Sunday, November 30, 2008

Welcome to Valhalla

Welcome to Valhalla, visitor dear
Climb this stairway to a different paradise.
Fantasia, for short
Where the dreams are wrought in the furnance of one's mind
But nightmares are won.
So Dream all.
Endure the stinging arrows of adversaries and battle on.
Oh break these chains
Break these clumsy fetters
That bind my imagination to the ground.
And let us battle on
Fearing none. Daring all.
The tea break is at ten.
Thus ride on my fear comrades
Mount the steed. Grip the sword.
There are many battles to be lost.
Come, dare all. Life's a final suicide.
It has to be made the most of
In Valhalla.

YMC Copyright 1990.

(Written in one of my gothic moods. Note: I had not read NG's Sandman series.)






Lego Troopers The Saga continues


Joseph Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass

Start:     Nov 30, '08 7:00p
Location:     Singapore Bible College
Celebration Chorus is performing Haydn's Choral composition, Lord Nelson's Mass. The Funeral Music for the Great British Admiral.

No such thing as Global Warming

Says David Belamy. Remember him? He was a scientist who hosted several TV shows in the 1970s and 1980s. He was also arrested for staging a protest at the Franklin Dam site.

Anyway read on...

"According to official data, in every year since 1998, world temperatures have been getting colder, and in 2002 Arctic ice actually increased. Why, then, do we not hear about that? The sad fact is that since I said I didn't believe human beings caused global warming, I've not been allowed to make a television program.

My absence has been noticed, because wherever I go I meet people who say: "I grew up with you on the television, where are you now?"

It was in 1996 that I criticised wind farms while appearing on children's program Blue Peter, and I also had an article published in which I described global warming as poppycock. The truth is, I didn't think wind farms were an effective means of alternative energy, so I said so. Back then, at the BBC you had to toe the line, and I wasn't doing that.

At that point, I was still making loads of TV programs and I was enjoying it greatly. Then I suddenly found I was sending in ideas for TV shows and they weren't getting taken up. I've asked around about why I've been ignored, but I found that people didn't get back to me. At the beginning of this year there was a BBC show with four experts saying: "This is going to be the end of all the ice in the Arctic," and hypothesising that it was going to be the hottest summer ever. Was it hell! It was very cold and very wet and now we've seen evidence that the glaciers in Alaska have started growing rapidly, and they have not grown for a long time.

I've seen evidence, which I believe, that says there has not been a rise in global temperature since 1998, despite the increase in carbon dioxide being pumped into the atmosphere. This makes me think the global warmers are telling lies: CO2 is not the driver. The idiot fringe has accused me of being like a Holocaust denier, which is ludicrous. Climate change is all about cycles. It's a natural thing and has always happened. When the Romans lived in Britain they were growing very good red grapes and making wine on the borders of Scotland. It was evidently a lot warmer.

If you were sitting next to me 10,000 years ago, we'd be under ice. So thank God for global warming for ending that ice age; we wouldn't be here otherwise.

Read the rest here: Aust

Lego Troopers The Saga continues


No such thing as Global Warming

Says David Belamy. Remember him? He was a scientist who hosted several TV shows in the 1970s and 1980s. He was also arrested for staging a protest at the Franklin Dam site.

Anyway read on...

"According to official data, in every year since 1998, world temperatures have been getting colder, and in 2002 Arctic ice actually increased. Why, then, do we not hear about that? The sad fact is that since I said I didn't believe human beings caused global warming, I've not been allowed to make a television program.

My absence has been noticed, because wherever I go I meet people who say: "I grew up with you on the television, where are you now?"

It was in 1996 that I criticised wind farms while appearing on children's program Blue Peter, and I also had an article published in which I described global warming as poppycock. The truth is, I didn't think wind farms were an effective means of alternative energy, so I said so. Back then, at the BBC you had to toe the line, and I wasn't doing that.

At that point, I was still making loads of TV programs and I was enjoying it greatly. Then I suddenly found I was sending in ideas for TV shows and they weren't getting taken up. I've asked around about why I've been ignored, but I found that people didn't get back to me. At the beginning of this year there was a BBC show with four experts saying: "This is going to be the end of all the ice in the Arctic," and hypothesising that it was going to be the hottest summer ever. Was it hell! It was very cold and very wet and now we've seen evidence that the glaciers in Alaska have started growing rapidly, and they have not grown for a long time.

I've seen evidence, which I believe, that says there has not been a rise in global temperature since 1998, despite the increase in carbon dioxide being pumped into the atmosphere. This makes me think the global warmers are telling lies: CO2 is not the driver. The idiot fringe has accused me of being like a Holocaust denier, which is ludicrous. Climate change is all about cycles. It's a natural thing and has always happened. When the Romans lived in Britain they were growing very good red grapes and making wine on the borders of Scotland. It was evidently a lot warmer.

If you were sitting next to me 10,000 years ago, we'd be under ice. So thank God for global warming for ending that ice age; we wouldn't be here otherwise.

Read the rest here: Aust

Saturday, November 29, 2008

No such thing as Global Warming

Says David Belamy. Remember him? He was a scientist who hosted several TV shows in the 1970s and 1980s. He was also arrested for staging a protest at the Franklin Dam site.

Anyway read on...

"According to official data, in every year since 1998, world temperatures have been getting colder, and in 2002 Arctic ice actually increased. Why, then, do we not hear about that? The sad fact is that since I said I didn't believe human beings caused global warming, I've not been allowed to make a television program.

My absence has been noticed, because wherever I go I meet people who say: "I grew up with you on the television, where are you now?"

It was in 1996 that I criticised wind farms while appearing on children's program Blue Peter, and I also had an article published in which I described global warming as poppycock. The truth is, I didn't think wind farms were an effective means of alternative energy, so I said so. Back then, at the BBC you had to toe the line, and I wasn't doing that.

At that point, I was still making loads of TV programs and I was enjoying it greatly. Then I suddenly found I was sending in ideas for TV shows and they weren't getting taken up. I've asked around about why I've been ignored, but I found that people didn't get back to me. At the beginning of this year there was a BBC show with four experts saying: "This is going to be the end of all the ice in the Arctic," and hypothesising that it was going to be the hottest summer ever. Was it hell! It was very cold and very wet and now we've seen evidence that the glaciers in Alaska have started growing rapidly, and they have not grown for a long time.

I've seen evidence, which I believe, that says there has not been a rise in global temperature since 1998, despite the increase in carbon dioxide being pumped into the atmosphere. This makes me think the global warmers are telling lies: CO2 is not the driver. The idiot fringe has accused me of being like a Holocaust denier, which is ludicrous. Climate change is all about cycles. It's a natural thing and has always happened. When the Romans lived in Britain they were growing very good red grapes and making wine on the borders of Scotland. It was evidently a lot warmer.

If you were sitting next to me 10,000 years ago, we'd be under ice. So thank God for global warming for ending that ice age; we wouldn't be here otherwise.

Read the rest here: Aust

What is money?

I was asked this rhetorical question in Uni.

"What is money?"

As the recent events about the US dollar has shown. Money is not paper. If a country defaults on its payments, its paper money is worthless.

"Is money gold?"

Maybe I'm a bit sore about getting stabbed on the wrong side of the gold cycle, but I'm rather sanguine about gold.

Let me tell you a story. There was this man who was given three wishes by a magical genie -

So his first wish was to have a ton of gold. He got that.

His second wish was to be in a place were noone else could touch his gold.

So the Genie dropped him into the deepest part of the sea with his one ton of Gold.

The man's third wish- issued more frantically - was to be on dry land.

And so the Genie put him on a small island where there was another resident who owned the sole coconut tree.

The man - exhausted - begged the resident for a coconut. And the resident replied, "I'll sell you one coconut for a ton of gold." The man had no choice but to accept the exchange.

So what is money? Money is value. Paper, gold (and cowry shells) are only a means of helping to exchanging that value.

Food has a value but it is perishable and has a finite lifespan. And depends upon supply/demand.

Gold has a value but it is elastic. Meaning it goes up and down. Its value fluctuates. Gold in 1980 was US$800 an ounce. Since then, its value dropped all the way down to US$250 in 1999. Anyone who invested in gold in that period, lost their pants. Right now Gold is back up again (not taking into account inflation).

You don't have to dig to make money. It can be created through human skill. Ask yourself how much gold will you exchange for a Van Gough or Renoir painting? How much gold will you exchange for a computer or a sports car or a Persian carpet?

Humans can manufacture value. It takes time, effort, skill (resources) and they can build things of value. A Lamborghini sports car. A Nasa sport rocket. A Metropolis. A Railway system. A laptop computer, an internet telecommunication system, etc..

Meanwhile the amount of gold stays about the same. But the amount of value generated by mankind has increased.

cont....







What is money?

I was asked this rhetorical question in Uni.

"What is money?" (My lecturer didn't give me a good answer... but it was a good question and got me thinking)

As the recent events about the US dollar has shown. Money is not paper. If a country defaults on its payments, its paper money is worthless. If its economy is in shambles or if it decides to just print and print more paper money like tissue paper - well, is it worth anything?

"Is money gold?"

Maybe I'm a bit sore about getting stabbed on the wrong side of the gold cycle, but I'm (not so) sanguine about gold nor do I believe in its mystical power of value.

Let me tell you a story. There was this man who was given three wishes by a magical genie -

So his first wish was to have a ton of gold. He got that.

His second wish was to be in a place were no one else could steal his gold.

So the Genie dropped him into the deepest part of the sea with his one ton of Gold. Absolutely impossible for any thief to get it there.

The man's third wish- issued more frantically - was to be on dry land.

And so the Genie put him on a small island where there was another resident who owned the sole coconut tree.

The man - exhausted - begged the resident for a coconut. And the resident replied, "I'll sell you one coconut for a ton of gold." The man had no choice but to accept the exchange.

So what is money? Money is value. Paper, gold (cowry shells etc..) are only a means of helping to exchanging that value. Gold is limited and is a major cap on expansion. You can't print more gold to keep up with progress. (More on this later).

Food has a value but it is perishable and has a finite lifespan. And depends upon supply/demand.

Gold has a value as an ancient currency but it is actually elastic. Meaning it goes up and down (same as most things). Its value fluctuates. Gold in 1980 was US$800 an ounce. You could buy a lot of things with $800 back then - like a good car. Most people's salaries were less than that.

Since then, its value dropped all the way down to US$250 in 1999. Anyone who invested in gold in that period, lost their pants. Right now Gold is back up again to $800 an ounce (not taking into account inflation). And hey, maybe it will regain its ancient influence; or maybe not. But let's not bow down this idol. Its just a rare "rock". Its not smiling at you. Its just your reflection.

You don't have to dig to make money. It can be created through human skill. People make wealth. Ask yourself how much gold will you exchange for a Van Gough or Renoir painting? How much gold will you exchange for a beautiful mansion or a sports car or a Persian carpet?

Humans can manufacture value. It takes time, effort, skill (resources) and they can build things of value: a Lamborghini sports car, a Nasa sport rocket, a Metropolis, a Railway system, a laptop computer, an internet telecommunication system, antibiotics, pain killers, antiseptics, painfree surgery, etc.. Humans can create wealth and value.

Meanwhile the amount of gold stays about the same. But the amount of value generated by mankind has increased. Will you trade all the world's gold supply for a modern secure civilization - with all its benefits: a road system, a judiciary, police force, water supply, shopping malls, cafes that can brew a decent cup of coffee, etc..? Do you think any of the great monarchs in history enjoyed the same kind of benefits that even the common citizen in industrialized nations do?

Anyways. If you did what will you do with the gold? You can't eat it.

cont....







Recurring Dreams...

I've been having this recurring dream lately. I thought I might as well write this down in case I forget (as I invariably do).

Some background: when I was growing up as a child - I lived in an old part of Singapore. There were a lot of grand homes and estates that had been abandoned and were falling apart.

First One
I'm back in English Middlesummer style white bungalow. I'm fixing up things, patching gaps, and generally having some success at it. I step outside - its night. The air is cold. Then I see a gypsy child, a spooky child standing in my back garden in the middle of the night. She's just staring at me. Initially I pay her no attention; I turn away but she's still there starring at me with an evil satanic look. I know its not a child but a demon masquerading as one.

Second Part
I'm at home. Its night. I go to the pantry. And find that the kitchen wallboard has been written over. The handwriting is beautiful; its my sister's work but she (in reality) has bad handwriting. The bakelite clock shows the wrong time.

Third Part
I get back home, I see the French sliding doors are unopened. The wind is blowing the curtains in hard. I get upset as I think I'm the one who left the door opened. I close it but then see one of my family members outside. XZ is making a bonfire and chanting loudly. I call out to XZ to come in but my cries go unheeded. There is a mighty storm brewing. The family member gives me an angry look and I realize there is no point. I do not open the door.


Friday, November 28, 2008

Nephew Euen says Noooooo




Funny video of my nephew Euen saying, "Nooooooo!!!!" with his mom.

What is money?

I was asked this rhetorical question in Uni.

"What is money?"

As the recent events about the US dollar has shown. Money is not paper. If a country defaults on its payments, its paper money is worthless.

"Is money gold?"

Maybe I'm a bit sore about getting stabbed on the wrong side of the gold cycle, but I'm rather sanguine about gold.

Let me tell you a story. There was this man who was given three wishes by a magical genie -

So his first wish was to have a ton of gold. He got that.

His second wish was to be in a place were noone else could touch his gold.

So the Genie dropped him into the deepest part of the sea with his one ton of Gold.

The man's third wish- issued more frantically - was to be on dry land.

And so the Genie put him on a small island where there was another resident who owned the sole coconut tree.

The man - exhausted - begged the resident for a coconut. And the resident replied, "I'll sell you one coconut for a ton of gold." The man had no choice but to accept the exchange.

So what is money? Money is value. Paper, gold (and cowry shells) are only a means of helping to exchanging that value.

Food has a value but it is perishable and has a finite lifespan. And depends upon supply/demand.

Gold has a value but it is elastic. Meaning it goes up and down. Its value fluctuates. Gold in 1980 was US$800 an ounce. Since then, its value dropped all the way down to US$250 in 1999. Anyone who invested in gold in that period, lost their pants. Right now Gold is back up again (not taking into account inflation).

You don't have to dig to make money. It can be created through human skill. Ask yourself how much gold will you exchange for a Van Gough or Renoir painting? How much gold will you exchange for a computer or a sports car or a Persian carpet?

Humans can manufacture value. It takes time, effort, skill (resources) and they can build things of value. A Lamborghini sports car. A Nasa sport rocket. A Metropolis. A Railway system. A laptop computer, an internet telecommunication system, etc..

Meanwhile the amount of gold stays about the same. But the amount of value generated by mankind has increased.

cont....







Recurring Dreams...

I've been having this recurring dream lately. I thought I might as well write this down in case I forget (as I invariably do).

Some background: when I was growing up as a child - I lived in an old part of Singapore. There were a lot of grand homes and estates that had been abandoned and were falling apart.

First One
I'm back in English Middlesummer style white bungalow. I'm fixing up things, patching gaps, and generally having some success at it. I step outside - its night. The air is cold. Then I see a gypsy child, a spooky child standing in my back garden in the middle of the night. She's just staring at me. Initially I pay her no attention; I turn away but she's still there starring at me with an evil satanic look. I know its not a child but a demon masquerading as one.

Second Part
I'm at home. Its night. I go to the pantry. And find that the kitchen wallboard has been written over. The handwriting is beautiful; its my sister's work but she (in reality) has bad handwriting. The bakelite clock shows the wrong time.

Third Part
I get back home, I see the French sliding doors are unopened. The wind is blowing the curtains in hard. I get upset as I think I'm the one who left the door opened. I close it but then see one of my family members outside. XZ is making a bonfire and chanting loudly. I call out to XZ to come in but my cries go unheeded. There is a mighty storm brewing. The family member gives me an angry look and I realize there is no point. I do not open the door.


Melbourne Cup Day 08




A day with friends, bbq Kransky Sausages, Tasmanian Oysters, and a bottle of Sauvigon Blanc.

Recurring Dreams...

I've been having this recurring dream lately. I thought I might as well write this down in case I forget (as I invariably do).

Some background: when I was growing up as a child - I lived in an old part of Singapore. There were a lot of grand homes and estates that had been abandoned and were falling apart.

First One
I'm back in English Middlesummer style white bungalow. I'm fixing up things, patching gaps, and generally having some success at it. I step outside - its night. The air is cold. Then I see a gypsy child, a spooky child standing in my back garden in the middle of the night. She's just staring at me. Initially I pay her no attention; I turn away but she's still there starring at me with an evil satanic look. I know its not a child but a demon masquerading as one.

Second Part
I'm at home. Its night. I go to the pantry. And find that the kitchen wallboard has been written over. The handwriting is beautiful; its my sister's work but she (in reality) has bad handwriting. The bakelite clock shows the wrong time.

Third Part
I get back home, I see the French sliding doors are unopened. The wind is blowing the curtains in hard. I get upset as I think I'm the one who left the door opened. I close it but then see one of my family members outside. XZ is making a bonfire and chanting loudly. I call out to XZ to come in but my cries go unheeded. There is a mighty storm brewing. The family member gives me an angry look and I realize there is no point. I do not open the door.


Thursday, November 27, 2008

Lego Troopers - Funniest Thing Ever

You're got to watch this... its so funny.

Town Council plans own IR

from www.talkingcock.com

After its sinking fund investment, um, sank, Bukit Gorblok Town Council intends to recoup its losses by starting its own casi
sorry, sorry, integrated resort.

Since Marina Bay Sands is facing problems, we may have a window of opportunity, said Bukit Gorblok Town Council (BGTC) spokeswoman Ms Betty Ng.

Ms. Ng revealed earlier this month that they had invested a portion of the estate
s sinking fund, supposed to be deployed for maintenance and upgrading, into high risk equities like DBS High School Musical Notes 5, and Lemon Brothers Minibombs.

When asked why a non-profit organization like a town council would want to take such huge risks with residents
money, especially for paltry returns like 3% p.a., Ms. Ng replied, We take our cue from the Gahmen. To succeed in Singapore, you must follow the Lee men. So of course we invested in Lehman, lah.

But now that the global economic crisis has wiped their investments out, BGTC isn
t just shrugging its shoulders and accepting the situation as just L.L., said Ms. Ng. Weve come up with a solution we think will earn all our money back.

BGTC will be starting its own casino.

It makes a lot of sense, said Ms. Ng. In our constituency, everybody is suffering hawkers, shopkeepers, residents. But one business attracts long lines every week, week after week the 4D booth. This tells us something.

According to Ms Ng, BGTC has entered into joint ventures with several experts in the local gambling scene, such as the Chap Sar Tiam Tattooed Blood Brother Society of Geylang Lorong 69.
I dont have too much information about them at the moment, said Ms. Ng in response to press inquiries. Theyre society is a bit secretive.

BGTC will offer less luxurious, but still appealing gambling options to customers.
Maybe we wont have a roulette wheel or baccarat salon, lah. But we think people will still come and place money at our mahjong, chapjikee and paikow tables, and also our own innovation Texas Holdem Cheekupak.

Aside from gambling, there will also be other entertainments, Ms. Ng promised,
like karaoke, peidu mamas and shih-tzu massage, where customers can have their bodies rubbed all over with a small dog.

BGTC has also planned to limit the deleterious social effects that gambling might have on its own residents.
So were going to charge all residents extra $50. If you come from Toa Payoh or Sengkang, can just come in and puak, but local residents, too bad.

BGTC will have its ribbon cutting ceremony next week, officiated by MP and Senior Mini-star of State for Boring Affairs Dr. Potongaji Salaribigwan.
Dr. Potongaji has also kindly agreed to place the first bet, said Ms. Ng. His office says he needs to make up for his pay being cut somehow.

And what about BGTC
s casinos name?

We thought that since Marina Bay Sands will be delayed, said Ms. Ng. We would call ours Kanina Bay Hands.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Choir Concert Saint Marks

Start:     Dec 7, '08 2:00p
End:     Dec 7, '08 3:00p
Location:     Fitzroy, Melbourne
Sunday 7 December – 2.30pm
O come, Emmanuel!
Carols and Anthems for the Season of Advent
The Choir of St Mark’s, Fitzroy
Janet Gibbs, organ
Christopher J. Luke, director

Titan Trigger Fish Maldives




Up close with the infamous Titan Trigger Fish. Its nesting season, but it is not aggressive.

CIty Lights

Glittering Bright
Jewels of the Night
City Lights
Whispering Delight
How like Stars, they shine.

YMC © Nov 2008

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Dinner @ The Equinox 70th Floor

I honestly didn't know where to have dinner tonight. Its my birthday. I didn't fancy anything special.

Initially I took my date to one of the ordinary restaurants. Turns out they only serve crepes. So we had a strawberry ice cream and left and went searching...

I was after a place that had ambiance, nice views, quiet, good food, service, etc.. I like to enjoy good food and be in an environment where you can conduct pleasant conversation without diners or staff yelling, shouting or otherwise talking very loudly and rudely. I so hate that...

Soooo... Went up to the 70th floor of the Swissotel to check out Jaan, a boutique fine dining restaurant that had a good review by
http://chubbyhubby.net/blog/?p=542

Jaan looked ok, very intimate. The decor seemed a bit spartan though. But the views were definitely better at the Equinox which was on the same floor.

As you can see - the views were spectacular!!!! You could see the Esplanade, the Concert Hall, Boat and Clarke Quey, the CBD skyline, Parliament, the Merlion, and the Ferris Wheel etc... everything worth seeing. My date couldn't get enough of the scenery.

We ordered steak. My date had the Black Angus, and I had the Wagyu which cost twice as much. Later, I thought the Black Angus tasted better.

Nonetheless, they were the best steaks I've tasted in a long time. Tender, Soft, Juicy, Tasty. Much better than the ones I've had in some of the steak houses in Carlton, Melb.

The steaks went down well with the Aussie Shiraz. The soup - Bouillabaise- was worth skipping though. Same goes for the overpriced water.

We had the cake at my date's home with her family. I did not want to have the cake at the restaurant. I didn't fancy the waiters singing happy birthday while the rest of the other diners looked on bemused... that would seem so provincial.

A very enjoyable dinner by all accounts.

CIty Lights

Glittering Bright
City Lights
Jewels of the Night
Whispering hidden delights
How like Stars, they shine.

YMC © Nov 2008

CIty Lights

Glittering Bright
Jewels of the Night
City Lights
Whispering Delight
How like Stars, they shine.

YMC © Nov 2008

CIty Lights

Glittering Bright
Jewels of the Night
City Lights
Whispering Delight
How like Stars, they shine.

YMC © Nov 2008

Peter's Walk

The sea looks so calm
Like Glass
I step on it and it holds
Oh my God! I'm walking on water
I'm walking towards my Lord
He's calling me
He seems serene
The waves are coming
Yet with every step so distant
Am I walking on water?
I can't believe it
This is amazing!
The waves are coming
This walk seems endless
He seems so far away
The waves are coming
I flounder
My lungs fill with water
My breathe with brine
The waves are too strong
I'm drowning
This was such a stupid idea
I'm going to die
Oh my God. I'm going to die.
An angry arm grabs me.
"Oh ye of little faith, arise!"
"Do I have to save you all the time?"
Look at the Lord and not your circumstances.
You're walking on water, don't you realize?

YMC ©24th Nov 2008

Equinox 70th floor Swissotel




I honestly didn't know where to have dinner tonight; its my birthday. Initially I took my date to one of the ordinary restaurants. Turns out they only serve crepes. So we had a strawberry ice cream and left and went searching...

I was after a place that had ambiance, nice views, quiet, good food, service, etc.. I like to enjoy good food and be in an environment where you can have a pleasant conversation without diners or staff yelling (in Cantonese), shouting or otherwise talking very loudly and rudely. I so hate that...

Soooo... Went up to the 70th floor of the Swissotel to check out Jaan, a boutique fine dining restaurant that had a good review by
http://chubbyhubby.net/blog/?p=542

Jaan looked ok. The deco was rather spartan though. And it was smaller than the Equinox.

And the views were definitely better at Equinox which was on the same floor. As you can see - the views were spectacular!!!! Floor to Ceiling Windows. Panoramic Views!!! You could see the Esplanade, the Concert Hall, Clarke Quey, the CBD skyline, Parliament, the Merlion, and the Ferris Wheel etc... everything worth seeing. My date couldn't get enough of the scenery.

We ordered steak. My date had the Black Angus, and I had the Wagyu which cost twice as much. I thought the Black Angus tasted better. With the amount of money we paid - we could have gone to Phuket and back; maybe next time :D

In fact, they were the best steaks I've tasted in a long time. Much better than the ones I've had in some of the steak houses in Carlton, Melb.

The steaks went down well with the Aussie Shiraz. The soup - Bouillabaise- was worth skipping though. Same goes for the overpriced water, but it goes with the territory I guess.

We had the cake at my date's home with her family, not at the restaurant. No way I was going to have the waiters singing happy birthday while the rest of the other diners looked on bemused... that would have been so provincial.

A very excellent way to spend a special day.

Special thanks to my special friend for sharing this moment with me - and for providing the Black Forest birthday cake!!!

Killer Cab Driver allowed to maintain anonymity and keep driving

Australia sure is a funny place.

This cab driver, an immigrant, stabbed his wife in the head - and the courts have allowed him to keep his cab driver license and keep driving. Meanwhile, newspapers are not allowed to reveal his secret identity.

(In America- normally, super heroes are allowed to keep their secret id - in Australia, its killer insane cab drivers... go figure)

Frankly, this would make more sense - if the cab driver was hired to be the personal driver of the judges and magistrates. But I don't see the hypocrites hiring.




Dinner @ The Equinox 70th Floor Swissotel

I honestly didn't know where to have dinner tonight. Its my birthday. I didn't fancy anything special.

Initially we went to one of the ordinary restaurants. Turns out they only serve crepes. So we had a strawberry ice cream and left and went thinking and searching...

I was after a place that had ambiance, nice views, quiet, good food, service, etc.. I like to enjoy good food and be in an environment where you can conduct pleasant conversation without diners or staff yelling, shouting or otherwise talking very loudly and rudely. You get a lot of that in some Chinese restaurants. Food superb. Atmosphere like Hell.

Soooo... Just for laughs. Went up to the 70th floor of the Swissotel to check out Jaan, a boutique fine dining restaurant that had a good review by
http://chubbyhubby.net/blog/?p=542

Jaan looked ok, very intimate. The decor seemed a bit spartan though. But the views were definitely better at the Equinox which was on the same floor.

As you can see - the views were spectacular!!!! You could see the Esplanade, the Concert Hall, Boat and Clarke Quey, the CBD skyline, Parliament, the Merlion, and the Ferris Wheel etc... everything worth seeing. My date couldn't get enough of the scenery. So! Settled!!! We eat here!

We ordered steak. My date had the Black Angus, and I had the Wagyu which at $128 cost twice as much. Later, I thought the Black Angus tasted better.

Nonetheless, they were the best steaks I've tasted in a long time. Tender, Soft, Juicy, Tasty. Much better than the ones I've had in some of the steak houses in Carlton, Melb.

The steaks went down well with the Aussie Shiraz. The soup - Bouillabaise- was worth skipping though. Same goes for the overpriced water. And they didn't have much of a dessert menu; a wide selection I mean.

We had the cake at my date's home with her family, not at the restaurant. I didn't fancy the waiters singing happy! birthday! while the rest of the other diners looked on dimly bemused... that would be so provincial.

A very enjoyable dinner by all accounts. (Check out the rest of the pictures in the photo section) We actually spent so much time talking and staring at the scenery that our food got cold!


Dinner @ The Equinox 70th Floor

I honestly didn't know where to have dinner tonight. Its my birthday. I didn't fancy anything special.

Initially I took my date to one of the ordinary restaurants. Turns out they only serve crepes. So we had a strawberry ice cream and left and went searching...

I was after a place that had ambiance, nice views, quiet, good food, service, etc.. I like to enjoy good food and be in an environment where you can conduct pleasant conversation without diners or staff yelling, shouting or otherwise talking very loudly and rudely. I so hate that...

Soooo... Went up to the 70th floor of the Swissotel to check out Jaan, a boutique fine dining restaurant that had a good review by
http://chubbyhubby.net/blog/?p=542

Jaan looked ok, very intimate. The decor seemed a bit spartan though. But the views were definitely better at the Equinox which was on the same floor.

As you can see - the views were spectacular!!!! You could see the Esplanade, the Concert Hall, Boat and Clarke Quey, the CBD skyline, Parliament, the Merlion, and the Ferris Wheel etc... everything worth seeing. My date couldn't get enough of the scenery.

We ordered steak. My date had the Black Angus, and I had the Wagyu which cost twice as much. Later, I thought the Black Angus tasted better.

Nonetheless, they were the best steaks I've tasted in a long time. Tender, Soft, Juicy, Tasty. Much better than the ones I've had in some of the steak houses in Carlton, Melb.

The steaks went down well with the Aussie Shiraz. The soup - Bouillabaise- was worth skipping though. Same goes for the overpriced water.

We had the cake at my date's home with her family. I did not want to have the cake at the restaurant. I didn't fancy the waiters singing happy birthday while the rest of the other diners looked on bemused... that would seem so provincial.

A very enjoyable dinner by all accounts.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Plankton Storm Maldives




We swam through some luminous plankton in our descent. It is not uncommon to see such sights. I've witnessed this before in Dayang, Sipadan (over a thousand miles away from the Maldives).

I thought I'd tried and take a photo of the critters with my point and shoot Fuji camera. Its a bit hit and miss really. You activate the macro, focus, shoot. I was just looking at the object in a general way, not aiming it precisely. One in a million shot.

The plankton blink red and blue like Christmas tree lights. Very pretty! Apparently its a defensive measure designed to scare off predators and to attract bigger fish who will in turn eat the plankton eaters.

My friend Jeremy emailed me and said:
Actually, there are at least two species in your photo.
The main critter (looks like a lobster without claws/legs) is a planktonic crustacean.
It's covered in light-bearing (bioluminescent) orgnisms, most likely dinoflagellates by your description of the colours etc. These are carnivorous single-celled critters that hunt food with tentacles. Some species are bioluminescent as a predator defence mechanism...

Excerpt from: http://jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu/FieldCourses00/PapersMarineEcologyArticles/WhatsGlowingintheWaterBio.html



"...Bioluminescence is used to evade predators and acts as a type of burglar alarm defense mechanism in dinoflagellates. Dinoflagelletes produce light when the deformation of the cell by minute forces triggers its luminescence. When the cell is disturbed by a predator, it will give a light flash lasting 0.1 to 0.5 seconds. The flash is meant to attract a secondary predator that will be more likely to attack the predator that is trying to consume the dinoflagellate. The light flash also makes the predator jump and worry about other predators attacking it, making the predator less likely to prey on the dinoflagellate...."

Marble Ray Maldives




Maldives, Indian Ocean. 1st dive of day. 27th May. Gurado Channel Depth 30m?

We spotted a large Marble Ray, size of a large coffee table. Diameter 3m - 4m?

I approached it pointblank. Got within touching distance. Stupid thing for me to do really as its tail can break a man's thigh bone. And the next thing I know I'll be saying hello to Steve Irwin.

The Manta was in an aggressive posture. Back arched. Tail up. Its tail can break leg bone and its barb can crush a man's chest. I took pains to approach it slowly not provoking it any further. It looked hollow as its gills opened and closed. In hindsight it was a very rash thing for me to do. Please don't follow my example - it could get you killed.

(My camera was not sync to local time so I'm not sure)

Marble Ray shot pointblank @ Maldives, Indian Ocean




27th May 08, 2nd dive, we saw a large marble ray in the Maldives - about the size of a coffee table. Swam down with the others. I approached it within touching distance. It seemed aggressive - its back was raised and so was its mighty tail. But I was careful not to provoke it. Its tail can break leg bone - and it has a barb in its tail which can crush a man's chest.

(My watch and my camera were not sync to local time: not sure now what time this happened)

Peter's Walk

The sea looks so calm Like Glass
I step on it and it holds
Oh my God! I'm walking on water

I'm walking towards my Lord
He's calling me
He's standing there in the middle of the sea
Like a sunbeam on the ocean
The waves are coming

Am I walking on water?
I can't believe it
This is amazing!
The waves are coming
This walk seems endless
He seems so far away
The waves are coming

I flounder
My lungs fill with water
My breathe with brine
The waves are too strong...   I'm drowning
I'm going to die
Oh my God. I'm going to die!!!!!
An angry arm grabs me.
"Oh ye of little faith, arise!"
"Do I have to save you all the time?"

Look at the Lord and not your circumstances.
You're walking on water, don't you realize?

YMC ©24th Nov 2008

Killer Cab Driver allowed to maintain anonymity and keep driving

Australia sure is a funny place.

This cab driver, an immigrant, stabbed his wife in the head - and the courts have allowed him to keep his cab driver license and keep driving. Meanwhile, newspapers are not allowed to reveal his secret identity.

(In America- normally, super heroes are allowed to keep their secret id - in Australia, its killer insane cab drivers... go figure)

Frankly, this would make more sense - if the cab driver was hired to be the personal driver of the judges and magistrates. But I don't see the hypocrites hiring.




Peter's Walk

The sea looks so calm
Like Glass
I step on it and it holds
Oh my God! I'm walking on water
I'm walking towards my Lord
He's calling me
He seems serene
The waves are coming
Yet with every step so distant
Am I walking on water?
I can't believe it
This is amazing!
The waves are coming
This walk seems endless
He seems so far away
The waves are coming
I flounder
My lungs fill with water
My breathe with brine
The waves are too strong
I'm drowning
This was such a stupid idea
I'm going to die
Oh my God. I'm going to die.
An angry arm grabs me.
"Oh ye of little faith, arise!"
"Do I have to save you all the time?"
Look at the Lord and not your circumstances.
You're walking on water, don't you realize?

YMC ©24th Nov 2008

Killer Cab Driver allowed to maintain anonymity and keep driving

Australia sure is a funny place.

This cab driver, an immigrant, stabbed his wife in the head - and the courts have allowed him to keep his cab driver license and keep driving. Meanwhile, newspapers are not allowed to reveal his secret identity.

(In America- normally, super heroes are allowed to keep their secret id - in Australia, its killer insane cab drivers... go figure)

Frankly, this would make more sense - if the cab driver was hired to be the personal driver of the judges and magistrates. But I don't see the hypocrites hiring.




Tamiya model exhibit




I saw the Tamiya van cruising by home last week - and I thought boy it must be lost. Later I find that the Tamiya exhibit was being held close by at the original MGS school down the hill. I took some photos. Amazing workmanship. But at the same time I shudder at the amount of time and effort it took to create these masterpieces.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

I spoke too soon

Looks like I spoke too soon regarding the lack of rain.

Normally in Australia - in Summer - temperatures would be heading towards 30C. Hot and dry like hell.

However it turns out:
Snow falls also in Summer

Weatherzone meteorologist Paddy Aicken said Mount Hotham was currently the coldest place in the state at minus 2.7 degrees. At least five centimetres of snow fell overnight.

Locals report snow falls down to 1500 metres in the Mt Hotham/Falls Creek area with lower and heavier falls on Mt Bogong.

After a day and night of rain, Victoria is bracing for heavier downpours and strong winds tonight.

The State Emergency Service (SES) has received 184 calls across the Victoria since midnight on Friday, with 137 of those calls in the metropolitan area.

Most of those calls have related to trees falling down, an SES spokesman said.

About 50mm of rain was received in metropolitan areas last night, while 100mm fell in Gippsland, an SES spokesman said.

"Melbourne will receive similar rainfall to last night, but with stronger winds,'' he said.


Our Culture is Our Food

What's culture? Its a system of beliefs that define a group of people.

People often say that Singaporeans/Malaysians - people of the Straits Settlements (now that's a term I bet you haven't heard in a long while) have no culture.

Well let me spare you the Mead and Weber academic explanations... Our culture is (partly) in our food. We love our food and it brings us together. Malay, Indian, Chinese, Eurasian - and the various ethnic groups within those categories - food is what brings us together.

So what brings me to this topic? I found a stash of Malaysian peanut candy in my fridge, which I had bought back in June, hahahaa. I went back to Australia - came back - and ate some this morning. My God!! Pardon me, it tasted so good, so flavorsome, and remarkably so fresh (despite the long hiatus opened). If I didn't have more self control, I'd have gone through the second unopened stash.

And it only cost RM$2. That's about 60 cents AUD or 40 cents US. What a crime!

One thing that deeply saddens me is going to the supermarkets here in Singapore and finding them totally bereft of local produce like this peanut candy.

We take our local products so much for granted. Its a scandal!! There is little pride in what our culture has produced.

Instead, I find food from France, Italy, Australia etc.. expensive, overpriced and half the time - crap. I guess its part of the Pinkerton "Ohhh, I'm dreaming of a White Pe.." Syndrome.

Some of our confectionery biscuits like the "Heyau Peeang" handmade out of a combination of pastry, molasses and extremely fine black sugar paste - baked twice to achieve a multiple thin layer pastry crust - can no longer be found. Only pale imitations of it exist now.

And yet, you find people queing up for American donuts or some other foreign product.

Have we no pride in our local food? The Govt Tourist Board here should help sponsor our products and send them abroad. (Paying for the transport cost, of course).

It was said that Queen Victoria was prepared to pay gold for a Mangosteen - weight for weight. If only we would have the same respect.

MSNBC: Sarah Palin turns back on Turkey Holocaust

America's Media, especially MSNBC and ABC are soooo liberal - its not funny. Sarah Palin, the former Republican VP nominee, was at a turkey farm - where they obviously raise turkeys as cuddly pets to be hugged by little children and prison inmates. And the tag line for MSNBC: TURKEY KILLING FOWLS PALIN PRESS CONFERENCE. Hmm...

Thanks to Tim Blair's blog for bringing this up.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

I spoke too soon

Looks like I spoke too soon regarding the lack of rain.

Normally in Australia - in Summer - temperatures would be heading towards 30C. Hot and dry like hell.

However it turns out:
Snow falls also in Summer

Weatherzone meteorologist Paddy Aicken said Mount Hotham was currently the coldest place in the state at minus 2.7 degrees. At least five centimetres of snow fell overnight.

Locals report snow falls down to 1500 metres in the Mt Hotham/Falls Creek area with lower and heavier falls on Mt Bogong.

After a day and night of rain, Victoria is bracing for heavier downpours and strong winds tonight.

The State Emergency Service (SES) has received 184 calls across the Victoria since midnight on Friday, with 137 of those calls in the metropolitan area.

Most of those calls have related to trees falling down, an SES spokesman said.

About 50mm of rain was received in metropolitan areas last night, while 100mm fell in Gippsland, an SES spokesman said.

"Melbourne will receive similar rainfall to last night, but with stronger winds,'' he said.


I spoke too soon

Looks like I spoke too soon regarding the lack of rain.

Normally in Australia - in Summer - temperatures would be heading towards 30C. Hot and dry like hell.

However it turns out:
Snow falls also in Summer

Weatherzone meteorologist Paddy Aicken said Mount Hotham was currently the coldest place in the state at minus 2.7 degrees. At least five centimetres of snow fell overnight.

Locals report snow falls down to 1500 metres in the Mt Hotham/Falls Creek area with lower and heavier falls on Mt Bogong.

After a day and night of rain, Victoria is bracing for heavier downpours and strong winds tonight.

The State Emergency Service (SES) has received 184 calls across the Victoria since midnight on Friday, with 137 of those calls in the metropolitan area.

Most of those calls have related to trees falling down, an SES spokesman said.

About 50mm of rain was received in metropolitan areas last night, while 100mm fell in Gippsland, an SES spokesman said.

"Melbourne will receive similar rainfall to last night, but with stronger winds,'' he said.


Our Culture is Our Food

What's culture? Its a system of beliefs that define a group of people.

People often say that Singaporeans/Malaysians - people of the Straits Settlements (now that's a term I bet you haven't heard in a long while) have no culture.

Well let me spare you the Mead and Weber academic explanations... Our culture is (partly) in our food. We love our food and it brings us together. Malay, Indian, Chinese, Eurasian - and the various ethnic groups within those categories - food is what brings us together. Go to any hawker food centre and you'll find Indians eating Chinese food, Chinese eating Indian food, Malays eating Western food etc.. etc.. During festive seasons, we exchange sweets our grandmothers have made - with our friends...

So what brings me to this topic? I found a stash of Malaysian peanut candy in my fridge, which I had bought back in June, hahahaa. I went back to Australia - came back - and ate some this morning. My God!! Pardon me, it tasted so good, so flavorsome, and remarkably so fresh (despite the long hiatus opened). If I didn't have more self control, I'd have gone through the second unopened stash.

And it only cost RM$2. That's about 60 cents AUD or 40 cents US. What a crime! I don't think I ever want to eat a Mars Bar (relabelled BelieveMyA@#) every again.

One thing that deeply saddens me is going to the supermarkets here in Singapore and finding them totally bereft of local produce like this peanut candy.

We take our local products so much for granted. Its a scandal!! There is little pride in what our culture has produced.

Instead, I find food from France, Italy, Australia etc.. expensive, overpriced and half the time - crap. I guess its part of the Pinkerton "Ohhh, I'm dreaming of a White Pe.." Syndrome.

Some of our confectionery biscuits like the "Heyau Peeang" handmade out of a combination of pastry, molasses and extremely fine black sugar paste - baked twice to achieve a superb multiple thin layer pastry crust - can no longer be found. Only pale imitations of it exist now.

And yet, you find people queing up for American donuts or some other foreign product.

Have we no pride in our local food? The Govt Tourist Board here should help sponsor our products and send them abroad. (Paying for the transport cost, of course).

It was said that Queen Victoria was prepared to pay gold for a Mangosteen - weight for weight. If only we would have the same respect.

MSNBC: Sarah Palin turns back on Turkey Holocaust

America's Media, especially MSNBC and ABC are soooo liberal - its not funny. Sarah Palin, the former Republican VP nominee, was at a turkey farm - where they obviously raise turkeys as cuddly pets to be hugged by little children and prison inmates. And the tag line for MSNBC: TURKEY KILLING FOWLS PALIN PRESS CONFERENCE. Hmm...

Thanks to Tim Blair's blog for bringing this up.

Envy!!!! Whale Sharks+Manta Ray Maldives


Oh my! Eddy goes to the Maldives and meets no less than three whale sharks and six manta rays in the month of October.

Our Culture is Our Food

What's culture? Its a system of beliefs that define a group of people.

People often say that Singaporeans/Malaysians - people of the Straits Settlements (now that's a term I bet you haven't heard in a long while) have no culture.

Well let me spare you the Mead and Weber academic explanations... Our culture is (partly) in our food. We love our food and it brings us together. Malay, Indian, Chinese, Eurasian - and the various ethnic groups within those categories - food is what brings us together.

So what brings me to this topic? I found a stash of Malaysian peanut candy in my fridge, which I had bought back in June, hahahaa. I went back to Australia - came back - and ate some this morning. My God!! Pardon me, it tasted so good, so flavorsome, and remarkably so fresh (despite the long hiatus opened). If I didn't have more self control, I'd have gone through the second unopened stash.

And it only cost RM$2. That's about 60 cents AUD or 40 cents US. What a crime!

One thing that deeply saddens me is going to the supermarkets here in Singapore and finding them totally bereft of local produce like this peanut candy.

We take our local products so much for granted. Its a scandal!! There is little pride in what our culture has produced.

Instead, I find food from France, Italy, Australia etc.. expensive, overpriced and half the time - crap. I guess its part of the Pinkerton "Ohhh, I'm dreaming of a White Pe.." Syndrome.

Some of our confectionery biscuits like the "Heyau Peeang" handmade out of a combination of pastry, molasses and extremely fine black sugar paste - baked twice to achieve a multiple thin layer pastry crust - can no longer be found. Only pale imitations of it exist now.

And yet, you find people queing up for American donuts or some other foreign product.

Have we no pride in our local food? The Govt Tourist Board here should help sponsor our products and send them abroad. (Paying for the transport cost, of course).

It was said that Queen Victoria was prepared to pay gold for a Mangosteen - weight for weight. If only we would have the same respect.

MSNBC: Sarah Palin turns back on Turkey Holocaust

America's Media, especially MSNBC and ABC are soooo liberal - its not funny. Sarah Palin, the former Republican VP nominee, was at a turkey farm - where they obviously raise turkeys as cuddly pets to be hugged by little children and prison inmates. And the tag line for MSNBC: TURKEY KILLING FOWLS PALIN PRESS CONFERENCE. Hmm...

Thanks to Tim Blair's blog for bringing this up.

Its Raining - poem

Its raining. Again.
Pouring like a waterfall.
Its been going for
Hours.
So much Rain!
It surges through the storm water drains
Like a mighty river.
I stand by the balcony and listen.
Listen to its heartbeat.
Entranced by the torrential downpour
Its sweet fragrance.

The land is being cleansed.
Washed. Renewed. Baptized.
...
It seldom rains where I come from.
And if it does, it is slight.
The land is dry and hard.
Thirsty. Parched.
There is no love.
God has forsaken the land.
A man will cross an ocean to escape from such a place

Copyright: YMC Nov 2008

Friday, November 21, 2008

Envy!!!! Whale Sharks+Manta Ray Maldives


Oh my! Eddy goes to the Maldives and meets no less than three whale sharks and six manta rays in the month of October.

Envy!!!! Whale Sharks+Manta Ray Maldives


Oh my! Eddy goes to the Maldives and meets no less than three whale sharks and six manta rays in the month of October.

Another reason Sydney is going down the tubes

Overcrowded. No Water. An incompetent State govt. Equally incompetent local councils. And a fubar justice system. That's Sydney for you. Or should we say - Sodom.

Read on...

A SYDNEY teenager is living in fear after a neighbour who was jailed for sexually abusing her moved back into the house next door.

Two weeks ago, the Macquarie Fields man finished serving a sentence of five years and two months for an attack on his young neighbour, and immediately moved back into his home.

However, a NSW Corrective Services spokeswoman said there were no restrictions on the man's movements.

"He served his full sentence. He's not on parole," she said.

"Under the law ... there is no restrictions."


Meanwhile, ...

Convicted pedophile Kenneth Tillman has been released from prison. He was recently released after completing a 10-year sentence for the rape of a nine-year-old girl. He refused to undergo rehabilitation or counselling sessions to deal with his lust for young children.

The Police promise to keep a careful watch on the guy... whatshisface - in between their trips to CRISPY CREME DONUTS.

I honestly don't understand how a democracy can elect officials who seem to do their utmost to protect the most vile criminals. Isn't the justice system designed to protect the community from scum like this? Or is everything topsy turvy down under?

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free counters

I just put up a new counter which starts from today. It denotes where each visitor comes from - which makes it interesting.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Another reason Sydney is going down the tubes

Overcrowded. No Water. An incompetent State govt. Equally incompetent local councils. And a fubar justice system. That's Sydney for you. Or should we say - Sodom.

Read on...

A SYDNEY teenager is living in fear after a neighbour who was jailed for sexually abusing her moved back into the house next door.

Two weeks ago, the Macquarie Fields man finished serving a sentence of five years and two months for an attack on his young neighbour, and immediately moved back into his home.

However, a NSW Corrective Services spokeswoman said there were no restrictions on the man's movements.

"He served his full sentence. He's not on parole," she said.

"Under the law ... there is no restrictions."


Meanwhile, ...

Convicted pedophile Kenneth Tillman has been released from prison. He was recently released after completing a 10-year sentence for the rape of a nine-year-old girl. He refused to undergo rehabilitation or counselling sessions to deal with his lust for young children.

The Police promise to keep a careful watch on the guy... whatshisface - in between their trips to CRISPY CREME DONUTS.

I honestly don't understand how a democracy can elect officials who seem to do their utmost to protect the most vile criminals. Isn't the justice system designed to protect the community from scum like this? Or is everything topsy turvy down under?

Its Raining - poem

Its raining. Again.
Pouring like a waterfall.
Its been going for
Hours.
So much Rain!
The sound of the water surges through the storm water drains
Like a mighty river.
I stand by the balcony and listen.
Listen.
Entranced,
Mesmerized by its heartbeat

The land is being cleansed.
Washed. Renewed. Baptized.
...
There is little rain where I come from.
The land is dry and hard.
Thirsty. Parched.
There is no love.
God has forsaken the land.
A man will cross an ocean to escape from such a place

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Its Raining - poem

Its raining. Again.
Pouring like a waterfall.
Its been going for
Hours.
So much Rain!
The sound of the water surges through the storm water drains
Like a mighty river.
I stand by the balcony and listen.
Listen.
Entranced,
Mesmerized by its heartbeat

The land is being cleansed.
Washed. Renewed. Baptized.
...
There is little rain where I come from.
The land is dry and hard.
Thirsty. Parched.
There is no love.
God has forsaken the land.
A man will cross an ocean to escape from such a place

Another reason Sydney is going down the tubes

Overcrowded. No Water. An incompetent State govt that has managed to bankrupt the state coffers during the last decade of prosperity. Equally incompetent local councils who know how to purchase overpriced art work but can't fix a road pothole. The Gay Mardi Gras where gays go out of their way to prove people's prejudices correct about their behavior. And a fubar justice system which seeks to protect the wicked at the expense of the innocent. That's Sydney for you. Or should we say - Sodom.

Read on...

A SYDNEY teenager is living in fear after a neighbour who was jailed for sexually abusing her moved back into the house next door.

Two weeks ago, the Macquarie Fields man finished serving a sentence of five years and two months for an attack on his young neighbour, and immediately moved back into his home.

However, a NSW Corrective Services spokeswoman said there were no restrictions on the man's movements.

"He served his full sentence. He's not on parole," she said.

"Under the law ... there is no restrictions."


Meanwhile, ...

Convicted pedophile Kenneth Tillman has been released from prison. He was recently released after completing a 10-year sentence for the rape of a nine-year-old girl. He refused to undergo rehabilitation or counselling sessions to deal with his lust for young children.

The Police promise to keep a careful watch on the guy... Tillwhatshisface...  in between their trips to CRISPY CREME DONUTS.

I honestly don't understand how a democracy can elect officials who seem to do their utmost to protect the most vile criminals. Isn't the justice system designed to protect the community from scum like this? Or is everything topsy turvy down under?

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The Kiss

Gently
With Tenderness
This feeling of seduction must never end
Softly
Ever so Quietly
Wrap your arms around her waist
Swaying
With Soft Breathes
Embrace Her
Lightly on her lips
As you would hot water.
Feeling her heat
Immersing yourself in her warmth
Gently enter her realm

Copyright: YMC 18th nov 2008

Blue Reef Scuba team spots Giant White Manta Cruising Dayang on Saturday




Measuring about 5m across in wingspan, this was the biggest manta ray I have ever seen. Its color was white. Time was 5pm. Place: Rayner's Rock, near Pulau Dayang/Aur. Date November 15th, 2008.

Special thanks to Nizzam, Ashar, Sng, Janice who were on the team. We were fortunate - the other groups spotted nada.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Dayang Trip November 15th 2008 or OMG THAT WAS HUGE

This was the last weekend, end of season. Whale Sharks were sighted in previous weeks. And we went there hoping to bump into something.

Dayang did not disappoint.

On the Saturday dive, 5.54pm, we encountered a manta ray, a white one. Let's call it - "Mr White". It was huge - measuring 5m+ in wingspan. It dwarfed the ones I saw in the Maldives. I was mesmerized by the sheer size of the thing. Wow, it was massive. It would probably fill out two snooker tables.

And it was so cute too. We first saw it at about 6pm. Then it circled around and surprised us. Maybe it was playing a game with us. But it would come close- and tempt us to chase after it - which is a futile effort on or part. Then it would turn around and catch us in our blind spots again.

Visibility was very bad. A fair number of the dive teams had to abort the 2oclock dive because when they descended - it was like swimming in a fog or green bean soup. This is the start of the monsoon season so the waters are being churned by the stormy winds. The seas were very choppy. One or two of the divers got seriously seasick.

The down current was especially dangerously strong in some areas - Pulau Lang. What happens is that as you descend, the down current will push you down suddenly. Some divers have been pushed downwards to 50m before they could recover. The max dept for leisure divers is 30m). If this happens to you, you are suppose to inflate your BCD to rise up. Trying to swim against the current will exhaust you.

Anyways, we went back there the next day - but Mr White did not deign to appear. We left after lunch- but we suspect that if we hanged around til evening time - he may have made an appearance.


Giant White Manta = Dayang 15th November




Dived with Blue Reef Scuba - thank you Ashar!!! We were the only group who spotted the giant Manta at Rayners Rock. (There may have been another dive team)

But water conditions were extremely poor. The 2nd dive of the day was aborted due to bad visibility. Much worse than the scene in this video.

We were hoping to find a whale shark - they were spotted in the preceding weeks. But instead - got this giant white manta.

Aren't we the fortunate ones? A giant white manta on Saturday Nov 15th 5pm. (And last week the boys saw a whale shark). Maybe if we go next week we'll see a hammerhead. haha.

Sng gets bored with Giant Manta




Sng, "Wah lau - see manta sooooooo loooong aready... so booooring like the school of tiny crayon pygmy seahorses. Let's go up - can see Great White Killer Godzilla Shark lah!"

Lol. Just kidding. We were nearly 45 minutes into the dive and had to come up as we were getting low on air. Thanks to DM Sng for reminding me about the need to be careful. Time 6:14pm.. or was it 4.14??



Blue Reef Scuba Dayang Trip November 15th 2008 or OMG THAT WAS HUGE

This was the last weekend, end of season. Whale Sharks were sighted in previous weeks. Ashar from Blue Reef invited me up. Initially I was hesistant, as I had other plans... but how could I pass up a chance to swim with a whale shark (again)?

And so we went there hoping to bump into something. Yeah, something!

Dayang did not disappoint.

On the Saturday dive, 5.54pm, we encountered a giant Manta Ray, an albino monster. Let's call it - "Mr White". It was huge - measuring 5m+ in wingspan. It dwarfed the ones I saw in the Maldives. I was mesmerized by the sheer size of the thing. Wow, it was massive. It would totally fill out one British snooker tables.

It was totally pure white - except for the black markings on its back. One large Tuna-like fish was following it as well as the usual attendent fish.

And it was so cute too. It kept on circling around and surprising us. Maybe it was playing a game with us. But it would come close- and tempt us to chase after it - which is a futile effort on or part. Then it would turn around and catch us in our blind spots again. This went on for about 15 minutes... and then we had to go up because we were running low on  air. haha.

You can watch the video footage in my video section.

Visibility was very bad. A fair number of the dive teams had to abort the earlier 2oclock dive because when they descended it was like swimming into a fog or green bean soup. This is the start of the monsoon season so the waters are being churned by the stormy winds. The seas were very choppy. One or two of the divers got seriously seasick.

The down current was especially dangerously strong in some areas - Pulau Lang. What happens is that as you descend, the down current will push you down suddenly. Some divers have been pushed downwards to 50m before they could recover. The max dept for leisure divers is 30m). If this happens to you, you are suppose to inflate your BCD to rise up. Trying to swim against the current is futile and will exhaust you.

Anyway after boring the whole resort with our exploits during the night, we went back there the next day - but Mr White did not deign to appear. We left after lunch- but we suspect that if we hanged around til evening time - he may have made an appearance.

Special thanks to Sing, Ashar, Nizam, Janice, and Elaine - and of course the Blue Reef Scuba Company for making it a special weekend.


Sunday, November 16, 2008

Dayang Trip November 15th 2008 or OMG THAT WAS HUGE

This was the last weekend, end of season. Whale Sharks were sighted in previous weeks. And we went there hoping to bump into something.

Dayang did not disappoint.

On the Saturday dive, 5.54pm, we encountered a manta ray, a white one. Let's call it - "Mr White". It was huge - measuring 5m+ in wingspan. It dwarfed the ones I saw in the Maldives. I was mesmerized by the sheer size of the thing. Wow, it was massive. It would probably fill out two snooker tables.

And it was so cute too. We first saw it at about 6pm. Then it circled around and surprised us. Maybe it was playing a game with us. But it would come close- and tempt us to chase after it - which is a futile effort on or part. Then it would turn around and catch us in our blind spots again.

Visibility was very bad. A fair number of the dive teams had to abort the 2oclock dive because when they descended - it was like swimming in a fog or green bean soup. This is the start of the monsoon season so the waters are being churned by the stormy winds. The seas were very choppy. One or two of the divers got seriously seasick.

The down current was especially dangerously strong in some areas - Pulau Lang. What happens is that as you descend, the down current will push you down suddenly. Some divers have been pushed downwards to 50m before they could recover. The max dept for leisure divers is 30m). If this happens to you, you are suppose to inflate your BCD to rise up. Trying to swim against the current will exhaust you.

Anyways, we went back there the next day - but Mr White did not deign to appear. We left after lunch- but we suspect that if we hanged around til evening time - he may have made an appearance.