Late Nights Watch The Tour de France
The late nights are the order of the day again as the Tour de France once again swings into action. There’s even more reason to get excited as an Australian this year with 12 Australians starting the race. Of course the Orica Greenedge team is getting stronger and, after 5 stages, we are on top of the world with Simon Gerrans winning stage 3 and then the Teams Time Trial victory in Stage 4 giving him the yellow jersey.
Anyway, this looks as though it’s going to be a very exciting Tour and I’m going to settle in again for the duration. Sleep is going to be the number two priority. That being said, I did nod off last night with around 60km to go and woke up with 30km to go. Decided that Cavendish was likely going to be the winner and took myself off to bed.
It was a good assumption to make.
Running Every Day Progress
2013 has been the year in which I have participated in a little challenge of attempting to run every day for a year. We've immaginatively titled the challenge the REDFAY challenge which stands for Run Every Day For A Year. I actually started the challenge unofficially midway through December 2012 but am really only counting the calendar year for this year.
It’s the halfway point of the year and that means it’s the halfway point of the challenge. I thought it would be a good idea to check in with a few thoughts about my experience.
Firstly, a few stats about the year so far.
Today is day 185 and I have indeed run every day bringing the tally to…185 runs.
Total number of kilometres covered is 1,807 km which averages out to around 9.77km per run. I’m hoping to get the average up to an even 10km per day to make it 3,650km for the year.
Now for my thoughts about the year of running so far. I am absolutely amazed at how strong my body feels. I went into this challenge fully expecting it to be a massive drag on my health. The most number of days I had run before doing this was around 7 days in a row. The idea that I could run 185 days in succession, be injury free and not feel completely worn down seemed like an unrealistic fantasy at the start of the year.
I’m still looking forward to my run every day, my body feels far stronger rather than weaker and I’m actually enjoying the experience.
I’m logging my runs on Strava.com as proof that I am actually getting out every day. Actually, the fact that I am using a GPS watch (Garmin 610) certainly enhances the experience. Tracking exactly how many kilometres I’m running, being aware of my running pace and plotting the courses online has kept it fresh and given me goals to try and achieve as the year has gone by.
I’m running quicker than I have for the past 10 years, nearly down to 4 minute k’s again.
Good News!
Beer drinkers of the world...rejoice!
It’s not every day that you read news to really warm the heart but today was the day that many a beer drinker is going to appreciate. The idea that drinking a beer a day can improve the health of your heart prompts me to hope that there is more funding for further research.
Apparently, scientists have figured out that blood flow to the heart improved within a couple of hours after drinking two-thirds of a pint. The better new to this is that the effect was far better than if you were to drink a non-alcoholic equivalent.
The study was done at Harokopio University in Athens. Good on them for their hard work and commitment to a worthy cause. The full story can be read at: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health-fitness/beer-could-improve-your-heart-health/story-fneuzkvr-1226674119877
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Friday, September 18, 2009
Cricket Tomorrow
The second week of the first game of cricket is on tomorrow and we’ve got a huge target to chase down. Even though the conditions are going to be pretty good with a synthetic turf pitch that isn’t too bouncy and an outfield that is hard as a rock and filled with tufts of grass, I expect that the depth of the batting line up will be shown up.
That being said, it only really takes one decent partnership between two batsmen who dig in and put their heads down to break the game wide open. Let’s hope for at least a decent showing. If we have to lose I’d rather it be after a real fight rather than surrendering meekly.
It could be a long season if the team gets rolled for under 100. The spirits may fall and the doubts will be well and truly planted in the mind. Bring on tomorrow.
That being said, it only really takes one decent partnership between two batsmen who dig in and put their heads down to break the game wide open. Let’s hope for at least a decent showing. If we have to lose I’d rather it be after a real fight rather than surrendering meekly.
It could be a long season if the team gets rolled for under 100. The spirits may fall and the doubts will be well and truly planted in the mind. Bring on tomorrow.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Billy Doctrove Is A Terrible Umpire
That's right, I can stay silent no longer. After watching the first 4 and a half days of the 1st Ashes Test I've got to make this as plain as I can. Billy Droctrove, one of the umpires of the game, has no business being out on the field in any capacity.
This poor excuse for a cricket umpire has made one woeful decision after another. LBW decisions are a lottery with this bloke. He gives the ones that are not out, out and the decisions that should be given out are turned down. He's called leg byes on shots that have obviously come off the bat and runs for balls that have obviously come off the pads.
There is virtually nothing that umpire Billy Doctrove can get right. It's basically a stuff up-a-thon and the ICC appears quite happy to put up with this mediocrity because this is certainly not the first time that Billy has proven that he is not fit for Test duties.
We're watching the highest class of cricket, surely it's not too much to expect that we get umpires of a similar quality officiating.
The only positive I can think of about Doctrove's substandard performance is that it was equally poor for both sides.
This poor excuse for a cricket umpire has made one woeful decision after another. LBW decisions are a lottery with this bloke. He gives the ones that are not out, out and the decisions that should be given out are turned down. He's called leg byes on shots that have obviously come off the bat and runs for balls that have obviously come off the pads.
There is virtually nothing that umpire Billy Doctrove can get right. It's basically a stuff up-a-thon and the ICC appears quite happy to put up with this mediocrity because this is certainly not the first time that Billy has proven that he is not fit for Test duties.
We're watching the highest class of cricket, surely it's not too much to expect that we get umpires of a similar quality officiating.
The only positive I can think of about Doctrove's substandard performance is that it was equally poor for both sides.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Lawnmower Tips in 1905
Ecofill
For the perfection of a lawn mowing with a good machine is absolutely necessary and should be done frequently. To cut the grass fairly low down without the danger of biting and pulling it up by the roots, its knives should be made to pass so closely to the shoe-plate that they will cut paper at any point and until the proper method of setting it higher or lower, according to the exigencies of the moment, be thoroughly understood, it will be impossible to guarantee that it will work properly.
Sticks and stones should be swept off the grass before the mower is set upon it; and when being put away at night the machine should be cleaned and oiled , so that it may not rust. During the winter season when the machine is not in use it should be taken apart, each piece well oiled and stored away separately, taking particular care not to lose the bolts and screws.
To work it well it is better to cut the grass at least once a week at the height of the season, but less often in the beginning and end, as the grass does not then grow so rapidly. There is often an argument as to whether the cut grass should be left on the lawn or taken away in a box. If the grass is left on the lawn it will provide some measure of manure, whilst when allowed to become long before being cut and then left it will disfigure the lawn.
For the perfection of a lawn mowing with a good machine is absolutely necessary and should be done frequently. To cut the grass fairly low down without the danger of biting and pulling it up by the roots, its knives should be made to pass so closely to the shoe-plate that they will cut paper at any point and until the proper method of setting it higher or lower, according to the exigencies of the moment, be thoroughly understood, it will be impossible to guarantee that it will work properly.
Sticks and stones should be swept off the grass before the mower is set upon it; and when being put away at night the machine should be cleaned and oiled , so that it may not rust. During the winter season when the machine is not in use it should be taken apart, each piece well oiled and stored away separately, taking particular care not to lose the bolts and screws.
To work it well it is better to cut the grass at least once a week at the height of the season, but less often in the beginning and end, as the grass does not then grow so rapidly. There is often an argument as to whether the cut grass should be left on the lawn or taken away in a box. If the grass is left on the lawn it will provide some measure of manure, whilst when allowed to become long before being cut and then left it will disfigure the lawn.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Your Choice of Lawns
Before we even get into the options available for you to start a new lawn, you first have to decide whether you want to go with a natural lawn or an artificial grass alternative, both options are perfectly valid and you might have to do a cost comparison of the two first.
However, if you want to go for the traditional natural grass, read on.
There are two different ways of forming a lawn – by laying down turfs and by sowing seed. Which of these two methods is better depends entirely on the requirements. If a lawn is wanted quickly, it can be got by using turfs; but if a good lawn is required at small expense, and there is sufficient patience to wait for it then by all means let seed be sown.
The disadvantage in laying down turf is that the defects of an old lawn are thus implanted, and gain renewed vigour on a new. With seed sowing we have, so to speak, a carte blanche to work upon.
The first thing to consider is whether the ground is drained. If not, then that work should at once be performed. In heavy soils the drains will need to be nearer the surface and nearer to each other than in a light soil. In no case should they be less than eighteen inches from the surface.
Next you need to dig and trench the ground to the depth of eighteen inches if possible, and in any case not less than one foot. In this work an eye should be kept to making the soil level by freeing the surface from lumps and hollows.
It is a good plan to work among the soil some well-decayed manure and some leaf soil and, if heavy, some lime. With a heavy soil should be incorporated some good loam, free from weeds; and an opportunity here presents itself of disposing of a good quantity of sifted coal ashes. The digging must be of a uniform depth, whatever that may be.
However, if you want to go for the traditional natural grass, read on.
There are two different ways of forming a lawn – by laying down turfs and by sowing seed. Which of these two methods is better depends entirely on the requirements. If a lawn is wanted quickly, it can be got by using turfs; but if a good lawn is required at small expense, and there is sufficient patience to wait for it then by all means let seed be sown.
The disadvantage in laying down turf is that the defects of an old lawn are thus implanted, and gain renewed vigour on a new. With seed sowing we have, so to speak, a carte blanche to work upon.
The first thing to consider is whether the ground is drained. If not, then that work should at once be performed. In heavy soils the drains will need to be nearer the surface and nearer to each other than in a light soil. In no case should they be less than eighteen inches from the surface.
Next you need to dig and trench the ground to the depth of eighteen inches if possible, and in any case not less than one foot. In this work an eye should be kept to making the soil level by freeing the surface from lumps and hollows.
It is a good plan to work among the soil some well-decayed manure and some leaf soil and, if heavy, some lime. With a heavy soil should be incorporated some good loam, free from weeds; and an opportunity here presents itself of disposing of a good quantity of sifted coal ashes. The digging must be of a uniform depth, whatever that may be.
Friday, February 20, 2009
The Best And Worst Of People
As with all stories of tragedy these days we hear the stories that display the generous spirit of humans but, inevitably it seems, we also get reminded that there are plenty of low-lifes out there too. The Victorian bushfires have been one such occasion where some despicable behaviour by the dregs of humanity have been displayed.
The start of many of the fires was the result of arson and that’s bad enough but then, some of the residents whose houses were burnt to the ground returned to find that their homes had been picked over by looters. When you’ve just lost almost every last possession you own in the world the last thing you need is heartless bastards taking the opportunity to steal the remainder.
Now we’re starting to hear stories of opportunists moving in and trying to buy land and houses in the area expecting massive price discounts. These sharks are basically trying to screw over the landowners, victims of the fires, in yet another way by taking advantage of their tragic circumstances.
Finally, there are also reports of some landlords who have jacked the price of rent in the area to double the price hoping to cash in on the need for displaced people to find somewhere to stay.
The start of many of the fires was the result of arson and that’s bad enough but then, some of the residents whose houses were burnt to the ground returned to find that their homes had been picked over by looters. When you’ve just lost almost every last possession you own in the world the last thing you need is heartless bastards taking the opportunity to steal the remainder.
Now we’re starting to hear stories of opportunists moving in and trying to buy land and houses in the area expecting massive price discounts. These sharks are basically trying to screw over the landowners, victims of the fires, in yet another way by taking advantage of their tragic circumstances.
Finally, there are also reports of some landlords who have jacked the price of rent in the area to double the price hoping to cash in on the need for displaced people to find somewhere to stay.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
How Does A Complete Loser Become Head of A Major Corporation?
Just a question I was asking myself when I read the email from Jerry Yang to the Yahoo employees announcing that 10% of them had lost their jobs. The fact that his job wasn't one of the ones to go is a complete injustice.
So here's his email:
yahoos,
i feel it’s important for me to reach out to you after our earnings announcement, and before our all hands meeting tomorrow.
we as a company have been through a tremendously challenging year; and managing the increasingly turbulent global advertising climate has been an important focus for the last three months.
throughout the first three quarters of 2008, we have been balancing between investing in our top priorities, and managing our cost structure. beginning in september, with the help of Bain & Co., we initiated a series of steps to determine how we can become more efficient and productive as an organization.
we heard from you through the YEES survey, and through your suggestions on backyard, and we’ve identified many areas that we all feel we can improve upon. our productivity efforts, based in part on what we heard from you, will involve initiatives such as streamlining our organizational structure through reducing layers and increasing spans of control, and eliminating redundancies. longer term structural efficiencies include consolidating facilities, improving procurement, and standardizing our global technology platforms.
today as part of our q3 earnings release, we said that our goal is to reduce our current annualized cost run rate of roughly $3.9 billion by more than $400 million before the end of 2008. we are targeting non-headcount expenses wherever possible, such as facilities and outside services. however, because compensation expenses are the single largest part of our costs, we anticipate a reduction of at least 10% of our global workforce by year-end.
affected employees will be notified of layoffs in the next several weeks. we understand that hearing this news now creates uncertainty, but we are moving ahead in a way that balances speed with a clear focus on accomplishing what is necessary to set the organization up for long term success. going forward it will continue to be important for us to make the right decisions to keep our business efficient and strong.
having layoffs is very difficult, particularly in light of all we’ve experienced this year. but we don’t take these decisions lightly, and are committed to treating affected employees fairly, offering severance and outplacement services.
the steps we are taking are not easy for us as a company, but as we become more fit as an organization, decision-making will be faster and it will be easier for us all to get more done and stay focused on our strategy. these changes will also prepare us to better deal with the macroeconomic downturn. as with previous downturns, yahoo! continues to be a place where consumers turn for information and communications, and is an integral part of their internet day. as the global economy improves in the future, i certainly believe that we will be stronger and benefit from the actions we are taking now.
as always, i thank you for all you do as yahoos.
best,
jerry
So here's his email:
yahoos,
i feel it’s important for me to reach out to you after our earnings announcement, and before our all hands meeting tomorrow.
we as a company have been through a tremendously challenging year; and managing the increasingly turbulent global advertising climate has been an important focus for the last three months.
throughout the first three quarters of 2008, we have been balancing between investing in our top priorities, and managing our cost structure. beginning in september, with the help of Bain & Co., we initiated a series of steps to determine how we can become more efficient and productive as an organization.
we heard from you through the YEES survey, and through your suggestions on backyard, and we’ve identified many areas that we all feel we can improve upon. our productivity efforts, based in part on what we heard from you, will involve initiatives such as streamlining our organizational structure through reducing layers and increasing spans of control, and eliminating redundancies. longer term structural efficiencies include consolidating facilities, improving procurement, and standardizing our global technology platforms.
today as part of our q3 earnings release, we said that our goal is to reduce our current annualized cost run rate of roughly $3.9 billion by more than $400 million before the end of 2008. we are targeting non-headcount expenses wherever possible, such as facilities and outside services. however, because compensation expenses are the single largest part of our costs, we anticipate a reduction of at least 10% of our global workforce by year-end.
affected employees will be notified of layoffs in the next several weeks. we understand that hearing this news now creates uncertainty, but we are moving ahead in a way that balances speed with a clear focus on accomplishing what is necessary to set the organization up for long term success. going forward it will continue to be important for us to make the right decisions to keep our business efficient and strong.
having layoffs is very difficult, particularly in light of all we’ve experienced this year. but we don’t take these decisions lightly, and are committed to treating affected employees fairly, offering severance and outplacement services.
the steps we are taking are not easy for us as a company, but as we become more fit as an organization, decision-making will be faster and it will be easier for us all to get more done and stay focused on our strategy. these changes will also prepare us to better deal with the macroeconomic downturn. as with previous downturns, yahoo! continues to be a place where consumers turn for information and communications, and is an integral part of their internet day. as the global economy improves in the future, i certainly believe that we will be stronger and benefit from the actions we are taking now.
as always, i thank you for all you do as yahoos.
best,
jerry
Friday, October 10, 2008
Some Article Marketing
I have embarked on an Article Marketing campaign in a bid to raise the profile of one of my websites. I haven’t done this sort of thing before so I am a little unsure of what benefits I will get from it, or how soon I might see the fruits of my labour.
So what I have done is that I’ve written a few articles and then submitted them to various article directories, such ArticleAlley.com. Then, after the article has been accepted, I have sent a few links to it from a selection of social bookmarking sites.
I have also promoted the article from a few of my other websites, using the rationale that the more exposure it gets the better chance that someone else will pick it up and use it. I typically say something like: Here is a useful article if you are planning on buying a new calligraphy pen.
As I said, I’m not 100% sure how much of a difference the articles will make to the number of visitors I get to my site, but I will be watching over the coming month to see if I can spot some rise in the traffic.
So what I have done is that I’ve written a few articles and then submitted them to various article directories, such ArticleAlley.com. Then, after the article has been accepted, I have sent a few links to it from a selection of social bookmarking sites.
I have also promoted the article from a few of my other websites, using the rationale that the more exposure it gets the better chance that someone else will pick it up and use it. I typically say something like: Here is a useful article if you are planning on buying a new calligraphy pen.
As I said, I’m not 100% sure how much of a difference the articles will make to the number of visitors I get to my site, but I will be watching over the coming month to see if I can spot some rise in the traffic.
Monday, September 22, 2008
AFL Grand Final Week
We’re up to the second half of the month of September and we all know what that means don’t we? That’s right, footy finals and to be more specific, AFL footy finals time.
The Grand Final combatants have been decided and Geelong are going to try to make it two in a row when they take on Hawthorn. I’m very pleased to point out that in our local tipping comp at the start of the season we were ask to nominate our two grand finalists and I picked them both. What I probably shouldn’t point out but will in the spirit of full disclosure is that the majority of tipsters also picked Geelong and Hawthorn as their Grand Finalists.
So after 22 rounds of AFL football this year plus 3 weeks of finals, we’ve reached the point that most people knew we’d be at half a year ago.
Each year you sort of get a feel for the teams that look as though they are building up to becoming forces in coming years. Hawthorn gave this impression way back when they were plumbing 12th – 14 places on the ladder. This year I reckon that team is Richmond. They were a little unlucky to miss the 8 and appear to have a team of young, talented footballers who are starting to display the ability they have only hinted at in previous years. It will all depend on how they fare during this year’s draft.
Apart from that little prediction I won’t do anything so crass as to give my own rating on each team’s performance during the year. All I will say is that I have enjoyed the way both Geelong and Hawthorn have gone about their games, both of them are highly entertaining teams that make the ground admission price more than worthwhile, which is more than I can say for some of the teams who made the final 8. The crowds during the final series reflected that, I think.
Tip for the grand final on Saturday is Geelong. (Surprise, surprise)
The Grand Final combatants have been decided and Geelong are going to try to make it two in a row when they take on Hawthorn. I’m very pleased to point out that in our local tipping comp at the start of the season we were ask to nominate our two grand finalists and I picked them both. What I probably shouldn’t point out but will in the spirit of full disclosure is that the majority of tipsters also picked Geelong and Hawthorn as their Grand Finalists.
So after 22 rounds of AFL football this year plus 3 weeks of finals, we’ve reached the point that most people knew we’d be at half a year ago.
Each year you sort of get a feel for the teams that look as though they are building up to becoming forces in coming years. Hawthorn gave this impression way back when they were plumbing 12th – 14 places on the ladder. This year I reckon that team is Richmond. They were a little unlucky to miss the 8 and appear to have a team of young, talented footballers who are starting to display the ability they have only hinted at in previous years. It will all depend on how they fare during this year’s draft.
Apart from that little prediction I won’t do anything so crass as to give my own rating on each team’s performance during the year. All I will say is that I have enjoyed the way both Geelong and Hawthorn have gone about their games, both of them are highly entertaining teams that make the ground admission price more than worthwhile, which is more than I can say for some of the teams who made the final 8. The crowds during the final series reflected that, I think.
Tip for the grand final on Saturday is Geelong. (Surprise, surprise)
Sunday, September 7, 2008
The Fathers Day Con
Today is Fathers Day here in Australia and there’s at least one positive thing that I have to say about the day. The wind and rain, that looked yesterday as though it had set in for the entire weekend, has given way to a beautiful clear day today.
As you may have picked up, my family and I don’t do Fathers Day. At least, my wife and I and our 3 kids don’t do Fathers Day. There are others in our extended family who insist on celebrating it with a family do. Now that’s all well and good for some, others not so much and quite frankly the fewer times I get put through the wringer that constitutes some of our dysfunctional family get togethers each year, the better.
To start things off Fathers Day and Mothers Day…and Valentines Day for that matter, are simply marketing ploys perpetrated by retail executives whose job it is to take as much of our money as they can. And there are any number of suckers out there. Surely you’ve noticed the number of hardware ads before Fathers Day, the jewelry store ads before Mothers Day and florist ads before Valentines Day. Retailers experience a lovely little spike in sales at strategically placed points throughout the year.
It’s not a coincidence that Valentines Day sits nicely between Christmas and Easter, Mothers Day sits between Easter and the mid-year sales (or clearance if you’re a brainwashed DJ’s devotee) and Fathers Day falls between mid-year sales and Christmas. Now they’re hanging guilt trips on those who don’t splash out the big bucks just because you splashed out some sperm.
So if you’re one of the suckers who have fallen for the commercial cons of Fathers Day, Mothers Day and Valentines Day, you seriously deserve everything you get. I mean it. You have been had and the retailers are laughing all the way to the bank.
As you may have picked up, my family and I don’t do Fathers Day. At least, my wife and I and our 3 kids don’t do Fathers Day. There are others in our extended family who insist on celebrating it with a family do. Now that’s all well and good for some, others not so much and quite frankly the fewer times I get put through the wringer that constitutes some of our dysfunctional family get togethers each year, the better.
To start things off Fathers Day and Mothers Day…and Valentines Day for that matter, are simply marketing ploys perpetrated by retail executives whose job it is to take as much of our money as they can. And there are any number of suckers out there. Surely you’ve noticed the number of hardware ads before Fathers Day, the jewelry store ads before Mothers Day and florist ads before Valentines Day. Retailers experience a lovely little spike in sales at strategically placed points throughout the year.
It’s not a coincidence that Valentines Day sits nicely between Christmas and Easter, Mothers Day sits between Easter and the mid-year sales (or clearance if you’re a brainwashed DJ’s devotee) and Fathers Day falls between mid-year sales and Christmas. Now they’re hanging guilt trips on those who don’t splash out the big bucks just because you splashed out some sperm.
So if you’re one of the suckers who have fallen for the commercial cons of Fathers Day, Mothers Day and Valentines Day, you seriously deserve everything you get. I mean it. You have been had and the retailers are laughing all the way to the bank.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Scam of Domain Renewal Group
It was bound to happen I suppose. I own quite a few paid domains, sites that I maintain on an irregular basis. Anyway, one of them will be up for renewal at the end of January. I was a tad surprised to find a letter in the mail yesterday from a domain register company.
When I opened it, the stench of SCAM pervaded out of the envelop and across my senses. The company was Domain Renewal Group and they offer to allow you to transfer your domain registration to them for a price that is more than 4 times higher than the cost of a regular domain registration.
Checking on Google and you can see that many others have twigged to the underhanded tactics used by Domain Renewal Group. Some of the posts about the company suggest that their shadiness extends beyond the overinflated prices they offer as specials.
I'll tell you what though, they win the prize for the smallest fine print I have ever squinted over.
Steer clear of Domain Renewal Group.
When I opened it, the stench of SCAM pervaded out of the envelop and across my senses. The company was Domain Renewal Group and they offer to allow you to transfer your domain registration to them for a price that is more than 4 times higher than the cost of a regular domain registration.
Checking on Google and you can see that many others have twigged to the underhanded tactics used by Domain Renewal Group. Some of the posts about the company suggest that their shadiness extends beyond the overinflated prices they offer as specials.
I'll tell you what though, they win the prize for the smallest fine print I have ever squinted over.
Steer clear of Domain Renewal Group.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Holiday Destinations
We’ve slipped into September with the realisation that there’s only 4 more weeks until the October school holidays are upon us. This will mark 2 years since our last major family holiday away together when we went to Airlie Beach and had a wonderful time. That’s too long to go without a holiday.
There’s not really enough time to organise a holiday for October but there are definitely some stirrings to make some plans sooner rather than later, possibly during the April holidays. So we’ve got a few options that we have already tossed around for consideration with more, I’m sure, to come before the end of the year.
The Gold Coast holiday has been done to death by our family and even though it’s jam-packed with things for the kids to do such as Movie World, Dream World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, Sea World and the beach we’re looking elsewhere for out holiday choice.
Top of our list at this point is Cairns. With options into the Great Barrier Reef on one side and trips out into the Daintree Forest on the other there’s a lot to like about the area. It’s one of the parts of the country that you tend to hear a lot about and looks as though it provides plenty to see and do. I’m not too sure about the kid-friendliness of the place, although I’m sure that as with all tourist destinations they will be well provided for.
Another place I have never been to but am keen to visit is Darwin. Australia’s Top End is holding an increasing allure to me and I’d like to get the chance to get up there and experience the true Australian Outback. With the possibility of touring Kakadu and Arnhem Land I would love to spend a week experiencing a part of the country that is unlike anything I’m used to. The Darwin / Northern Territory holiday strikes me as more of a strenuous, adventure type holiday and one that you would take with older children. So perhaps a holiday to Darwin will have to be saved for another 3 or 4 years.
The final idea we’ve had is a trip to New Zealand’s south island. Every bit of footage I have seen of the south island landscape has been absolutely stunning, so in terms of breathtaking scenery we would be set. It would be the kid’s first trip outside of Australia, so it would be a good learning experience for them. It’s also close enough so that travelling won’t be especially tiring.
I don’t really know a great deal about New Zealand’s south island so I will be doing some study to learn about places to stay, things to do and sights to see.
There’s not really enough time to organise a holiday for October but there are definitely some stirrings to make some plans sooner rather than later, possibly during the April holidays. So we’ve got a few options that we have already tossed around for consideration with more, I’m sure, to come before the end of the year.
The Gold Coast holiday has been done to death by our family and even though it’s jam-packed with things for the kids to do such as Movie World, Dream World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, Sea World and the beach we’re looking elsewhere for out holiday choice.
Top of our list at this point is Cairns. With options into the Great Barrier Reef on one side and trips out into the Daintree Forest on the other there’s a lot to like about the area. It’s one of the parts of the country that you tend to hear a lot about and looks as though it provides plenty to see and do. I’m not too sure about the kid-friendliness of the place, although I’m sure that as with all tourist destinations they will be well provided for.
Another place I have never been to but am keen to visit is Darwin. Australia’s Top End is holding an increasing allure to me and I’d like to get the chance to get up there and experience the true Australian Outback. With the possibility of touring Kakadu and Arnhem Land I would love to spend a week experiencing a part of the country that is unlike anything I’m used to. The Darwin / Northern Territory holiday strikes me as more of a strenuous, adventure type holiday and one that you would take with older children. So perhaps a holiday to Darwin will have to be saved for another 3 or 4 years.
The final idea we’ve had is a trip to New Zealand’s south island. Every bit of footage I have seen of the south island landscape has been absolutely stunning, so in terms of breathtaking scenery we would be set. It would be the kid’s first trip outside of Australia, so it would be a good learning experience for them. It’s also close enough so that travelling won’t be especially tiring.
I don’t really know a great deal about New Zealand’s south island so I will be doing some study to learn about places to stay, things to do and sights to see.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Luster Whitening
A new teeth whitening system has been released in the US that promises to whiten your teeth up to 6 shades in one hour. The product is called Luster 1 Hour White and it's an Over The Counter (OTC) product that you take home and use yourself.
This particular at-home whitening product is different to other products because it includes an activating light similar to the kind of light a dentist will use when you get your teeth whitened professionally.
It looks like it could be a winner at only around 40 bucks a pop. It's not exactly specified how long the whitening effect will last but the web-site did say that the 6 shades bit was a guarantee.
The product also has FDA approval which, from what I can gather, is unusual in an OTC product. Clinical trials have shown that it will also not cause tooth sensitivity either.
In the quest to give every American citizen a whiter than white smile the Luster Tooth Whitening system seems just the ticket.
This particular at-home whitening product is different to other products because it includes an activating light similar to the kind of light a dentist will use when you get your teeth whitened professionally.
It looks like it could be a winner at only around 40 bucks a pop. It's not exactly specified how long the whitening effect will last but the web-site did say that the 6 shades bit was a guarantee.
The product also has FDA approval which, from what I can gather, is unusual in an OTC product. Clinical trials have shown that it will also not cause tooth sensitivity either.
In the quest to give every American citizen a whiter than white smile the Luster Tooth Whitening system seems just the ticket.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
The Beijing Games Draw To A Close
The Beijing Olympic Games are all but over and the medals have been won, at least one of them has been chucked away and one referee has been kicked in the head because someone didn’t win one.
Australia finished with 14 gold medals which sits pretty close to expectations, although according to the news reports, Australian sport is in a little bit of trouble because we were down on the Australian Olympic Committee’s (AOC) prediction. As an average Joe, stock standard Aussie, I say rubbish. The haul of medals pulled down by our athletes was right on the money.
I reckon any gold medal tally that sits between 10 – 20 is perfect – just enough to make every last one of them special and able to be celebrated fully. While it would have been nice to win more, you accept that not everything goes to plan and there are always going to be surprises in sport.
And it’s the surprise gold medals that make the greatest impact. Matthew Mitcham winning the gold medal in the 10m Platform Diving on the second last day will long live in many Australian’s memories. That it came completely out of the blue, with even the Australian commentators completely writing his chances off before “that” dive, made it all the more sweet.
Yes, the Olympics are over for another Olympiad, China has put on a great show and Australia can be well proud of their efforts. Memorable moments in the Games for me? It’s got to be Usain Bolt on the track and Michael Phelps in the pool.
Australia finished with 14 gold medals which sits pretty close to expectations, although according to the news reports, Australian sport is in a little bit of trouble because we were down on the Australian Olympic Committee’s (AOC) prediction. As an average Joe, stock standard Aussie, I say rubbish. The haul of medals pulled down by our athletes was right on the money.
I reckon any gold medal tally that sits between 10 – 20 is perfect – just enough to make every last one of them special and able to be celebrated fully. While it would have been nice to win more, you accept that not everything goes to plan and there are always going to be surprises in sport.
And it’s the surprise gold medals that make the greatest impact. Matthew Mitcham winning the gold medal in the 10m Platform Diving on the second last day will long live in many Australian’s memories. That it came completely out of the blue, with even the Australian commentators completely writing his chances off before “that” dive, made it all the more sweet.
Yes, the Olympics are over for another Olympiad, China has put on a great show and Australia can be well proud of their efforts. Memorable moments in the Games for me? It’s got to be Usain Bolt on the track and Michael Phelps in the pool.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Cool Weather - Sally McLellan - Channel 7
Yesterday was reported as the coldest Sydney morning of the year so far, getting as low as 5 degrees Celsius on the coast. We’re pretty lucky with our winters in Sydney because they’re pretty mild compared to other parts of the country. It’s all about being acclimatised to the conditions though and we Sydneysiders really feel the cooler starts.
What we do get are fogs and sometimes they’re as thick as calligraphy ink, but it seems that we have largely missed out on any significant pea-soup events this winter. At least, that’s how it stands with only 11 days of winter remaining.
What we do get are fogs and sometimes they’re as thick as calligraphy ink, but it seems that we have largely missed out on any significant pea-soup events this winter. At least, that’s how it stands with only 11 days of winter remaining.
* * * * *
It was wonderful to see Sally McLellan’s reaction to her silver medal winning performance in the 100m hurdles in Beijing last night. She had a great start to the race, maintained her form right to the finish line and had a bit of luck. But, for the girl whose goal was to just make an Olympic final, her excitement, jubilation, disbelief and unbridled joy when her name was posted as the Olympic silver medallist was a pleasure to watch.
* * * * *
Still on the 100m hurdles brings me to the television coverage and brickbats galore go to Channel 7 for stuffing their viewers around once again. They simply refuse to do the decent thing and let us know exactly when events are going to be aired.
From 10pm onwards, every time they went to an ad break we were reminded that Sally McLellan’s race was coming up later but at no point were we given an idea of exactly when the race would be aired which is simply not good enough. The least they could have done was tell us the race was on at 12:15 and Channel 7 would be showing it live. Assholes.
From 10pm onwards, every time they went to an ad break we were reminded that Sally McLellan’s race was coming up later but at no point were we given an idea of exactly when the race would be aired which is simply not good enough. The least they could have done was tell us the race was on at 12:15 and Channel 7 would be showing it live. Assholes.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Stupid Interview Questions
I had to laugh out loud while watching the Olympics last night. Sally McLellan had just run a wonderful semi-final in the Womens 100m Hurdles to make the final and she was clearly over the moon. Naturally Channel 7 were there to shove a microphone under her out of breath nose demanding that she talk rather than recover from her efforts.
It was Pat Welsh doing the interviewing and he seems armed with an endless supply of dumbass questions that he is equally capable at trotting out at the athletics as he is at the golf. At some point, wouldn’t you think these guys would pause for a minute, work out some insightful questions and use them rather than the dross they appear to be happy chucking at our athletes?
When Pat asked McLellan “Did you realise you’re the first Australian to make the final in the 100m hurdles since Glynnis Nunn?” she came back with “I don’t care about that, I’m in the final now.” Ka-pow, take that dickhead.
Why the fuck would Sally McLelland care who made an Olympic final more than 20 years ago when she was celebrating the biggest moment of her sporting career. Good on her for her response to a dim-witted question. Are we going to have to take out an AVO to keep these idiot reporters away from our sporting stars?
It was Pat Welsh doing the interviewing and he seems armed with an endless supply of dumbass questions that he is equally capable at trotting out at the athletics as he is at the golf. At some point, wouldn’t you think these guys would pause for a minute, work out some insightful questions and use them rather than the dross they appear to be happy chucking at our athletes?
When Pat asked McLellan “Did you realise you’re the first Australian to make the final in the 100m hurdles since Glynnis Nunn?” she came back with “I don’t care about that, I’m in the final now.” Ka-pow, take that dickhead.
Why the fuck would Sally McLelland care who made an Olympic final more than 20 years ago when she was celebrating the biggest moment of her sporting career. Good on her for her response to a dim-witted question. Are we going to have to take out an AVO to keep these idiot reporters away from our sporting stars?
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Rail Lines in Australia
It’s hardly surprising with the ever-increasing rise of fuel prices that more and more talk is starting to be heard about the prospect of new rail links being constructed in various parts of Australia’s more isolated areas. You would have to think that there would be major obstacles with any rail line proposal considering the land issues involved with taking up over a thousand kilometres to stick railway tracks in, so the following two projects would have to be years away.
A new rail link has been proposed between Toowoomba in Queensland and Moree in New South Wales to speed up the shipping of goods between Melbourne and Brisbane by bypassing the more congested Sydney connection.
Another railway line, this one from the north-west Queensland city of Mount Isa to Tennant Creek, which is a distance of around 600km. This particular line would meet up with the north-south line running from Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin and would enable ore freight to be moved to a wider spread of ports from the town of Mount Isa. It sounds as though the people of Mount Isa are fully in favour of running the line towards Darwin, now it’s just up to the government to agree to the two plans.
At the centre of both of these projects is Australian Transport and Energy Corridor Ltd, a company that appears to be coming up with plenty of solutions when it comes to alternative goods haulage around Australia.
A new rail link has been proposed between Toowoomba in Queensland and Moree in New South Wales to speed up the shipping of goods between Melbourne and Brisbane by bypassing the more congested Sydney connection.
Another railway line, this one from the north-west Queensland city of Mount Isa to Tennant Creek, which is a distance of around 600km. This particular line would meet up with the north-south line running from Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin and would enable ore freight to be moved to a wider spread of ports from the town of Mount Isa. It sounds as though the people of Mount Isa are fully in favour of running the line towards Darwin, now it’s just up to the government to agree to the two plans.
At the centre of both of these projects is Australian Transport and Energy Corridor Ltd, a company that appears to be coming up with plenty of solutions when it comes to alternative goods haulage around Australia.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Under
Underwater, underworld, underground, underwear. Yes, that’s right, I’ve challenged myself to use the word under in a blog post as many times as I possibly can which, truth be told, puts me under pressure. But I’m under no illusions, I reckon I’m up to the task.
Under the terms of my own challenge under which there are an under-abundance of rules, I have decided to attempt to write at least a 200 word article with the word under as the binding theme. If it’s under 200 word I won’t be too underwhelmed, after all, it’s my blog, my show and only I know if I’ve underachieved or not.
Am I feeling as though I’m under stress? Perhaps a little, I’m not going to underplay how I feel about the exercise, but understand this, I will not allow the weight of pressure to send me under. I have some undercover plans that are still under wraps and I will only unveil them if I come under fire or feel as if I’m under duress.
Wait a minute, I can almost hear you muttering under your breath, but under no circumstances am I going to let any negative energy pull me down in its undertow. As a matter of fact, even though it feels as though I’ve only just gotten underway when suddenly, it’s over.
Under the terms of my own challenge under which there are an under-abundance of rules, I have decided to attempt to write at least a 200 word article with the word under as the binding theme. If it’s under 200 word I won’t be too underwhelmed, after all, it’s my blog, my show and only I know if I’ve underachieved or not.
Am I feeling as though I’m under stress? Perhaps a little, I’m not going to underplay how I feel about the exercise, but understand this, I will not allow the weight of pressure to send me under. I have some undercover plans that are still under wraps and I will only unveil them if I come under fire or feel as if I’m under duress.
Wait a minute, I can almost hear you muttering under your breath, but under no circumstances am I going to let any negative energy pull me down in its undertow. As a matter of fact, even though it feels as though I’ve only just gotten underway when suddenly, it’s over.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Peanuts
I’ve been thinking for some time now that I should eat more peanuts. Usually I’ll snack on 
cashews, sitting up late at night just casually munching my way through a packet while watching TV or working online. But for some reason, maybe its just to make a change of pace, I feel more like changing my snacking of choice to peanuts.
I’m actually thinking about keeping a container of peanuts, or even mixed nuts, on my desk at work so that I can nibble throughout the day. As long as there aren’t any people around with peanut allergies I should be okay – not that you hear about too many adults with severe allergic reactions to peanuts.
I find peanuts, well, all nuts in general, are a great healthy way to graze throughout the day. I’m pretty active – I do a lot of running, so I find that I need a constant intake of energy to keep me going. Basically, I’m always hungry because my internal furnace is running hot. My lunch time runs of 10km or more means that I’m ready for a fairly substantial lunch when I’m finished, which often doesn’t satisfy my hunger completely. If I’m not eating peanuts or apples or some other fruit, I’d be eating a chocolate bar and as much as I’d like to do that, I really shouldn’t.
See, now that I’ve been talking about eating peanuts at my desk at work, the craving has grown even stronger which is rather annoying because I don’t actually have any peanuts on me and I’m about to head out for a run.
cashews, sitting up late at night just casually munching my way through a packet while watching TV or working online. But for some reason, maybe its just to make a change of pace, I feel more like changing my snacking of choice to peanuts.I’m actually thinking about keeping a container of peanuts, or even mixed nuts, on my desk at work so that I can nibble throughout the day. As long as there aren’t any people around with peanut allergies I should be okay – not that you hear about too many adults with severe allergic reactions to peanuts.
I find peanuts, well, all nuts in general, are a great healthy way to graze throughout the day. I’m pretty active – I do a lot of running, so I find that I need a constant intake of energy to keep me going. Basically, I’m always hungry because my internal furnace is running hot. My lunch time runs of 10km or more means that I’m ready for a fairly substantial lunch when I’m finished, which often doesn’t satisfy my hunger completely. If I’m not eating peanuts or apples or some other fruit, I’d be eating a chocolate bar and as much as I’d like to do that, I really shouldn’t.See, now that I’ve been talking about eating peanuts at my desk at work, the craving has grown even stronger which is rather annoying because I don’t actually have any peanuts on me and I’m about to head out for a run.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
AFL Messing With Tradition
Here’s a question for the stodgy farts who run the AFL – why are you seemingly do everything in your power to spoil the enjoyment of the game for fans? Of course, I’m talking about the news today that they want to stomp on the tradition of fans running onto the ground to celebrate a 100-goal milestone.
Citing the bullshit excuse that player and fan safety is an issue, AFL spokesman Patrick Keane only succeeded in convincing the whole of Australia that the AFL are a bunch of surly stick in the muds who have fallen out of touch with what the fans want to see. If the AFL was truly concerned about fan safety they would’ve banned Cameron Ling’s ugly mug from ever being shown on the telly, scaring the kids half to death.
I would wager that a good chunk of the crowds coming to watch the last 3 Hawthorn and Carlton matches will be there to see Buddy Franklin and Brendan Fevola kick their 100th goal for the season. And if they’re not planning on actually running out onto the ground I’m sure they’re looking forward to the spectacle of seeing others celebrate the occasion in the time-honoured way.
This is just pathetic ass-covering on the part of the AFL, pure and simple. Let the fans celebrate the milestones ya miserable creeps.
Citing the bullshit excuse that player and fan safety is an issue, AFL spokesman Patrick Keane only succeeded in convincing the whole of Australia that the AFL are a bunch of surly stick in the muds who have fallen out of touch with what the fans want to see. If the AFL was truly concerned about fan safety they would’ve banned Cameron Ling’s ugly mug from ever being shown on the telly, scaring the kids half to death.
I would wager that a good chunk of the crowds coming to watch the last 3 Hawthorn and Carlton matches will be there to see Buddy Franklin and Brendan Fevola kick their 100th goal for the season. And if they’re not planning on actually running out onto the ground I’m sure they’re looking forward to the spectacle of seeing others celebrate the occasion in the time-honoured way.
This is just pathetic ass-covering on the part of the AFL, pure and simple. Let the fans celebrate the milestones ya miserable creeps.
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