Australia Observations
Goodbye
We said goodbye to a family member today. George the cat went to the vet today and did not come home. She’d been off her food for some time and the medication from the last vet visit wasn’t doing much good.
It was sad to see her go. She’s been more of a part of this household than I have for the past 10 years and it will be strange not to have her being ultra-friendly when she was hungry and bolting up and down the hallways in the mornings.
Date: October 4th, 2003 | 5 comments
Taste of Summer
Yesterday it was a hefty 32°C in the city. And it’s only September. It does not bode well for the summer and we could be in for another 35+ degree Christmas. I’m sure the BotBoyz coming over for a visit will appreciate that.
Date: September 11th, 2003 | 2 comments
Phone Companies
Telstra, our all-powerful telephone company, are a pack of bastards. I saw a report on the telly last night that they are absolutely fleecing the Australian public on mobile phone call termination fees. They use it to round out their less profitable business. It’s so bad that a US phone lobby group said thecost was 3-4 times what it should be and puts Australia at odds with the business practices agreed to in the WTO trade agreement.
Date: August 26th, 2003 | 3 comments
Suncorp Stadium
I was deciding what to do with my Saturday evening when my next door neighbour called and asked if I would like tickets to the Broncos v. Manly rugby league game at Suncorp Stadium. It wasn’t a difficult decision.
Since he had two season tickets, I called around the folks I knew to see if anyone else wanted to go. Since it was 4pm and kick off was at 5:30pm, it wasn’t too surprising that I ended up going on my own.
Date: July 27th, 2003 | 5 comments
More Madness
I was just enjoying an avacado and prawn sandwich, watching a bit of the Aussies punishing the Bangladeshies in cricket (6 for 60) when I saw a disturbing thing.
Talking belly buttons.
Date: July 18th, 2003 | No Comments
Human Brains
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by it slef but the wrod as a wlohe.
(Thx to Tim L for sending me this gem)
Date: September 15th, 2003 | 3 comments
Pumping Iron
Continuing on this gym theme, I thought I’d elaborate a little more on the whole experience. I’ve been trying to find a workout facility that’s reasonably close to where I live - if it’s more convenient for me to go, there’s a greater chance I will actually go.
Seems like there are a few of the larger gym networks with locations in the Indooroopilly/Toowong area. Fitness First, Workout, Uni of QLD Fitness Centre, Bardon Healthworks. I called each of them (except UQ) and not one would give me prices over the phone. UQ had their prices prominently displayed on their website, so I knew exactly where I stood with them.
So I went to each of the locations to fill out their little form that asks me how I’m feeling (circle one) - depressed, fit, good self esteem, lethargic, etc. After that deep analysis of my mental well-being, I get a tour of the facilities and then sit down to hear the pitch.
Date: September 5th, 2003 | 5 comments
Ekka Institutions
The first thing that hits you when you step off the train at Exhibition station and pass through the gates of the RNA showground is the smell of cow dung. The second thing that hits you (or me at least) is the weight of many years worth of memories of coming here as a kid. Looking forward to it, preparing for it, going mental when you were in it. Also how the experience changed as you grow older - from the wide-eyed excitement as a kid too young to ride the rides who couldn’t get enough sample bags, to the early teens when sideshow alley became your playground, to middle and late teens when going to the Ekka meant being able to get close to your girlfriend in a parent sanctioned environment.
After all these things rushed through my head, I felt I needed a bit of a sit down to plan out my trip down memory lane. The Stockman’s Bar was the perfect choice to look over the map, orientate myself and check out the locals. My goal was to revisit all the things that made me think of the Ekka, the Ekka institutions.
Date: August 16th, 2003 | 6 comments
It's free, but you can't have it
Dealing with the many time zones the Boots guys and I are in means that sometimes I forget what day I’m on. My laptop clock is set to Portland time and if I use that to check the date, it’s usually a day behind.
Date: July 22nd, 2003 | No Comments
Back in the Homeland
I arrived back in Australia late last night, not quite “home” as I’m in Perth for a week or so. Got a short tour of the city from my sister on the way home from the airport, but I’m sure I’ll see more when I go downtown to meet her for lunch today.
Date: June 24th, 2003 | 1 comment