I've been toying with the idea of starting a forum for over 12 months now. Now, I don't need to. Lukey has one! It's a great idea, and he has some good areas to post.
The thing is, a forum works REALLY well if lots of people use it, and they post regularly. Of course, if they don't, it will die a quick and painful death. I'm a seasoned forum user and I know how interesting a GOOD forum can be. But the ONLY thing that makes a forum good is because it is active.
So I'm putting my weight behind The Forum by posting about it here.
I ask you to seriously consider doing 3 things:
1. Register for the forum. It's free, there is NO email spam ever, and it gives you a profile to use.
2. Post on it.
3. Post on it some more.
The link you need...
http://www.aokforums.com/luke/luke.html
Get cracking! It is good only if we all use it damnit!
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Aussie Rules in full swing!
Yeh baby! The season begins again! No more pre-season crap. No more off-season trade talk and garbage! Now we get to see them PLAY! Now we get to actually scream and cheer and lose Friday nights, Saturday all day and Sunday afternoon and hear our wives tell us off for ignoring them all weekend. (That's not all good, but hey, it's footy, right?)Lets go DOGGIES! Not sure how my boys will do this year - losing 3 guys over 6ft 5in for the whole season is not a good sign, but hey we'll see how we go anyway. As a proud member of the Western Bulldogs footy club I shall be there cheering them on regardless.
Oh yeh, and I have Foxtel coming on Tuesday, so this year I won't miss ANY games I want to see! Ahh the joy! The excitement!On another note, Brad moves out on Saturday. Bye Brad. He was a good boarder. He has a messy room, but hey, if you close the door nobody notices! It was fun Brad, for what we saw of each other. I'm helping him and Millsy and Annie move on Saturday because I am a nice guy (NOT because I want to ensure he really does leave, contrary to popular opinion!!!)
So it's back to 'Naked Tuesdays' again for me... I mean... Ummm... You didn't read that ok?
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Games are over and some are staying... or trying to anyway.
Well, sad as it is the games are behind us. It was a fantastic time to be in Melbourne. I know, I know, it was only the Commonwealth Games, not the Olympics or anything.
And yet, it was amazing! Melbourne embraced this spectacle and we all got into party mode. Athletes poured everything they had into competing for their countries, and all around we were treated to this incredible... well, this incredible 'thing'. I can't do it any better than that. I have no other words. But it was stunning. Sitting at the G when Kerryn ran in to take first place in the marathon and being amongst the most almighty roar was simply staggering. It brought a tear to my eye - just being taken away by the whole emotion of the moment as all 85,000 of us willed her to the finish line.
There were many other moments, but that one will remain with me - it was inspiring and moving.
Anyone keeping up with the news will be aware of all the athletes that are currently missing since the games - a whole host from Sierra Leone (75% of the team - after 70% went missing at Manchester... as Matty Parker put it 'at least they are improving'). Also, one athlete from each of Tanzania and Bangladesh are gone, and now 9 from Cameroon.
Here are the 6 from Sierra Leone who were found in Sydney yesterday.
It's a fascinating topic - I certainly have read and spoken to a lot of people who are really annoyed that these athletes would do that. I don't share that view - I really don't.
You and I will NEVER (hopefully) understand ANY of what it is like to live in a country ravaged by war, conflict and poverty. It's easy to say things like 'there are lots of people in those situations who are seeking refuge here, why should these people jump the queue'. I'll tell you why, and no, it's not about the fact they are athletes and therefore could bolster our 'stocks'. It's called compassion. They are here, and are pleading for help. That's why.
One thing about Jesus was he never took his eye off the individual simply because of the 'greater good'. He healed a man who was a leper because he was in need, not necessarily because he was the 'most' deserving, or the one who had been affected the longest. The man was present, so Jesus showed compassion - that was enough. The simple question I ask is 'can you blame them for staying?' Of course not. Keep in mind all the things we will never understand about a land of war and strife, and can you blame them for attempting to stay here once they make it over here?
Is there a risk of 'opening up the floodgates'? Of course there is. But if we start saying we would rather keep them out, and leave them to those situations rather than have this place overrun and our quality of life drop then we are truly nationalistic, but also lacking any human compassion. And for me, as a Christian, compassion MUST come before nationalism and national pride, even with this country I hold so dear. Compassion for humans is a duty. Personally, if they are found to be at risk and truly in danger then they should be allowed to stay, regardless of if someone still over in the other country may be 'more deserving' (however you actualy can define that). They are here, they need help, that should be enough.
And yet, it was amazing! Melbourne embraced this spectacle and we all got into party mode. Athletes poured everything they had into competing for their countries, and all around we were treated to this incredible... well, this incredible 'thing'. I can't do it any better than that. I have no other words. But it was stunning. Sitting at the G when Kerryn ran in to take first place in the marathon and being amongst the most almighty roar was simply staggering. It brought a tear to my eye - just being taken away by the whole emotion of the moment as all 85,000 of us willed her to the finish line.
There were many other moments, but that one will remain with me - it was inspiring and moving.
Anyone keeping up with the news will be aware of all the athletes that are currently missing since the games - a whole host from Sierra Leone (75% of the team - after 70% went missing at Manchester... as Matty Parker put it 'at least they are improving'). Also, one athlete from each of Tanzania and Bangladesh are gone, and now 9 from Cameroon.
Here are the 6 from Sierra Leone who were found in Sydney yesterday.
It's a fascinating topic - I certainly have read and spoken to a lot of people who are really annoyed that these athletes would do that. I don't share that view - I really don't.
You and I will NEVER (hopefully) understand ANY of what it is like to live in a country ravaged by war, conflict and poverty. It's easy to say things like 'there are lots of people in those situations who are seeking refuge here, why should these people jump the queue'. I'll tell you why, and no, it's not about the fact they are athletes and therefore could bolster our 'stocks'. It's called compassion. They are here, and are pleading for help. That's why.
One thing about Jesus was he never took his eye off the individual simply because of the 'greater good'. He healed a man who was a leper because he was in need, not necessarily because he was the 'most' deserving, or the one who had been affected the longest. The man was present, so Jesus showed compassion - that was enough. The simple question I ask is 'can you blame them for staying?' Of course not. Keep in mind all the things we will never understand about a land of war and strife, and can you blame them for attempting to stay here once they make it over here?
Is there a risk of 'opening up the floodgates'? Of course there is. But if we start saying we would rather keep them out, and leave them to those situations rather than have this place overrun and our quality of life drop then we are truly nationalistic, but also lacking any human compassion. And for me, as a Christian, compassion MUST come before nationalism and national pride, even with this country I hold so dear. Compassion for humans is a duty. Personally, if they are found to be at risk and truly in danger then they should be allowed to stay, regardless of if someone still over in the other country may be 'more deserving' (however you actualy can define that). They are here, they need help, that should be enough.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Happy birthday
Happy birthday to me,
Happy birthday to me,
Happy birthday dear me,
Happy birthday to me!
Happy birthday to me,
Happy birthday dear me,
Happy birthday to me!
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Awesome!
Well, it's been an awesome few days. Saw cycling heats on Saturday, then went to the G on Sunday and saw, amongst other things and awesome gold medal for Australia in the womens marathon. You should have heard the 80,000 people errupt when Kerryn hit the stadium. It was phenomonal! Fee rang me and I knew it was because she would be watching outside. Couldn't hear her, but yelled down the phone that she was going to win - it was still touch and go with the Kenyan, so Fee wasn't sure from outside.
The best thing was in the 100m for visually impaired. They are allowed a guide if they want, who is meant to run along side them to help them know where they are, when to stop etc. One poor bloke had a guide that was SO slow, the athlete had crossed the finish line and his guide was ONLY HALFWAY DOWN THE TRACK! The sad, but also awesome thing was, because of this, the poor guy kept running! He ended up doing a full 400m before the officials stopped him. What was great though was not his misfortune, but the AWESOME cheering and clapping he was getting from the crowd. People realised what had happened, and felt perhaps a little embarassed, but also recognised the awesome achievement of an athlete like this guy. It was touching. It was moving. Now he just needs a better guide...
Then Monday night it was dinner with Fee and Darren (Darren was meant to join us afterwards as well at the G, but he scammed a coaches pass to the swimming!!!! pool-side with the athletes! to see Leisel smash her world record). Anyway, off the G again, this time to see Asafa romp in the 100m, and Craig Mottram, and Brooke Krueger-Billett who won the hammer throw.
GO JAMAICA!
Just had to put that in - they won both the men's and women's 100m, and now have 4 golds! My adopt-a-team is thumping Brad's. Not that I'm gloating or anything... Not at all...
The best thing was in the 100m for visually impaired. They are allowed a guide if they want, who is meant to run along side them to help them know where they are, when to stop etc. One poor bloke had a guide that was SO slow, the athlete had crossed the finish line and his guide was ONLY HALFWAY DOWN THE TRACK! The sad, but also awesome thing was, because of this, the poor guy kept running! He ended up doing a full 400m before the officials stopped him. What was great though was not his misfortune, but the AWESOME cheering and clapping he was getting from the crowd. People realised what had happened, and felt perhaps a little embarassed, but also recognised the awesome achievement of an athlete like this guy. It was touching. It was moving. Now he just needs a better guide...
Then Monday night it was dinner with Fee and Darren (Darren was meant to join us afterwards as well at the G, but he scammed a coaches pass to the swimming!!!! pool-side with the athletes! to see Leisel smash her world record). Anyway, off the G again, this time to see Asafa romp in the 100m, and Craig Mottram, and Brooke Krueger-Billett who won the hammer throw.
GO JAMAICA!
Just had to put that in - they won both the men's and women's 100m, and now have 4 golds! My adopt-a-team is thumping Brad's. Not that I'm gloating or anything... Not at all...
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Sweaty velodrome and Ricardo!
Sharon and I made it to our first Commonwealth Games event today. It was cycling heats at the velodrome. Great venue, but to keep temperature optimal for the athletes, there is a sign saying that the place is kept at 25 degrees. Now, that is pretty warm anyway, but when your seats are in the back row (in other words, near the roof) i think it was closer to 55! So it was a sweaty, slightly smelly experience. But great fun cheering on our Aussie boys and girls, and also Ricardo Lynch from Jamaica (Sharon and I were pretty much on our own with cheering for Ricardo).
Good on him though - he ended up getting 5th in the Mens Sprints, so awesome effort, and close to the first medal for a Jamaican these games.
On the Aussie note, seeing the Meares girls in action was awesome, as was watching Ryan Bayley (who as I write this just got through to the semis).
Go Aussie, Go Jamaica. Aussies you rock! Jamaica, you are frankly the coolest of all Commonwealth nations.
Tomorrow we go to the 'G' to see the heats of the 100m and the marathon finishes, followed by the 'G' again on Monday night to see the 100m finals (go Asafa). Finally, next Saturday we are back at the 'G' - it's a sell out so will be awesome - to watch the relays and Mottram. Gonna be a HUGE week! :)
Good on him though - he ended up getting 5th in the Mens Sprints, so awesome effort, and close to the first medal for a Jamaican these games.
On the Aussie note, seeing the Meares girls in action was awesome, as was watching Ryan Bayley (who as I write this just got through to the semis).
Go Aussie, Go Jamaica. Aussies you rock! Jamaica, you are frankly the coolest of all Commonwealth nations.
Tomorrow we go to the 'G' to see the heats of the 100m and the marathon finishes, followed by the 'G' again on Monday night to see the 100m finals (go Asafa). Finally, next Saturday we are back at the 'G' - it's a sell out so will be awesome - to watch the relays and Mottram. Gonna be a HUGE week! :)
Friday, March 17, 2006
The ref!
I know, I know. By posting this I can be accused of sour grapes and all that... But geez! Did anyone see the English jumper that rugby 7's ref had on under his top? Seriously. We aren't meant to win games against better opposition like England (in the 7's that's sad but true) but to lose to a continual stream of dubious decisions and send offs was a bit hard to stomach. Dean and I were out for a few at Balsamic, watching the game, and it was a bit of a bummer.
Still, as always is the case we had our chances and they were dropped. Oh well. We still made the next round so all is not lost!
Please forgive me if most of my posts are of a sporting nature over the next week or so. I'm such a sucker for sport, and with the first test on (good one Clarkey!), the games, and the footy season about to start I'm a little inundated with things to watch. I'm on the lookout for odd little stories on the games though, so if I see something cool I'll post it.
And don't foget - GO JAMAICA!!!
And Jimmy Cliff did a free concert last night at the Myer Music Bowl. How cool is that? (I may well be showing my age with that last comment...)
Still, as always is the case we had our chances and they were dropped. Oh well. We still made the next round so all is not lost!
Please forgive me if most of my posts are of a sporting nature over the next week or so. I'm such a sucker for sport, and with the first test on (good one Clarkey!), the games, and the footy season about to start I'm a little inundated with things to watch. I'm on the lookout for odd little stories on the games though, so if I see something cool I'll post it.
And don't foget - GO JAMAICA!!!
And Jimmy Cliff did a free concert last night at the Myer Music Bowl. How cool is that? (I may well be showing my age with that last comment...)
Thursday, March 16, 2006
The duck and the fish
The Duck
For those of you who watched the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony and were thinking 'what the hell was that duck thing all about' well, now is your chance to get an explanation (sort of, anyway).
http://www.theage.com.au/news/commonwealth-games/a-little-duck/2006/03/15/1142098537586.html
That link is a link to an article by the author of the poem himself, Michael Leunig, where he (kind of) explains the duck metaphor.
If you can't be bothered reading it here is a quick run down. A Russian dude ran in Melbourne at the '56 Olympics and won the 10,000m. He represented the duck given the cold war was on and he was in enemy territory.
There you have it... go figure!
The Fish
And finally, those fish on the Yarra are apparently looking for a home. The proposed idea by Johnny So is to give one to different municipalities, and keep one on the Yarra near the aquarium. Not a bad idea Johnny! But I also think I deserve one in my back yard.... or we could put one in Steve's pool!
For those of you who watched the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony and were thinking 'what the hell was that duck thing all about' well, now is your chance to get an explanation (sort of, anyway).
http://www.theage.com.au/news/commonwealth-games/a-little-duck/2006/03/15/1142098537586.html
That link is a link to an article by the author of the poem himself, Michael Leunig, where he (kind of) explains the duck metaphor.
If you can't be bothered reading it here is a quick run down. A Russian dude ran in Melbourne at the '56 Olympics and won the 10,000m. He represented the duck given the cold war was on and he was in enemy territory.
There you have it... go figure!
The Fish
And finally, those fish on the Yarra are apparently looking for a home. The proposed idea by Johnny So is to give one to different municipalities, and keep one on the Yarra near the aquarium. Not a bad idea Johnny! But I also think I deserve one in my back yard.... or we could put one in Steve's pool!
Yeah maan!
Brad and I have decided to adopt a country for this Commonwealth Games. It's not about Australia - we love Australia. It's just we already know we are going to win the medal tally (whether you count properly - gold medals first, or whether you cheat like the Americans and change the way you count when the Aussies beat you at the world swimming championships...).
So, we are adopting countries that certainly have a shot at a medal or two (don't want total disappointment!) but aren't seen as a big threat. Go the under-dog!
I'm going with Jamaica. Brad went with Cameroon (boo!!!) . Lets see who comes through with the goods... I'm quietly confident, but am a true under-dog. Apart from Asafa Brad's boys and girls look stronger, and I do mean stronger - they should get medals in weightlifting...
Bring it on Jamaica! Win some gold for you biggest supporter in the whole world... or not... but a solid supporter for the purposes of these games none the less!
For your listening pleasure, the National Anthem of Jamaica.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
cynic-o-meter goes into high gear
Read this post at The Age website today http://www.theage.com.au/news/athletics/pittman-pulls-out-of-baton-relay/2006/03/14/1142098445129.html.
Turns out Jana Pitman decided not to be a part of the Queen's Baton relay this afternoon in the city for the Commonwealth Games which starts tomorrow night. Reason cited was the persistent hamstring injury. Oh yeh, I forgot that, and I quote 'She'll be 100 per cent when she steps out on the track in the competition [next week]'.
Do you know what would be really refreshing for once? Honesty. Why can't her manager just say 'We know Jana is having issues with both the public and the press, partly unfairly but mainly due to the fact she is a whinger and has just recently said she doesn't want to run for our country anymore. As a result we feel she may not receive a warm and friendly welcome from the public (who can blame them really) and also feel her safety may even be at risk. To avoid the possible embarrassment she has decided to stay home.'
What would it hurt to be honest? NOBODY is really going to believe after everything that has gone on in the last week that she really has a hammy issue. Usually when it smells like poo, it's because it IS poo...
Turns out Jana Pitman decided not to be a part of the Queen's Baton relay this afternoon in the city for the Commonwealth Games which starts tomorrow night. Reason cited was the persistent hamstring injury. Oh yeh, I forgot that, and I quote 'She'll be 100 per cent when she steps out on the track in the competition [next week]'.
Do you know what would be really refreshing for once? Honesty. Why can't her manager just say 'We know Jana is having issues with both the public and the press, partly unfairly but mainly due to the fact she is a whinger and has just recently said she doesn't want to run for our country anymore. As a result we feel she may not receive a warm and friendly welcome from the public (who can blame them really) and also feel her safety may even be at risk. To avoid the possible embarrassment she has decided to stay home.'
What would it hurt to be honest? NOBODY is really going to believe after everything that has gone on in the last week that she really has a hammy issue. Usually when it smells like poo, it's because it IS poo...
Amazing potatoes and SERIOUSLY nasty burgers...
Well, I'm officially exhausted. I used to get tired going to youth camps, due to lots of things to do, lots of socialising and then staying up way too late... Now, having just completed cooking for nearly 60 people on one of those camps I realise just how easy I always had it! Being on camp is a piece of cake compared to cooking for one. (mind you, bed times of 1:30am, 2am, and 3am didn't help my cause any...)
However, I still had an awesome time. And thanks to all those who helped Sharon, Frij and myself during the weekend - we simply couldn't have done it without you all!
I learnt a lot and frankly if I ever have the opportunity/privilege/fortune/misfortune/any other word to describe it to do another camp I can see exactly where things need to be done better... Not sure it's something I want to put into practice, but at least I know!
Special mention to our roast potatoes on Sunday night. They were pretty much the best potatoes I've ever had, which was a big win given they were served up at a camp, when almost ANYTHING tastes good. (Almost... see below for exceptions).
Special mention to the burgers on Monday afternoon as the WORST thing we dished up - it's embarrassing to even call them 'burgers'. That name conjures up far better things than that food could EVER be! For those who were there and are interested, I asked Annie and Kate to go get cheap crappy ones, in the interest of cost savings. Sometimes homebrand stuff is ok, so we thought why not? Well, Annie and Kate came through with the goods! That would be commendable except for the fact that by coming through, they actually managed to take the term 'cheap and crappy' to a WHOLE new level. Seriously. If you weren't there, count yourself VERY lucky. To start with, the packet says 65% beef. Now, the obvious question is 'what is the other 35%'? but a BETTER question would be 'If it really WAS 65% wouldn't it a) Look red and not white like chicken, and b) taste like something other than some nasty deep fried stale bread'? So, I think the question should be 'why did the printers miss out the dot when printing 6.5% beef'? That is just false advertising!
Oh yeh, the one neat thing about these 'burgers' was that they had a really cool ability... Turns out they were self-oiling. That's right. No oil needed on THIS grill... no sir! But why does the oil look like mountain dew??? And how can such a small pattie hold that much of it?
Frij and I decided that at roughly 10 cents per burger we must have been paying for the oil, and the 'meat' was free (all 6.5% of it...)
So once again I apologise profusely to all those on camp who ate one and happen to be reading this. Kate and I made a pact that we would never again buy them for any reason, ever. I suggest you all follow that advice. If it's a white homebrand burger pack with blue writing (can't remember which homebrand - someone fill me in if you know) then do NOT buy them. Don't be cheap. Spend money and buy burgers that contain meat!
However, I still had an awesome time. And thanks to all those who helped Sharon, Frij and myself during the weekend - we simply couldn't have done it without you all!
I learnt a lot and frankly if I ever have the opportunity/privilege/fortune/misfortune/any other word to describe it to do another camp I can see exactly where things need to be done better... Not sure it's something I want to put into practice, but at least I know!
Special mention to our roast potatoes on Sunday night. They were pretty much the best potatoes I've ever had, which was a big win given they were served up at a camp, when almost ANYTHING tastes good. (Almost... see below for exceptions).
Special mention to the burgers on Monday afternoon as the WORST thing we dished up - it's embarrassing to even call them 'burgers'. That name conjures up far better things than that food could EVER be! For those who were there and are interested, I asked Annie and Kate to go get cheap crappy ones, in the interest of cost savings. Sometimes homebrand stuff is ok, so we thought why not? Well, Annie and Kate came through with the goods! That would be commendable except for the fact that by coming through, they actually managed to take the term 'cheap and crappy' to a WHOLE new level. Seriously. If you weren't there, count yourself VERY lucky. To start with, the packet says 65% beef. Now, the obvious question is 'what is the other 35%'? but a BETTER question would be 'If it really WAS 65% wouldn't it a) Look red and not white like chicken, and b) taste like something other than some nasty deep fried stale bread'? So, I think the question should be 'why did the printers miss out the dot when printing 6.5% beef'? That is just false advertising!
Oh yeh, the one neat thing about these 'burgers' was that they had a really cool ability... Turns out they were self-oiling. That's right. No oil needed on THIS grill... no sir! But why does the oil look like mountain dew??? And how can such a small pattie hold that much of it?
Frij and I decided that at roughly 10 cents per burger we must have been paying for the oil, and the 'meat' was free (all 6.5% of it...)
So once again I apologise profusely to all those on camp who ate one and happen to be reading this. Kate and I made a pact that we would never again buy them for any reason, ever. I suggest you all follow that advice. If it's a white homebrand burger pack with blue writing (can't remember which homebrand - someone fill me in if you know) then do NOT buy them. Don't be cheap. Spend money and buy burgers that contain meat!
Thursday, March 09, 2006
The Scoreboard
OK. It's here. The best thing ever!
Look to the left. Just below the picture of me with my head stuck in a very large fake-clay pot from K-Mart...
It's 'The Scoreboard'.
What exactly is The Scoreboard you ask?
Glad you did!
It records the number of wins between myself and Brad when playing driving games on Xbox... And just so it's really clear, I'm the first number, not the second one...
'Nuff said!
Look to the left. Just below the picture of me with my head stuck in a very large fake-clay pot from K-Mart...
It's 'The Scoreboard'.
What exactly is The Scoreboard you ask?
Glad you did!
It records the number of wins between myself and Brad when playing driving games on Xbox... And just so it's really clear, I'm the first number, not the second one...
'Nuff said!
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Culinary Genius!
OK. Tobie Puttock. Sounds like it could almost be a cross between a serious illness in the rear end region crossed with a dog...
No, not really. But it's late and the name does have a certain ring to it. Of course, that makes remembering it easier, so that's no bad thing when you are a chef.
Why you ask. Why mention this man? Well, I was given an interesting Christmas present from Sharon last year. A certificate to attend a class on making pasta by chef Tobie Puttock. Starting to make sense now? Good.
Let me tell you, this was absolutely sensational! It was a lot of fun. And Toby really knows italian food. Good credentials working in Italy etc. (I know, I know, a last name like Guccione or something might sound more credible, but hey...). Anyway, I'm inspired again to try my hand at home made pasta. Any takers?
Chatted to him after the class. Great bloke. I like people who have great experiences, know who is worth knowing, and yet still just act like real, normal people. Much respect! For those of you who know about the Jamie Oliver restaurant Fifteen, if you read up a few articles you won't see Tobie's name far away from Jamie's. Tobie was the executive chef at Fifteen in London, and is now heading up the Fifteen here in Melbourne, in the Windsor Hotel basement.
He also appears on the Aussie version of Ready Steady Cook. (Thanks for that piece of info Freindy - he's the one with the fuzzy/curly hair).
Google Tobie Puttock for more info. I'm a convert. The man is a sensation! and sometime soon-ish he has a book coming out. Stick it on your Christmas list to buy me somebody please!
OK. Enough shameless promoting of other people. I'm off to bed. Gotta get my sleep before cooking for 60 people on camp this weekend... (and no, I will not be testing out my new inspiration for pasta on 60 kids who wouldn't appreciate it anyway!!!)
No, not really. But it's late and the name does have a certain ring to it. Of course, that makes remembering it easier, so that's no bad thing when you are a chef.
Why you ask. Why mention this man? Well, I was given an interesting Christmas present from Sharon last year. A certificate to attend a class on making pasta by chef Tobie Puttock. Starting to make sense now? Good.
Let me tell you, this was absolutely sensational! It was a lot of fun. And Toby really knows italian food. Good credentials working in Italy etc. (I know, I know, a last name like Guccione or something might sound more credible, but hey...). Anyway, I'm inspired again to try my hand at home made pasta. Any takers?
Chatted to him after the class. Great bloke. I like people who have great experiences, know who is worth knowing, and yet still just act like real, normal people. Much respect! For those of you who know about the Jamie Oliver restaurant Fifteen, if you read up a few articles you won't see Tobie's name far away from Jamie's. Tobie was the executive chef at Fifteen in London, and is now heading up the Fifteen here in Melbourne, in the Windsor Hotel basement.
He also appears on the Aussie version of Ready Steady Cook. (Thanks for that piece of info Freindy - he's the one with the fuzzy/curly hair).
Google Tobie Puttock for more info. I'm a convert. The man is a sensation! and sometime soon-ish he has a book coming out. Stick it on your Christmas list to buy me somebody please!
OK. Enough shameless promoting of other people. I'm off to bed. Gotta get my sleep before cooking for 60 people on camp this weekend... (and no, I will not be testing out my new inspiration for pasta on 60 kids who wouldn't appreciate it anyway!!!)
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Freindy the angry little man...
As most of you know Brad Freind is staying with us while Annie, Millsy and he look for a new place to live. They had a false start the other day (bummer guys!) but the resulting post in his blog is damn funny.
He's an angry little man right now!
Check the link to his blog in the the link section on the left hand side for the low-down. Really. Do it. It's funny!
Oh yeh, and I wiped his backside 6 wins to none on xbox Rallisport Challenge 2 the other night... Just thought I'd throw that in. I believe I said something like "you've got some time before you go out, how about I kick your ass at a game of something". The reply went along the lines of "Ummmm... I'll play, but I'm not so sure you'll kick my ass".
Poor Brad, he was serious too. He really thought he'd win :)
Bring it on Freindy. Any time.
He's an angry little man right now!
Check the link to his blog in the the link section on the left hand side for the low-down. Really. Do it. It's funny!
Oh yeh, and I wiped his backside 6 wins to none on xbox Rallisport Challenge 2 the other night... Just thought I'd throw that in. I believe I said something like "you've got some time before you go out, how about I kick your ass at a game of something". The reply went along the lines of "Ummmm... I'll play, but I'm not so sure you'll kick my ass".
Poor Brad, he was serious too. He really thought he'd win :)
Bring it on Freindy. Any time.
Da Boyz!
I have told some of you about my mate in the UK who had triplets. (well, his mrs did, but you know what i mean).
The boys have some Nigerian blood in them, so they are the cutest things in the whole world! So, i thought i'd post a recent picture of them so you can all see! they are now about 15 months old.
(Click the picture for a better size)
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