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In a past life I completed a commerce degree and postgraduate studies. I can no longer work in that field, but that's fine. I despise it anyway. Interests range from politics (for good rather than evil) to history. Indulgences include music and reading. I try to present fresh perspectives and infuse humour in my writing.
In October I saw the English musician Billy Bragg at the refurbished Hamer Hall. The wheelchair seating was fantastic. It is very rare that venues enable wheelchair users to sit in the front row. The number of lifts, wheelchair accessible toilets and the low counters made the venue very accommodating for wheelchair users. But it was the wheelchair accessible seating which impressed me the most. The show was a tribute to Woody Guthrie and was part of the Melbourne Festival. A great performance and the wheelchair friendly venue made it a special night.
More information about Hamer Hall, something to Bragg about
Posted by: Gary Barling, on 24/01/13 | Arts | Music
Relationships are something many people find fulfilling. This includes people with disabilities. Over a week holiday there were a few times when I felt my relationship was being judged because of my disability. People we didn't know made unnecessary and rude comments. This impacted on our holiday. When these things happen I don't know what to do. I think the community could be shown that it can be hurtful. People should understand that these relationships are no different to any others.
More information about Relationships and disabilities in public
Posted by: Gary Barling, on 02/10/12 | Lifestyle | Relationships
Big Brother is a television show. It involves putting a bunch of people in a house and giving them no contact with the outside world for a few months. I dislike the show. But I think having a person with a physical disability on it is a great idea. The show is watched by many people in the community. So it may improve people's understanding of the life of a person with a disability. It could do this by showing all the everyday activities that a person with a disability must do.
More information about Big surprise on Big Brother
Posted by: Gary Barling, on 06/09/12 | Lifestyle | Healthy living
When I'm asked if I work I would love to confidently answer, yes. The truth is that I do work. But like many other people with a disability, working does not always mean a paid job. Living with and managing my disability involves much work. It can take me three hours to get out of bed, shower, do some exercises and eat breakfast. A lot of my day is spent managing my care needs such as seeing doctors. All this leaves me with less time and energy to work. Work is a great thing. But it is not something everyone can do.
More information about Working hard, but hardly working
Posted by: Gary Barling, on 27/08/12 | Lifestyle | Healthy living
I confess to preferring CDs over listening to music on gadgets, such as iTunes. Despite the disadvantages of CDs, I like having the physical product. I'm also a fan of community radio. I find it very refreshing compared to commercial radio. I have a lot of fun preparing and doing my radio show "Don't go into that barn". It's a show where I play music not often played on other radio stations. I use music stored on my computer to prepare the show but use CDs at the radio station. I think the show is good because it's different to other shows.
More information about Music and community radio
Posted by: Gary Barling, on 07/08/12 | Arts | Music
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