Whale Watching (these pictures don't do it justice at all)

Texas in Australia

I'm obsessed with google maps and the new "street view". I've looked up all my friends, all of my former houses, and looked all over random places. Google Earth is actually a great civil engineering tool as well - so it's a great way to waste time at work and make it look as though you're actually working. As it looks like i'm diligently slaving away at my desk, i'm actually hoping to get a glimpse of some random life in the streets -ie. a homeless man taking a dump, maybe some road head, someone getting pulled over and arrested, a streaker --- anything. Although I have only witnessed two out of four of these things in the street, i am sure the google street team witnessed many great and embarrassing moments... I have yet to happen upon any streakers or other nude or embarrassing moments... but have happened upon a town called Texas, New South Wales. Unfortunately the google street team hasnt made it this far yet, so i can't get a good look. But there is one photo associated with the town. Seems like Texas.





UPDATE : maybe someday i can add to this list. http://mashable.com/2007/05/31/top-15-google-street-view-sightings/

Melbourne / It's about that time again...

Well folks, it's about that time again. Now that I have a little free time, and the olympics / parolymics are finally over (did you hear about this ???), I figured I was due to post some pictures from my Melbourne trip, which happened ages ago. We had yet another day off for the Queens Birthday in July. (America should have never declared independence - we're missing out on extra commonwealth holidays) So I headed solo to Melbourne. I loved this city. First stop was old goal jail. Where they have hung 135 people. and weird "death masks" were on display.




And one of my favourite parts of melbourne (and also a sign i'm getting old) was the Botanical Gardens. I absolutely LOVED it. And there wasnt even a bar there.






And the most hideously awesome work of architecture - federation square.



With St Pauls cathedral right across the street:

it's not easy being green

It's officially been nine months without a car. At first it was great not owning a vehicle. I dont have to worry about inspection stickers, speed cameras, gas prices, insurance payments, car payments, and constantly having "clean out car" on my to-do list. It was refreshing not having a car. I was enjoying listening to my ipod, and starting my day with a morning walk. But the honeymoon is over. I want a car again. Monday morning, Brisbane saw a lot of rain. The only way for me to get to work is walk. I went outside, late as usual, ready to brave the rain with only an umbrella. My umbrella failed me as I was splashed by a passing car. My pants were pretty soaked. Just as I'm thinking that I could probably dry my pants off with the hand dryer in the bathroom, I am splashed a second time. It was like a cartoon. This time, I was COMPLETELY soaked. I went home, changed, and waited for a cab...and only an hour late for work1

Tuesday morning was definitely off to a better start. It was still overcast, and just barely drizzling. About halfway to work, I take my umbrella down. The sun was starting to shine, and there was only an occasional rain drop. As I'm waiting for a pedestrian light to change, I felt an one of those occasional drops - no big deal. Then I feel another one right on the top of my head. But this one was bigger...and wait - WARMER. I instinctively touch the top of my head, and yup - just as i suspected--- BIRD SHIT!!! But this isn't dainty American white bird droppings. This is yellow, chunky, a la curried lentils, Australian bird poop. absolutely disgusting. I can't wait to return to Texas and drive a car that will shelter me from the elements. Oh, and take up dove hunting in retaliation against birds. all birds.





PS. i've been shit on by birds three times in my life. Is that normal or above average?

PPS. "lemonade" in Australia is carbonated (aka Sprite)

Living overseas and getting paid in the US dollar is quickly starting to suck.

no further explanation necessary.

uh oh, Australia is too Americanized for me

America is everywhere...

1. I saw a truck driver today with rebel flag in the cab. I seriously doubt he drove here from south of the mason dixon line, but I guess he's just an american racisit who moved here because there are less black people.

2. songs i've heard on the radio today - "born in the USA" and "Sweet home alabama"

3. and check out this wine label:







in conclusion... wtf????

Sydney: Repetitive Pictures of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge