One of the things that I love most about living where I do is that there is always some kind of free event or entertainment that can be accessed without having to travel very far. With only an hour to travel to Melbourne, the Surf Coast or the Grampians, I have perfect access to almost any type of activity that I choose to partake in, and over the last few weeks there has been no shortage of opportunities.
In particular, Ballarat and the surrounding rural areas have had a bevy of free events that has kept me more than busy and also highly entertained. Last weekend The Ballarat Begonia Festival was on, which is always an excellent and free extravaganza of all things garden related. And last night the town celebrated its second White Night event, which was again really engaging and gathered a massive and diverse crowd of enthusiasts.
Yesterday I hit the road to check out the Golden Plains Shire Arts Trail, which showcases local artists and their works throughout the Golden Plains region. Turns out that there are dozens of very talented artists right on my doorstep and within a 25 kilometre radius of our home I viewed pieces from so many different artists covering so many mediums, including painting, photography, quilting, jewellery making, leathering, garden sculpture, ceramics, nature art, watercolor painting and sketching. Amazing! I was so impressed with the standard of work that I saw, and it was really nice to have a chat with the artists about their pieces as well.
I love it when a community comes together to share their passions, their hard work and their knowledge, and it is refreshing to be able to attend events without feeling like you need to spend a whole lot of money. Nothing much comes for free anymore and it is nice to know that even when you're seriously broke that you can still get a bit of culture into your life.
Anyone that knows anything about me already knows that I sure do love a good cheap thrill!
In particular, Ballarat and the surrounding rural areas have had a bevy of free events that has kept me more than busy and also highly entertained. Last weekend The Ballarat Begonia Festival was on, which is always an excellent and free extravaganza of all things garden related. And last night the town celebrated its second White Night event, which was again really engaging and gathered a massive and diverse crowd of enthusiasts.
Yesterday I hit the road to check out the Golden Plains Shire Arts Trail, which showcases local artists and their works throughout the Golden Plains region. Turns out that there are dozens of very talented artists right on my doorstep and within a 25 kilometre radius of our home I viewed pieces from so many different artists covering so many mediums, including painting, photography, quilting, jewellery making, leathering, garden sculpture, ceramics, nature art, watercolor painting and sketching. Amazing! I was so impressed with the standard of work that I saw, and it was really nice to have a chat with the artists about their pieces as well.
I love it when a community comes together to share their passions, their hard work and their knowledge, and it is refreshing to be able to attend events without feeling like you need to spend a whole lot of money. Nothing much comes for free anymore and it is nice to know that even when you're seriously broke that you can still get a bit of culture into your life.
Anyone that knows anything about me already knows that I sure do love a good cheap thrill!
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY
Release Date: 2007
Rating: M
Running Time: 86 mins
This would have to be the best example of effective and atmospheric low budget horror that there is. Written, co-produced, edited and directed by Oren Peli, this found footage supernatural movie was originally released at Screamfest in 2007 and after gaining a cult following, it aroused the interest of Dreamworks/Paramount Pictures, who quickly purchased the rights to what would become the most successful 'return on investment' movie of all time.
The film centres on a young couple named Katie and Micah, who are being relentlessly traumatized by a destructive and dangerous supernatural force in their home.
It is the simplicity of this film that makes it so convincing and genuinely shocking. You really do feel like a fly on the wall as you witness a string of events occurring that gradually appear to be escalating in intensity; and the sense of dread is undeniable.
There are apparently a few alternate endings, but I can only comment on the one that I saw which unfortunately left the tale open to further revisits, none of which are anywhere near as good as this first attempt. My advise, skip the sequels and just see the original for all of its low budget cleverness and cheap thrills.
FINAL SAY: It's getting worse.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2007
Rating: M
Running Time: 86 mins
This would have to be the best example of effective and atmospheric low budget horror that there is. Written, co-produced, edited and directed by Oren Peli, this found footage supernatural movie was originally released at Screamfest in 2007 and after gaining a cult following, it aroused the interest of Dreamworks/Paramount Pictures, who quickly purchased the rights to what would become the most successful 'return on investment' movie of all time.
The film centres on a young couple named Katie and Micah, who are being relentlessly traumatized by a destructive and dangerous supernatural force in their home.
It is the simplicity of this film that makes it so convincing and genuinely shocking. You really do feel like a fly on the wall as you witness a string of events occurring that gradually appear to be escalating in intensity; and the sense of dread is undeniable.
There are apparently a few alternate endings, but I can only comment on the one that I saw which unfortunately left the tale open to further revisits, none of which are anywhere near as good as this first attempt. My advise, skip the sequels and just see the original for all of its low budget cleverness and cheap thrills.
FINAL SAY: It's getting worse.
3.5 Chilli Peppers
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