I'm spent the morning talking with one of my share brokers... it seems the consensus is that the market is way too high at the moment. So afterwards, I came back home and started doing my laundry. I got a pile of clothes to wash and afterwards I need to vacuum my room. The amount of dust that builds up in a week is surprising.
To while away my time, here are some of my thoughts on Australia, the Great Southland.
Australia like America - was a former British Colony. Both nations were setup as a prison colony. The big difference is that the Americans revolted against the British and threw them out. Then the Americans built their Republic and Democratic system "from scratch" - (notwithstanding their inspirations from the ancient Roman and Greek systems). And eventually they developed "The American Culture" and their way of doing things. Australia, however, was setup by the British- everything was passed down to them- their law courts, their govt systems- it was in essense- Britain's "mini-me". I hope any Aussie who reads this will pardon me for that comparison.
Inferiority complex- masculine culture- causing them to burrow to sports (real stuff) scorning acadmia or new developments. great inventors. black box, 747,
civil
lefties loopy media/
breakdown of society
need for conservative govt
john howard- boring- john hewson loser of unlosable election
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Summer is coming
Today was over 25C. Summer is here alright.
The Lavender needs some pruning back. Not too sure whether its too late to do it.
I didn't go for bible study group today. I haven't gone for months. Was toying with going for awhile. But to be honest I am finding the whole experience rather ... depressing is not the word.... anti-climatic? tiresome? disappointing...
The more I go the more I realize I have less in common with these people.
We go, we sing songs to God, we study another inspiring bible verse, pray for each other - and in my case, the same fucking problems - wait for supper, eat junk food, smile politely and go home.
I'm tired of fronting up to people I no longer have any affinity towards and share my godawful problems - which I think most of them don't give a damn about anyway.
I'm tired of making myself feel vulnerable.
The Lavender needs some pruning back. Not too sure whether its too late to do it.
I didn't go for bible study group today. I haven't gone for months. Was toying with going for awhile. But to be honest I am finding the whole experience rather ... depressing is not the word.... anti-climatic? tiresome? disappointing...
The more I go the more I realize I have less in common with these people.
We go, we sing songs to God, we study another inspiring bible verse, pray for each other - and in my case, the same fucking problems - wait for supper, eat junk food, smile politely and go home.
I'm tired of fronting up to people I no longer have any affinity towards and share my godawful problems - which I think most of them don't give a damn about anyway.
I'm tired of making myself feel vulnerable.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
The train ride - draft 1
I wrote this short short story about the H- back in 2009 - not sure how the idea came to me.
mummy i want to go home
hush child we're nearly there
i love you mommy
I know dear. hold my hand tightly now. be brave.
and as they got out from the cattle cars, the sound of screaming terrified people coupled with the barking orders from the camp guards and dogs was defening.
Melissa tried to cover her ears to shut out the horrifying sound but her hand was tightly gripping her mother's hand.
The crowd pressed heavily against the, The smell of sweat, urine, excrement mingled with awful fear stank the night air. Melissa felt her grip of her mother loosen by the jostling. She screamed. Then Anna scopped her up cradling her like a baby. She kissed Melissa, and said with shaking voice - "Its going to be alright, dear."
Let's say the prayer mummy.
"Though I walk through the shadow of death
I will fear no evil.. Thy rod and staff comfort me..."
They walked steadily through the gates then down a concrete trench leading to the gas chambers.
The steel door slapped shut with a gut wrenching groan.
"Are we going to die, mummy." Melissa finally asked.
"Yes."
"Are we going to heaven?"
"I don't know dear.... I don't know."
"But we'll be together?"
Anna looked at her daughter who seemed so brave. She suddenly realized Melissa was not crying. It was her tears that was raining down uncontrollably. Momentarily, she lost her composure. Then she gathered it back -
"Yes, we'll be together."
"That's all I need."
mummy i want to go home
hush child we're nearly there
i love you mommy
I know dear. hold my hand tightly now. be brave.
and as they got out from the cattle cars, the sound of screaming terrified people coupled with the barking orders from the camp guards and dogs was defening.
Melissa tried to cover her ears to shut out the horrifying sound but her hand was tightly gripping her mother's hand.
The crowd pressed heavily against the, The smell of sweat, urine, excrement mingled with awful fear stank the night air. Melissa felt her grip of her mother loosen by the jostling. She screamed. Then Anna scopped her up cradling her like a baby. She kissed Melissa, and said with shaking voice - "Its going to be alright, dear."
Let's say the prayer mummy.
"Though I walk through the shadow of death
I will fear no evil.. Thy rod and staff comfort me..."
They walked steadily through the gates then down a concrete trench leading to the gas chambers.
The steel door slapped shut with a gut wrenching groan.
"Are we going to die, mummy." Melissa finally asked.
"Yes."
"Are we going to heaven?"
"I don't know dear.... I don't know."
"But we'll be together?"
Anna looked at her daughter who seemed so brave. She suddenly realized Melissa was not crying. It was her tears that was raining down uncontrollably. Momentarily, she lost her composure. Then she gathered it back -
"Yes, we'll be together."
"That's all I need."
Tuesday, September 04, 2012
Mulching Machines
I bought an electrical mulching (shredder) machine from Bunnings about a year ago now.
http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_ryobi-1500w-ecoshredder-rgs1500r_8662.aspx
Haven't used it much because I'm pretty bad at managing my time.
And I didn't use it because I was a little peeved that I paid so much for it. $350+ it was just as expensive as a petrol driven lawn mower. Seriously, the lawn mower companies should have produced an affordable petrol mulching machine ages ago. Excuses, I'm full of them :)
I used to use my lawn mower to shred the stuff - but the problem was that the only place I could do it was on the lawn area - and it could get messy.
Anyway, these machines have to be treated with special caution as any improper use will literally be life-threatening. Its not often that you have a device which can seriously harm, maim, kill you - but yeah, mulching machines have the capacity to really screw you up for life.
But why do it?
I do it because it is one of the best ways to turn garden waste into perfect mulch.
I have in my garden - plenty of shrubs, bushes, - Lavenders, Margurite Daisies, natives bushes, that need to be trimed back on an annual or semi annual basis. I used to simply throw them into the council green waste bin. But it was such a shame as they make the perfect ingredients for mulch.
They aren't weeds nor do they contain any virulent seeds - so they are the perfect ingredient for instant mulch. You throw them into the machine and hey presto you instantly have good stuff you can lay on your garden bed straight away without any delay.
Right now, I'm positively excited about mulching my lavenders because of the aromantic effect it will have on my garden and well-being.
Having said they I make it a point to go slowly with the shredding process. I caused the machine to jam three times by trying to stuff too much in all at once.
Some of the longer pieces have to be carefully positioned to avoid jamming it too. And it certainly helped if I tore apart the branches and fed the pieces in piecemeal rather than trying to stuff the whole lot in.
Eventually I got the hang of things - and I made sure that I pulled the plug and waited 1 minute each time I had to unjam the debris clogged inside.
So anyhow, not too bad. I think the price is a bit expensive. But overall it does its job. Just please exercise tremendous caution when using this.
1. Think carefully about what you are doing.
2. Do not put your hand inside the machine, unless the machine has totally stopped and the power supply disconnected. Even after you turn it off, the blades will still be turning and they will slice up your hand to bloody ribbons (think about that for a couple of seconds) if you put them inside.
3. Make sure its on a stable surface.
4. Make sure that no children or stupid teenagers are hanging around.
5. Make sure your wallet, phone, watch, glasses are well secured and DO NOT fall inside.
6. If they fall inside, they reach in to grab them (if machine is running)
7. Throw a ripe tomato inside - look at your hand and ponder.
8. Turn the machine off after 15 - 20 minutes to let it cool down.
9. Do not try and stuff everything into it at once.
10. Piecemeal is the best.
Meanwhile, the weeds in my wheelie bin compost are disintegrating very nicely. I filled the new bins up with weeds a month ago, and they've settled down, compacting naturally inside. I'm waiting for more rainy days to fill them up with water.
http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_ryobi-1500w-ecoshredder-rgs1500r_8662.aspx
Haven't used it much because I'm pretty bad at managing my time.
And I didn't use it because I was a little peeved that I paid so much for it. $350+ it was just as expensive as a petrol driven lawn mower. Seriously, the lawn mower companies should have produced an affordable petrol mulching machine ages ago. Excuses, I'm full of them :)
I used to use my lawn mower to shred the stuff - but the problem was that the only place I could do it was on the lawn area - and it could get messy.
Anyway, these machines have to be treated with special caution as any improper use will literally be life-threatening. Its not often that you have a device which can seriously harm, maim, kill you - but yeah, mulching machines have the capacity to really screw you up for life.
But why do it?
I do it because it is one of the best ways to turn garden waste into perfect mulch.
I have in my garden - plenty of shrubs, bushes, - Lavenders, Margurite Daisies, natives bushes, that need to be trimed back on an annual or semi annual basis. I used to simply throw them into the council green waste bin. But it was such a shame as they make the perfect ingredients for mulch.
They aren't weeds nor do they contain any virulent seeds - so they are the perfect ingredient for instant mulch. You throw them into the machine and hey presto you instantly have good stuff you can lay on your garden bed straight away without any delay.
Right now, I'm positively excited about mulching my lavenders because of the aromantic effect it will have on my garden and well-being.
Having said they I make it a point to go slowly with the shredding process. I caused the machine to jam three times by trying to stuff too much in all at once.
Some of the longer pieces have to be carefully positioned to avoid jamming it too. And it certainly helped if I tore apart the branches and fed the pieces in piecemeal rather than trying to stuff the whole lot in.
Eventually I got the hang of things - and I made sure that I pulled the plug and waited 1 minute each time I had to unjam the debris clogged inside.
So anyhow, not too bad. I think the price is a bit expensive. But overall it does its job. Just please exercise tremendous caution when using this.
1. Think carefully about what you are doing.
2. Do not put your hand inside the machine, unless the machine has totally stopped and the power supply disconnected. Even after you turn it off, the blades will still be turning and they will slice up your hand to bloody ribbons (think about that for a couple of seconds) if you put them inside.
3. Make sure its on a stable surface.
4. Make sure that no children or stupid teenagers are hanging around.
5. Make sure your wallet, phone, watch, glasses are well secured and DO NOT fall inside.
6. If they fall inside, they reach in to grab them (if machine is running)
7. Throw a ripe tomato inside - look at your hand and ponder.
8. Turn the machine off after 15 - 20 minutes to let it cool down.
9. Do not try and stuff everything into it at once.
10. Piecemeal is the best.
Meanwhile, the weeds in my wheelie bin compost are disintegrating very nicely. I filled the new bins up with weeds a month ago, and they've settled down, compacting naturally inside. I'm waiting for more rainy days to fill them up with water.
Monday, September 03, 2012
Flander Field Flower Gardening project: 100th anniversary of World War 1
You thought the GFC was terrible? You thought the 911 terror attacks were bad? - study history for awhile and you'll realize that events like World War One make our current problems look surprisingly small in comparison.
Anyhow, I thought I'd commemorate the terrible occasion which will last 2014- 2018 by planting Flanders Field poppies in my front garden.
75,000 of them.
You can buy the seeds from this online Aussie site called Diggers Rest.
The link is here: http://www.diggers.com.au/shop/product/SBPO/POPPY%20FLANDERS%20FIELD%20BULK%20100%20SQM.aspxhttp://www.diggers.com.au/shop/product/SBPO/POPPY%20FLANDERS%20FIELD%20BULK%20100%20SQM.aspx
Its suppose to cover 100 square metres. My front garden is about 80 sq metres. So they should cover it.
Obviously I'm not going to count every seed and I have no patience to grow them in a hothouse before transplanting them.
I'm just going to rake my front flower beds, scatter the seeds together with blood and bone fertilizer and water it in.
Come Spring, we should get a fair idea of how it will turn out.
I still have a lot of sourbob clovers in my garden beds but I'll just remove them bit by bit. We still have 2 more years before 2014 clicks over, so plenty of time to prepare the poppy garden for display.
I anticipate I'll probably have to buy more seeds. Thankfully they are pretty cheap. 75,000 seeds for $46 including postage. If need be, I'll buy another 140,000 next year. I want to get that mass "wow" effect.
Most of the WW1 veterans have passed away. Some of the WW2 veterans are still alive. I hope that my Flanders Field garden will help to encourage them that there are people who have not forgotten their sacrifices.
Results - Bad news, I only got a 1% success rate. Actually maybe a fraction of that. Possible explanations are - 1. Inadequate Preparation: I didn't till the ground; I just scattered the seeds onto the mulch and the flower beds.
Mulching Machines
I bought an electrical mulching (shredder) machine from Bunnings about a year ago now.
http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_ryobi-1500w-ecoshredder-rgs1500r_8662.aspx
Haven't used it much because I'm pretty bad at managing my time.
And I didn't use it because I was a little peeved that I paid so much for it. $350+ it was just as expensive as a petrol driven lawn mower. Seriously, the lawn mower companies should have produced an affordable petrol mulching machine ages ago. Excuses, I'm full of them :)
I used to use my lawn mower to shred the stuff - but the problem was that the only place I could do it was on the lawn area - and it could get messy.
Anyway, these machines have to be treated with special caution as any improper use will literally be life-threatening. Its not often that you have a device which can seriously harm, maim, kill you within the blink of an eye - but yeah, mulching machines have the capacity to really screw you up (or worse, your child or loved one) for life when you are doing a rather mundane activity.
But why do it?
I do it because it is one of the best ways to turn garden waste into perfect mulch.
I have in my garden - plenty of shrubs, bushes, - Lavenders, Margurite Daisies, natives bushes, that need to be trimed back on an annual or semi annual basis. I used to simply throw them into the council green waste bin. But it was such a shame as they make the perfect ingredients for mulch.
They aren't weeds nor do they contain any virulent seeds - so they are the perfect ingredient for instant mulch. You throw them into the machine and hey presto you instantly have good stuff you can lay on your garden bed straight away without any delay.
Right now, I'm positively excited about mulching my lavenders because of the aromantic effect it will have on my garden and well-being.
Having said they I make it a point to go slowly with the shredding process. I caused the machine to jam three times by trying to stuff too much in all at once.
Some of the longer pieces have to be carefully positioned to avoid jamming it too. And it certainly helped if I tore apart the branches and fed the pieces in piecemeal rather than trying to stuff the whole lot in.
Eventually I got the hang of things - and I made sure that I pulled the plug and waited 1 minute each time I had to unjam the debris clogged inside.
So anyhow, not too bad. I think the price is a bit expensive. But overall it does its job. Just please exercise tremendous caution when using this.
1. Think carefully about what you are doing.
2. Do not put your hand inside the machine, unless the machine has totally stopped and the power supply disconnected. Even after you turn it off, the blades will still be turning and they will slice up your hand to bloody ribbons (think about that for a couple of seconds) if you put them inside.
3. Make sure its on a stable surface.
4. Make sure that no children or stupid teenagers are hanging around.
5. Make sure your wallet, phone, watch, glasses are preferably kept somewhere else or well secured and DO NOT fall inside.
6. If they fall inside, DO NOT reach in to grab them (if machine is running)
7. If in doubt of the horrors of accidents - Throw a ripe tomato inside - now, look at your hand and ponder.
8. Turn the machine off after 20 minutes to let it cool down.
9. Do not try and stuff everything into it at once. It will just jam the equipment.
10. Piecemeal is the best. Throw things in bit by bit.
Meanwhile, the weeds in my wheelie bin compost are disintegrating very nicely. I filled the new bins up with weeds a month ago, and they've settled down, compacting naturally inside. I'm waiting for more rainy days to fill them up with water.
http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_ryobi-1500w-ecoshredder-rgs1500r_8662.aspx
Haven't used it much because I'm pretty bad at managing my time.
And I didn't use it because I was a little peeved that I paid so much for it. $350+ it was just as expensive as a petrol driven lawn mower. Seriously, the lawn mower companies should have produced an affordable petrol mulching machine ages ago. Excuses, I'm full of them :)
I used to use my lawn mower to shred the stuff - but the problem was that the only place I could do it was on the lawn area - and it could get messy.
Anyway, these machines have to be treated with special caution as any improper use will literally be life-threatening. Its not often that you have a device which can seriously harm, maim, kill you within the blink of an eye - but yeah, mulching machines have the capacity to really screw you up (or worse, your child or loved one) for life when you are doing a rather mundane activity.
But why do it?
I do it because it is one of the best ways to turn garden waste into perfect mulch.
I have in my garden - plenty of shrubs, bushes, - Lavenders, Margurite Daisies, natives bushes, that need to be trimed back on an annual or semi annual basis. I used to simply throw them into the council green waste bin. But it was such a shame as they make the perfect ingredients for mulch.
They aren't weeds nor do they contain any virulent seeds - so they are the perfect ingredient for instant mulch. You throw them into the machine and hey presto you instantly have good stuff you can lay on your garden bed straight away without any delay.
Right now, I'm positively excited about mulching my lavenders because of the aromantic effect it will have on my garden and well-being.
Having said they I make it a point to go slowly with the shredding process. I caused the machine to jam three times by trying to stuff too much in all at once.
Some of the longer pieces have to be carefully positioned to avoid jamming it too. And it certainly helped if I tore apart the branches and fed the pieces in piecemeal rather than trying to stuff the whole lot in.
Eventually I got the hang of things - and I made sure that I pulled the plug and waited 1 minute each time I had to unjam the debris clogged inside.
So anyhow, not too bad. I think the price is a bit expensive. But overall it does its job. Just please exercise tremendous caution when using this.
1. Think carefully about what you are doing.
2. Do not put your hand inside the machine, unless the machine has totally stopped and the power supply disconnected. Even after you turn it off, the blades will still be turning and they will slice up your hand to bloody ribbons (think about that for a couple of seconds) if you put them inside.
3. Make sure its on a stable surface.
4. Make sure that no children or stupid teenagers are hanging around.
5. Make sure your wallet, phone, watch, glasses are preferably kept somewhere else or well secured and DO NOT fall inside.
6. If they fall inside, DO NOT reach in to grab them (if machine is running)
7. If in doubt of the horrors of accidents - Throw a ripe tomato inside - now, look at your hand and ponder.
8. Turn the machine off after 20 minutes to let it cool down.
9. Do not try and stuff everything into it at once. It will just jam the equipment.
10. Piecemeal is the best. Throw things in bit by bit.
Meanwhile, the weeds in my wheelie bin compost are disintegrating very nicely. I filled the new bins up with weeds a month ago, and they've settled down, compacting naturally inside. I'm waiting for more rainy days to fill them up with water.
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