4.30am Zero C.

I woke up at 4.30am today - it was just so cold. I turned off my heaters before I went to sleep as they usually prevent me from waking up.

This time however the cold was so intense that I woke up.

I walked downstairs, opened the door, and checked the outside thermometer - it showed 0C. Thats right - zero. It was colder out here than in my fridge. Whoa!!

I hurried back inside - but I think I caught a chill.

(The photo was taken at an earlier date. I didn't have the strength to grab my camera and take an outdoor photo at 4.30am)

Coldest Day ever in Australia !!!!!

Its 6C outside my house.
And its minus 13 C at Charlotte's Pass.

Damn I knew the bitch was an ice princess!! She's so frosty she'll freeze a guy's nuts off!


Minus 13 degrees - the coldest it's been in April
Brett Dutschke, Wednesday April 29, 2009 - 14:58 EST

A new Australian record was set early this morning, a temperature of minus 13 degrees, at Charlotte Pass on the Snowy Mountains.This is the lowest temperature recorded anywhere in Australia in April and is 13 below the average.

Nearby at Perisher it dipped to minus 11 degrees and at the top of Thredbo it dipped to minus 10.Across the border, on the Victorian Alps April records were broken at Mt Hotham where it chilled to minus eight degrees and Mt Buller and Falls Creek where it got as low as minus seven.

A few other locations set April low temperature records also. In Tasmania Lake Leake was as cold as minus six, Sheffield and Dover both reached minus one and Flinders island got to zero. Hobart had its coldest April night in 46 years, recording a low of 1.7 degrees, seven below average.

While much of inland NSW and Victoria will be colder tomorrow morning than it was this morning under clearer skies, the Alps should be a little warmer due to a rise in humidity.

The Phoenix Part 4 - DRAFT

By this time everyone on the ship stopped whatever they were doing and watched the dingy rescue.

Jack felt very self conscious as he was helped onto the deck. He felt uneasy with all the attention, esp the the young women whose eyes wandered over his body sinfully.

A tall large man came forward and put out his hand.

"Mate, thanks for saving my wife."

"Yeah, no worries."

"My name with Joseph Wever. Call me Joe. And this is my boat. Make yourself at home."

"Can I get you a beer mate?"

Jack shrugged. But Joe pushed a bottle into his hands.

"Here have this. Its great stuff - Tasmanian lager." I liked it so much I bought the brewery.

The tall man looked at Jack curiously and asked, "So where's your boat?"

Jack stared stone faced not knowing what to say. A few of the beautiful young girls, one of them topless, stared at him curiously with cat like femininity.

He stammered, the effects of the hypothermia still clogging his brain cells, "I don't have one... I err... I was out for a swim."

"You were out for a WHAT?!!!"  a bemused Joseph barked, almost choking on his words.

The crew started giggling. 

"A Swim." muttered Jack defensively.

"Out here?"

"@#k mate. You've come out a @#king long way for a @#$king swim mate." Joseph said with a light mocking tone.

An oldish man from the boat's bridge - leaned over and said,

"If you're trying to swim to Tasmania you're a bit late mate."

"Tasmania???" Jack wondered - starting to feel very foolishly. He had this image of himself running aground into a Tasmania beach and screwing up his suicide attempt.

"A sheila's done it already. Swam there in 14 hours across the Bass. But you're heading to the South Pacific."

At this stage, Jack angrily gritted his teeth and wanted to jump back into the ocean and carry on his swim the moment their backs were turned.

Joseph, having had a good laugh, and seeing the pain in Jack's face, slapped him on his back.

"Sorry son. We're just having some fun."

"Sit down. You must be exhausted. You're about 100km out at sea."

"Come join us - we've got some great sausages on the barbie."

Things you've found underwater

This is a sample from the scuba diving forum. One of the funny things my dive group found was a big 12 inch knife.

Hello,

You are subscribed to the thread "Things you've found under water"
These following posts were made to the thread:
************

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/underwater-treasures/87336-things-youve-found-under-water-post4350682.html#post4350682
Posted by: mk-ultra
On: April 13th, 2009 05:00 PM

My friend and I brought our dive gear on a lakeside camping trip in the El Dorado "desolation wilderness" area near Lake Tahoe.  We weren't even sure we were going to dive it -- snorkeling on previous trips revealed little of interest, but what the heck -- might as well get in some practice.

About 60' from shore, slinking along the mostly yucky bottom, I catch what looks like a piece of black pipe sticking out from the muck with my light.  I swim over, give it a tug, and OMG -- it's a rifle.  More specifically, an AR-15 or M-16.  We both surface and give it a look-over.  It's in great shape... no rust.

Stamped on the left side near the magazine:

Property of US Govt
M-16 A2
Cal 5.56 MM
[serial number]

with a Colt stamp to the right of the magazine.

My buddy and I were pretty bug-eyed by our find.  I made sure the fire selector was on safe and we brought it back in, mostly going "holy ***** holy ***** holy *****" the whole time.

Back on land I hit the magazine release and pulled the charging handle back to see that nothing was chambered.  Hrm.  Something looks weird.

AHHHH.

Looking at the top of the magazine -- this "M-16" turned out to be one of those expensive Japanese replica airsoft guns.  Real metal (with a plastic stock and foregrip -- just like a real M-16)... and realistic weight.  Guess some kids in a boat were out screwing around and dropped it overboard?

Feel sorry for whoever lost it -- I found they're about $400.  We talked to the rangers to see if anyone had reported it missing.  Nope.  Our toy now :-P  Gave it three soaks in the bathtub, blew it out with compressed air and let it dry, lubed it with teflon, and replaced the battery pack.  Works like a charm!

Mostly used for ambushing cardboard boxes in my living room.  Mostly.
************

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/underwater-treasures/87336-things-youve-found-under-water-post4351607.html#post4351607
Posted by: Timoblue
On: April 14th, 2009 12:34 AM


---Quote---
In Okinawa, Japan we find panties all the time, I am just waiting for one of these night dives when I return to the exit only to scare the piss out of one of these skinny dippers.
---End Quote---
Just don't get caught wearing them at the same time :D


Found:

Rusty bread knife.

PadLock with key in place.

Fancy mask.

1 fin.

Peace n quiet.
************

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/underwater-treasures/87336-things-youve-found-under-water-post4356399.html#post4356399
Posted by: Graeme Tolton
On: April 15th, 2009 09:49 PM

6 pack of coca cola (full)
100' safety spool
100's of fishing lures
binoculars
5/8" combination wrench
Antique bottles
Marine flare casing
5 pin bowling ball
flower vase
mastercraft 3/8" ratchet
Face mask
Propeller
Mesh loot bag
Set of false teeth (got a reward for that one)
Much much more... can't remember any others right now.
************

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/underwater-treasures/87336-things-youve-found-under-water-post4362072.html#post4362072
Posted by: piffle
On: April 18th, 2009 07:13 AM

My buddy and I were diving a small quarry and found a gun safe. We returned with a lift bag, floated the safe over to the bank and broke it open. Empty. We figured someone stole the guns and ditched the safe.
************

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/underwater-treasures/87336-things-youve-found-under-water-post4362321.html#post4362321
Posted by: sibermike7
On: April 18th, 2009 10:47 AM

---End Quote---
We pulled 3 gun safes from Tallinn harbor last year during Project Aware clean-up!  Of course all were empty! :depressed:
************
Underwater Fishing
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/underwater-treasures/87336-things-youve-found-under-water-post4362769.html#post4362769
Posted by: Baracuda Smile
On: April 18th, 2009 07:09 PM


---Quote (Originally by Ready Diver)---
That's funny that you found a fishing pole.  I was diving with a buddy in Monterey and at about 80` found a deep sea fishing pole - bout 10 feet long.  My buddy decided to bring it up, so he carried it for another 20 min or so until the end of the dive!  It's good to get rid of some of the trash out there.
---End Quote---
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/underwater-treasures/87336-things-youve-found-under-water-94.html#post4363839
Posted by: FossilDiverDad
On: April 19th, 2009 09:55 AM

Found in Ginnie Springs 4/09 :gold wedding band,diamond earring,gold loop earring,4 .22 bullets,cheap gold plated necklace,silver loop earring,piece of turtle shell, $0.66 change,snorkle keeper all on 1 dive !


As a reminder, you must use the link to respond to a post. Replies to this message will not be seen by the poster nor will they be amended to the current post.

Thank you,

The ScubaBoard Team
www.scubaboard.com

Mouse in the House!!!!

I found a mouse in my house yesterday.

Was watching TV at about 5pm when I heard a rustling noise coming from the toaster. Went over to investigate and out jumped a small gray mouse. It was tiny. Probably about the same size as the standard notebook computer mouse. I tried scaring it out the front door - but it disappeared into a cavity in my wall cupboard.

Initially I thought it had gotten into the cupboard - but later found a very small hole the size of a 10 cent coin.

I went out and bought a few traps for my furry friend. Men, as you know, like to catch small furry things.

One of my friend was also very kind to loan me their cat for the weekend. Thanks Andrew and Nina!!!

 

And I set up a trap using the "humane mouse trap" Cost about $2.60 at Bunnings.

 

Smeared the inside end as instructed with peanut butter. But seemed to have no success for a day or so.Andrew and Nina brought their cat over. It roamed around for an hour or so. Seemed to even like my VW Beetle. hahaha.

After dinner the cat got interested with the trap. It wasn't activated at this stage.Then the cat stuck its hand inside as if it was trying to get at something. The trap door shut.

I thought it was playing around -but when I picked up the trap it felt a tad heavy. I shook it - but didn't hear anything rattling inside.

 

Just to be on the same side, I called the cat over - by this time it seemed to have lost all interest.
I opened the lid - and out popped the mouse!!! Argghh!!! The cat caught it straight away.

Played with it for half a minute - I thought it would let it go - then cat ate mouse happily. It must have loved the taste of that mouse because after that the cat didn't want to have anymore milk or commercial cat food. But instead went to hunting mode.

Right now Cat is stalking something else. I guess there may be more than one mouse in the house... errkk...
I tried photographing the cat - but it just won't stay still at the moment.

Running in Ruffeys Park and seeing an Angel run pass

I walked/ran to the park near my home today. Total distance is about 10km. I mostly walked - the base of my spine was hurting whenever I started running.

So. I can't seem to fall asleep at night. I put the blame on lack of exercise. At the moment, I do little of it. Gardening doesn't count.

Biologically we are for movement and hard physical work. Our ancestors had to run from lions, chase after animals, work the plow, dig for food, and walk everywhere or on horseback if we were lucky to catch a horse, etc..

When I was in High School I went to bed at 9pm and couldn't sleep until 2am.

On my first day in the Army I thought I better inform the Sargent about my insomnia. I didn't need to. By the 2nd day, I was in ZZZ land the second my head touched the pillow. In fact I was so exhausted from the training, I'd fall asleep everywhere, even running. Once after getting back home from the base, I fell asleep for 28 hours and woke up wondering why it was still night time. Good job I woke up as I had to be at Graduation Parade in a few hours time. If I had missed that, I'd have ended up in military prison with the most sad arse story.

Anyways, by the time I got halfway around the running trip I was quite buggered. I haven't exercised in ages... Then this gorgeous girl runs pass me - ivory skin, beautiful blonde hair, and a lovely proportionate figure. She ran by with the sunlight glittering in her golden locks. And all my problems seemed to fade away. And I gave thanks to God for being so alive.

I love the small moments of happiness in life. :)

I beg your pardon if I come across as being rather amorous. But honestly if we can't admire the opposite sex in our everyday life then life would be very dull indeed. Its a natural instinct; no shame to say the lady is a dame.

The funny thing about our society is that we are usually commended for speaking falsehood. I guess its sometimes called diplomacy.

But when we speak our mind freely, we are condemned for it. There's no point gilding crap and claiming its gold.

Anyways, I think I'll go running again tomorrow :) (And hopefully, I'd run faster so that I can get her phone number.)

Noritake Ingrid: Lets Play "Mah-sa Mah-sah!!" (for real!)

Cool. I just bought an old Noritake China set. Its name is "Ingrid" made from 1958 - 1962. Yellow grey roses highlighted with gold trim. Very chic. I think thats about over 58 pieces in all. Incomplete dinner set with coffee set.

I take pleasure in small things in life. A drink from a beautiful tea cup. Experiencing the fragrance of freshly brewed coffee. It doesn't cost a lot and it makes me feel so good.

Sharing the experience with my friends makes the whole experience that more fun!

Aila visits Tudor House in Autumn 09

My baby niece Aila makes a visit to Tudor House (Autumn 2009). She seems to like the place! Euen also does his best to entertain her. You can also see a wild tomato plant that grew up in an abandoned flower bed.

The photo of the misty neighborhood was taken at about 7am morning. Its mist not smog thank God.

My Army

I used to be in the army. On some days, I thought it was pretty cool. I liked firing M16. I wish we had more opportunities firing the other weapons like the M203, GPMG, SAW etc.. I had the opportunity to fire the massive 155mm howitzer gun once. Boy that was scary. The gun blast was so powerful that it lifted all the dust from the ground.

I hated the bitchiness of the instructors. They treated us like shit sometimes - they'd probably be the first people we would shoot in the event of a war. The ones who were good were like fathers to us though.

It really pissed me off that some of my Uncles who were from Malaysia and therefore didn't have to do military service - would laugh at me for not being able to do simple things, ie. like going to the bank to get my ATM card on a Saturday morning or weekday. Once my ATM card was chewed up by the machine and I had to live on $20 for the whole month. All my close relations were overseas at the time and I was living alone. And no one would help me. I lived in fear of falling asleep on the bus back home and missing my stop as I didn't have enough cash to catch another bus.

Live firing was scary. Running and shooting live ammo with a bunch of other blokes who may be short sighted or color blind is no laughing matter. I dreaded night live firing exercises - fortunately I missed that. Running in full combat gear was no joke.

In the morning, we would go for 10km runs. I would fall asleep when I was running and still keep on running. The physical training exercises were so intense that it was sometimes frightening, esp. when you've only about 4 hours of sleep. Most of the time, I thought it sucked. I did however lose 20kg and manage to do my 2.4km in about 8 minutes and achieve 13 military chin-ups. I achieved a level of fitness that couldn't have been done otherwise. Sometimes I was just so tired and exhausted I felt I could just run through a wall than climb over it. I walked straight into a massive spider web with a friggen huge black widow looking spider in the middle. It was like "shit massive spider" - then "compass says go straight" - "Spider?" "go straight"

My friends were nice enough to get the spider off my back. But I was so tired I didn't care. I just wanted to finish that night march.

Having gone thru that physical ordeal. I can handle most physical training. Except I'd still be complaining a lot.

:)

Fun times.

Beauty more than skindeep - Susan Boyle sings

Fat, dowdy Susan Boyle - unemployed and rather old - few people would notice her.

But she came on stage and amazed people with her incredible singing voice.

Initially the crowd and the judges thought she was a joke. But everyone changed their mind once she started singing.

Holy cow. She hit all the right notes. Absolutely fantastic for (an amateur). Heck, with a bit more training she could rank as one of the greatest singers of our time.

She really does have an amazing voice. And I hope to get to hear her sing one day.

Click on the photo and it'll take you to the official youtube video of her especial remarkable performance.

2 Kings 2:9 - A Double Portion of your spirit

When they had crossed the river, Elisjah said to Elisha, "Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?"

"Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit," Elisha replied.

Holy Bible. 2 Kings 2:9

Robber demands cash from Alcoholics Anonymous meeting

A robber walked into a downtown Alcoholics Anonymous center, pulled out a gun and demanded money, “Gimme what you got,” witnesses quoted the robber as saying when he entered the AA building at 2015 College St. in Five Points about 10:48 p.m. Saturday.

And so one of the AA members pulled out his gun and shot him pointblank. The robber was killed.

In Australia, the robber would be the hero, but this is America.

Hair Stylist Caught Armed Robber and used him as her Personal Sex Slave

Hair Stylist Keeps Armed Robber as Sex Slave

15 April 2009By Carl Schreck / The Moscow Times
In what is either the weirdest Russian crime story of the year so far or a new low in yellow crime journalism, a female hair stylist in the Kaluga region is suspected of holding an armed robber in captivity as a sex slave for two days after he unsuccessfully tried to knock over her beauty salon.
 
According to Life.ru, the events unfolded on the evening of March 14 as the stylist was wrapping up her shift at the salon in the Kaluga region town of Meshchovsk.
 
The robber, a 32-year-old man identified by Life.ru as "Viktor," burst into the salon at around 5 p.m. waving a pistol and ordered all of the stylists and clients to hit the floor and toss him their money.
 
At this point, 28-year-old Olga, whom Life.ru describes as a "delicate" girl trained in martial arts, was apparently still standing when she offered to hand over her cash. But when Viktor tried to accept her contribution, Olga surprised him with a quick punch to the chest, knocking the wind out of him before she flipped him to the ground.
 
Olga proceeded to tie Viktor up with a hair-dryer cord, gagged him and dragged him into a storage room.
 
Curiously, Life.ru reports, Olga instructed the others to keep working, telling them that the police would soon arrive.
 
The police did not come. And after the other stylists and clients went home for the evening, Olga told Viktor to "take off his underwear" and, with apologies to John Cougar Mellencamp, let her do as she pleases, lest she call the cops, Life.ru said.
 
She tied him to the radiator with handcuffs covered in frilly pink fabric, gave him some Viagra and had her way with him several times over the next 48 hours. When she finally let him go on the evening of March 16, Viktor had been "squeezed like a lemon," Life.ru reported.
 
First, he went to the hospital to have his injured genitals treated; then he went to police and filed a complaint asking that Olga be brought up on criminal charges for committing "actions of a sexual nature" that left him with injured sexual organs, according to a copy of the complaint posted on Life.ru.
 
Olga was apparently incensed when she learned of the complaint. She had, after all, even tried to be nice to her purported captive.
 
"What a jerk," Life.ru quoted her as saying. "Yeah, there were a few times. But I bought him new jeans, gave him food and drink, and gave him 1,000 rubles when he left."

(Only in Russia) 

The Phoenix Part 3 first draft

Jack swam towards the sound of her cries for help and found the drowning woman. She was struggling in the current, exhausted and desperately trying to keep her head above water.

He reached her just as she was about to disappear beneath the grey sea.

"What the hell are you doing out here?"

She spluttered: "Fucking drowning. What the hell do you think??".

His eyes was still clouded in disbelief and then she snapped, "The boat!"

He turned and looked - and saw the yacht a few miles away.

The current was strong - and it was a tough struggle to reach the boat. There was a loud party that was going on - plenty of alcohol. Pretty women in bikinis. It didn't seem as if anyone would have noticed them. Fortunately, someone spotted their cries for help and a small dingy was launched to help Jack.

By this time the entire ship's party was on deck watching them.

(to be cont..)



Copyright Y. Chiam

Somewhere over the rainbow

I took this amazing rainbow over my home. We get pretty gigantic rainbows here in Australia that stretch from one end of the horizon to the other. I still remember the first of such rainbows I saw over 20+ years ago - it also had a twin - albeit of a lighter shade - above it.

I stitched this photo together using  AUTOSTITCH - (3 photos combined) pretty cool huh??

You can just make out the lighter twin in the right hand corner. This isn't the first time such a rainbow has appeared over my home (or should I say - in this area). But even so - its an amazing sight.

I'm impressed with the program - it looks totally seamless.

Somewhere over the rainbow

I took this amazing rainbow over my home. We get pretty gigantic rainbows here in Australia that stretch from one end of the horizon to the other. I still remember the first of such rainbows I saw over 20+ years ago - it also had a twin - albeit of a lighter shade - above it.

I stitched this photo together using AUTOSTITCH - (3 photos combined) pretty cool huh??

You can just make out the lighter twin in the right hand corner. This isn't the first time such a rainbow has appeared over my home (or should I say - in this area). But even so - its an amazing sight.

I'm impressed with the program - it looks totally seamless.

The Phoenix

Phoenix Fire thy beauty inspire
Mortal Men to accomplish immortal things,
Through heat and molten rain
Thy Birth is borne in utter pain

A man stands alone on a pristine beautiful beach.

The beach is immense; the white sandy shoreline stretches for miles. There is absolutely no sign of human habitation on the beach. No cigarette butts, no broken bottles, just the white fine sand. It was as beautiful as it was since the day of creation. Its early morning. The air is cold.

There’s no one there except for the man. He is tall, handsome and well built. A perfect specimen of manhood. Once he was offered a spot on the Collingwood football team. He rejected it, he hated Collingwood.

He looks out into the vast ocean, breaks into a jog, then dives into the foaming sea and starts swimming straight towards the horizon.

His name is Jack Brown and he wants to end his life today.

(to be continued)

Yau-ming Chiam copyright 2009

Classical Music FM Melbourne

One of the best things about living in Melbourne is the quality of the FM classical radio station(s). There's only two - one government and one commercial. But both of them - ABC Classic FM and 3MBS - have really beautiful programs - we don't get repeats like we do in Singapore.

God knows why Singapore can't produce a decent classic FM station. But considering how the govt wants to have a user pay system for everything - they'd just fill it with 2nd rate music and tons of annoying advertisements.

They don't know what they are missing. Whenever I hear a truly exceptional classical music - my soul is quieten - I listen and am uplifted in my spirit. I try and stop whatever I'm doing and just enjoy this slice of heaven.

On Sunday nights on ABC FM - they regularly play classical "holy" or church music. Listen to it when you have the time.

I just listened to Guerrero Vexilla Regis - The Choir of Westminster Cathedral/James O'Donnell (Helios CDH55313) - and its calmed me down like an angel's voice.

For overseas listeners - you can tune in at:

http://www.abc.net.au/classic/audio/streaming.htm

Back in Melbourne - Home Sweet Home

Its about 20C now - the air is dry, fresh, crisp and clean. So unlike the hot humid air we have in CBD Singapore.

Everything is as it was since I left it last. It feels like I've been away for over a year - even though its only been about a month and a half.

There's a bit of house repair chores thats already lined up. I've got to fix the loose mortar on the roof. It shouldn't be too hard actually.

The garden could do with a mow.

The roses need pruning.

A wild tomato plant thats sprung up in our garden needs to be staked. Amazing, its produced about 20+ tomatoes. Thank God for small blessings.

Unfortunately, none of the ranunculus flowers seem to have come up. (See photo).

And of course our paperwork and taxes need to be attended to.

Now mum has finished feeding (my nephew) Euen his lunch - its taken her a good hour to accomplish the task. He's shouting "I'm free" with all the joy of a redeemed slave.

Its good to be back home.

Classical Music FM Melbourne

One of the best things about living in Melbourne is the quality of the FM classical radio station(s). There's only two - one government and one commercial. But both of them - ABC Classic FM and 3MBS - have excellent programs - and we don't get repeats or ridiculous ads like we do in Singapore.

God knows why Singapore can't produce a decent classic FM station. But considering how the govt wants to have a user pay system for everything - they'd just fill it with 2nd rate music and tons of annoying advertisements.

They don't know what they are missing. Whenever I hear a truly exceptional classical music - my soul is quieten - I listen and am uplifted in my spirit. I try and stop whatever I'm doing and just enjoy this slice of heaven.

On Sunday nights on ABC FM - they regularly play classical "holy" or church music. Listen to it when you have the time.

I just listened to Guerrero Vexilla Regis - The Choir of Westminster Cathedral/James O'Donnell (Helios CDH55313) - and its calmed me down like an angel's voice.

For overseas listeners - you can tune in at:

http://www.abc.net.au/classic/audio/streaming.htm

Classical Music FM Melbourne

One of the best things about living in Melbourne is the quality of the FM classical radio station(s). There's only two - one government and one commercial. But both of them - ABC Classic FM and 3MBS - have really beautiful programs - we don't get repeats like we do in Singapore.

God knows why Singapore can't produce a decent classic FM station. But considering how the govt wants to have a user pay system for everything - they'd just fill it with 2nd rate music and tons of annoying advertisements.

They don't know what they are missing. Whenever I hear a truly exceptional classical music - my soul is quieten - I listen and am uplifted in my spirit. I try and stop whatever I'm doing and just enjoy this slice of heaven.

On Sunday nights on ABC FM - they regularly play classical "holy" or church music. Listen to it when you have the time.

I just listened to Guerrero Vexilla Regis - The Choir of Westminster Cathedral/James O'Donnell (Helios CDH55313) - and its calmed me down like an angel's voice.

For overseas listeners - you can tune in at:

http://www.abc.net.au/classic/audio/streaming.htm

Back in Melbourne - Home Sweet Home

Its about 20C now - the air is dry, fresh, crisp and clean. So unlike the hot humid air we have in CBD Singapore.

Everything is as it was since I left it last. It feels like I've been away for over a year - even though its only been about a month and a half.

There's a bit of house repair chores thats already lined up. I've got to fix the loose mortar on the roof. It shouldn't be too hard actually.

The garden could do with a mow.

The roses need pruning.

A wild tomato plant thats sprung up in our garden needs to be staked. Amazing, its produced about 20+ tomatoes. Thank God for small blessings.

Unfortunately, none of the ranunculus flowers seem to have come up. (See photo).

And of course our paperwork and taxes need to be attended to.

Now mum has finished feeding (my nephew) Euen his lunch - its taken her a good hour to accomplish the task. He's shouting "I'm free" with all the joy of a redeemed slave.

Its good to be back home.

Back in Melbourne - Home Sweet Home

Its about 20C now - the air is dry, fresh, crisp and clean. So unlike the hot humid air we have in CBD Singapore.

Everything is as it was since I left it last. It feels like I've been away for over a year - even though its only been about a month and a half.

There's a bit of house repair chores thats already lined up. I've got to fix the loose mortar on the roof. It shouldn't be too hard actually.

The garden could do with a mow.

The roses need pruning.

A wild tomato plant thats sprung up in our garden needs to be staked. Amazing, its produced about 20+ tomatoes. Thank God for small blessings.

Unfortunately, none of the ranunculus flowers seem to have come up. (See photo).

And of course our paperwork and taxes need to be attended to.

Now mum has finished feeding (my nephew) Euen his lunch - its taken her a good hour to accomplish the task. He's shouting "I'm free" with all the joy of a redeemed slave.

Its good to be back home.

Melbourne Sydney

I think this may be the first time (in the long while) I've ever flown to Australia during the early day time. The plane took off at around 9.40am Singapore time.

When we got to Australia in the afternoon I had a nice view of the landscape. Look at it. Its like Mars. Vast tracts of reddish desert and red earth inhabited by no one. Its surreal. In a way, its also pretty horrifying in a human-centric way. It would be very difficult for any human being in live out here. Quite a few tourists, out on a ill planned road trip, have died out here.

The plane ride was not that bad. Got to ride the A380 into Sydney. The inflight entertainment was superb. The film players had individual memory slots for all the programs watched - so you could switch between stations and still return back to your lasting viewing point.

Sydney immigration was very 1970ish - quite likely because they haven't upgraded the services. Some of the immigration officers looked like they could belong in a bikie gang. I could let through quite quickly - with no hassles - probably due to the fact that I'm transiting to Melbourne.

No custom checks with the Melbourne domestic side - but I'm surprised that the public can just walk into the main baggage pick up area. I mean, a thief could just walk in - pick a luggage - and walk straight out like its a shopping mall.

Its raining now. Pouring actually - like a tropical thunder storm. We've never had anything like this for months. The last time was when I returned in December.

Looks like I've brought back some of the Singapore rain to Melbourne :)

Singapore Sydney Melbourne: A Flight over Mars

I think this may be the first time (in the long while) I've ever flown to Australia during the early day time. The plane took off at around 9.40am Singapore time.

When we got to Australia in the afternoon I had a nice view of the landscape. Look at it. Its like Mars. Vast tracts of reddish desert and red earth inhabited by no one. Its surreal. In a way, its also pretty horrifying in a human-centric way. It would be very difficult for any human being in live out here. Quite a few tourists, out on a ill planned road trip, have died out here.

Further up north its even worse. A geographer who had read Tolkien's Lord of the Rings - christened one part - Mordor - after the evil lord Sauron's hellish domain.

The plane ride was not that bad. Got to ride the A380 into Sydney. The inflight entertainment was superb. The film players had individual memory slots for all the programs watched - so you could switch between stations and still return back to your lasting viewing point.

Sydney immigration was very 1970ish. Some of the immigration officers looked like they could belong in a bikie gang. I got let through quite quickly  - with no hassles - probably due to the fact that I'm transiting to Melbourne.

No custom checks with the Melbourne domestic side - but I'm surprised that the public can just walk into the main baggage pick up area. I mean, a thief could just walk in - pick a luggage - and walk straight out like its a shopping mall. Rather disconcerting.

Its raining now. Pouring actually like a tropical thunder storm. We've never had anything like this for months. The last time was when I returned in December.

Looks like I've brought back some of the Singapore rain to Melbourne :)

Melbourne Sydney

I think this may be the first time (in the long while) I've ever flown to Australia during the early day time. The plane took off at around 9.40am Singapore time.

When we got to Australia in the afternoon I had a nice view of the landscape. Look at it. Its like Mars. Vast tracts of reddish desert and red earth inhabited by no one. Its surreal. In a way, its also pretty horrifying in a human-centric way. It would be very difficult for any human being in live out here. Quite a few tourists, out on a ill planned road trip, have died out here.

The plane ride was not that bad. Got to ride the A380 into Sydney. The inflight entertainment was superb. The film players had individual memory slots for all the programs watched - so you could switch between stations and still return back to your lasting viewing point.

Sydney immigration was very 1970ish - quite likely because they haven't upgraded the services. Some of the immigration officers looked like they could belong in a bikie gang. I could let through quite quickly - with no hassles - probably due to the fact that I'm transiting to Melbourne.

No custom checks with the Melbourne domestic side - but I'm surprised that the public can just walk into the main baggage pick up area. I mean, a thief could just walk in - pick a luggage - and walk straight out like its a shopping mall.

Its raining now. Pouring actually - like a tropical thunder storm. We've never had anything like this for months. The last time was when I returned in December.

Looks like I've brought back some of the Singapore rain to Melbourne :)

Your Flight was 12 hours ago, jackass

Singapore: I packed my bags all night long - and did various house cleaning chores like covering up furniture with cloth to protect them from dust and storing away my scuba gear and hi-fi equipment. I got a huge inspiration from the end part of Gattaca (the movie).

Had a huge scare yesterday when I couldn't find my passport. The problem with me is that I'm a scatterbrain and horribly forgetful esp. when I'm tired. I was packing my stuff and walking around and I placed my passport together with a pile of correspondence I was carrying. I put the correspondence away and the passport got placed in between. I had NO recollection of this. I tore my place upside down. Then I prayed real hard. Took a deep breathe. And ignition!!!! God my brain is worse than my VW Beetle on a hot day. Walked over to the counter and there it was. Thank God I didn't throw the stuff away.

Amazing what a hot shower in 5 in the morning can do to your spirit. I scrubbed and cleaned myself like Ethan Hawke in Gattaca - it felt almost spiritual.

The taxi came early. I made sure I switched off all the electrical appliances, closed all the windows, bloody hell I find an invasion of ants crawling from the window - had to deal with that. Pulled my clothes from the laundry line.

Couldn't eat breakfast - so I took my breakfast of Chinese cinnamon flatcakes with me. Drank plenty of fresh brew coffee tho. I think I burst an eye bubble or something. My right eye is blood red.

The cab driver was friendly and a good driver. Only cost $20 including the booking fee and surcharge.

Showed up at the Qantas counter at 7am and no one else was there. Surprise. No, my flight didn't leave yesterday. But I was early.

The air ticket said my flight was leaving at 9.40am - but boarding would only be at 9am. Frankly considering how Qantas planes are having so many technical problems - I wouldn't be surprised if my plane got delayed.

Your Flight was 12 hours ago, jackass

I packed my bags all night long - and did various house cleaning chores like covering up furniture with cloth to protect them from dust and storing away my scuba gear and hi-fi equipment. I got a huge inspiration from the end part of Gattaca (the movie).

Had a gut awful scare yesterday when I lost my passport. The problem with me is that I'm a scatterbrain and horribly forgetful esp. when I'm tired. I was packing my stuff and walking around and I placed my passport together with a pile of correspondence I was carrying. I put the correspondence away and the passport got placed in between. I had NO recollection of this. I tore my place upside down. Then I prayed real hard. Took a deep breathe. And ignition!!!! God my brain is worse than my VW Beetle on a hot day. Walked over to the counter and there it was. Thank God I didn't throw the stuff away.

Amazing what a hot shower in 5 in the morning can do to your spirit. I scrubbed and cleaned myself like Ethan Hawke in Gattaca - it felt almost spiritual.

I had quite a bit of leftover food in the fridge. Tried to drink a litre of milk - but only got half-way. I also had a loaf of fresh white fluffy bread and a jar of great British blackcurrent jam (Wilkins!!!!)... hmmm.... I thought bugger it and made myself a packload of sandwiches to bring on the plane. I'm flying Qantas and its going to be a bloody long flight. I hope they also don't screw around with me at immigration. "WTF, I'm a Australian PR you morons. Why don't you frisk Osama Bin Ladin there. What?? Don't call me a racist, you @#$% wog!!!!"

Hmmm.... I wonder whether the recent Bikie Gang bashing will make it to "Border Security". It bloody should. The jokers are so keen to be seen to be guarding against students and holiday travellers who accidentally brought a piece of guava. But when the real shit happens - everyone is off at coffee break.

The taxi came early. I made sure I switched off all the electrical appliances, closed all the windows, bloody hell I find an invasion of ants crawling from the window - had to deal with that. Pulled my clothes from the laundry line.

Couldn't eat breakfast - so I took my breakfast of Chinese cinnamon flatcakes with me. Drank plenty of fresh brew coffee tho. I think I burst an eye bubble or something. My right eye is blood red.

The cab driver was friendly and a good driver. Only cost $20 including the booking fee and surcharge.

Showed up at the Qantas counter at 7am and no one else was there. Surprise. No, my flight didn't leave yesterday. But I was early.

The air ticket said my flight was leaving at 9.40am - but boarding would only be at 9am. Frankly considering how Qantas planes are having so many technical problems - I wouldn't be surprised if my plane got delayed.

Your Flight was 12 hours ago, jackass

I packed my bags all night long - and did various house cleaning chores like covering up furniture with cloth to protect them from dust and storing away my scuba gear and hi-fi equipment. I got a huge inspiration from the end part of Gattaca (the movie).

Had a huge scare yesterday when I couldn't find my passport. The problem with me is that I'm a scatterbrain and horribly forgetful esp. when I'm tired. I was packing my stuff and walking around and I placed my passport together with a pile of correspondence I was carrying. I put the correspondence away and the passport got placed in between. I had NO recollection of this. I tore my place upside down. Then I prayed real hard. Took a deep breathe. And ignition!!!! God my brain is worse than my VW Beetle on a hot day. Walked over to the counter and there it was. Thank God I didn't throw the stuff away.

Amazing what a hot shower in 5 in the morning can do to your spirit. I scrubbed and cleaned myself like Ethan Hawke in Gattaca - it felt almost spiritual.

The taxi came early. I made sure I switched off all the electrical appliances, closed all the windows, bloody hell I find an invasion of ants crawling from the window - had to deal with that. Pulled my clothes from the laundry line.

Couldn't eat breakfast - so I took my breakfast of Chinese cinnamon flatcakes with me. Drank plenty of fresh brew coffee tho. I think I burst an eye bubble or something. My right eye is blood red.

The cab driver was friendly and a good driver. Only cost $20 including the booking fee and surcharge.

Showed up at the Qantas counter at 7am and no one else was there. Surprise. No, my flight didn't leave yesterday. But I was early.

The air ticket said my flight was leaving at 9.40am - but boarding would only be at 9am. Frankly considering how Qantas planes are having so many technical problems - I wouldn't be surprised if my plane got delayed.

Fly Back Melbourne

Start:	Apr 2, '09 07:00a
End:	Apr 2, '09 11:45p
Location:	Melbourne

Flying back to my 2nd home in Melbourne. I feel like I want to come back to Singapore already... :(

Qantas is going to take nearly the whole darn day to send me back. I wish I had made more money than I could fly SIA.

I need to go for a run at the Lake near my home. Start swimming again. Lord I need to exercise... I really don't want to go back. So much @#$!!$%#$@$^^@t I have to put up back there. Totally !@#$%!%^ unavoidable - !@#!# I can't stand dealing with stupid brainless confident @#$! who are so @#$$%^$@ proud and think they know everything - and when the things inevitably fall apart - guess who has to put out the #@#@#%$@ fire and catch the @#@$#@%@!@# blame?

Maybe this time I'll just stand up and say @@#$%, I @#$%!# TOLD YOU IT SO YOU STUPID @#$!%!$%%@$@$&@&$$@!@#@#!!!!! AND THIS FOR THE @##$!#!@!@!@@!@ 100th TIME!!!!

@!@#23%!@ it, I can't. Then I'd be the bad guy. Sigh...

FHM Party March 2009

Not too bad. Should have got her phone number.