Guthers Blog

What are you still doing here?

2008-03-19T09:20:00.001+11:00

the action is now over at:

le blog de guthers

swing by and say g'day

So... posting or not?

2008-02-27T22:29:00.001+11:00

To post or not to post?

2008-02-16T12:10:00.004+11:00

That is the question....

There is a general vibe of "I don't heaps feel like posting" in the blogosphere lately.

Some have pointed to the increased use of Facebook.
Me? I think I'm just lazy... and time-poor.

Of course there are the seasoned warriors who will carry on regardless - always with something insightful to say and full of new and creative ideas.

And occasionally there is a fresh face who brings a wealth of wisdom and thought-provoking gold.

But what about me? Should I carry on with my not-so-insightful observations, sporadic whinging and occasional photo? Shall I make a renewed effort at self-publication (hopefully with more vigour than before)? Or shall I let this blog, with a mere 3,026 page views, fade into obscurity like so many other pieces of forgotten internet flotsam?

I leave it up to my gentle readers....

Again...

2008-01-15T19:59:00.000+11:00

...woking late.

Picked up my study notes today.

I will be studying General Insurance Part A

Woohoo!

Working late...

2008-01-14T18:25:00.001+11:00

...again. There will be a few late nights over the coming weeks.

I'm a slave to the man.

Gotta start studying again soon too. Where will I fit that in??

Corruption of Power

2008-01-03T09:51:00.000+11:00

The stuff going on in Kenya at the moment is really sad.

I don't pretend to know everything that has happened, or which allegations are true, but it seems that those who hold power are so reluctantto let go of it that the are prepared to rig elections and see many people killed. Why is power so corrupting?

I know a few Kenyans - beautiful people. Lots of christians there. Will be praying for them.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2008-01-01T11:03:00.000+11:00

Hope you all have a tops 2008.

No blogging resolutions from me - I'd just break them.

We watched the fireworks from the Gladesville bridge - which wasn't too bad, except for the running commentary from the young kid behind us. "Not as good as 2004" apparently.

What does the new year hold for everyone?

Introducing Willow...

2007-12-28T12:06:00.000+11:00

This is Adri's Christmas present from me. I've always been a dog person... but Willow is very,very cool!

Merry Christmas!!

2007-12-26T10:23:00.000+11:00

We had a full but happy day yesterday visiting various relatives on both sides of the family. They ranged in age from a few months to well over 80 and it was great to catch up with all of them.

It was great to spend some time with Adri's cousin, who lives in Prague, and his wife and their son.

Today is hopefully relaxing with leftovers, the cricket and the Syd2Hobart. Maybe even playing with a few presents.

What presents did you score?
What was the best you got?
What was the most unexpected?
What was the worst? (if you're feeling brave)
What was the best you gave?

Hello faithful readers!

2007-12-22T09:49:00.000+11:00

Is there anyone still out there??

I passed my Investments exam! YAY! What a huge relief...I was not looking forward to the prospect of studying all the same material again. I'm glad to have this tough subject out of the way.

Next semester I will be sitting General Insurance Part A. Hopefully a slightly easier subject.

Sorry for my 2 month absence. I've been... slack.

Studying...

2007-10-25T13:30:00.000+10:00

Got a big Investments exam on monday.... feeling a little uneasy about it.
Going away to Engage this weekend too, which kind of eats into study time!
Would appreciate any prayers you might be able to shoot up for me.

Another Long Weekend!

2007-09-29T07:50:00.000+10:00

How sweet is that! What are you up to?

Facebook Friends

2007-09-16T09:55:00.001+10:00

What is your approach to adding friends on facebook?

Do you have a 'rule'? As in, I won't add anyone who I haven't spoken to in x years? Or, I won't add anyone who I have never met face to face?
I have seen a couple of familiar names/faces from the blogosphere who I haven't added for that very reason.

Scrolling through some friends-of-friends-of-friends recently, I came across someone I knew from a few years ago. It would be hard to 'define' our relationship - but it would be somewhere between 'colleague' and 'passing acquaintance'. Anyway, I wasn't sure whether to add them, so I didn't.
A few days later, I saw this same person walking through town at lunchtime. I walked straight past them and made a half-hearted attempt at eye contact, but apart from that , there was no interaction.

Is that a sign that I made the right decision in not adding them? Or do you think, maybe if I had, we could have had a long and meaningful catch-up conversation?

2000 hits!

2007-09-16T09:51:00.000+10:00

Sweet.

Is this bad journalism?

2007-09-12T08:25:00.000+10:00

OK you media types... tell me what's going on here.

I posted a comment here on Gordo's blog in relation to this story about a man "arrested for jaywalking".

It was splashed across the front page of the Sun Herald on the weekend. There is an accompanying video (needs IE).

Now it seems to me that the writer(s) reporting this story has gone in with a definite "angle". The vibe around police and APEC seems to have been that Sydney was turning into a police state. So when this incident occurred, it seemed like evidence to back this up.

The man arrested was painted in a very positive light: accountant, father of three, from the North Shore, spending quality time with his son. I know plenty of people like this, and none of them deserve to be pushed to the ground and arrested.

However, the article only briefly mentions the reason he was able to be held for 22 hours - he has an "outstanding assault charge". Under laws implemented for APEC, this meant he could be refused bail.

None of the accountants, fathers-of-3 or glasses-wearing North Shore residents I know have outstanding assault charges.

Looking again at the video, the footage cuts straight from police chatting to him, to him being pinned to the ground and arrested. Not exactly conclusive. I find it hard to believe that the police weren't incited in some way to take the action they did.

So is this bad jounalism? I suppose we are given the whole story. The information is there even if it is not fairly balanced.

Is it wrong for a journalist to go into a story with a preconceived idea of the "angle" they want to take? What is the difference between an "angle" and bias?

(PS - this certainly wouldn't be the most biased piece of writing I have ever seen - but its topical.)

UPDATE - Read an eyewitness account of the arrest on Crikey.com... This guy saw the situation very differently to the way it was reported in the paper!

They say a change is as good as a holiday

2007-09-08T16:55:00.001+10:00

What do you think?

Day Off!

2007-09-07T12:37:00.000+10:00

Got to love a public holiday.

So far we have been to the gym, hit up The Little Marionette in Balmain for some coffee, had a wander around some shops and I've done some study.

Tomorrow is Adri's dance concert, so a bit more study for me (and hopefully some Rugby in the evening!)

What does everyone else have planned for their long weekend? How about those who aren't enjoying a Friday off?

5 posts in 5 days - I've gone crazy with APEC!

2007-09-05T14:23:00.000+10:00

(I know! I'm amazed too!)

It seems the whole town has gone ape for APEC. There is so much going on.

Yesterday, Adri and I saw the Riot Squad with their brand new water canon go zooming past on George St.

This morning, Sussex St was totally devoid of traffic when I arrived at work. Police had cleared the street and disabled the traffic lights. About 30mins later, two ambulances (one looked like it could have been Georges) went flying past with sirens blazing. The street was then reopened for business as usual.

At least half a dozen times today I've jumped up and run to the nearest window, motivated by sirens, helicopter noises or the sound of a jet.

It's all kind of exciting! Hopefully we can catch a glimpse of George W. as he passes by on the way to the convention centre tomorrow.

Why do I end all my post titles with ellipses...

2007-09-04T09:37:00.000+10:00

...and start my posts with them too?

Still at work....

2007-09-03T20:05:00.000+10:00

...and it's after 8pm

Half doing my Investments assignment (was up til 2am doing it last night) and half doing some work.

This is poo.

Did anyone else notice...

2007-09-02T09:19:00.000+10:00

...that Matt Damon looks like a robot when he runs?

pretty quiet around here...

2007-09-01T13:49:00.000+10:00

...but I will try to maintain my 'one-post-per-month' minimum.

I am working on an assignment for my Investments course.

I am calculating an efficient frontier and then applying that to find an optimal lifetime investment strategy.

It is, unfortunately, about as exciting as it sounds.

2 questions for my bible study tomorrow night...

2007-08-13T21:54:00.000+10:00

1. How would you describe the idea of repentance to someone?
2. How would you explain "believing the good news"?

The passage - Mark 1:1-15

HP&TDH

2007-07-25T22:40:00.001+10:00

All done! Finished on Monday night at about 2am. Had a sleep in this morning to recover.

I wouldn't have been in such a rush to finish it if I wasn't so scared of someone spoiling it for me! I swear some people need to learn to speak a little bit quieter!

Other people even tried to spoil it for me before it was released. I'm sorry but I just wasn't interested in your opinions!!! What if you had been right!!!??!!

Everyone I've spoken to so far has loved it... has anyone heard of people being disappointed??

( WARNING! - People may put spoilers in comments - I can't be expected to keep tabs on my HUUUGE readership - you have been warned)

Still awake....

2007-07-19T23:00:00.000+10:00

....trying to finish my talk for SALT.

Should have done it ages ago - just can't stop procrastinating and DO IT!

Will pray again.

HP and the OOTP

2007-07-18T21:59:00.000+10:00

Nixter asked how Harry Potter was at IMAX...

It was fantastic!

It was the first time I had been to IMAX so I didn't really comprehend how HUGE the screen is! It's ginormous! I think it added an extra element to have everything so BIG. Having said that, I am looking forward to getting the DVD so I can digest everything at a much smaller scale.

The 3D part of the film was good fun. 3D films always look half "really impressive" and half "a little bit awkward". Some things leap off the screen at you, other things just look a little fake. It was a good call just to do the last 20mins I think.

I thought the characters of Umbridge and Luna Lovegood were very well done. Especially Luna.

Can't wait til this Saturday!

What did you think of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix?

Tagged

2007-07-10T11:45:00.000+10:00

I was tagged by Libby (and Matt)
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

1. I am sick.
2. On Sunday, I vomited A LOT.
3. When I vomit it comes out my nose.
4. I am a huge Harry Potter fan.
5. I hope I am feeling better by tomorrow night, because my wife, Adri and I have tickets to Harry Potter at Imax.
6. Adri is sick too, but she has gone to work today cos she is a trooper.
7. I love my wife - not random, but fact. She has looked after me very well while I've been sick.
8. I wish I made better use of my time.

I don't have eight people to tag - but I will choose two... andym and david.
Hope that's ok with you gentlemen.

Larkham and Gregan

2007-07-06T09:39:00.000+10:00

I'm a rugby fan. Australian rugby hasn't been at its best of late but I can still remember the glory days of the 1999 world cup.

So it is a little bit sad to bid farewell to two of the greats of the Wallabies as they play their last game on Australian soil this weekend: Stephen Larkham and George Gregan.

(It's not quite goodbye yet as there is still a little thing called the World Cup to be played in France later this year.)

But another chance to get all reminiscent, as per my past post.

Both these players had career defining moments. Larkham had THAT drop goal and Gregan had THAT tackle. Both moments give me a little shiver when I watch them. Both moments stand out, even in remarkable rugby careers.

Do you have a "career-defining moment"? If so, what is it? And if not, what would you like it to be?!?

ahh... the memories!

2007-07-04T16:03:00.000+10:00

A significant milestone like 1000 hits brings out the nostalgia in a blogger.

What an ideal opportunity to reminisce about my time in the blogoverse and carry out some 'analysis' on my blog posts to date.

This is my 43rd post. Of these, the most frequent subject is holidays (mainly due to photos) followed closely by Coffee-related and Christian-related posts. Poo makes up an astonishing 5% of all my post topics. Some would argue that closer to 100% of my posts are poo.

I have had a total of 182 comments - 60 of these are my own. That's 32.97%.

I have averaged 4.33 comments per post from an average of 3.36 commenters. 2.31 of these comments per post were made by me.

In terms of popular topics to comment on, 'Coffee' received 70 comments, 7.78 per post on average, from 4.22 different commenters on average. The single 'Beer' post got a good run, with 9 comments from 4 different commenters. 'James Bond' did OK too for his only appearance - 11 comments, 5 commenters.

My posts peak in June and October - 9 and 10 respectively.

The most popular day for posting is Thursday with 18, double the next highest, Wednesday, on 9. Sunday is the quietest with only 1.

Does all this tell me anything? Maybe not. But it was fun!

What do you think I should do with this information?
What other analysis would you like to see done?

Got it....

2007-07-04T14:53:00.000+10:00

...thanks to the good people at Caffe Bianchi.

But It is quite small. Smaller than I was expecting. Haven't got the hang of pouring in it yet.

1000 hits!!!

2007-06-28T18:55:00.000+10:00

But I think that I was number 1000....

How sad...

Exam results....

2007-06-27T10:15:00.000+10:00

Actuarial exam results came out this morning.... And I didn't make the cut for my Investments exam.

I don't really know how I feel yet. Disappointed I guess. But I didn't really 'expect' to pass. I knew it was a hard course. Pass rate is around 30%.

I'm told everyone fails one or two. I suppose I just need to get back on the horse for next semester.

(Funny poster!)

World Champion Latte Art

2007-06-21T18:46:00.000+10:00

I'd be pushing it to say that my feeble attempts below are "world class"...

But I can certainly claim to have consumed world champion latte!

This guy, Jack Hanna (first from right), was the Australian Latte Art Champion and is now the WORLD LATTE ART CHAMPION!!! That is quite a claim to fame (as far as I am concerned anyway).

The exciting thing for me is that this guy used to man the machine at Mecca. I have had a number of his latte's. I've seen his name around but I only just realised that Jack and the guy at Mecca are one and the same.

I should have asked him for some pointers....

Latte Art....

2007-06-21T09:58:00.000+10:00

This ain't great, but its my best attempt at a leaf/rosetta in a long time....
I'e only just tried tilting the latte glass at the start of the pour.

Mobile phone photo isn't great either.

What do you think?

John Stott and Galatians

2007-06-08T08:23:00.001+10:00

In preparing for bible study on Galatians, Adri and I have been looking at
John Stott's BST commentary.

Last night I thought I would search for some sermons online on what is a
fairly intriuguing and, some consider, difficult section.

I found a semon from John Stott from 1966 at allsouls.org. It's almost word
for word the same as the commentary!!!

I guess it makes perfect sense that he would do that - but I can't help but
feel a little disappointed....

Thanks alot Mum and Dad....

2007-06-07T10:14:00.000+10:00

The fact that this guy was able to rise to the position of Managing Director of the company who insures my car, without changing his name, is a credit to his thick skin.

Holidays were awesome

2007-06-06T15:10:00.000+10:00

Had a great time up in FNQ. Very relaxing.

Some of the highlights:

- Spent a day out on the Great Barrier Reef snorkelling.
- Spent some time getting rained on in the rainforest.
- Got mauled by a leech.
- Hired a mini moke for a day and red lined it at 90 on the way to the
Daintree.
- Saw the only 2 crocodiles to inhabit the Mossman River
- Saw a huge Coral Trout and then ate a small, tasty one.
- Spent some quality time with my quality wife.

Will try to post some photos soon...

WOW!

2007-06-05T15:32:00.001+10:00

That was very easy and very quick! Can you put pictures in?

Test

2007-06-05T15:30:00.001+10:00

Testing out this post by email thing...

Last day of work...

2007-05-25T09:47:00.000+10:00

...for a week anyway. We're off on holidays!! Woohoo!

First we are going here and hopefully doing some of this.

Then we are going to this place. Looks nice!

Won't have a computer for a week so my posting will continue as infrequently as it always has.

Encouraging night at SALT

2007-05-23T16:13:00.000+10:00

Talk went well on friday night. I was a little out of practice and feeling a little bit under prepared, but it all went quite well. Got good feedback from Mike and the kids and leaders.

Got a super encouraging email yesterday from one of the year 11 boys telling me how he was challenged by the talk. What a legend!

Who are you trying to impress??

2007-05-16T23:48:00.000+10:00

Preparing a talk on Luke 12:1-12 for SALT. Have been really challenged by the warning against hypocrisy and the call to put God before men and their opinion of you.

Reminded of a line I heard somewhere (possibly on the blogs!) that we ought to "live life with an audience of one". I liked that. Helpful for me who is chronically concerned with what others think of me.

Coffee Christians

2007-05-12T08:09:00.000+10:00

This guy is onto something!

What is it with coffee and Christians? Do you agree with his observations or is something else at play? Should I be less inclined to listen to Dave's preaching because he drinks Starbucks*?

h/t Michelle

*Methinks... no. But he should be educated.

Exam's all over...

2007-05-08T15:48:00.000+10:00

...YAY!

Very, very, very tough. Question 5 in particular.

SALT 18th May

2007-05-04T21:03:00.000+10:00

Luke 12:1-12

1Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

4"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. 6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

8"I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. 9But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God. 10And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

11"When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."

Exam....

2007-05-03T08:39:00.000+10:00

...on Monday. That's only 4 days away! AARGH! So much more to do!

Coffee flavoured poo.

2007-04-12T13:35:00.000+10:00

I'm sorry about all the poo posts recently. Really, i have other interests.

But this is in answer to Dave's question - Dave I'll take coffee-flavoured-poo-flavoured coffee for 50 bucks a cup thanks!

Poo flavoured salvation

2007-04-04T08:22:00.000+10:00

I wonder how this woman feels about "eating poo"?

Barista training

2007-04-04T08:03:00.000+10:00

We attended a Basic Barista Training course last saturday to celebrate my Dad's 60th birthday. It was run by I guy who is an espresso machine technician - who also roasts his own beans. Check him out here, his name is Jason and he is a champion.

Anyway, I learnt a lot. Like, the value of a really awesome grinder and what I had been doing wrong in texturing my milk. We got to work on some pretty awesome machines too!

I think Dad really enjoyed himself - he was chatting with Jason for ages. Hopefully I won't be designated barista next time i go around there!

Gotta get back on the ECM at home and practice, practice, practice!

Poo flavoured ice cream or ice cream flavoured poo?

2007-03-27T10:48:00.000+10:00

...which would you rather eat?

Some initial thoughts here.

But make sure you comment here - don't make Dave look more popular than he already is.

I'm a poo-flavoured ice cream man myself.

The Hop Thief

2007-03-22T16:38:00.000+11:00

The other night Adri and I went to the launch of the latest seasonal release from James Squire - The Hop Thief.

What a tops night out it was too! Free beer and food as well as a chance to meet the man behind the Malt Shovel Brewery - Mr Chuck Hahn.

He even hinted at a new special release beer to be brewed next summer. He couldn't give too much away, but I managed to coax him into saying it was especially designed for summer drinking. My tip is a blond.

A free Hop Thief to the first person that can tell me why the beer is called "The Hop Thief".

Bible Study

2007-03-07T12:06:00.000+11:00

Had our second (or third) bible study last night. I'm getting more and more excited about our group every time we meet and I think its going to be a great year.

We are working our way through Galatians and last night knocked over chapter one. It's great to wrestle with God's word as a group.

Lots and lots to learn about leading a bible study though. Adri and I feel thoroughly ill-equipped to lead this bunch of Christians and feel the weight of the task.

What do you think makes a a great bible study? What are some things you've done or seen done that have worked really well?

Study...

2007-02-22T21:37:00.000+11:00

I am currently studying for my Actuarial exams.

It's a tough slog - lots of reading and some tough concepts. The course has a pass rate of about 20% and I'm alongside some very intelligent people who are attemptng it for the second, third, even fourth time.

The toughest part about it is making the time. Life isn't as carefree as it was at uni! It can be really hard on Adri too when I have to spend time with my notes instead of with her.

Anyway, as you might have guessed, I'm procrastinating about my assignment... Better get back to it.

At least it got me posting again! :)

Homeowners

2007-01-15T17:15:00.000+11:00

Today, my wife Adri and I officially became homeowners! Proud parents of a 2 bedroom apartment. Very exciting stuff – but also very scary. This is by far the longest term financial obligation we have ever or probably will ever, entered into. The numbers seem manageable when you put them on a piece of paper, but we will see how we feel about that when the first repayment comes out of the bank account.

Thankfully, no more rent!! Woohoo! =)

I am still alive...

2006-12-02T18:01:00.000+11:00

...as surprising as that may be given my inactivity in the blogoverse lately.

The coffee tasting course was awesome! We practiced the "art" of cupping with about 6 or so different single origin beans and learnt a little bit about the subtleties and characteristics of different beans.

We walked away with 600g of free coffee, including 100g of Jamaica Blue Mountain, which I must say is fairly disappointing given the hefty price tag.

The highlight of the evening was the mini roaster that they have out the back! It's gold! If anyone is feeling particularly generous this Christmas, I want one!

Birthday presents are cool...

2006-11-09T14:14:00.000+11:00

Tonight I am receiving in one of my birthday presents – A coffee tasting session at Toby’s Estate! (see here)
I’m very excited to learn more about coffee from Toby himself. I have been drinking a wide variety of stuff from their roastery for a while now but still don’t feel as though I’ve learnt much about different origins and the subtleties of their blends.
Hopefully tonight will be an eye-opening and educational experience!
We can also expect some tips on brewing the perfect espresso I’m told – way exciting!

Will let you know how we go.

Bond, James Bond

2006-11-08T21:36:00.000+11:00

Well, I've finally done it. Last week I completed my collection of the James Bond DVD's!
I'm very excited as 007 is possily my all time favourite movie character (with Harry Potter of course!) .
I now own:

Dr. No

From Russia With Love

Goldfinger

Thunderball

You Only Live Twice

On Her Majesty's Secret Service

Diamonds Are Forever

Live and Let Die

The Man with the Golden Gun

The World is Not Enough

Die Another Day

and
Never Say Never Again which isn't an official one.

It's very exciting!!

I'm still to decide on a favourite film. I'm a big fan of Goldfinger and my favourite Bond is Sean Connery.

What's your favourite Bond? Can you list who played Bond in each of the above? (Without cheating of course!)

What is it with Actuaries and God?

2006-10-27T23:29:00.000+10:00

When I was on holiday in Kenya, I read a great book that I don't recommend to you at all. Unless of course you happen to be an actuary or an actuarial student - in which case its a top read!

The book is called Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk. It's all about the history of risk and the philosphies of risk management and peoples understanding of probability. (*Snore*)

Why am I telling you this? Well it turns out that a lot of the key historical figures in the book are actually Christians. In fact, a guy by the name of Richard Price, considered by many to be the father of the actuarial science because of his work on expecations of life, is actually an (Anglican?) minister. (He also did heaps of other philosophising that I didn't look into)

I found this interesting because just before I left on my holiday, a work mate said, "How can you be a Christian? Actuaries are supposed to be scientific and demand proof?"

Well I think its no surprise that an actuary would be a Christian. There are actually a fair few actuaries at work and at uni who I have known to be Christians. Here is why I think the combination fits so well (bear in mind - I am biased):

1. Actuaries know the probability of dying - For everyone its 1... 100%... No getting away from it. The naturally inquisitive actuary will ask - what then?
2. Actuaries know the probabilities of there being no God - I've heard it argued that this world came about by chance. A good actuary knows to look beyond mere statistical variation and ask "What's driving these results?"
3. Actuaries know a good bet when they see one - Ever heard of Pascal's Wager? Blaise Pascal essentially proved that the best bet was a bet for God (I'll try to put up my simplified version of this later) .

So I reckon that there are a whole heap of Actuaries out there just waiting to be converted! Trained to be Christians!

What do you think?
Do you think your profession has a natural inclination towards faith? Please explain... MTS workers need not apply.

Most Disappointing Coffeee Ever

2006-10-18T11:43:00.000+10:00

I’m having a very slow day – struggling to get motivated.

I thought a coffee might help. (Really, I just needed to get away from my desk)

I tried Frank’s* place downstairs on because he claimed to be a coffee purist (my words). He claimed to make a better coffee than his long established competitors. He even has his own blend – usually a mark of a reputable barista.

But I must say – most disappointing coffee ever. It tasted like the old grounds hadn’t been fully removed from the group handle and watching Frank* in action, he left the milk jug unattended whilst steaming! What was he thinking?!?!

Congratulations Frank* - you’ve just been blacklisted.

Why do Sydney-siders, supposedly discerning coffee drinkers, not demand a higher standard from their “new celebrity” baristas? I only know of a couple of places within a hefty walk of my office that I can trust to give me a good coffee. Given the demand for coffee and the recent improvements in barista-standards, this isn’t really good enough.

It could have something to do with the fact that the majority of coffee drinkers don’t care if their coffee tastes like poo. Many are just in it for the caffeine hit. Some have never had a good coffee and so don’t know what they’re missing. But c’mon Sydney! You’ve got taste! Demand more!

If anyone knows where I can get a decent brew in town – please let me know.

2006-10-12T22:02:00.000+10:00

This is inside a Masai's hut. It's made of poo - cow poo.

This guy was a champ - his name is Robert and he is one of the village elders. That's his wife on the left and they have 4 kids. He lives in a hut bout 5m by 3m with his wife, kids, his mother and some goats. He's saving up enough cows so he can buy another wife - any man in Kenya can have as many wives as he likes.

Robert was on 60 minutes in Australia about 10-15 years ago cos he was married to an Australian women. She came and lived with him in his hut. But she couldn't hack it and returned home after a while.

2006-10-12T21:55:00.000+10:00

The last of the 5 that we saw - this is the Black Rhino - the one with the really expensive horn.

2006-10-12T21:51:00.000+10:00

Mmm.. big balls. Not one of the 5.. but pretty awesome

2006-10-12T21:47:00.000+10:00

HEAPS of elephants... another of the " Big Five". We saw all of them except the Leopard.

2006-10-12T21:43:00.000+10:00

This yawn looks very ferocious. He's another one of the "Big Five".

2006-10-12T21:40:00.000+10:00

Water Buffalo or Cape Buffalo. One of the "Big Five". Pretty dangerous apparently, so don't make fun of his pigtails

2006-10-12T21:34:00.000+10:00

There are three different kinds of giraffe in Kenya. This is a .... I can't remember.... but its one of them. He is tall.

Africa Wrap

2006-10-12T21:19:00.000+10:00

We're back from deepest darkest Africa!
We had an awesome time. We saw heaps of animals, heaps of the country met lots of the locals and villagers and did plenty of relaxing.
I'll put some photos up for you to look at.
Feel free to marvel at our fantastic photographic skills.

This guy is a young lion that we interrupted trying to hunt a gazelle. He was struggling anyway - not heaps stealthy. We found his mum and dad about 500m away. He's a good looking guy.

SALT Website

2006-09-11T12:52:00.000+10:00

Check us out at www.salt.ne1.net

Improvements to come

Only 18 sleeps til AWESOME - I'm not going, but I'm excited!

Africa!!

2006-09-10T09:15:00.000+10:00

We are going to Africa on wednesday!!!
Woohoo!!

We fly into Jo'burg to stay over night and then we're off to Kenya for some safari!

We are extremely excited about this! Keen to see the big 5... take some awesome photos and just do some relaxing.

Some of the time we will be camping in tents amongst the animals! So if we get taken by a lion - it's been nice knowing you.

Africa is such a beautiful continent. I can't wait!

We will be back in three weeks.

Love

2006-09-09T17:00:00.000+10:00

We have been looking at Colossians at our youth group SALT
lately. Recently we studied Col 3:14 "And above all these [virtues] put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony" ESV. (Check out the rest of this passage at www.BibleGateway.com)

Then I came across this poem in David Jackman's 1 John commentary (we are studying 1 John in our annual youth camp AWESOME) and I liked the way it showed how the love of Christ is all encompassing. This is based on the fruits of the Spirit in Galations 5:22-23.

Joy is love exulting and peace is love at rest;
Patience love enduring in every trial and test.
Gentleness, Love yielding to all that is not sin.
Goodness, love in actions that flow from Christ within.
Faith is love's eyes opened the living Christ to see;
Meekness, love not fighting, but bowed at Calvary.
Temperance, love in harness and under Christ's control,
For Christ is love, in person - and love, Christ in the soul.

That was written by Dr Kenneth Moynagh - missionary doctor in Rwanda.

I am working at "putting on love".

My first post

2006-08-28T18:34:00.000+10:00

G'day!

I don't know if this will last, but I'll have a crack at posting some stuff on this blog. If you've been here... make sure you post something so I know!