My band, currently called JC Ronikal & The Maniacs, has entered a local competition run by a national radio station, JJJFM, or TripleJ, as is known. The competition, called Unearthed, is one of the most unique in the world and has been running for quite a number of years now (over ten, at least). It is responsible for discovering some of the biggest bands in Australia in the last few years, bands like Silverchair and Grinspoon, for those who might know Aussie acts. This year is the first...

I've just set up a Gmail address and if anyone sends me their details, Toni and I would love to send some christmas cards to our JU friends. The address is dynamaso@gmail.com Looking forward to hearing from you.

I’m really surprised and pleased with how many of you wonderful people have jumped at the idea of forming a Writers Club. So far, 17people have signed up, which is just fantastic. I can’t guarantee I will be the most attentive of group administrators but I will do my best. The main idea I have behind this is to offer inspiration and support to each other without any pressure to perform. With that, here are the ground rules, as I see them: 1. Have fun 2. No time limit for any storie...

A while ago, Kelly had a blog where she put up a picture and asked the rest of us to see what sort of story we could come up with based on it. The exercise was really good, with some really inventive responses. Check out Kelly's blog here: Link I’d like to take this idea one step further. I’d like to form a JU Writers Club. The idea would be each member of the club suggests or provides a topic, scene or picture and we all write something based the suggestion. We can then compare n...

You tried for years, putting me to the test time and time again. But I never gave in to you. Yours was a task done out of love rather than spite. It was only because of this you kept at it. Time and time again, you presented conundrums to infuriate me, situations to enrage me, lies to deceive and derange me but I kept hold and never lost you. Time and time again, you strengthened my resolve, made me smarter by challenging my intellect, my ego and my spirit. I can only be thankful to...

Toni just rang to say there has been an earthquake in Hawaii. Apparently, there have been no fatalities reported, but Oahu is without power. I just hope Tex and the boys are alright. Adrain must be beside himself with worry, on top of everything else he's having to do.

Hi, I’m Dynamaso’s cat. Now, before I tell you my name, I don’t want to hear any laughing, okay! I didn’t get to choose my own name but it is what it is and I won’t have it scoffed at, okay! My name is… Pumpkin. Hey, I asked you not to laugh. It’s not my fault. Maso is the one who chose the name. But I have grown to like it, over the years. I’ve been with Maso for over a decade now. I’ve been the one constant in the hectic life he’s led. I have to say he never once has let me dow...

Yeehaw, my home line is finally connected. It took a whole lot longer than I had anticipated, given I was told over 3 weeks ago it would only take 3 to 5 days. Oh, well, at least it has finally happened. Now I have no excuse to keep up with all my JU friends. I'm looking forward to getting a couple of pieces of fiction I've been working on for a while up for all to read. Of course, being able to sit on my balcony, with its ocean views and talk to you all more regularly is something I loo...

Those of you who know me know I’m a musician and a huge music fan, as is my wife. As a big fan, I have often been asked to name my favourite piece of music of all time. As a big fan, this is probably one of the hardest questions I’ve ever been asked. I’ve never been able to supply an adequate answer because there is so much good music in the world, narrowing it down to a single album has proved to be impossible. I’ve stood in front of our substantial collection many times but could never ...

I just realised it has been nearly a month since I posted anything here. Time really does fly when you’re having fun? Okay, time flies when one has to unpack a large pile of boxes, rehearse for a big gig and cope with an ever-increasing workload. To make matters more frustrating, my promised broadband connection is taking as long as a dial-up modem to be connected. Why is it that every communication company I’ve ever dealt have mastered the art of stuffing-up a simple order? Okay, every ...

It was such a nice day. It was one of those glorious spring days when nothing is too much of a hassle, when the very air I breathed in was laced with the scents of things blooming after lying dormant during the cold months. It was a hell of a day for a funeral, though. Funerals should be on rain-laden days, when clouds act as blankets to the emotions of those gathered to see a friend off. Rain makes it easier for all to cry, the droplets mixing with loved ones tears and carrying them into...

We’ve moved, finally. I am sore in places I’d totally forgotten about. Carrying boxes up a number of steps and back down again is probably the best exercise I’ve had in ages. But it feels great to finally be in our new home. The views from the balcony off our living room are worth every bead of sweat. Mere descriptions of this panorama fail to fulfil the actual view. Simply, it is breathtaking. I will have to get some photos of it and put them up for all to see when I can find the came...