Getting Closer to the holidays....

The Tokyo booking has come through and now that we have paid for our railpasses it looks pretty good. Tickets are all set - monies changed. The only place left to confirm is Matsumoto now that even our Koyasan booking has come through. It will be good to go somewhere where I don't have to translate since the partner reads/speaks Japanese. I have had the misfortune of being confused as Chinese,Burmese, Cambodian, Thai, South American and hopefully this time around NOT Japanese or I'll never get into some of the places I want to see.

Next is to confirm with the Imperial Household Agency for permission to go visit some of the highly 'sensitive' cultural sites. Autumn leaves will be so breathtaking... my camera will be doing overtime then. This should be reason enough to keep me motivated @ work. It will be 3 weeks of Japan.

The Beijing Olympics is in August and from what we can deduce May-June will be good time to go to HongKong and Shanghai for some antique shopping. The trouble with that is we need to plan our Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand border crossing trip well so that we're there in Spring.

The flow of bills have been constant though...the water/gas/power bill got paid this month, the dog licence renewal, the combined phone/mobile/cable/broadband and the council rates which increased this year by 5% (value of our bluestone) and not forgetting the new garage door. God - I don't know how I survive each day?

Waiting in the pipeline are those bloody wardrobes in which the installer will be coming this Saturday to complete the job and the new dishwasher. All those savings I've done for the Macbook for the past 3 months have somewhat evaporated into thin air. Everything I have I own - the thought of going into credit is not something I am accustomed to.

Trust Fund time, I'm crossing my fingers that Christmas will come early this year!! Back to square one.

Victor Harbour - Fish & Chips!

Image taken by the Donut stand

Just an image of Victor Harbour about 2 hours away by car...we go there over the weekend sometimes just to get out of the city. You can also see penguins and go whale watching... it is brilliant as a distraction.

Cleaning up the Blogspace

I have decided to clean up my blogspace links today. The decision was based on the fact that I have found some of them irrelevant to my daily choices. Some I have kept because I read them often and the people behind the creative process are real to me while others have been given the boot so that I can concentrate on what's important.

I am still reluctant to remove the Btalk link as I am finding them too 'narrow-minded' each day...not all of them but some. The drawl is loosing its endearment as days go by.

So I am now in search of more mind food and as of today seeking delicious 'vocal chords' of the Thalamus kind. En route!!

And thank you to all of those that have made the journey a grand one - Kevin, John, Peter/Pinoyboy, Brad, Archerr (just a listener)and Andrew. I wish you new discoveries in the months to come!!

When does the art of compromise becomes compromising?

Watched Sex and the City last night on cable " Bay of Married Pigs" - I have to say the writers sometimes know what they're taking about.

Synopsis:
Carrie is invited to a couple's house in the Hamptons only to be flashed by the husband; Miranda's law firm thinks she's a lesbian; Samantha gets to know her doorman better; Charlotte dumps an eligible guy with the wrong china pattern.

Today our next door heterosexual neighbours gave us one of those sneering "YOU'RE A FAG" look. In this day and age you would think that sexual racism is dead and gone but there are still those heterosexual males that cannot deal with things not going their way and how they want it.

He's about 50 from Queensland and is apparently knocking up some Greek tramp from across the street who is a heavy smoker. Drives cars and rides bikes that spells out Midlife crisis and some. They have Rottweilers that they are not training and like them will turn out vicious all because their parents have not taught them any manners. Remember this is a snippet of the voting public and what our nation are built on. OK no judgement but why can't people just leave you alone!

Shinobi - Teaser!

Shinobi "Basilisk Film Live" Extrait
Uploaded by BlackShadow69

New Distraction coming in the mail...

Hallows - Goodbye!

A good read and a very predictable ending.

SHINOBI - A not-so Romeo & Juliet!

I do have to say that Japanese Ninja flicks do tickle my fancy. This is just an interesting movie if only for the CGI - done in 2005 released in the states in 2006. The site is also well put together
http://www.shinobithemovie.com/

It is also an offshoot of Basilisk the Anime which has 6 Episodes on DVD.

Breathtaking are images of Japan in autumn...

Today sadness has come like the fog..

Transformed...

So I watched Transformers on my own yesterday. It was AOK - the CGI was too convoluted that it was hard trying to decipher which part of the robot is the radiator or the engine especially how was it that a regular car can suddenly sprout missile launchers? HUH? Maybe I should have stuck with the animated series.

As always the other half has no interest in such movies - sometimes I wonder what he likes really since he doesn't seem to want to see independent films, nor foreign films or any comedy films either. He likes the random SCI-Fi ones that at least I am sure. Maybe he just doesn't like films. In any case, if the movie is good he is happy and when the movie sucks well it is because I wanted to go - I think life is getting abit trying these days after 12 years. But I was brought up to stick with it especially when the going gets tough.

So I sat by the beach yesterday on my own thinking why people are so adamant to have a relationship? Do they really know how much effort it is to live with someone and share every single moment with them? What if you are not such a needy individual then being with someone 24-7 can be quite dreadful... you feel as though you've become a shadow of yourself and loose all perspective of whom you are. Is that what is happening to me? How can I be lonely when I am never alone?

This is one of the mysteries of life's many contradictions.

A nightmare : UZIT wardrobe

So my wardrobe is not getting fixed today. It has doors that do not match cornices that do not match side panels. The installer has called in sick @ the very last moment and that is that. The motto of buyer's beware should also be accorded to this business. Much like bush fire warning, the gauge is set at EXTREME!! I highly recommend taking this seriously as it is a choice of every customer to learn from other customer's unending nightmare. UZIT and LOOSE IT!

It has taken away 6 working days from us for a simple installation from bad paint jobs to poor colour matching to sick installers, the sacrifice of having nails in 19th century floorboards and one man down scenarios. The promise of 1 day installation with 2 person on site is false. The offer of weekend installations does not exist either. If the offer is too good to be true then it is probably not no matter how fancy the showroom is.

The sales people seems to make plenty of promises and charge you squillions but apparently they cannot deliver. We had to make countless changes to the measurements of the drawings ourselves even to the minor calculations - if we had left it to them then our wardrobe would have come out dodgy.

And the only thing they can say is 'sorry'. I am sorry too... this will be the last time that we use them and we are very generous and simple people - the fact is we feel taken advantaged of and that is the truth. Where are all the honest family-run businesses these days? No one in the showroom seems to want to take responsibility but they sure were ready to take our money. They seemed unperturbed by my call like it was something that they are so used to which brings me closer to my conclusion that this is a common occurence.

So my personal warning to everyone...BUYERS BEWARE! This business is fraught with unending supply of poor excuses - we still haven't got our wardrobe and the stress of it all is not worth the trust you place even at that price!! Their sub-contractors seems to be dropping dead like flies and if you are trying to manage a project, I recommend staying clear away from this mob.

Alas I am still wardrobeless and I am stressed beyond belief! And I have myself to blame...eventhough it seems that I am paying for it - both physically and mentally out of my own pocket; very senseless really.

A good day..happiest in Black and White.

Mark Squire's Photography....

These are sublime!!

LOOO NAH!!

I love you...

Evening Walk...

Driving Home!

It was a wonderful day for winter - 20 degrees!!

Celluloid - Mon & Tues

My recent celluloid distraction...

Boy Culture

Cachorro

José Luis García-Perez - Why not..

So where are all the nice Spanish men?

Why so many questions - no more self doubt.

Wanting ...that was all Alan could think of. He couldn't bear the scars of mistrust anymore nor was he willing to invest time to an unseemly endless cycle of doubt. Doubt that was his own - doubt that the situation created for his heavy heart.

I knew of Alan as I knew of Robert - both eager to seal away the bond of solitude, discard the key of frivolous encounters and transcend to a different level of positive eventualities. As a new found friend would say, "take it somewhere positive!"

What right have I to judge and why do I feel so helpless? How then can I align the deconstruction of wanting over desire without inspiring eventual loss at the expense of taking away any chance of the situation bearing fruit? How do I objectify a situation that calls for a defined approach - how do I make the situation less human so that man's flaws become strength - a mental cushion if things go wrong without shackling the heart further to voices of insecurities. How can I learn to be less selfish!

Are my insecurities as much mine as it is theirs?

Can you love me for my imperfections as I do of yours?

Chrisette Michelle - My ipod distraction!

I have to say that this is one of the most interesting albums this year. There is a range of vocals from Chrisette, though commercial in a way, throws the audience with a myriad of styles that will appeal to many listeners. Have a go at the album and hear for yourselves!!





Its Okay to blush when you like someone!!

Loving Paris after a movie....

FRENCH KISS! I was only 15 then!

Parlais vous Francais?

Ella Fitzgerald..."April in Paris"
The best time for a visit!



Maurice Chevalier..... "You made me love you!"

Paolo Conte...Via Con me.

Why cities like New York shadows over you!

I remembered the first time I had landed at JFK. I was there for work - colleagues were up at Mt. Kisco and I couldn't get into any of the hotels because it was such short notice. So I ended up staying at the New Yorker because I wanted nostalgia, being a romantic, rather than the Hyatt or Marriott for convenience. I was also hoping not to have to deal with anyone else from the office staying in the same hotel . Bright lights causes me anxiety - not really but I was just not in the mood for any neon-inspired experience or dining with people that I didn't want to hang out with.




The immigration guy at the counter was really sweet and somewhat hot. I had accidentally filled in the wrong section on my entry papers - apparently we had the benefit of a Visa waiver for Singaporeans at that time and I had filled in all these form just in case. I apologised, he smiled, I nearly flipped and said thank you - he smiled again. Another missed opportunity! Then everything went pear-shaped when I had a NY cabby take me to the hotel - he was Pakistani and just didn't like the prospect of not being tipped. Charity goes both ways mate!

That evening I thought I'd take a walk to Times Square and after a 5 minutes stroll, I had a strange feeling that I was being followed. Of course, I looked all out of sorts, Asian, small - all rugged up because it was autumn and talking on my cellphone because I needed human contact. The rumours of being mugged and helpless was always at the back of my mind. I blame it on the idiot box. What a dead giveaway...I should have stayed at the Marriott!

So, I circled around along Fashion Avenue and then Broadway and ended up in a line at Burger King - not too sure where I was then. The toweringly huge thuggish man had also lined up and when it was convenient I slipped away while he was still caught in the line looking all missed-opportunity like. I took another stroll around the area and told myself maybe it is best to do it in daylight; then headed back to the Hotel like a scared little gnome.

Jet lag had set in by then and I was supposed to be @ Mt. Kisco by 10am the next day for the Boss's limo to pick me up but I started strolling at 7am after breakfast towards Grand Central Station. The thing about New York is how vulnerable you can feel when you know no one and how small things are in relation to the size of the buildings including people. Its like an ants' nests with series of tributaries all leading somewhere and nowhere - purposeful franticism (if there is such a word).



People in cities like New York I suppose becomes more more detached from their surroundings. This is similar to Singapore and Japan but magnified! You get accustomed and numbed by it all. People can get 'lost'. I walked and walked almost intuitively since everything was in a grid and ended up at the flower district not far from the station. OK - by now my intuition was failing me coz direction was never one of my forte! Delivery trucks were everywhere...all picking up tonnes of flowers I suppose for the hotels and restaurants in the city. That was when I felt a sense of relief - the aroma of fresh cut flowers. Finally something I could relate to. The day went on excellently thereafter and it was just day one. Fond memories...

10 -15%

So "the Paula" went on to say that 10-15% of people get headaches when they start on their spinal chiropractic treatment. I think she should have told me a week ago coz I had this notion that it was really strange that this headache of mine was not going away. I have a thing about taking codeine and such, so had refrained from taking it - false bravado! Tried sleeping it away instead on Sunday...that is such a poor excuse.

So this session was totally different. She went deep into my spin and started aligning it vertebrae by vertebrae. This I have to say was the most uncomfortable thing ever. I felt like I just got hit by a car and somehow managed to stagger away without wetting my pants. Paula of course was eager to reiterate that only she can make someone feel pain/pleasure at the same time. Sorry love no boner from me at this stage. I think you turtled that idea within 5 minutes of your fingered introduction.

Rather than the usual neck manipulation, she had me lay on my back and then manipulated the neck twice. Crack! Crack! Then she made me turn onto my side and virtually 'sat' her whole weight on my neck. I exaggerate but she said that hopefully this will take the headaches away since my jaw and my neck was not aligned.This should help a little and surprisingly my headache has somewhat subsided replaced by the rather lingering shiatsu like pain along the spine. How wonderful!!

This is my tenth session and hopefully in 2 weeks time, I will have a holistic program to keep my mind, body and soul tuned up. This is the goal this year....to repair years of neglect and get up to my optimum whole again eg. eating right, walking an hour each night, doing my stretches that I use to be good at and be limber again. I can only hope!

Madonna for H&M!

Madonna - American Life!

Happen to stumble on this which speaks plenty.

After

Madonna - American life

Before

Madonna - American Life - Clip interdit
Uploaded by cavapanon

My evening walks ...the corner of my eye!

Till death do us part!!

That's not Linen?

Dog Fetish...

Downtown Adelaide...a new Tram line in action!

What does it all mean?

5 minutes walk from home to the train station and 15 minutes max straight into the city. We have decided that we will still walk no matter how convenient it will be rather than become the lazy pigs that we already are!

We might change our mind in Summer when it hits 45 degrees though....

Adelaide is quite pretty at winter's evening!

A-Sexual - Nature is flawless...

Maybe that is why I'm so miserable at work!

The Cat Nazi...for Peter, Pinoyboy and John.

Quote of the day...Feeling a little Romantic I think.

We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.

Sam Keen, from To Love and Be Loved

Kevin - A small present for you to make you smile...

You’re a falling star, You’re the get away car.
You’re the line in the sand when I go too far.
You’re the swimming pool, on an August day.
And You’re the perfect thing to see.

And you play your card, but it’s kinda cute.
Ah, When you smile at me you know exactly what you do.
Baby don’t pretend, that you don’t know it’s true.
Cause you can see it when I look at you.

[Chorus:]And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It’s you, it’s you, You make me sing.
You’re every line, you’re every word, you’re everything.

You’re a carousel, you’re a wishing well,
And you light me up, when you ring my bell.
You’re a mystery, you’re from outer space,
You’re every minute of my everyday.

And I can’t believe, uh that I’m your man,
And I get to kiss you baby just because I can.
Whatever comes our way, ah we’ll see it through,
And you know that’s what our love can do.

[Chorus:]And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It’s you, it’s you, You make me sing
You’re every line, you’re every word, you’re everything.
So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La
So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La

[Chorus:]And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times
It’s you, it’s you, You make me sing.
You’re every line, you’re every word, you’re everything.
You’re every song, and I sing along.
Cause you’re my everything.
yeah, yeah
So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La
So, La, La, La, La, La, La, La

My secret passion for Italian Glass...

Italian Glass is really something to reckon with.

Yoyoma Ennio moment - This is beautiful (The Mission)

Sometimes we forget the beauty that Man possesses amongst all the violence and negativity of the world.

I like RUGBY!

My Watch Fetish - Starck

I have to admit that I have a watch fetish and messenger bags (man bags as my other half calls them). I am soooo into man bags - it has the right amount of space for my camera and lenses!! Yes I have a camera fetish too.

These two watches are now mine - I've always wanted a Starck anyway and it will be cool to wear it to Japan on my trip. There is still the countless of watches in my wardrobe drawer - the Boss that is too chunky, the Raymond Weil Chrono that is too bright, the Seiko Chrono that the partner has yet to wear, the other dead watches that needs batteries and also some vintage watches that I pull out once a while to admire!!

The nice Movado Museum watch has at least found a home - Dad! He still hasn't worn them and not forgetting the Longines for Christmas. I think my fetishes has not rubbed off on them as yet.

Well I did try not buying anything this month but just couldn't help myself. The annual council rates are coming and the walk-in robe; well it is going to be another hellish bill. Sometimes I think everything is going down the drain each day. You work and the money just disappears into thin air.

Still haven't got our new dishwasher and the garage door replacement is another $700/-. Endless but that is what happens when you own your own place...you can't go running to the landlord to get things fixed anymore. At least I have my health and that too is not going too well....you just can't win!

The Chemical Brothers - We are the night....

A tribute to the health system around the world....



DO IT AGAIN!

Le Grand Silence

Another movie/documentary not to be missed. No religious puns intended - just great cinematography.



The right to choose is ours to make and for us to live.

Is my life more valuable than yours!

To all those voiceless individuals that are no longer with us, I remember...

Between April and June 1994, an estimated 800,000 Rwandans were killed in the space of 100 days.

Is my life more valuable than yours because I cannot be silenced?

Is my life more valuable than yours because I defend an ideology of Truth?

What if everything you believe in is flawed?

How do we live with ourselves for being so arrogant?

How can we atone?

Sometimes it is easier to live life oblivious.

Sometimes he slips into my thoughts...

I was 24 when Casey stopped me rather abruptly while shopping in a Japanese mall in Singapore. He was 31, blond, blue-eyed, my height, a firm handshake, enjoyed the outdoors and had a very amiable Oregonian accent. He said hi and wanted my number. I was flattered but could not understand the attraction he had for me. It was also kind of romantic in a way - infantile on my part but it makes me blush every single time I recall the incident. Fond memories they were.

He told me rather passingly later that someone told him that he would find his soul-mate from a previous life and that he needed to break the cycle of loosing that person over and over again. I had always brushed that sort of idea as a bit hippie for my palette but I am beginning to understand the words that was not said later in life. This person had also told him that he would know who it is from the moment that he'd sat his eyes on him/her - the sex being irrelevant.

I have to say that Casey was one of the most gentle person I've ever met. He had a big heart too - too big even for me at that age. He came at a time when I was experiencing loss - the reason why things could not have worked out for us. I could not see beyond the moment especially when everything was crashing down at the same time. What I knew of him could not sustain my fascination over his love and its ideals for us. I only saw despair.

He had tried his best to share his life with me. The various local paper cut-outs of his swim team, him shovelling snow in winter, the place that he was building and the log-cabins he would share with me when we'd go skiing, family pictures and that of work. I always remember the countless anecdotes written over brochures etc. of his thoughts at that time, scribbled in tiny script. He also saw me at my most vulnerable but was still willing to embrace what was to be. He was truly a genuine person that would envelope you whole with so much warmth from within that you can feel safe in his hands - very rare indeed.

So these days I reminisce and wonder what has become of my Casey. I still have the graduation card he sent me and the 2 Spokane Finisher T-shirt he left behind. I wear them still as a tribute to the memory of Love's Labour's Lost. I draw strength at times from the notion that he too knew what loss meant and had shared that knowledge with me whenever he could from far far away. I had found solace then and hope that he too have found someone that will do the same for him as he had done for me. I have never forgotten.

The Chiro (not Cairo - I wish!) Experience

The 7th session went well yesterday but I am feeling a little bruised. Hopefully this will align my spine but hell does it cause much discomfort. I still have aches that I've never experienced before but along with that a mobility which is intriguingly refreshing. The duality is excruciating - pleasure and pain!

The only thing that is keeping me optimistic is the fact that my stamina has somewhat increased with my walking routine in full force. This will be needed for Japan coz we are planning to rough it out a little in preparation for next year's 4 country border crossing in Asia. Lots of pictures to take then. And not forgetting my new ice pack! I love you soooo much.....

Today I give thanks to a couple of people within this blog space whom I have found distant friendships (directly or indirectly):

Kevin - For reading the blog and making a connection that is genuine. See not only with the eye but with the heart.

Peter & Pinoyboy - For energising Ohmypod each week with an endless supply of news and humorous anecdotes. You're both sweethearts in my book.

John - For being able to laugh at oneself when everything else around you seems to make no sense. Less empathetic more energetic! Love's Labour's Lost 1598.

Andrew - For slowly but surely making me understand the joy of gay parenting through images and words.

Brad - For pushing an ideal that has been lost for a very long time - civic conscience.

Archer - For being in love and sharing his personal space with us though he is unaware of who I am.

I offer you all my gratitude +1 credit point for being you! Redeemable if we ever get to meet in person.

Australia needs faster broadband!!

This is my screen when I blog for the 1st 5-10seconds. Beat that!

Walking & Driving in Winter! Things you see....

We are all vessels...what colour are you?

I fear driving in the fog....

Imagine a phone that has a laser keyboard for MMS,IM etc!

FORGET QWERTY!

Walking around the neighbourhood!

The Adelaide Farmer's Market - My Sunday Distraction

Some pics to tantalise... I've been really good - staying away from the nasty carbo sugar-coated yummies. Now back to the healthy stuff.

Sensuous!!

The Hubby!

Growing old gracefully

What can I say...it is hard to avoid getting lines on your face....but at least they are happy ones! As you can see, I've had loads of sun and inle lake was spectacular...

Elmo take a walk with me!!

How can you not smile....even at your age!

Some interesting scenes...

Harry Potter - Order of the Phoenix

Saw the movie last night - I have to say David Yates (You little daft twat!) have alot to answer for. It was butchered to the point of being incoherent if you didn't read the book and if you're thinking that this movie is going to explain things, well you will be utterly disappointed. Its like watching the movie @ x24 speed, on a carousel with a donkey tied to your ass while a carrot is being jammed down your throat.

Everything from characters to plots had more holes in them than your regular Swiss cheese; cheap Swiss Cheese with great packaging. Maybe the true intension is try and flog the book for what its worth (hype) and because it is so badly done, you'd be annoyed enough to pick the book up wondering why everyone is so potty about Potter. Of course, it was far too intelligent for the film-makers to mention in the movie that Umbridge had sent the dementors in the first place. Huh? Where did the pensieve go - did the Director read the book? Pricks!

The CGI is no better than previous offerings but the confrontation sequence is worth a mention. I guess they wanted a PG rating - there was hardly any blood, gore nor death. With death-eaters everywhere how can there be no death? Ministry of Magic...not so magical.

The only actor that stayed in character was Ron while Hermoine looked 'pretty' much constipated as always and Harry well Harry is still just plain Harry. Too many random snipets and characters being flung left, right and centre with inconsistent book to screen plots left me unsettled!! Who is Luna Lovegood, Nymphadora Tonks arrggghh!!! Why the exorcist moment in the end? What the hell?

Hello!? That inner child with an IQ of 180 requires better convincing than that especially when bare-all Equus Radcliffe is really going for it in SOHO these days full-frontal.

The plus side of things : Gary Oldman is still a spunk.

http://www.harrypotterorderofthephoenix.com/

Is that your Sofa?

This is for Kevin - from the faraway land...

And there is nothing else to say....

Just be!

Are you my soulmate?

Reading blogs and listening to many podcasts, I've realised that there are a lot of single homosexuals out there equalling almost to those "Open" relationships union that is hard to fathom being a non-hedonistic commune we proudly call gay LTR/Monogamous? (SARCASM SARCASM!)

Some have chosen it as a lifestyle, some are just too proud to admit that they're not partner quality, some are still trying to re-live their youthful escapades and then there are those that are so battered, they've given up trying altogether often addicted to the beat and other nocturnal haunts revelling in anonymity that are less binding.

One of the issues I find is the argument of compatibility eg. he is too young, he is not buff enough, he is not rich enough, he is not good-looking enough, he is not intelligent enough, he is not bearish enough, he is Asian, he is too White trash, he is Latino, he is Afro-American, he is too fat, he is too thin, he is not my type and the list goes on and on. Maybe, gay people are truly just after the 'enough' factor. I have come to the conclusion that homosexuals are afraid of rejection. There is no easy way to find your soulmate. There is no checklist. Bigotry gets us nowhere.

Reality check: There is no perfect partner, boyfriend or soulmate for that matter...we are all defective and that is what makes us human. Those little quirky idiosyncratic flaws last a lifetime. So all those singles out there - give everything a go before making up your mind. There is a cornucopia of people out there waiting to fall in love so stop being a bigot and get yourself organised!

Cummon - You don't need the Pink Dollar Daniel..

Someone in Details is probably too gay!! Way Way too gay!

Cecelia Bartoli Vivaldi for Castrato.

Cecilia Bartoli's Vivaldi Agitata da due venti. The voice as harpsichord - for Castrato.

Sneaky Sound System - Summer Anthem.

Summer Anthems....for you on a hot summer's day and margaritas!
Sneaky Sound System

Tamia - Fondue anyone?

Hot Chocolate...the colour of this video is something else...

LG Shine...Shiny..Shine Shine.

My new mobile fetish KU970...only 512mb though without expandable memory. The phone does come with a mircoSD slot in Asia but not in Australia... it is just sooo sleek and shiny!

iKnow..

Witnessing an accident!

It was surreal. The spacewagon was way too fast...country dirt roads are just not made for top-heavy vehicles taking corners at 70km/hr. Not a good way to start off the school holidays for the girls. 4 of them were under the age of 14 and the 'P' Plater was around 16-17. They were way way too fast and I had a feeling was not concentrating on driving at all, girls being girls.

Luckily we were there - got them out of the rolled over wagon and had a quick check on cuts, bruises and scars. Everyone was in shock - took the First Aid kit from the car and cleaned whatever blood we could off the cuts. I have seen this sort of accidents before having worked at the Traffic Dept years back. It felt normal - irresponsible kids not knowing the difference between dirt and bitumised roads. They were lucky coz if they had gone 5 more meters, they would have plunged 15 meters down a crevice. It would have been messy then.

So called the police and spoke to their parents over the phone explaining what had happened. Tried to comfort them while putting the fear of God into the driver on the reality of what could have happened. Coordinated one of the neighbours to take two of the girls home so that they could ferry an adult to the crash site so we could leave. All in all, it threw 1 hour off our schedule.

Thank God everything went alright.

An advice to all my friends...please be careful while driving. Far too many people die on the road these days. Be safe coz people whom you love will be so devastated should anything happen to you.

I shed a tear for being a romantic!

Sarah Chang...how art thou string my senses!

This is one of the best - in Berlin with Placido Domingo conducting.

Bryn Terfel....never listen while under the influence of gin!

This is captivating...2003.

Give me Bebel Gilberto today....on a tropical holiday...

Take me back when the world was a nicer place to live....Momento.

Wouldn't it be awful living in a Nazi state...

OK Hadi enough!

My rant for the day....

Rubbish attracts Rubbish
like Flies to a pile of shit.

Morons attract Morons
Like bogans to cheap KMart shoes.

I believe it is the way of the world
I can't argue with destiny but if I could change the world....

I would outlaw the right to procreate...and have licences instead.

Arrgggghhhh!

Just some random pics lately...

I want my own Toy Car!

Pancakes - My first stop ever when I landed in Adelaide 10 years ago!

And why did they have to kill Rose?

The boys seems to just go crazy at the Park.

Adelaide in Winter...Storms a plenty!

The Ultimate Bourne...

I've always been a fan of the movie...and the book.

The Common People - Are you insular?

There are things happening around us. Some of which we are unable to affect positively while there are circumstances in which we perpetuate to the point of self-destruction. Michael Moore does have his moments but at the end of the day he is still preaching to the converted. There are those whom have chosen to live ignorant lives and there are others standing on the precipice of change undecided.

I guess this is my take on the world. If we look at the percentage of people that have travelled or lived in other 'communities' where they had to develop inter-personal skills, it is indeed low. Where I work for example, 2/3 of the group have never stepped out of Australia. By not understanding the language, culture and socio-demographic backgrounds of others, we are unable to define ourselves. Building communities that isolates itself through ideology, belief or sexual preference is like trying to build Utopia. Our community is too myopic to embrace self rule let alone self control. In fact, the fear in communities are so strong that they cling onto unrealistic ideals. This is self-defeating and at a certain level arrogant.

The beauty about being human is to know at one point in your life how fragile existence is. Cowering within your communities only deny you of your own personal growth. It denies others of the beauty that you might impart to them including an unjaded eye of the world. This relationship is slipping away dramatically - the core underlying issue everywhere around the world where sectarian violence is rampant and labels are fashionable.

Being gay does not mean being different or special - it is more about accepting that you are not.

Duran Duran...those were the days!

I feel ill today.

Have been up since 4am with tummy cramps. It must have been the chicken I ate. So down goes the mylanta, charcoal tablets and warm tea again. For someone with a weak stomach, I need to be a little bit more careful with what I eat. I never do and always end up feeling like crap.

The arm muscles are also not doing too well from over stimulation - trying to build back some muscle mass is a bad idea after a long absence. Maybe I need to re-evaluate my weekend schedule a little. The spare tyres are slowly disappearing - not much, emphasis on slowly and not much. Just need to get fit again.

It was quite an eventful Sunday...we brought down 2 trees that was causing us grief (it had like millions of spores that irritated the shit out of me), snapped the copper pipe (water) leading to the house with an axe in all that 'excitement' and of course my food poisoning soon after - what else can I ask for in a dream weekend? A trip to Chiro this afternoon... yupp that's more bad news I suppose but at least we have running water after $110 later.

The wardrobe people came this morning and was told to take the stuff back coz they were not up to scratch. I am still wardrobe-less with clothes, linen and everything else you can think off still gravitating towards the other rooms on racks. My shoes have made a temporary home in the dining room - at least I get to see them all lined up for once. I like my loafers and my zipped up boots especially in winter.

So tonight is probably soup night. I am staying away from anything heavy and of course will try and get a little more sleep. Watch Diana's concert last night... it was interesting but mediocre - I think the Princes need a touch of class but I guess it was a spur of the moment idea. I felt entirely devastated when Supertram came on with their medley - existence is such a contradiction.

Duncan Sheik - Spring Awakening.

Another Distraction...