn't do it justice, but the point is that free throws will be a focal point of tomorrow's practice.
There has also been a reduction in my cheesburger intake. I actually ordered a salad the other night! I don't think that's ever happened before. Sure I've had things with salad, but a salad by itself? We must be at high altitude or something.
Speaking of high altitude, one thing I didn't expect about LA was the mountains. They are pretty spectacular, and given that most of the architecture around the place is pretty flat, it emphasises them just that bit more. It is definatley worth a look if your ever in town, (not that you'll be able to miss them).
I was also lucky enough to pay a visit to Universal Studios. On the whole I have to say I enjoyed it more than Disneyland, if for no other reason than there were hardly any lines given that it was in the middle of the week.
The Simpsons ride was totally awesome. It shreds biscuits. One of the best rides that I have ever been on. The Simpons, has it ever let us down? The other massive highlight was the Mummy ride, definately one for the roller coaster junkie.
Throw in a couple of good shows, a tour and Universal Studios definately makes for a sweet day.
Oh and Skype. If you have it let me know.
ctb
Monday, December 15, 2008
Grey in LA
Hi All,
Well I've been in LA for a few days now getting a small taste of the American life. Those of you who are familiar with my struggle with the Yen, will be pleased to know that I have no such problem with the greenback. Much less shrap.
I'm also very glad that my parents building has a gym across the road, namely because at the moment I am averaging 0.75 cheeseburgers a day. I have literally started doing cardio in anticipation of my next serving of bun-based satisfaction. Other than that I have been eating pretty well, wheaties and a banana for breakfast, and the US is definately not short on fresh fruit.
I woke up this morning to storm warnings across most of California, and although its snowing in other parts of the state, there is nothing here yet. I will keep you posted on that front.
In other news, I went to Disneyland yesterday and it was an interesting experience to say the least. Some of you will know that I LOVE rollercoasters and other rides. When I went to the royal show around the age of 12,13,14 thats all I would spend my money on, I would never bother with sideshow alley or showbags (except for the classic bertie beetle).
On the rides front, most of it is built for small kids but if you ever get the chance you have to go on the Space mountain (i think thats what its called) and the Indiana Jones ride. Those two rides had a combined wait of 90 minutes for a collective of 3 minutes riding but it was an awesome three minutes.
I also saw the famed 'HOLLYWOOD' sign yesterday, although I have to say its less exciting than the big pinapple or the big banana, mostly because it makes less sense to have a massive piece of fruit in the middle of nowhere, than it does a massive sign telling you what you already know.
TOURIST: Wow a big piece of fruit, what is it doing here? Why would you have something like this? Did it fall off a massive tree? Can you use it to make a massive smoothie?
See. its intriguing.
Two things have come out so far which have already made this a rewarding trip. Firstly, basketball on three channels at once on the weekend. Secondly, I finally have an answer to the age old question 'who throws a shoe?', Iraqi journalists as it turns out. Google/Youtube it. As to whether his actions were justified I'll leave it to you.
I still haven't met a celebrity.
ctb
Well I've been in LA for a few days now getting a small taste of the American life. Those of you who are familiar with my struggle with the Yen, will be pleased to know that I have no such problem with the greenback. Much less shrap.
I'm also very glad that my parents building has a gym across the road, namely because at the moment I am averaging 0.75 cheeseburgers a day. I have literally started doing cardio in anticipation of my next serving of bun-based satisfaction. Other than that I have been eating pretty well, wheaties and a banana for breakfast, and the US is definately not short on fresh fruit.
I woke up this morning to storm warnings across most of California, and although its snowing in other parts of the state, there is nothing here yet. I will keep you posted on that front.
In other news, I went to Disneyland yesterday and it was an interesting experience to say the least. Some of you will know that I LOVE rollercoasters and other rides. When I went to the royal show around the age of 12,13,14 thats all I would spend my money on, I would never bother with sideshow alley or showbags (except for the classic bertie beetle).
On the rides front, most of it is built for small kids but if you ever get the chance you have to go on the Space mountain (i think thats what its called) and the Indiana Jones ride. Those two rides had a combined wait of 90 minutes for a collective of 3 minutes riding but it was an awesome three minutes.
I also saw the famed 'HOLLYWOOD' sign yesterday, although I have to say its less exciting than the big pinapple or the big banana, mostly because it makes less sense to have a massive piece of fruit in the middle of nowhere, than it does a massive sign telling you what you already know.
TOURIST: Wow a big piece of fruit, what is it doing here? Why would you have something like this? Did it fall off a massive tree? Can you use it to make a massive smoothie?
See. its intriguing.
Two things have come out so far which have already made this a rewarding trip. Firstly, basketball on three channels at once on the weekend. Secondly, I finally have an answer to the age old question 'who throws a shoe?', Iraqi journalists as it turns out. Google/Youtube it. As to whether his actions were justified I'll leave it to you.
I still haven't met a celebrity.
ctb
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Airports Blow
I'm sitting in the QANTAS lounge next to a young Bob Saget. I mean really, of all the celebrity lookalikes I could have sat next to, I get Bob Saget. Having said that, Mick Molloy just walked in with Chow Yun Fat. Things are looking up.
As an avid Kanye West fan, I decided to purchase his latest album '808 and Heartbreaks' at the airport newsagency. This was despite the fact that 'Love Lockdown' sounded a bit off the beaten track for KW, lots of singing and not much rapping. I had also heard that the rest of the album was like this, but despite all of that I decided part with $25 and get it anyway.
I'm dubious. Very dubious.
In the words of the Rock, 'Know your role and shut your mouth' (and then open it again so you can start rapping)
That said, Graduation took a few listens as did Late Registration and the latter is one of my favourite albums ever, so I'll persist.
OH MAN, I just spotted an old dude wearing a monocle... sweet. I wonder if he owns a pocket watch, or a series of hotels on Mayfair. Or an X-Wing, if your playing Star Wars monopoly.
On a final note, I made a very big decision yesterday. I decided to retire 'Dale', my loyal baseball cap, that has been with me on many adventures. Dale has long since lost his elasticity and is now a yellow/brown/grey/blackish shade of white after bearing the brunt of countless days in the sun. After several complaints about his appearance, and an unwillingness to fork out for new elastic, we decided it was best that he step back from full duties. Although he will still remain a valued member of my secondary rotation. The search is now on for a replacement, one thing is for sure, it will be filled by a big head.
Looking foward to arriving, and leaving the airport behind.
ctb
As an avid Kanye West fan, I decided to purchase his latest album '808 and Heartbreaks' at the airport newsagency. This was despite the fact that 'Love Lockdown' sounded a bit off the beaten track for KW, lots of singing and not much rapping. I had also heard that the rest of the album was like this, but despite all of that I decided part with $25 and get it anyway.
I'm dubious. Very dubious.
In the words of the Rock, 'Know your role and shut your mouth' (and then open it again so you can start rapping)
That said, Graduation took a few listens as did Late Registration and the latter is one of my favourite albums ever, so I'll persist.
OH MAN, I just spotted an old dude wearing a monocle... sweet. I wonder if he owns a pocket watch, or a series of hotels on Mayfair. Or an X-Wing, if your playing Star Wars monopoly.
On a final note, I made a very big decision yesterday. I decided to retire 'Dale', my loyal baseball cap, that has been with me on many adventures. Dale has long since lost his elasticity and is now a yellow/brown/grey/blackish shade of white after bearing the brunt of countless days in the sun. After several complaints about his appearance, and an unwillingness to fork out for new elastic, we decided it was best that he step back from full duties. Although he will still remain a valued member of my secondary rotation. The search is now on for a replacement, one thing is for sure, it will be filled by a big head.
Looking foward to arriving, and leaving the airport behind.
ctb
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
So it begins...
So after several prolonged farewells today is the day that I jet off to the United States. All I can say is that its about time. After months of planning, paperwork, emails, paperwork, training, paperwork, essays, paperwork, actual work, paperwork, farewells and paperwork the end is finally in sight, so I can finally begin.
Despite the fact that I seemed to have developed a reputation as a bit of larrikin, I generally consider myself relatively introverted and unless I think I'm going to get a laugh, I don't enjoy talking about myself. So for the most part I'm pretty sure that I'll be writing (I refuse to say blogging) about isignificant stuff, about whether or not the coke tastes different or whether the 'super size' is really that super.
Also I don't really like the idea of just how public our information has become these days especially with the advent of things like facebook and blogspot, although it is only fair to mention that I am a user of both.
With all of that said I think it would be a good idea to start by outlining a few of my goals for the rest of 2008 and 2009.
BASKETBALL:
- Claim a spot on the u/23's team for Paris 2009
- Come out of my experience in Arizona as a quality basketball player and quality human being
- Return to Australia to play the majority of the Australian season and play in a winning grand final.
- Lose a bit of weight, so I am no longer considered the team's '3rd fattest player' although I will say I think that reputation is slightly undeserved, its more like 5th or 6th.
ACADEMICALLY
- To perform as well as I can and recieve above satisfactory grades.
- To Improve on skills that have so far been lacking, such as time management, organisation and proofreading.
PERSONALLY
- Go to Disneyland, the wrestling and a taping of one of the various 'tonight' shows.
- Meet a Celebrity
- Win a rap battle
- Become a minor Celebrity
- Eat a sandwich as big as my head (I'm told they exsist)
Obviously, within each of these goals there are small goals within these bigger ones that will need to be ticked off to help acheive the bigger ones, but there is no need to get too specific just yet.
I should probably start wearing a box whenever I go into a shop, because by all accounts the exchange rate is a kick in the balls.
ctb.
Despite the fact that I seemed to have developed a reputation as a bit of larrikin, I generally consider myself relatively introverted and unless I think I'm going to get a laugh, I don't enjoy talking about myself. So for the most part I'm pretty sure that I'll be writing (I refuse to say blogging) about isignificant stuff, about whether or not the coke tastes different or whether the 'super size' is really that super.
Also I don't really like the idea of just how public our information has become these days especially with the advent of things like facebook and blogspot, although it is only fair to mention that I am a user of both.
With all of that said I think it would be a good idea to start by outlining a few of my goals for the rest of 2008 and 2009.
BASKETBALL:
- Claim a spot on the u/23's team for Paris 2009
- Come out of my experience in Arizona as a quality basketball player and quality human being
- Return to Australia to play the majority of the Australian season and play in a winning grand final.
- Lose a bit of weight, so I am no longer considered the team's '3rd fattest player' although I will say I think that reputation is slightly undeserved, its more like 5th or 6th.
ACADEMICALLY
- To perform as well as I can and recieve above satisfactory grades.
- To Improve on skills that have so far been lacking, such as time management, organisation and proofreading.
PERSONALLY
- Go to Disneyland, the wrestling and a taping of one of the various 'tonight' shows.
- Meet a Celebrity
- Win a rap battle
- Become a minor Celebrity
- Eat a sandwich as big as my head (I'm told they exsist)
Obviously, within each of these goals there are small goals within these bigger ones that will need to be ticked off to help acheive the bigger ones, but there is no need to get too specific just yet.
I should probably start wearing a box whenever I go into a shop, because by all accounts the exchange rate is a kick in the balls.
ctb.
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