49 YEARS IN THE MAKING...

Well, it's been a long wait - but finally we have trams running thru the city again!
The original, extensive tram network had it's final day back in November '58 but today heralded the beginning of a light rail renaissance, with trams once again making their way down King William St and North Tce.
I managed to get on the first public service to roll down the 1.2km extension, after several trams, including an old H type, loaded with politicians, tram buffs and assorted guests convoyed their way along the new line.
It was a totally awesome experience going thru the heart of the city in a tram, it's as if Adelaide is a real, cosmopolitan city! Perhaps it will be, one day. We've certainly made the first step.
Media Mike let slip that he's a huge fan of trams in the city, and is most definitely looking to further extend the line in the coming years, starting with a loop line back to Vic Sq. Let's hope it doesn't take too long!

My personal celebrations today were marred by my total lack of hearing, thanks to last night's amazing Motörhead concert. Fuckn A! Exceeded my expectations, and they were very high to begin with! Lemmy and the boys delivered in every way, a consumate loud-as-fuck-take-no-prisoners rock'n'roll act. Often voted the loudest band in the world, I wholeheartedly agree. Why aren't more concerts like this? Why don't more bands know how to deliver the mo-fo goods every damned performance???

TODAY IS THE DAY

Well, I took the plunge and became one of those facebook people.
Not such a bad thing to do, I guess... especially if you actually want to use it to network, but I can see myself wasting time I don't have on it. I'm wanting to hook up a network of people and groups to see if it might help me get some freelance design work - and hook up with crew I haven't seen or heard from in yonks.
That part has worked... Two friends from high school, people I spent 5 years or so pretty much joined at the hip with have resurfaced and it's good. It's awesome to revisit a side to my life unexplored for well over a decade... Schmaltzy to say, but it truly is funny how time flies...

Life cruises on here at Chez Usage:
The garden progresses - I've made significant steps towards securing a summer salad future and making our back yard look less like a complete shambles.

Adrienne has just deservedly earnt herself a new job, something she has wanted with all her heart and is long overdue! I'm so proud of the efforts she has made and the responsibilities she has taken on - viva la future my lub! I know she will ALWAYS succeed wherever she may boldly travel in her career!

As for me, I'm (reasonably) happy, ambling along a path well travelled... I still see a future at my work, as misplaced as that might be sometimes... but with each week and with each new design, I do feel progress is being made. I know my efforts are not being ignored, but i do wish the systems, the regime in place would radically change... where's Che when you need him?
I'm looking to really pour some SERIOUS attention into my freelance career... That means devoting far more time networking, reorganizing my portfolio site and then JUST GETTING OUT THERE AND SHOWING PEEPS WHAT I KNOW I CAN DO AND AM DAMN GOOD AT. Ok, that's enough big up for now. :P

To finish, a bunch of terribly random images and links. So there.
TRAILER PARK BOYS (potentially the greatest television programme ever made, besides any other show I've already said that about)
NEASDEN CONTROL CENTRE (who has a new book and I have it and I'm about to pop myself on a couch and slobber all over it)






TRAMS IN ADELAIDE (some fine shots of the new tram extension here in adelaide - this sunday's opening is a day I've waited with baited breath for far too long... TRAM GEEK TRAM GEEK TRAM GEEK... shots taken by Will409 and BillD of Railpage )