Tannic Teeth

Endevouring to be the good student second time round at uni, my blog will, at least partly, fall victim to some of my assessments. Gone are the days of languid studentdom doing the bare minimum to pass; I actually desire the HD of assessments long unattainable. Now perhaps is my time to get cracking…

In a strange twist of fate or fortuitous serendipity, the unit that I was originally enrolled in was canned (due to lax numbers), that I thought was critical: learning to write right. Sadly my poor grammar and syntax will be inflicted upon undeserving side units (and their respective tutors) in what I would term ‘collateral damage’ -not entirely Rumsfieldian. By choosing this unit which is Writing and New Technologies I’ve managed to shave off 3 hrs of physical contact time at uni, but possibly increased my online time 4 fold not to mention my morbidly obese download limit.  The unit looks like it’s more student instigated learning, a change from the force fed hold-my-hand pampering I have been used to in the past.

I look forward to the new semester ahead. Bring on the mi-goreing and red bull.

Clairault can be said to be wear the stripes it’s earned during the harsh and formative years of Margaret River some 30 odd years ago. Truly one of the regions veterans, Clairault produces wines of distinctive style, reflecting that of Bordeaux;in many ways climate and topography is very similar, Margaret River receiving slightly more sun. 2007 was an outstanding year for Margs but then again this place seems to be unusually blessed with freakishly good weather taking into account climate change/ cycling.

Clairault Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007 [Margaret River] Western Australia 13%

‘Gleaming from the glass in bright pale straw, this wine carries the traditional SSB blend from Margaret River. Gauva, Passion Fruit, Grassy characters are so palpable and reminiscent of the real deal. The palate unveils the same bountiful tropical array, but also shows restraint when needed, supplely pulling the entire show back into line with a mineral lime acidic zing. The length is not overtly long, nor is it disappointingly short, it sits comfortably with poise given the bestowed fruit characters.’

Probably the largest planted grape in all of Spain, Tempranillo has only a select representation in Australia; Adelaide Hills prefectly suited to showcase this variety. Fragrant, lifted wines encompassing the dark cherry spectrum with approachable tannins. It’s a supple grape variety with mass appeal.

Mr Riggs Tempranillo 2004 [Adelaide Hills] South Australia 14.5%

‘Not peering too deeply into this wine, it’s upfront with a reasonable array of cherry, leather and sweet spice. This wine belongs to the Yucca Paddock, a single vineyard wine concocted by Ben Riggs and Co. Fruitful and generous, the mouth feel is not too big but ample fruit and hints of menthol; finely complementing the mince and mushroom Gözleme later devoured.’

The second brainchild of the crew that brought us Hula Bula Bar, Devilles Pad is an awesome 60’s style diner cum dance pad set in a fiery volcanic magma chamber. One can lounge amongst the booths with decent bites to eat;namely American bible-belt meals of the 1950’s, and once you have consumed more than your fair share of kilojoules for the day, burn it all on the dance floor. Music seems to be a hotch-potch of all eras, but all great for dance to.

Devilles Pad has a 25 yr old and over preference, but if you are dressed well and look like you’re not going to cause trouble you should be let in. There is a dress code that seems to be enforced with zeal; the code is classy and kooky. And like most places,  ’aggro’ behaviour that is displayed, will find perpetrator quickly acquainted with the cold hard bitumen of the parking lot. With all that said, it’s heaps of fun and a fresh alternative to the stale clubs mostly on offer in Perth.  Dress up in your ’sunday best’. This is classy fun.

Ever have those points in your life where you think that your future dangles tentatively from a tiny filament of chance? Where a singular point can become the turning point for an entirley different life for you and your loved ones. Perhaps it was missing the train only to meet the love of your life, or not running the red light to see a hurtling semi-trailer plow through the intersection.  This is a story about a young boy in a family of 9 living in crushing poverty during Chairman Mao’s Cultural Revolution.

Li Cunxin was that young boy, chosen on a teachers whim to enter in Madame Mao’s Dance Academy. It’s an autobiographical story, Li’s narrative speaks humbly, his language is not verbose or overtly descriptive, it’s simple yet elegant; poignant. It’s a wonderful read with introspective qualities about it; you question how hard your life really is when you complain about trivial matters. From where Li came from, it’s inspirational.