Riverfire

Each year in early September, Brisbane hosts something called Riverfire. Part of a week long celebration of the Brisbane River called Riverfest, Riverfire is the most publicly anticipated part of Riverfire and culminates in a 30 minute choreographed firework display.

Another element of the Riverfire is the "dump and burn" performed by RAAF F-111s. This spectacle goes somewhat against my green principles, but appeals to the boy in me.

Basically the jets "dump" a large amount of their full payload and turn up to point their afterburners into the fuel, setting it alight. the effect is rather spectacular.

This year we shall be at a BBQ at some friends who have a fancy dan boys pad which has convenient city views. That's if my work finishes in a convenient timescale that is.

Crumble Bear Exhibits Bambootys

Crumble Bear - the toy for the newbie -exhibits the new breed of
reusable nappie (made from bamboo and saves on landfill).

Bah!

In essence this means I have failed to uphold my commitment to
maintain some regular blog activity. I will try and summarize some key
activities:

1) The Health Service: choice is confusing. The Doris is with child,
we don't have top level healthcare, but aren't so poor that we can't
consider it. The NHS is fantastic. You don't have to think - quite a
boon when poorly - and effectively get told the level of healthcare
you'll receive. This is a good thing. I speak both from someone who
has had a major procedure totally private and as an expectant father
who mixes and matches.

2) Taxation is confusing. Anyone who understands FBT is justified in
charging exhorbitant sums for their services.

3) The Ashes: what Ashes? You'd never know theyve taken place. Still
it was fun wearing my cricket jersey on the cycle to work!

4) Even Winter is hot. 30 degrees the other day - but pleasantly so.
The Doris may struggle in Summer proper -or the air con will come on
and drive the leccy prices up.

5) Cyclists are arrogant. When on the road, road rules don't apply to
them. When on the pavement neither do rules for pedestrians. If you
are another cyclist in front, you are just an impediment and will be
overtaken.

6) Petrol is a right, not a privilege.

7) Wine is magnificent. The more I taste, read and learn never ceases
to amaze me about this wonderful industry. And I believe that
Australia is the best in the world on the whole. That may upset some
Francophiles!

8) I love bridges. I have never before taken such an interest in the
development of two new bridges.

9) New things: grown up car; season ticket for the Brisbane Roar,
working weekends (not necs good, but the outcomes are rewarding); and
impending fatherhood.

10) Breakfast out. Love it.

I Always Thought Ponting a Snake

On Cardiff hosting the first Ashes test and quoted in todays
Australian newspaper:

"How Cardiff gets the first test match in the Ashes is a disgrace"
Ponting hissed.

I'm sure the good people of Wales will really be inclined to cheer on
the Strines now.

The German Club

Quite possibly my favourite drinking establishment in Brisbane is the
Getman Club. In existence since the late nighteenth century, and
established as a meeting place for early settlers of German origin,
the GC is a fine watering hole.

Yes the beer may be on the pricey side - $8.50 for a Weihenstephaner -
but this is quality imported German brew, brewed in accordance to the
Reinheitsgeboot (Sp?) and is for half a litre.

Opposite the 'Gabba, it also offers a convenient pre game meeting
place. Shunning the decor of trendy bars, and foresaking thumping
tunes for the Bavarian influenced delights of 'Andrew', the GC is a
good venue for some like minded fellows to get together and discuss
football, bridges and 'Allo 'Allo. I for one love it!