Frugal Bastard

Warning - Kids Are Not Safe

2008-07-19T21:13:00.004+08:00

I have a warning to all of you parents out there. To leave three kids unattended in the backyard with access to the garden shed is not safe. This is the scene that I returned home to this afternoon after work.

The Trench, as it has become known.

The Trench 2. Looks like a giant footprint.

The Trench 3.

Stew.

Kids are not safe - for your backyard at least. The kids aren't likely to get hurt but your backyard may never recover. And to think that they made this firstly as a trap for the rabbit and then for a trench to keep him in. What great imaginations.

Perhaps they want to go to the Olympics. If so, they're off to a good start because they already dug halfway to China.

Prince of War - Online Games

2008-07-19T21:05:00.002+08:00

Another cool game that the Boy found. With him doing all the purchasing of soldiers and me doing the fighting I got all the way through 20 levels on my first go. Hmmm.

Prince-of-War

I've finished it!!

Abuse By SMS – Make Sure You Spell Properly

2008-07-17T22:37:00.002+08:00

My missus was doing some pattern design for a “lady”. She was very slow at paying and not good at keeping to her word. The fact that she was running a fashion business and had not much of an idea about what she was doing didn’t help either. Miky had been waiting to be paid the grand total of $60 for a couple of weeks and repeated calls didn’t garner a response until the other day. She was met with a “Do you know who my husband is?” bit of screaming and other stupidity. After finally transferring the money, following an offer of paying in two to three weeks time, she sent the following SMS.

“Sent you the $60 to your bank account this morning. Don’t ever want to hear from you again. If you bad mouth me to anyone in the industry like you talked about me to Clare, I sware to God I will sue you for DEFORMATION OF CHARACTER! And the $121 you owe me for the cardboard!!!!!
Lucky fo me Two of my cousins are lawyers!!!!!!!!!!! Gina”

Funny that. “Deformation of character”? The fact that this peroxide blonde is quite obviously a gold-digger whose multi-millionaire husband has been having an affair whilst she’s been pregnant with their second child which has lead to divorce proceedings, her lack of knowledge about the industry, her ignorance of the English language and her dodgy business ethics show that her character is actually deformed and not defamed as she probably meant. Freudian slip, maybe? As for the $121 - when you offer to go halves in something and then take it all for yourself before receiving payment there isn’t much to complain about and no money owed. Hopefully her lawyer cousins are better at spelling. The bit about knowing who the husband is kills me. It’s plain to see that she doesn’t even know who her husband is or she’s just beginning to find out. This is the thanks that we get even after welcoming her into our home? Not much better than being spat in the face or being bitten as a hand that has fed someone. Oh, and you're wondering about the bad-mouthing to Clare? It turns out that Clare is a good friend of Gina and she mentioned to my missus that she doesn't know anything about design. Wouldn't hurt to get the facts straight, would it? Lawyers don't worry too much about the facts though if it doesn't help their cause.

Good riddance to bad rubbish. Stupid bitch.

Boys' Day Out

2008-07-16T05:16:00.003+08:00

Yesterday I did something that hadn't been done before and needed to be done. I took a day off work during the school holidays and spent it with the Boy. First job after breakfast was to go to the bank and dump the change into his bank account which then was upgraded to an account paying an additional 2.5% p.a. Then we went to the movies to see Hancock. The local movie reviewer gave the first half of the movie 2.5 stars and 0 stars for the second half. That rating had me a little concerned. But I needn't have been. The movie turned from an action/comedy to drama/love story, with action, and we both really enjoyed it. People even applauded at the conclusion of the movie.

Couple more items of work then we bought some pizzas. One each. Yum. Normally the three of us eat two pizzas with a few slices left over. Not yesterday. Did I mention that it rained nearly all day? We had just under an inch of rain. Good day for doing things indoors. Master stroke time - off to the arcades. The Boy has only been to the arcade once, when he was five, and so this was a treat. We did play a NASCAR race together and he beat me on the line by 0.32 seconds! He came out of nowhere and there wasn't anything wrong with my driving. Bugger.

Miky met us in the city after work and we bought some Korean food and ice creams. Yum. Again.

It was a good day and he even thanked me without prompting. I had been a little concerned that being an only child he took too much for granted. But his attitude seems to be changing. I think it has something to do with wanting a Nintendo Wii for Christmas. Christmas presents - the ultimate behaviour modification device.

I should do this more often.

Taekwond Grading - The Boy Is A Second Gup

2008-07-13T20:40:00.003+08:00

This morning the Boy had a grading at taekwondo. It didn't start too well as he forgot to bring his gloves which are a compulsory item of attire. Warm-up was okay and he seemed to remember his patterns fairly well.

Into the grading and he was a little lost in taeguk five. Taeguk six and taeguk seven were pretty good though. His ho shin seul, or self defence, were ok too. Breaking boards was a bit pathetic as he's not that powerful.

Still, a pass is a pass. Two tips on the red belt now so look out black belts (in a few years).

Went to Dome in South Perth for lunch followed by a long walk along the foreshore, which the council is ripping up in many places to install beaches (of all things - don't these people know anything about geography?), and the Boy spent his time riding his new scooter. It's nice to have him out of earshot for a while. He comes back though. He he.

Back home and I did some repairs to the gutter out the front of the house followed by a kick of football in the park with the Boy. Then it was bulgogi for tea - it is Sunday after all.

The Great Escape - Almost

2008-07-13T20:36:00.002+08:00

Had a chat over the fence with the neighbour today. She mentioned that her daughter and her boyfriend had spotted a rabbit in our front yard the other day. Thinking that it belonged to the Boy they tried to catch it. Even the neighbour joined in and nobody could actually catch Stew. They then decided to open the gate and shoo him in. It worked! A closer inspection revealed that he had dug under the only bit of fence that didn't have concrete slabs next to it and pushed the wire netting to one side to make his escape. Our neighbours then placed a couple of bricks in front of the hole so he couldn't make his way out again.

Obviously Stew isn't that stupid as there is some lovely grass out the front. No wonder he heads for the gate when I'm going out. Cunning little bugger. Luckily it wasn't really the great escape.

Online Games - Swords and Sandals

2008-07-13T12:01:00.002+08:00

Ever wanted to be a gladiator? The Boy found a decent online game and he's better than me. He made it to level 12 and I think my best is level 9. I've lost to Son of Stylonius in the third tournament whereas he's defeated him and made it to level 12. Check it.

Play This Game

Breast Cancer In Couples On The Rise

2008-07-10T05:03:00.002+08:00

On Today Tonight a couple of nights ago they had a report about a husband and wife who both had breast cancer. The odds for that happening were given as one in a billion. Give me a break. If they said one in nine hundred and eighty five million three hundred and sixty five thousand and eighty seven I could have believed them. But not one in a billion. That figure is way too convenient. The guy's father was the first man in Australia to be diagnosed with breast cancer and he died from the disease. Both of the couple have recovered.

What the report didn't tell us was that the incidence of breast cancer affecting couples was increasing exponentially. This one in a billion chance could be down to one in a few tens of thousand the way things are going. Well, with gay marriage/unions being allowed in certain states in America it is obvious that lesbian couples are more likely to have both struck down with the disease than one in a billion.

I wish the reporters on Today Tonight would reveal the awful truth. Why is it that Michael Moore is left to tell the story?

Grand Slam Tennis Is Warming The Planet

2008-07-08T05:49:00.002+08:00

Over the years there has been much conjecture as to whether or not women should be paid the same to play grand slam tennis matches as men even though they only play best of three sets and the men compete in best of five sets matches. I think that the argument can be put to bed and that the pay scale should be the same only men should start playing best of three sets matches. Why? To save the planet. That's why.

Let me explain. Recently companies in Australia have been advertising how effective their turf lawns are at reducing the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. It is much better for the planet to plant turf than pavers. Well, did anyone notice the state of centre court at Wimbledon in the final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer? The grass was almost dead. Not a great deal of absorption of greenhouse gases taking place there, let me tell you. The organisers of the Wimbledon Championship should take a good, long look at themselves and their reckless attitude towards the health of the planet. Look after the grass by reducing the length of men's matches and we will all benefit.

And it will also stop the equalitarians from whinging. I think I just made up a new word here.

Super Dandruff

2008-07-04T05:15:00.002+08:00

I think if I went to see a doctor I would be diagnosed with super dandruff. Currently I use one of the leading brands of anti-dandruff shampoo and I still have a significant dandruff problem. Perhaps we need to buy an anti-dandruff conditioner also, if there is such a product. Keep an eye out for this product for me, will ya?

It's sometimes embarrassing to wear a black shirt with the build-up of dandruff and subsequent change in colour. And if I give my hair a good rub it's almost snowing. I have seen worse though. There was a guy that I worked with who had some skin problem and flakes of skin covered his jacket by the end of the day. It was an horrendous sight.

Melbourne Tram Company 1 : Richmond Football Club 0

2008-06-30T21:06:00.003+08:00

Alternative title - Polak Pole-axed.

The game - Chicken
The scene - Melbourne tram line
The scoreline - MTC 1: RFC 0
The loser - Graham Polak

Very recently, Graham Polak, of the Richmond Football Club, was involved in a nasty incident. Normally Richmond footballers after going out on the piss use the local cop shop as a lavatory. But after a night out it appears that Polak had an accident with a tram in Melbourne only metres from his home.

Due to swelling of the brain, obviously he didn't have a footballer's brain or this would be no cause for concern, he was placed in an induced coma. This accident, strangely, occurred at the start of a mid-season break. Normally, footballers get comatose in the off-season - Chad Fletcher is a prime example.

Thankfully he has come out of the coma and has opened his eyes. He responds to questions with squeezing of hands and that is a good sign. I'm sure his coach will be in to see the doctor and ask, "Will he ever play football at the highest level?"
And if the doctor responded with, "Yes, he will," then I'd expected the coach to say, "Well, he couldn't before he went into a coma."

Get well Graham. I wouldn't wish this on too many people. Not even Richmond supporters can take being beaten by the Melbourne Tram Drivers.

Varanus Island - What's That Got To Do With A Hot Shower?

2008-06-29T15:50:00.002+08:00

You probably haven't heard but a month ago there was an explosion at Varanus Island. Big deal, huh? Well, no. Apart from the fact that 30% of Western Australia's gas was pumped from the island through the pipe that ruptured. In a couple of months some repairs will have been carried out but it will be at least six months before it's fully operational again.

So far, domestic gas users aren't suffering. But the gas has been turned off or lessened for industrial users. It means that the two large brick manufacturers, with Midland Brick being the largest brickworks in the southern hemisphere (or was that Australia?), closing. Workers were instructed to have time off. Without bricks being manufactured that means there goes the building industry.

The mining game has got it tough too. They may be able to switch to diesel, which was already at high cost, but diesel usage has increased by 40% since the explosion. As if it wasn't costly enough doing business in the middle of a boom.

Apparently one percent of the workforce may be laid off with up to 15% taking time off due to the knock-on effects. They even shut down the escalators at some Perth businesses to save electricity - many of our electricity generating plants are gas-fired.

What is has meant for us is shorter showers, not just to save the planet, but to save the State.

Leonardo da Vinci Machines Exhibition

2008-06-29T15:23:00.003+08:00

Last weekend I took the boy to the Leonardo da Vinci Machines Exhibition which was held on the Perth foreshore. He found it fascinating and I gained a new appreciation for one of the most prolific inventors and greatest thinkers of all time. Many of the items were hands-on so that kids could appreciate the exhibition also. I thought that that was a great idea. There was even a movie about his life. It's a pity that the Mona Lisa wasn't on display.

Link to Facebook photo album - Leonardo da Vinci Machines Exhibition - where I've written much more information on the machines.

Frog In The Throat

2008-06-26T05:58:00.002+08:00

With this affliction that I currently have, the aggravated throat, it means that I cough a lot. Maybe my cold or whatever progressed to bronchitis because I can honk like a goose. Anyway, a couple of days ago I was in a meeting and the neck muscles were convulsing slightly. When it came to my turn to talk much of what came out was only a squeak. Sometimes nothing came out. I was asked if I wanted some water but I had that in front of me and had been drinking it.

It was a bit embarrassing and a quite funny. Luckily there weren't too many serious people in the meeting and we could have a laugh about it.

Are You Smarter Than A Chimp?

2008-06-22T10:22:00.002+08:00

One of my workmates sent this to me. Watch the video (first link) then try the game yourself (second link).

Do you think you are smart, think again .
http://www.nature.com/nature/newsvideo/news.2007.317.1.mpg

Now give it a go.
http://games.lumosity.com/chimp.html

I'm smarter than a chimp - but not by much

Stupid Questions

2008-06-21T13:46:00.002+08:00

Q. If you drop your toast and it doesn't have butter on it which side does it land on?
A.
Q. How long do you have to wait if the local cows belong to nomads?
A.
Q. Why is it that sleeping does are allowed to get away with not telling the truth?
A.
Q. Do dead cats bounce higher than live cats?
A.
Q. Do books have a right not to be hit? Same for bottles?
A.
Q. Can't pharmaceutical companies create an itch cream that takes less than seven years to work?
A.

No Tonsil Hockey

2008-06-18T05:18:00.003+08:00

It appears that I have contracted tonsillitis again. This usually occurs once every couple of years. At first I thought it was a cold but with the tonsils hurting and the nose clear what else could it be? Unfortunately, yesterday I had to chaperone our client for some inspections therefore couldn't even take the day off.

Tonsillitis does wonders for my voice. I sound so manly. A bit like Barry White. Maybe even better than John Laws. I'm thinking of joining a call centre or working for a sex line.

Facebook

2008-06-15T22:16:00.002+08:00

I seem to be spending altogether too much time on Facebook. So, you could add me as a friend on Facebook, if you dare.

Don't be overloading me with rubbish or it will be bye-dee-byes for our friendship.

Giving You The Evil Eye

2008-06-15T22:03:00.003+08:00

Here's what a dose of conjunctivitis looks like. Up close and personal. Not that it's too good to look at normally but it can always look worse.

How's this for an evil eye?

Kings Park Visit Sans The Boy

2008-06-15T21:48:00.002+08:00

The missus and I took advantage of the Boy being at a birthday party to spend a few hours on a rainy day in Kings Park. It included a visit to the site of our wedding ceremony, a walk around some of the paths and hot drinks, gelato and chocolates in a restaurant. Lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon by ourselves.

Link to Kings Park Visit photos on Facebook.

Dockers vs North Melbourne Rd 12 2008

2008-06-15T21:17:00.002+08:00

One of the guys that we do a lot of business with had three tickets for the football to offer us. It was for an AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the North Melbourne Kangaroos. The Dockers had recently set a record of losing five matches in a row when leading at three quarter time. The put an end to the nonsense last weekend when trailing from half time to lose the match against the Brisbane Lions.

It was a lovely day. Spent the morning at work and went with Martin from work and Jose from site met us there later. Nice seats in the Dockers members' area not far from the action. I could tell that it would be a good day for the Dockers when I saw Shaun McManus only 20 minutes before bouncedown in a suit. If he wasn't going to play I thought that they were in with a chance.

In the end the Dockers were far too strong for a decidedly, and unusually, soft North Melbourne. Considering that the coach of the Kangaroos is from Perth and loves to beat the locals the inept performance, following a gutsy close loss to the reigning premiers last weekend, was inexplicable and unexpected. I had tipped the Dockers to win however. Great afternoon.

Dockers vs North Melbourne photo album on Facebook.

Anybody Want A Dose Of Conjunctivitis?

2008-06-10T14:26:00.002+08:00

I am throwing the question out there, "Anybody want a dose of conjunctivitis?" I've got one that I'm willing to give away. For nix. It took hold yesterday and was particularly bad this morning. So bad that I was unable to open my right eye by itself. Visit to the doctor, $60 poorer, bit of medicine and Bob's your uncle. Well, that's the theory. At least the eye isn't sore today. I'll be back at work tomorrow.

What's The Koreans' Excuse - They've Had The Olympics?

2008-06-06T05:28:00.005+08:00

I've received a few emails lately asking me "Is China ready for the Olympics?" even though some are Japanese signs and others are Korean. My missus picked up a copy of Perth Journal, a new publication for Koreans in Perth, and it is littered with typos. Literally every second advertisement has an error. They need a proofreader, that for sure.

So what is the Koreans' excuse? They've already had the Olympics.

The Perth Journal's disclaimer says that the information was correct at press time. Don't ask me where the mistakes entered the picture.

Arirang - I think it's situated at No. 93. But that should be Barrack St (nice restaurant).

Seoul Buffet - What day of the week is Tuse? Maybe it is the day you would tuse to go?

Sinabro - For those of you on a see food (and eat it) diet, enjoy your meet and chacoral BBQ. Be warned as it is colsed on Monday.

Tile Friends Co. - I wanna get me some of the latest follr tiles.

Meijin Garage - For all your boody parts.

Midori - Books essencial.

Ninniku Jip - They're in form for lunch. (Great restaurant!)

Seizan - Funtions are held down staire.

Wrong Number

2008-06-04T20:28:00.002+08:00

Whilst on the office phone today I received a call on my mobile. It was an 02 number which identified it as from New South Wales which is situated on the other side of the country. So I interrupted my conversation to answer it.
"Hello, this is Me."
"Hi, it's Brent from blah blah blah."
"Er, G'day. Which company did you say you were from?"
"One Hour Plumbing. You called me earlier. I'm on my way over."
"Um, no. I didn't."
"Isn't your number 555-xxxx?"
"Yes it is but I didn't call you."
"Oh. I must have one of the digits wrong."
"Brent, are you in Sydney?"
"Yes."
"Well I'm in Perth and I'd be very impressed if you were able to get here in one hour."

Poor guy. I just had to have some fun with him. Wrong numbers can be amusing.

Foundation Day 2008

2008-06-04T05:05:00.004+08:00

Yesterday was a public holiday in Western Australia for Foundation Day. It celebrates the arrival of the white settler in this part of the country. Not too far away they held a celebration in the park and the Boy and I went and caught up with some friends. I thought that the new Eco Centre was going to be opened as well but that turned out not to be the case. Guess I can't believe all of my sources.

The Foundation Day celebration was attended by the Numguts Bush Band, the Scouts, a conservation group, the Australian Model Ship Society, a cadets group, face painting and an animal farm. The conservation group was interesting as they provided gumnuts, flowers, cones, etc that you could glue together to make creatures and then stick a couple of eyes on. Kids loved it. There was also a free bus to Woodloes House but we ran out of time to visit that.

It was a beautiful day and the boys enjoyed using the remote-controlled model boats on the river.

Foundation Day 2008 Photo Album