Bikie wars

The various biker gangs here in Sydney are embroiled in a turf war or some sort of conflict over something. There have been bombings, drive-by shootings and the other day a gang member was bludgeoned to death with a bollard in broad daylight at Sydney airport. It seems to be a real problem in this country. Some pundits say that the bikes are just an after-though and these groups should really be considered to be criminal gangs first and foremost.

I remember a similar thing happening in the town where I grew up. There was a large building, an old warehouse, where a gang called 'The Black Harleys' had their headquarters. All manner of untoward activities went on here but the police were too scared and intimidated to interfere in any substantial way. Certainly, when you would come across a gang member in the town you would make sure you kept out of the way. I sort of associate gang membership with hapless and sometimes deprived youths. But when you see these bikie gang members a lot of them are not that young, really. Old enough to know better? Still, nice mopeds..

Hot autumn

If I'm right, and I may well be, then today is the first day of Autumn here in Oz. I have to say it feels just as warm, really. Friends tell me that I won't notice any real difference in the temperature yet so that must be right. Oh well. Another trip down to the pool may be in order soon. I won't be going swimming in the ocean or the harbour, though. The reports on shark attacks are coming in quick and fast. Almost every week someone else gets nibbled or bitten in half. Apparently, there are more fish around the shores and these draw in the sharks looking to feed. A nice touch was last week's programming on telly of the film shocker Jaws. You have to admire the programming genius responsible for that one..

Dreaming

I dreamt a strange dream last night. I will spare you the details, dear readers, as I know full well that there are few things more tedious than to have to hear someone else tell you about their dream. It's a bit like someone telling you all about a film they've seen, with a scene by scene run down of what happened. The horror.

Meanwhile, it's a bright warm day. Summer is in the land and then some. Had a nice steak dinner last night at Dick's Hotel, a local pub with a nice outdoor dining area. Had a lovely meal and a few glasses of Golden Ale, life could be worse, that's for sure.

Scorching in Victoria

Apparently, the state of Victoria is in for a heatwave with temperatures running into the 40s. Blimey! Adelaide also has similar hot weather at the moment. We, in Sydney are okay for now with a balmy 36is or thereabouts.

Personally, I love the warm weather but there is a limit, granted. And so far I haven't yet had to work in these temperatures. Once I become a working stiff once again, things may not be that 'cool' anymore..

Pavement traffic

This morning, on my way to the supermarket, I found once again how intolerant I can be with regards to other people getting in my way. It also depends on what mood I am in at the time. But it's something to do with people being inconsiderate or what I perceive as people lacking good grace and simple manners. It vexes me when people take up the whole of the pavement with their menagerie and don't make an effort to let other pass through. Or women in shops is a good one, too.

Don't ever get in between an ample woman and something shiny on the shop's shelves. You may well be crushed to a pulp before you know it.

I sometimes think I must be growing into a grumpy old bastard, and perhaps I am. But deep within I know full well that I am right. Why can't other people see that? Honestly..

The War of the Sexes

A diagram showing the different reactions from men and women to the question: "Shall we go for a drink?"

Job interview

I've got another job interview this week. Hope this one will work out. I have been having lots of leisure time and have generally been enjoying myself but it would be good to get to work again. After all, bills need to be paid, don't you know?

But also from a social point of view it would be good to start building up some sort of structure to the day. Meanwhile, I won't worry too much about things and I may even go for a nice swim this arvo. It's another scorcher of a day. Summer at last?

New Year's Day

And so, it's a brand new year. New chances for happiness, love and lust? We'll see. I had a great time last night, watching the huge fireworks display in Sydney Harbour in the company of friends. I do seem to feel quite relaxed here; as if I'm slowing down emotionally and getting into an altogether more agreeable stride in my mind. Something like that, anyway.

A warm day, this first one of 2009, and I'm not doing much at all. I'll give my mum a ring later when it's morning in Holland to wish her a happy new year.

Onwards and upwards? You bet'ya!

New Year's Eve

Well, well, here we are on the last day of the year. A strange year, for me personally. I separated from my wife and moved to Australia, the country of my birth where I had not lived since I was five years old. So, was it a bad year? Yes, as finding your marriage breaking up is not a good thing. A shockingly bad year, then.

But it was also the year when I finally was able to make my way back to Australia, somewhing which I'd dreamt of for all my life. So, that's a good thing which wouldn't have happened if it weren't for the catastrophe of my broken marriage. It's a bloody strange life, that much is certain.

Let's hope 2009 will be a good year. For everyone. We live in hope..