Bill Bryson: Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid — I’ve finally read it now it’s out in paperback. I know I was never going to be disappointed, but it was a great book. Hilarious in parts, poignant in others. Mostly hilarious though. The description of the Dick and Jane books and the characters’ robotic ... [More]
It’s not a big backyard, but I was never going to be able to afford a big property in the suburbs I wanted. Oh well, there’s a large park quite nearby. The fence isn’t really that crooked. It’s a trick of the photo stitching software. Likewise, this picture makes the backyard look pretty microscopic. It ... [More]
If you’re watching TV tonight, you might see Metlink’s new advert, with the slogan “A better way”. One of the shots is filmed not far from my house, on Jasper Road in Bentleigh, as a lady in a hairdresser’s chair floats past Camille Shoes. I quite like the ad. But as with a lot of ... [More]
The first blowfly of the summer hasn’t appeared yet, but there are other signs from BugWorld that the weather is warming up. After some time without them (pretty much) since setting off the bug bomb in February, cockroaches are starting to re-appear around the house. A couple this week, a couple last week. Mostly dead, ... [More]
I got the car serviced the other day. Perhaps unusually, when I went to pick it up, there was no multi-gazillion dollar bill waiting for me; just $197. But the guy warned me about various symptoms that were evident but not critical yet that may lead to a higher bill the next time. (He sounded ... [More]
compliment — an expression of praise, commendation or admiration. complement — something that goes well with, or completes. I’m always getting those two mixed-up.
Yes, I’m jumping on the bandwagon. I’ve been a Geelong Cats fan for a long time, though it’s years since I’ve been to a game. From what I can see, most years they do well in the first few rounds, then descend into a plumetting spiral of defeats. But not this year. They haven’t won ... [More]
The more observant amongst you may have noticed the Twitter Updates thingy on the right hand side of the web page. Yes, I’m dabbling in micro-blogging. I’m not totally convinced it’s worth the trouble, but having seen examples where it’s shown its uses, I thought I’d give it a go, particularly when I found the ... [More]
I really pity the people of Sydney who have had to be in the CBD during APEC. (But then, at least most Sydneysiders get the day off, whereas I have to drag myself into work.) NSW Transport Minister John Watkins said yesterday “Between 3 pm and 7.30 pm today, there will be 92 motorcade movements ... [More]
I think I would have enjoyed We Can Be Heroes. I heard good things about it, and the clips I caught were funny. The sequel, Summer Heights High looks good as well… I suspect both are cleverer and funnier views of Australian society than Kath & Kim are… which has got rather dull in its ... [More]
Tragic events involving crocodiles seemed to co-incide yesterday. As the media noted the first anniversary of Steve Irwin’s death, they were also reporting the death of a girl in PNG, dragged from her village by a crocodile. Awful stuff. If that wasn’t enough, the night before, the new Mythbusters series started on SBS, with the ... [More]
It’s now just over ten years since Princess Diana died. One thing I didn’t mention in my blog post at the time was that when I got home, I found my VCR, which had been set to tape an obscure Sunday morning TV programme (the rather amusing look at the parables of Jesus, Wrestling With ... [More]
Went to the school concert last week, which was at Monash. Mucho traffic congestion on Wellington Road due to roadworks. Some people who you’d think could figure out a simple row/seat ticketing system seemed to be very puzzled. Some toddler sitting behind me yapped through much of it. A mad woman (probably someone’s grandmother) started ... [More]
Scott Adams has been making up his own cuss phrases. [Warning: coarse language] I’ve been pondering what is the most abusive but non-swearing language one can use. The kind of thing you can say if, say, a car driver cuts you off or almost mows you down in a spectacularly stupid way, but your kids ... [More]
It’s encouraging to hear community groups have been offered subsidised accomodation by Melbourne City Council. Not-for-profit organisations can gain a lot from having offices in the central business district, in much the same way that for-profit companies can gain. (PTUA makes use of a similar scheme via the Ross House Association.) Melbourne’s CBD in gaining ... [More]
The results from the birthday extravanganza of comments, as at this morning (80 responses, in 84 comments)… Average age: 38.21 Median age: 36 Range: 18 to 65 Wow. Thanks to all who responded, and thanks for the birthday wishes! And a special happy birthday also to Paul, Shaun and Graeme, who it turns out also ... [More]