Iceberg Alley in Newfoundland

As much as I don't think I can ever be a "cold" loving person, I could see myself visiting Newfoundland (in Canada) for it's Iceberg Alley! (How cool is this Iceberg Map)

So, Iceberg Alley is this place where one can go iceberg watching during the Canadian spring time. It could be interesting or scary at the same time - imagine seeing this big boulders or buildings of ice blocks heading so close.

Photo seen here http://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/794169/iceberg-alley-newfoundland-canada

The Titanic memorial cruise

I read the other day about the British travel firm that enlisted one whole Fred Olsen Cruise Liner to do a Titanic memorial cruise in 2012. This would be to commemorate the 100th year of the original Titanic's maiden voyage. I think this is a fabulous idea to have come up with. Not to mention that it probably would be quite a healing trip for those who would be going on the cruise because they had a family member who did not make it back then.

There would be the same number of guests as the original Titanic, and they would leave the port at the same time that the Titanic did. Of course, this time around there would be enough lifeboats, and there would be no icebergs.

No, Leonardo diCaprio and Kate Winslet won't be on it.

Still about tightening one's belt

So far (as a nation) we still haven't hit rock bottom yet in terms of the financial crisis. We are still in that low trough of things, and can't loosen the belt just yet.In my household, we are still just cutting back on DVD rentals, restaurant dining, shopping sprees, etc.One of my friends who's got a big family (four children) all of whom are schoolaged children, are currently studying the option of quick easy payday loans that are available to them. She's saying they are still weighing options and aboutto decide whether this is the way to go. We were discussing that times like thiscall for serious thoughts on finances.

Appalling news : Victoria bushfires

How sad it is about the recent news on the Victoria bushfires that's been going on for a while now, particularly the ones the past week. I've even seen on the news that the Victorian premier and Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd caught on camera getting very emotional about this situation. Imagine at the moment total death toll is at 134 lives, and it still meant to rise and hit about 200. More than 750 homes raised to the ground. Crazy! And, to think a few of the fires apparently have been lit up by some psycho arsonist/s!

Day in, Day out this is the body of the news. It is very depressing, and really one would be moved to tears and emotion watching these stories. People losing loved ones, pets, their homes, memories, things of sentimental value, businesses, etc. People affected ask where do they start from here? How do they start building their lives again. Unimaginable. Imagine running for your life, away from raging fire. Exasperating.

I can only pray for these people, for strength, to get up and rebuild their lives. If you would want to give donation to help these people, red cross australia organises this through their website. Information is found here.

How exciting can it get!

I have never really been a sports fan, but watching the recent Australian Open kept me on my toes! First, Dokic's games, then Serena's, then now Nadal's(hottie)! In the beginning of each game, since I don't really know the history behind them, I don't root for a particular player. I just watch. Then thirty minutes into the game I decide who I am rooting for!! Now, watching the men's finals, three hours after the first set, I just get excited every point made by my player! Especially this finals game, such a tight competition between Nadal and Federer! One wins every other game, and then so many deuces, ties, etc. I am thinking of playing tennis (I did so ages ago!), but when I was talking to hubby earlier he said it might be just one of those hype things. So.... Hmm. Oh well, back to watching the last few hours/minutes of the Open!! I think it would be Rafel Nadal. Let's wait and see.

And today began

.. Thought it was going to be the usual day. Lucky for me, today I still have my job. So far. Although I know of people in my business unit who have had a meeting and been given their blue file today. And their days in the office are numbered. Sad. Reality hit us today. We've been jacked into conference calls in and out today to get updates from head office about the massive news of job cuts. Everyone's just really head on with what's going on around us, within us. Overwhelming and draining. The day kept dragging on. Seems unreal, feels like a movie. Whose ending is uncertain; looking gloomy. We've been told it's not the end of the saga, just as the world economic atmosphere is constantly changing and so far to the disadvantage of the majority. Wondering when it will end, as we look up to our superiors and they too are faltering.. feeling their way through.. unable to give that reassuring pat that it will be okay, because it won't. The bottomless pit is winding down a long dark hole. Bleak. And, at the moment really all we can do is pray.

I have never felt insecure the way I felt today. I have always been lucky with my livelihood so far, always being offered a job here and there, being 'pirated' by the competitor, etc. But of course that does not have anything to do with now. Reflecting on all this, I think and hope I should be okay. After all, I am constantly being asked to fill in other positions, as I am cross skilled across a bigger range of products. Asked to support other teams. But, really, with all the gradual surprises going on nothing is stable. At all. I just feel for my friend/colleagues affected. Sometimes the grass is as bleakly green as on the other side of the fence.

Got a bit of a headache today from all these. I was too preoccupied to even notice I was not at my apartment's floor. I looked up to find I was at the neighbour's door!

I am just hoping tomorrow would be a bit better at least. But my heart just goes out to those who are in a more stressful situation than myself. C'est la vie.

Best Job offer : Island Caretaker on Hamilton Island

I'm not sure if you've read about that Special Dream job ad sponsored by Tourism Queensland? The one which advertised AUD 150,000 salary to live rent-free (in a 3 bedroom villa with gorgeous views) for six months on one of the Whitsundays Islands. The one which deems to be the Best Island Job ever to be advertised. It is apparently taking applicants from anywhere in the world, with no limit to age, etc. The requirements though is to be able to document by video the daily life on the island, be adventurous, be articulate, must snorkel, interact with locals, etc.

The successful applicant is set to start 'work' on July 1, 2009. For more information on this once in a lifetime job opportunity, see http://www.islandreefjob.com/ (site has crashed recently due to too much interested, but is now up and running again). Application closes by 22 February 2009.

Oh and by the way, whoever gets the job can take partner/children with them to live on this island! I guess I will ask hubby to apply! So he can take me :D

Imagine getting paid a lot, to enjoy this beautiful island. RENT FREE! Cool!

Slumdog Millionaire : Not so much a review

Have you seen the movie Slumdog Millionaire? (subtle spoilers below)

Hubby and I saw it a few days ago, and were quite impressed. Together with the rest of the world (see golden globe news on yahoo news).

Quite inspiring that a non-American inspired film won so much awards. I suppose, the artistic way it has been presented is not your traditional one, unknown characters that were able to deliver (at least most of them, if not the child actors even more). It's so much a reality that some of us may not even be aware, put in a blunt movie plot artistically.

Makes one think, was it really 'written'? Or what? Seemingly leading the main character, Jamal, into where he was meant to be at that time, unfolding series of events that are intertwined and related. All but in a subtle way. Very interesting. Keeps your hands sweaty throughout, thinking what will happen. Not the typical movie we are used to seeing. Heavy artistic drama. Very recommended for a movie night. Kudos to the director and cast.

Crisis and Stuff

Was having lunch with a good colleague today and we talked about how expensive it is to purchase a house nowadays. Having said that though, we both know quite a few people who’ve recently bought houses and so far they are not that stressed out about repayments. But then again watching the news, and listening to other people’s stories, some of them work seven days a week, and have two or three jobs (both husband and wife). Really, I guess when one is ready to buy, the timing does not matter as much (I mean recession or not), if it is the right one and one has prepared and researched extensively then no one can really question. I am just thinking about those Tampa Realtors and whether with all the media frenzy and information about the global financial crisis, whether they are still able to sell properties now. I know that my sister in law in the US is currently looking for a property, but unfortunately is having a difficult time doing so (due to so many reasons), I suppose I could try to help her research on properties being offered by Realtors in Tampa. She is pregnant as well and wanting to purchase a bigger house as soon as possible, so it is not healthy for her to stress about these things.

Nasty Stingers Migration

I could not believe it when I saw the photos of Sting rays’ migration! Hundreds and thousands of them apparently migrate from Florida area to the Gulf of Mexico area twice each year.

Having watched a lot of Planet Earth documentation, I am always amazed at how nature takes it course and reflected onto us, by our animal friends migrating. I suppose, humans do migrate too, not necessarily as often as the animals, and maybe not every human specie migrates. I, of course, belong to those who do. Read about it here.

Heeeellloooo Summer!

Okay, I may be too excited.. But the past few days we were all treated to nice warm weather. It may be all too good to be true yet. Only time will tell whether we are really welcoming summer days. I am excited and ready to plan summer trips!

On friday, as I was walking through the park in my jeans and sweater I felt the sun and decided to take my jumper off! It was that hot! I was thinking to myself, finally my skin would get a bit of colour again. Not that I am that white, or that I am intending to get sunburnt soon (I vowed to myself that since I am 30 now I will not expose my skin to too much sun anymore).

Have you heard about Baby Whale Colin?

A few weeks ago we went Whale watching. It is the season when the migratory sea creatures were heading either north or south (apparently the turnaround was quite quick). So, when I saw this on the news I sort of could imagine, as I saw it's relatives or friends just a few weeks back.

Colin is the baby whale (calf) treading on NSW waters' Sydney region on its own, abandoned by the rest of the group. Colin who for a while thought that one Sydney yacht was it's mum. He kept following the yacht and keeping close to the boat's bottom. The authorities advised the yacht to take the baby whale out onto the deeper part of the ocean, hoping that he would find refuge in other whales. But this did not happen. It still kept tagging along the yacht, and so authorities decided it would be more dangerous for Colin this way and so euthanasia on him was the best option. News article and photos here. Warning, It can be quite a sad picture. I don't think it was right, and there have been protests against this. I don't really know much about whales, but I hope Colin's now at Whale Heaven (i know there isn't such tho).

Just a bit of thought

Boyfriend and I have been talking about kids and plans after our wedding. We were thinking that there's just so much happening in the world. Whether it be natural or man made ocurrences or situations. Scary that there are crimes happening here and there, there should be a list or Sex Offender Registry like Megan's Law or even just a compiled information that is available when requested by the public. It may cause a few sneers but it's the government who would decide on this anyway. Really, there are a lot of things outside any parent's control, and caution is best exercised at all times.

So, we were just discussing our thoughts on society nowadays as well as other things. We even went on and discussed politics! A preview of what married life discussions, possibly.

Beijing Olympics : Aussie queen of the pool

Okay! We’ve won our first gold in swimming! I haven’t really followed so much of the Olympics. I only got to watch the Women’s lightweight lifting (and we were not even in it) and swimming. Stephanie Rice won 400m Individual medley! Such an intense competition as Coventry was coming in very close. But not close enough. Here is a link to Yahoo 7’s online olympics watch.

Japanese and their Rice

I've read about Japanese and how they come up with art in their rice fields. Isn't it interesting to note that in a seemingly combination of modern and traditional society as Japan, they do know how to create art from something ordinary. I've come across 2 Japanese sites : here and here. They showcase the rice paddies artwork. It is in a town called Inkadate, in the Aomori prefecture. Interesting pieces!

What would you do if you were the Richest Man in the world?

Just watched a special feature on BBC Channel on Bill Gates and his empire. It just blew me away. The segment feature Bill Gates and his beginnings, his interests, his young adult life, background and how his interest in computers and technology led him to create the mega company Microsoft. In the interview it was said that Gates made so much money and that if quantified, he’s been earning about $5 million a day, since 1975. That means he is worth more than about $68 billion dollars! I probably won’t even make $5 million in my lifetime, and here he is just doing that overnight! The interviewer mentioned that Bill Gates likes burgers, and that with his earnings, he could give each person on the planet (all 60 billion people) a hamburger (costing say a dollar each), and he would still have about $6 billion left as a change.

The good thing though about Bill Gates, or at least what the interview made me believe, is that he is not a greedy person. Him and his wife, Melinda, have invested and created a foundation in the interest of education, world health and population. Gates has actually invested billions of dollars to funding research on malaria, and is aiming to make an impact on every person’s life by him contributing his earnings for the benefit of the world. Husband and wife Bill and Melinda Gates have decided to give back to the public what they have earned, instead of acquiring properties or giving this to their children as inheritance. Really, one can see that they are quite a well grounded couple.

He's one of those people who looks like all their lives they've just been using their brains. By choice or by not, I think the world needs more people like him. Making good use of his talent and his resources.

Ever been trapped in the lift?

I have.

Tonight, it was on the news that about 11 people were stuck in the lift, in one of Sydney's Attractions. The people were inside the lift when it suddenly stopped midway between the restaurant and the ground level. It was said on tv that they were stuck for a few hours! Click on this link for a bit of information.

As for me, getting stuck in the lift, well that happened about in the year 2000. I lived in a building where my parent's unit was higher than level 20. The lift just stopped, lights were on though, but there was a sudden halt. It was quite hot inside, good thing it was not packed. Only about 5 persons including me. We got onto the guards on the emergency button. Soon after about 10 minutes the lift was working again. It was the longest 10 minutes ever. So many things ran through my head at that time. It's good I'm not SO claustrophobic. Otherwise I might have hyperventilated. It's good too that everyone in the lift I was with did not panic. Otherwise it would have been an even more unpleasant experience.

Have you ever experienced this?

Qantas' new airbus A380

It's been in the news that almost everyone has a say on that new Qantas Airbus A380. Well, everyone's particularly taking note of the interiors of the plane. The colours peach and green don't really appeal to all. I think they should have chosen a more publicly pleasant colour, rather than those colours which not everyone can appreciate. But, then again the seats may be comfy. Just hope that you get on the night flight to wherever. I guess, in the dark the colour won't matter at all! To each their own opinion!

Rain, Rain, Go away

It's been raining for the past week. And I mean each and every day, since monday. Non stop. I don't think I saw the sun rise, or set this week. It's friday tomorrow and it is meant to rain still, all the way til sunday! How sad!

We don't really have that much storm in Sydney, unlike in Manila where you'd have it on and off for a few months. Here, we do have them bad occassionally, causing floods even. But on other occassions it would just be nonstop rain for days. Or weeks. I think last year it rained for two whole weeks straight (or maybe just 1 or 2 days semi-clear day). It can get quite windy too.

The only positive thing about this, I notice, is that at work or anywhere, in the lifts people talk to each other even if they don't know the person. Always talking about how cold it is, or asking whether they've been outside and if it was cold or windy or whatever. Some small talk.

Everybody talks about the weather. Be it small or big talk.

I just pray that the rain goes away before tuesday. *big day flight to Mauritius*

I'm just wondering whats next??

Recently in my reads I’ve stumbled upon a few interesting that the society/world has put up with! Some are interesting! I wonder who would have thought of them! :D

-- In the news today, I read that Oklahoma’s elected it’s youngest mayor! He’s 19 years old. Can you believe that?!! He’s only just recently received his full drivers license and his permission to buy alcohol! He is a self proclaimed gamer (computer). He’s no other than John Tyler Hammons. Wonder if he’s really capable of running a city. You know the saying that some things you learn through experience. And I believe that.

-- Starwood Hotels has a new position out, and its called “Corporate Director of Fun”! Imagine what responsibilities and duties are included in this? The activities that the person will oversee includes: fireside storytelling, stargazing, outdoor movies among other job attributes. There are a few qualifications that one needs to satisfy to suit the role. One should have been : the class president, cheerleader, bartender, and lifeguard. Do you fit the role?? (Background: this is actually geared towards family friendly marketing)

-- Is your next travel destination the Moon?? Premier Inn is one of the UK’s biggest hotel chain. They have expanded to Ireland, India and Dubai. Their next big purchase is claimed to be a lot on the moon to build the first hotel on the moon!! They are targeting that in the next 25 years they will be accommodating guests out of this world. Imagine paying a premium on your room with Earth View!

-- Ever heard of ‘Heartache leave’? Ever wish you can take a few days off to heal your broken heart? Well, if you were in Japan working for Hime & Co. then you would be eligible. Otherwise, deal with it or take a sickie day off! Hime and Company offers staff under 24 years old one day leave per year and 25 to 29 year olds two days off. If you were older than that then you get three days off. That’s because older people suffer from worst heartaches. I disagree. I think the heartaches hurt as bad no matter how old or young one is.