Bike

Lets just pretend I swapped my Commodore for a bicycle. That is the end of my story.

Frame: 2008 Azzurri Torino, aluminium

Forks: Azzurri, carbon fibre

Groupset: 2008 Shimano Tiagra everything

Wheels: Shimano WH-R500

Seatpost: FSA carbon

Seat: Velo 1133

Bars and stem: FSA alloy

Pedals: PD-R540

Shoes: SH-R085

Computer: Cateye Velo 8

In all a basic setup a professional wouldn't touch. But I think it works very well. 9-speed on the rear shifts very quick and is enough gears for me. "Compact" cranks gives the smaller front ring I need as a novice in Hobart. The seat is my third one already.

The main problems are; Hobart roads are too rough, especially on the edges. And not many bicycle lanes are painted on the roads. David Bartlet has a plan to fix this.

Motorists: please remove your bull bars, external aerials and roof racks when not in use.

Tools in Commodores

I take no responsibility for the driver in this photo, but he seams to have it all under control. Doing a bloody good job actually judging by the smoke. Not sure who's car it is but.

This Christmas, pause and spare a thought for those that live in lower social-economic suburbs. Like the guys that have my tools, and Commodore. Small children will be opening their presents. One gets a 10mm spanner, another a 12mm. And another a 19mm socket, which is the size you need to remove the wheels from the Commodore they now have. Who are we kidding? We are all Australian, and all equal. Everyone has tools, and Commodores. I even bought some tools the other day. It was as easy as going to the tool shop and saying, "I am Australian, it's Christmas, give me tools". Almost that easy. I could probably buy another Commodore next week if I wanted, if I didn't buy cappuccinos for $3.70 each.

Christmas time

Christmas time is great, because you don't feel guilty for doing nothing. If you have a job, you get holidays (and money). If you are looking for a job, you have no chance so little point in looking. If you run your own business, you are going to loose money between Christmas and new years. Nothing you can do about it.

People go back to their families. If you have no family, you will be very lonely indeed. Unless kind people invite you to their home.

Christmas morning is great, if only you can find fresh dry cell batteries and a small phillips screwdriver. In the past I have tried using a kitchen knife, and batteries from the household wireless phone.

And you get to eat and drink any food you want without getting dirty looks, even in the morning.

Tim Hansard and I are going to loose 2kg over the Christmas period.

Excellent.

Australia - review

Um, it was OK. But I went in knowing it had bad reviews. The movie set looked great. I nearly cried a few times, despite it having the worst story of any movie I had seen in a long time. 2 stars.

You can't write a critical review of this movie, because the story and character development is just so bad you don't know where to start. The actors are a little wasted, David Wenham probably comes out best. But we have to grin and accept that it was mildly entertaining for the long 2 hours or so it went for.

There had been some objection (from people living in colder climates not comfortable with their own bodies) to Hugh Jackman taking off his shirt. Well consider this. The story is set in Darwin. Look up the weather forecast for Darwin today, and tell me that without A/C you would keep your shirt on.

And as for Nicole's tight skin, that demands a whole website in itself.