lifes a beach - again

worked today (10-3) while sue had a day out with Alex (girls day at the movies). after work i had a quick shower and then we dropped alex home. After some dinner we decided to go to the beach for a walk - it was about 36c here today.

the beach was fantastic but there was a fairly stiff breeze blowing. By the time we finished our walk (around an hour) the sun was getting ready to set so we waited and i took some photos.

here are some photos for family and friends from around the cottesloe beach area:

North Cott looking to scarborough:



the sun was still reasonably high



Cottesloe Pines



the wind was great for sailboarders and kite surfers





then the sun began setting:









Georgia - for the NYE memory (Cott and OBH). these places will not be so tranquil in a couple of days. they will be full of beautiful people too pissed to stand up and to care for each other and the environment (unfortunately)





and finally because i had to:

the triffids eat Fremantle



and where i am sure to end up (or somewhere like it)



if i dont get back before NY have a great new year's eve and day

xmas - come and gone

xmas has nearly come and gone here for another year. Sue and i had a very quiet day. the first we can remember without children since forever. we got up late and pottered around. no fuss, no noise, no pressure. whilst it was a lovely day it is quite strange to be "alone" on Xmas day (especially in the morning)

while the tree is still flashing most of the presents have now been delivered or collected. i got a heap of things - kitchen related in the main (thank you), but there were some other interesting presents for all and sundry as well (wine), a car, vouchers for all kinds of things so in the main people have done quite well despite the economy.

we all ate well tonight at dinner and everyone seemed to go away happy.

so what does the next year hold in store for us and where will we all be next Xmas. my hope is that everyone is healthy and happy. only time will tell.

qfd

Females are fussy for good reason .... (from a late night wildlife show).

fill in the blanks if you want/dare.

living in a female world i have some thoughts but hey its not my show

Hope - 4 Xmas and New Year

Dreams come true. Without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them.
John Updike (1932 - )

may your dreams over the festive season be delivered upon in spades.

best wishes from me

aquarius

a friend sent me an "chain email" but i am not into chain anything - looks like i might be in for 11 years of bad luck (apparently starting tomorrow). i do, however, resemble these stars:

AQUARIUS - The Sweetheart

Optimistic and honest. Sweet personality. Very independent. Inventive and intelligent. Friendly and loyal. Can seem unemotional. Can be a bit rebellious. Very stubborn, but original and unique. Attractive on the inside and out. Eccentric personality.

music photos

ok so i liked the other ones better, but there were some "concert" photos - but not a single usable one of alicia (i bet youtube will have some photos and videos soon):

we got there early



we werent supposed to like the support acts but they "rocked":



the hand of?



jordan sparks



anyone think the following guy is good looking? if so why the hell is he event staff?







the best looking girl at the event (yep you in the middle)

pictures and 1--- words

you know what taking photos is not easy. you know composition, light, subject etc etc. Sue and i went to an Alicia Keys concert today/night and i took some photos. not a single one of alicia worked (camera got tired) but i did manage some interesting shots before the main event. lesson to idiot behind camera (carry extra batteries, drink less red wine). notwithstanding this self advice i did manage some interesting shots. every single image here was taken on the same camera from the same spot in the field (go figure):

open them up and find the faces:







anyone see a woman here - leg cocked - waiting for a "cloud" or is it just red wine getting in the way of trees and clouds:



what do you see? anyone see a bird fight? or maybe its love - sparrows mating in flight (thought not). Dont buy sandalford red, it wont help u take photos (kidding)?



you think it is a mistake ? - look/think deeper

merry xmas and a happy new year

well all my largely silent visitors may i wish you a merry xmas and happy new year. may you be happy and safe and may 2009 bring you all great things.



i dont think we will get one but i am sure some of you will

love and regards
jeff

it got nuked last time - just like rainbow warrior

it had to come back because - a minute in heaven is heaven and two is heaven on a stick:



my business socks still got holes in them.

song 4 g

nice song (cant attest to all the lyrics though)



i think the following is a better clip though:

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrSSVyjJLFc
love u

j

q4t - true love

The things we truly love stay with us always, locked in our hearts as long as life remains.

--Josephine Baker
___________________________

So what or whom is locked away???
___________________________

i got my list but i am not telling

j

q4t - something to ponder

The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

-- Allan K. Chalmers

________________________________________________

happy pondering. given its soon to be xmas this could be an interesting exercise for some

q4t - dearness

What we obtain too cheap we esteem too little; it is dearness only that gives everything its value.

-- Thomas Paine

_______________________________________

oh so true:

everyone in my family is dear (expensive some of them are too).

_______________________________________

to all my dear friends, colleagues and acquaintances i value your friendship, collaboration and occasional stinging wit/criticism/advice.

please have a great xmas and new year

j

q4t - life

Life is just one damned thing after another.
Elbert Hubbard (1856 - 1915)
________________________

aint it so. only thing i can say is that in the main our damned things are tame by comparison to those faced by others around the world.
________________________

on a separate note - I have always struggled with the spirit of Xmas. I dont know why, but I have never found it much of a celebration. I dont think i am that good at the giving/receiving thing. I also think that the western version of Xmas is too commercialised and that it lacks spirit. Maybe its me, but i dont know.

too tackle this malaise i am off to wrap presents (at Mission Australia) for those people who will attend their Xmas lunch. Maybe that will bring me a change of perspective.

q4t - ignorance

"His ignorance is encyclopedic"
- Abba Eban (1915-2002)

yep that me. hope u are all doing better on the I-front

does anyone know this a eban? yet another example.

q4t - wisdom

Good people are good because they've come to wisdom through failure.
William Saroyan (1908 - 1981)

________________________________________________________________

I have had my fair share - i am still not sure if i am good though (or certainly not good enough)

aim to fail today and maybe you will become better (at whatever)

Happy Birthday - Sue

today was Sue's birthday. she got up early to play golf with a friend (kim) and had an average round apparently. I am not really sure what she did with the rest of her day as I was working, but we had a nice dinner with Kay, Ash, Cam, Sue and I at Ria.

before you knew it the day was over. another year under the bridge.

what is always interesting is who remembers and calls (or these days texts) and those who dont. there were no surprises.

I hope sue wins the lotto (one of my presents) and then we will surely fly the coop. if not it might just have to wait until the next birthday i guess.

next

seems it is a strange world i live in really (and a bit disappointing). no-one can be bothered to ring up and tell me my dad has gone back into hospital again. seems it is not that "serious" but i cant help but wonder if anyone will let me know if he dies one day? Why can that be do you think?

oh - today (yesterday actually) was Nicky's birthday - Happy Birthday Nick. We enjoyed the sausage sizzle. We expected to see dad there but he wasnt which was a bit of a surprise

quote for the day:

"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." Ralph Waldo Emerson

african queen

watched a movie tonight (with oversized ladies - phat girlz). Interesting movie (deeper than the title) but the thing that caught my ear was this song:



this guy can sing - oh and btw he is not hard on the eyes(for all my female friends) - seems he is too hot for me to insert a link (i tried) so search for 2face idibia.

another week

so another week has gone by and what has happened in Dullsville:

- Dale (and Tony) and the girls have been in town. We had a nice dinner over the weekend. then Thursday, Dale and the girls came over for dinner with some of Dale and Sue's friends. the dinner was nice and the "babies" are precious. I got woken up with a flower this morning (from cassie) and i got a "slap" from the baby (gemma) because i wouldnt let her take my flower. i sorted this out quick smart - i suggested i might smack her back (with a twinkle in my bleary eye) and she got the message. some boy/girl better watch out for this one in the future.

- i have worked a few shifts this weeks. call me mr shift and carry. I quite like this job for the physicality of it. some of the characters are also interesting. Tomorrow night (saturday), my first night shift, could be interesting.

- I had a meeting with the garden BBlitz ladies (lorna and cathy) and we should have some changes to the concrete early in the new year.

- sue and I talked to G tonight (it was nice to hear her voice). Pity i got cut off. its strange but someone seems more real when you actually hear their voice. i miss her voice.

otherwise this week has been pretty basic in a dullsville kind of way. on the family front there is no news. on the sport front - ben's future in the AFL looks grim no takers.

maybe next week will be more "interesting"

yep - parents dont "understand"

couldnt embed the video so if you are interested watch via the link"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpQczxLSWD0

i finally learned something - pity it took me so long. hope all you kids dont make the same me-stake

good for a laugh

a friend of mine sent me a file last night which had a joke in it. I have shared it with some people but i thought everyone might enjoy a laugh so here is a link to the file



quote for the day: "It is hard to tell if a man is telling the truth when you know you would lie if you were in his place." H. L. Mencken

on a brighter note:

"I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose." Woody Allen

so so

another week has rolled on by. what has been achieved this week?

- done a couple of shifts at my new job and have some more lined up next week
- had an interview for a "real" job (as ash would have it) yesterday. wont hear back until next week
- have just spent a couple of hours cleaning the house top to bottom. a clean house always feels better for some reason
- had a couple of meetings with people about the consulting business. slow progress being made here
- cooked a few meals. had a nice slow cooked pork belly last night with the best crackling ever (yum).
- finished ~1000 out of 2500 riders on Sunday in the great bike ride. not bad for a fat "b.....". Average speed was 28km/h which is probably quicker than i have ridden for a while (and i did very little drafting)

So what's coming up:

- going to visit friends (Dale and Girls who are over for a couple of weeks) tonight
- going to a party on Saturday night (an ex work colleagues 60th). that's how you know you are getting old - when friends start turning 60.
- working Monday, Wed and Sat next week (at the moment)

Update:

- everyone seems to be going ok (nothing really to report)
- ben cousin's football career is hanging by a thread. he has nominated for the draft but it looks like only Brisbane might be interested and there is no guarantee
- the lynx continue to get flogged every week (Mel is still getting splinters)
- the weather has been shit (coolish, stormy and windy) and not conducive to cycling
- Xmas is coming (but the money tree has died so all you can expect is a hug)

till next time think about this - I am a kind of paranoiac in reverse. I suspect people of plotting to make me happy.
J. D. Salinger (1919 - )

new job

i started a new job today on a casual basis. there are many ways to describe this role, none of them very sexy, but i suspect life in this role could become very interesting (if today is anything to go by).

i dont expect this job to be the balance of my working life but i would not have applied for it (and done it today and tomorrow and other days into the future) if i wasnt interested in it at some level (i am sure).

so what do you think i might have become in my spare time? some hints:

- i will surely work with/around interesting people
- cash is involved
- its outside (sort of)
- music is nearby
- there is a uniform (of sorts)
- cars are allowed

PS - family members or those in the know are barred from voting

a brave man or a fool

the following was a story in today's electronic media and i am not sure what to think. on the one hand there is so much to agree with, but on the other hand the sentiment is almost (if not actually) repugnant.
_______________________________

THE retail king Gerry Harvey may have a personal fortune of about $1.6 billion but the Harvey Norman founder thinks donating to charity is "just wasted".

Asked in a new book about the role he and Harvey Norman play in the community, Mr Harvey said giving money to people who "are not putting anything back into the community" is like "helping a whole heap of no-hopers to survive for no good reason".

He said he believed in helping "develop people to their potential" because "when they achieve [their potential] they will put a lot more back into the community".

"You could go out and give a million dollars to a charity tomorrow to help the homeless. You could argue that it is just wasted. They are not putting anything back into the community.

"It might be a callous way of putting it but what are they doing? You are helping a whole heap of no-hopers to survive for no good reason. They are just a drag on the whole community.

"So did that million you gave them help? It helped to keep them alive but did it help our society? No. Society might have been better off without them but we are supposed to look after the disadvantaged and so we do it. But it doesn't help the society."

Mr Harvey added: "That is not to say we don't give money away to charities because we have given plenty away over the years. At the end of the day, the more quality individuals you develop in the community, the better off the community should be."

Earlier this year, Harvey Norman donated beds to a charity, Bridge Back to Life, that helps homeless men find rental accommodation.

The comments are in a new book, Master CEOs, by the Sydney funds manager Matthew Kidman.

Clare Martin, the chief executive of the Australian Council of Social Service, said: "I have really been impressed at corporate Australia and their real involvement in the wider community … and I always thought that Harvey Norman shared that as well.

"It does surprise me that Gerry Harvey, who's a very significant business figure, should not share the values of many other corporates."

In the interview, Mr Harvey also said that despite his wealth, "I still have a fear about going broke. I always think about it."

___________________________________

only a brave man or a fool would actually make such statements and allow them to go into print. I am not sure which Gerry Harvey is but i am sure he is bound to stir up an interesting debate especially in the current economic crisis.

It is highly likely that the excesses of the "worthy" achievers in the finance sector and elsewhere will result in a good many "lesser" people in our society ending up as a disadvantaged person (define it). one can only hope gerry harvey remains wealthy (define it) because it would be very interesting for him to be "poor".

Maybe mr harvey should revisit the movie - trading places - for a refresher on the random nature of the universe in relation to wealth and wellbeing.

not much to say (or so i thought)

its funny you know but i sometimes sit in front of the computer and wonder what i might say to that small group of people who sometimes wander through this blog. Over the past few weeks it has been a real struggle and i am not sure why. it seems that i may not be alone as some of my blogger "buddies" also appear to be afflicted by the same malaise.

but then i sat here a bit longer and i thought this (i didnt expect that to paraphrase S Cowell)

is anyone out there "worried" about what is happening in the global economy? I am now starting to get a bit concerned about what the next 2-3 years might hold for all of us.

My instinct is that it is not going to be pretty and we are all going to experience a "once in a life time" event (if you werent around in the mid 1930s and perhaps in the 40s). it now looks to me that the global economy - despite increasingly desperate efforts by a host of governments - is going to go to "hell in a hand basket" in many if not all of the major economies. This will change our societies and will influence all of us either directly or indirectly.

if you are young, now is a good time to pay attention (and learn the inevitable lessons). you may actually be young enough to see another one of these global meltdowns in 20-30 years once "we" recover from this one.

no matter what happens the world is going to become a different place (and damn quick) for many people and i dont necessarily mean better. However, that said there will be some incredible opportunities arising out of this debacle.

I think i might just go and plant a few vegetables (kidding)

Irony

Saw a newspaper article today that although tragic made me smile (i know i am a sad sack)

_______________________________

a woman (in south america somewhere) was killed by a coffin containing her dead husband (coffins usually do that - contain dead people) on the way to a funeral when the hearse came to an abrupt stop and the coffin slid forward and fell on her killing her instantly (broke her neck).
___________________________________________

My thoughts on reading this was oh that's sad then on reflection i thought there could be other ways of thinking about this - like:

- Guess he could not bear to go without her so he found a way to take her with him; or
- she pissed him off so much in life he was still looking for a way to get his own back in death.

Anyway, whatever is the truth of the matter, they will now obviously be re-united. Hope the answer was the former otherwise he/she are destined for a "hellish" future.

family update

well life in dullsville has been generally dull. This week just seems to have glided by with no really notable events - well sort of:

- mum has been a "bit" sick - yep she got the lurgy but not the full blown version thankfully.

- Ash got a job and she might be getting sick (today). She is not sure about it yet but it is still early days

- Nanny Max is getting over it

- grandad is still going ok and Nanna is ok too

- Lauren turned 18 this week (we will be there sunday afternoon/night for family drinks)

- Paul and Amber had a great time in Vietnam. Now they are back to domesticity (and planning for the future)

- the stockmarket is still chewing up our money (as is our "poor" family)

- i am getting the business thing sorted out (should have new emails and website up soon) and I am also applying for jobs of all kinds (Bunnings, Bottleshop Attendant, Project Director/Manager etc)

- no riding has been done for weeks but i am going to do a ride next Sunday week so i probably should dust the cobwebs off the bike and make sure the wheels still go around next week

- have not heard about or from anyone else so the assumption is that all is fine on the western front

Other:

- looks like Ben Cousins might get clearance to play. He might be wearing a wig though as he gave a hair sample that came up clean. Clubs in the running appear to be brisbane and st kilda

- the weather is fine (and improving)

a face only a mother could love

what a little beauty - a new baby pygmy hippo



a new member of the family at taronga park zoo

a winner - no matter what

australia is a great country. it is the land of opportunity. it will judge you harshly if you deserve it, but it will also recognise you if you deserve it.

this person (whom i dont know from adam) is a winner whether he wins this competition or not:
_____________________________________

African among award finalists
Lorna Edwards
November 7, 2008
A TEARFUL Dr Berhan Ahmed believes he won the quinella this week.

He cried with joy when Barack Obama was elected US president-elect on Wednesday and the eyes trickled again yesterday when he was named a Victorian finalist for this year's Australian of the Year award.

Both events helped bring hope to Victoria's African youth. The community was still recovering from being demonised by previous immigration minister Kevin Andrews, who last year accused African refugees of failing to integrate, he said.

"I'm really thrilled. I had no words," Dr Ahmed said. "It means there is hope for my community."

He was named along with indigenous leader Paul Briggs, environmental campaigner Don Henry and charity founder Rachel Stanfield-Porter as the four Victorian finalists.

Finalists from other states include climate change expert Ross Garnaut, Olympic gold medallist Stephanie Rice, retired cricketer Glenn McGrath and Aboriginal leader Mick Dodson. State winners will be announced later this month.

Dr Ahmed, chairman of the African Think Tank and head of the Eritrean Community in Australia group, was jubilant just to be named a finalist after spending two decades working with refugees since his arrival in Australia from Sudan in 1987.

He learnt English by getting a job as a tram conductor in Melbourne after convincing the tram depot he had experience working on trams in Sudan, even though none existed.

Since then, he has worked to bridge the gap in education and basic services for African refugees leaving their war-torn homelands for Australia.

Dr Ahmed was also involved in the Cormo Express debacle of 2003 when a shipload of 57,000 live Australian sheep was rejected by the Saudis. As outrage grew over the doomed sheep stuck at sea, Dr Ahmed helped negotiate for them to be sent to impoverished Eritrea as a gift.

His latest endeavour is working with Athletics Victoria to get African refugee children into sport. "We would like to train them to be the new champions in the world for Australia."

_________________

go Dr Ahmed - you deserve whatever you (and those that follow you) achieve.

well it looks like i am over the flu

got through today without cough mixture or throat lozenges or other drugs (sort of) if you discount a glass of wine or three with dinner.

spent most of the day at home doing research - i kid you not - in front of the fire (can you believe that) because it was cool and pouring rain (must be the after affects of the cold).

otherwise my day was pretty quiet. Took Sue to work and picked her up. Had coffee for breakfast and later in the day (and bought ash 1 too).

Cooked dinner - i am getting pretty good at roast chook but i still have to work on the stuffing apparently (too "sharp/tangy". Obviously too much lemon as well as the red wine vinegar the recipe suggested). Not much wrong though with the chicken (none left) so i guess i have to be grateful for small mercies. there did not seem to be any gripes about the vegies either.

G seems to be settling well in Vancouver. its cold - and its going to get colder. Get a coat and get over it. Havent heard from the "love birds" - must have run out of credit.

the wedding

Paul and Amber got married a couple of Friday's ago in Melbourne. It was a fantastic day (congratulations guys). We all hope they enjoy the rest of their lives together. They have clearly started off on the right foot - they love each other and they are "drinking buddies".

here are some of the best of the photos i took:

the beautiful bride (amber) and her equally "charming prince" (paul)



the bridal party (lee, paul and holly, georgie) with Mr and Mrs Harcus



Nan and Pop



Dale (who looked after Georgia and all of us - thank you)



Georgia



Ashleigh with Laurie (paul's dad)



Sue (paul's mum) with Fiona ("best cousin") and Keegan



the bride and groom are currently honeymooning in Vietnam (sitting by the pool with a few quiet ones no doubt)

GOOD LUCK GUYS. we all hope you enjoy life after marriage

Georgia Does Canada

well daughter #X has finally made it to canada to start her working holiday. She is going to chronicle her experience so if you are interested you can follow it here.

she is sure to attract a little bit of attention because she is smart, has more front than a double decker bus and she loves to party. She is also pretty good looking which will undoubtedly help (if anyone can see her under her "snowbunny" clothes which she will undoubtedly need to keep her warm in sunny vancouver)



we all hope she has a great experience - so she doesnt want to come home too early (kidding). Guess only time will tell.

still sick

eyes have improved dramatically which is good, but i still have a head/chest cold with a horrible dry cough and a sore throat. the cough comes in waves when the cough mixture and throat lozenges wear off. Doctors for me tomorrow to get some heavy duty medicine.

after i get this illness thing sorted out i will be working fulltime on getting some income coming in. the world economic crisis has got in the way of my grand plans but that is ok. the time off has been good while it has lasted and it has served a purpose in the family sense allowing me to "help" out in a number of ways.

Sick

Well folks we got back to Perth late Wednesday after being in Melbourne for Paul and Amber's wedding. Wednesday was a long day as we took Georgia to Avalon Airport, getting up at 5.30 to get her there for 7am, so she could catch her flight to Sydney and then to LA via Auckland (she arrived safely), then we drove back to Melbourne in peak hour, finished our own packing and took ourselves to the airport. We sat in the airport for an hour and half and then enjoyed a 4 hour flight and then more time in a cab.

Sue and I had some celebratory drinks - for making it through the week.

On Thursday i woke up sick with the sorest throat (could hardly swallow) and then i got conjunctivitis from hell. I couldnt open my eyes this morning - had to wash them to get them apart and i looked like i had been in a rocky movie (on the wrong end of a good beating).

I probably need to go to the doctor but lets see what happens over the weekend. I am treating the sore throat with an old fashion remedy - lemon juice, honey, hot water and a slug of brandy and i have been putting some prescription antibiotic drops in my eyes. Both work for a short time then i need more. I will need to get some more brandy if this keeps up.

life is wonderful

oh to be able to create lyrics like this

I'm yours - yep all yours

interpret this however you want. it works all round



its easy, or not

he's not the messiah

fools overture



take your pick

nobody knows what's next

i went looking for some music to "launch" the new blog. not sure if it is the future (but maybe it is). Its interesting (if you listen)



nobody knows what's next - even me. That's either a great thing or a tradegy. But you pays your money you watch the show (s)

if you used to come here I guess you might be surprised

Next - dust anyone?

this URL used to belong to another blog which recently got nuked - i over-reacted apparently.

I tried to call it "apparently@blogspot.com" but it seems it was taken so i just ended up right where i started with a new header and look and feel (not sure this will last)

So what does it feel like to nuke a diary of sorts which contained the chronicles of life (some 400 odd posts i think)over a couple of years?

For me it was neither here nor there. It was the water of the Ganges - there was a lot of S... and a few things really worth diving into save. But sometimes babies go out with bathwater.

Hopefully NEXT will be of interest to you the lurkers who visited me before and never commented, but if not I guess i will simply talk to myself yet again

what better way to start again

Vietnam halts plan to ban short and flat-chested motorists

29th October 2008, 18:45 WST

Communist Vietnam has suspended a much-criticised plan to ban very short, thin and flat-chested people from driving, state media reported today.

The new draft guidelines on motorcycle and car drivers had drawn widespread criticism and ridicule from motorists, newspaper readers and bloggers since they were published by the health ministry two weeks ago.

Under the 83-point plan, people shorter than 1.5 metres, lighter than 40 kilograms or with a chest circumference of less than 72 centimetres would no longer qualify for new drivers’ licences.

The proposal worried many in this nation of slender people and spurned jokes about traffic police with tape measures enthusiastically flagging down female motorcyclists, and predictions of a run on padded bras.

The justice ministry has asked the health ministry to temporarily suspend and review the plan, the Vietnam News daily reported.

“After receiving public opinion about the decision, the health and transport ministries agreed there had to be changes,” senior health department official Tran Quy Tuong was quoted as saying by the state-run daily.

They would have been better to have proposed a BAD Driver ban.