The Fragility of Life

At this time of the year, people are spending time with family and friends. Enjoying what this earth has to offer – food, leisure time on the beach and the snow. They are reflecting on the year that was and the New Year to be.

It is also a time for new life to enter this world. In the western world the quality of hygiene, health and food standards means giving birth is no longer considered a risk to mother or the new born. Most people don’t give child birth a second thought.

But very recently I became aware of the complications that can occur. Happily both mother and baby have survived and are on their way to recovery.

It made me aware of how precious life is. Sometimes we are caught up in our own lives and problems we may forget that around the world and at home there are people of all ages struggling to stay alive. And newborns trying to make their way here.

Life and the people who are part of your life are precious.

Have a safe and happy New Year!

A picture is worth...

I haven't bloged for a while and instead of writing I though I would post some pictures of what's been happening.

Happy holidays and Happy New Year to all.

Charles and Petty on the Yarra River

Charles and Lauren in Williamstown

Petty, Charles, Natasha and Blayne on the Great Ocean

Petty and Charles in Apollo Bay

Charles and Petty in Fairhaven

Christmas day in Melbourne

My increased interest in cars and planes

Since moving to Oz I have become more enamoured with cars and planes. I read more about cars and planes now than I ever did before.

Cars

The 2009 Mazda 3 hatchback

I read the car sections of newspapers and blogs for the latest news on new models and technology. I’m interested in the development of green technology – electric and hybrid cars. I am just as interested in regular cars such as Toyota’s and Mazda’s as well as luxury cars like BMW and Audi.

As much as I want to own a car, the practical side of me overcomes my emotions, because deep down I don’t have a desire to own a car. I don’t have a date set in mind to own one or even savings devoted to a car.

Because in the times we live in, owning a car seems silly. They are bad for the environment and your health. The money it costs to own and maintain a car could be used on better things like travel and life betterment – massages, yoga and learning.

There may be a time I do have to own a car, maybe for work reasons. But at this stage I think I want to wait for electric and hybrid cars to become more proficient and cheaper before making the plunge in car ownership. With all the new models and upgrades to existing cars it sure makes it hard to resist.


Planes

Qantas Airbus A380 landing

Over the past few years I have increased my flying. Going to places such as London-England, Australia, Bangkok, Finland and back home to Canada. As well as flying to domestic destinations in Australia.

This has increased my interest in planes and airlines. How to get better service for my money? Which airlines are better, which routes and planes are more efficient and which seat is the best to maximize my economy seat.

Also the latest technology like the latest planes from Airbus, the A380 and from Boeing, the Dreamliner have increased my curiosity about planes.

When my parent’s come to Australia they will be flying into Melbourne on the new A380. I am very excited; I wish I could be on the plane. Although being cramped for 15 hours on a plane is not the best way to spend 15 hours, at least they are doing it on the latest technology has to offer.

With a “single beam seat design offering increased shin and knee clearance, and a carbon fibre back shell with 10.6-inch LCD screen”. The audio/video on-demand system offers hundreds of movies, TV shows and music on demand. As well as power, usb ports and network connection on all seats. In the future Wi-Fi access will be available in all cabins. The new plane should be quieter than 747 planes and more fuel efficient as well.

I look forward to one day flying on the A380 and when it comes out the Boeing Dreamliner. But I look forward even more to one day flying business class and some day first class. But I fear I will have to wait a few decades for that to happen, as I am young and economy is good enough for now. Only when I am older will the other classes truly benefit me, until then it is only really a luxury.

2 Things I’m excited about

I haven’t posted lately and thought it was time to write about something that I am looking forward to. Two dates I am looking forward to: December 10, 2008 and May 8, 2009.

The Canadian Invasion – December 10 – 13, 2008

On December 10, 2008 my parents will arrive in Melbourne to spend 3 months in the land down under. They will spend close to 4 weeks in Melbourne before jetting off to Cairns and exploring the east coast of Australia for the month of January. Returning to Melbourne in February for a week and then heading off to New Zealand for 2 weeks. I will be joining them on this trip, while Lauren joins us for one week.

Their arrival is just 3 weeks away and I’m very much looking forward to showing my family my 2nd home, Melbourne.

Also a few days later my cousin Blayne and his wife Natasha will arrive in Melbourne for a few days. They will have been travelling around Australia for a few weeks. So it will be great to see some more family and Canucks.


Star Trek returns – May 8, 2009

On May 8, 2009 in North America and around the world, a rebooted version of Star Trek will appear in cinemas. The film will feature a new young cast representing the iconic crew members of the USS Enterprise.

The latest trailer is out at: http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/startrek

This isn’t your father’s Star Trek or even my Star Trek. Its aim is to make Star Trek a global entity that appeals to a younger generation; re-introducing James T. Kirk, Spock, Bones and the rest of the crew to a new audience.

Many of the older generation who grew up with Star Trek, may not like it. But I of the younger generation who grew up with both the older Trek and the newer (but still stodgy) Next Generation, am very interested by what I have seen. I have already seen the trailer at least 10 times and I am very intrigued.

Spring time in Melbourne 2008

This past weekend in Melbourne the weather forecast was cloudy, overcast and rain. But temperatures were in the mid-high 20’s, it didn’t turn out to be a bad weekend. On Saturday it didn’t rain but was overcast and grey for the morning and early afternoon. By mid to late afternoon the sky was clear and the sun was out.

Lauren and I decided to go for a walk in the late afternoon. Initially I chose a park that I hadn’t been to before, as we had the use of a car. But the park was not as it looked on Google maps. It was small and used for cricket. The rest of the greenery on Google maps was devoted to a golf course. We then headed off to the Merri creek bike trail and started walking into the city. We diverted our path onto side streets and were at the top of the city near Lygon street.

We darted into a small unamusing laneway, if you didn’t know what was there; you would look down and not notice anything. At the end of this short laneway was a restaurant and bar. Lauren and I stopped for a drink and a relaxing break.

We then walked over to Lygon street, a street filled with Italian restaurants, lots of them. They all have outdoor seating on the side walk, where people enjoy pasta or pizza. It’s a bit pricey and the food can be hit and miss. The pizza’s are done Italian style thin crusts and little cheese.

Instead of walking further into the heart of the city we diverted our path and headed east into the inner city suburb of Fitzoy. We decided to have dinner at the Napier Pub. This is right across the street from the Fitzroy Learning network, where I used to volunteer. Lauren and I have been to this pub several times and always enjoyed the food. Lauren had kangaroo and I had chicken schnitzel burger. Both meals were delicious and I tried the kangaroo and will come back again to have it as a meal. It was very tender, juicy and tasty.

After dinner we then had to walk back to the car which was a few kilometres away. We walked up neighbourhood side streets before reaching the area of Clifton Hill which has lots of shops and restaurants.

On our drive home we then decided to have a hot chocolate in our neighbourhood of Fairfield. We went to a restaurant/desert place and sat at the front where there were 2 comfy chairs and drank hot chocolate while reading the Saturday paper.

The walk and adventures along the way was a great way to end my Saturday.

Still here in Oz

I haven’t blogged lately and I haven’t missed it. I have not felt the need to blog and am having a hard time coming up with topics to write about. I no longer feel the need to highlight social or political topics happening in Oz. I have lost interest in those topics.

All places have problems; some are the same the world over:

Violence: In Toronto it’s guns, in Melbourne it bashing’s

Public transport: An overburden on the system and not enough money for infrastructure to support the increase in people using it

Climate Change: Government and business not doing enough because of its effect on the economy and livelihood of people

Government: Not doing the things we want of a government

Not much has really happened over the past month. I have just been working and living day to day. Maybe that’s why I am not blogging, because it’s just regular life that’s happening. It can happen anywhere in the world. Once the newness and excitement of a place wears off and it becomes second nature what is there to write about.

Is this the end of Navman’s Adventures down under ?

I don’t think so. Christmas and summer time down under is fast approaching and I am sure there will be many things happening then.

Also next year I have another vacation planned, a smaller 2 week trip to New Zealand.

50KM Bike Ride

On the weekend I did participate in the 50KM Around the bay bike ride. It was part of several rides held on Sunday. The longest being the 250 and 210KM rides along with a 100KM and an 80KM school ride. The 50KM ride was enough for me this year. The hardest part was going over the West Gate Bridge freeway. It was a gradual incline to get to the top and it really worked me hard. The best part of any hill is the way down and it felt great to just back and cruise down the other side.

The day was overcast, grey and cool. It was only after the ride and back home did the sun come out with warmer temperatures. Will I do it again next year ? Not sure! Last year we did the Melbourne romp on the same weekend maybe it will be time to try some different yet again.

Stephen Harper now known around the world

A speech from 2003 has come back to haunt the PM of Canada, Stephen Harper. It has been revealed by the Liberal party that a speech he gave on the Iraq war was taken from then PM of Australia, John Howard.

The news has spread all across the globe and made news in places such as Taiwan and New Zealand. The story is getting the most press in Canada and Australia.

The speech was written by Mr. Harper’s former speech writer, who was working in the current election campaign as an aide. He has now resigned over the incident.

Yesterday morning on my way to work, one of the youth radio stations in Australia was having fun with the news. They had a call in segment where callers could take items from Canada because the speech was taken from Australia. Callers called and wanted the Big Beaver statue in Alberta, Pamela Anderson and Celine Dion to put her on trial for crimes against music :)

This has been a gift for the Liberal party during the Canadian election; as the Liberal party has not been able to generate any fanfare for their party. This incident has created 2 days of attack on the PM and Conservative party.

As a Canadian living in Australia it’s quite a musing to hear on the radio and see on TV the news about this story.

Rants about Spring, Sports and Yoga

Spring time in Melbourne

It’s spring time in Melbourne but for the next 2 days it will feel like summer with mid-20’s temperatures of 24 and 25 degrees Celsius. Today during lunch time I witnessed what the warm weather does to Melbournians. At the state library which is located in the centre of Melbourne and near two tertiary institutions – The University of Melbourne and RMIT University, people of all ages bask in the sun. The majority being young teens and adults, they sit on the grass, steps and benches around the State Library soaking up the sun, eating lunch or just having a conversation with friends.

Regardless of where you live in the world the sun and warmth brings people out to enjoy it.

But the difference between Toronto and Melbourne is that spring temperatures fluctuate more widely so that is can feel like summer.

Also it is interesting living in a country where the seasons are reversed. I am used to September/October cooling down and preparing for 6-8 months of cool/cold weather. But now I preparing for 6-8 months of warm/hot weather. Nice!


Football

This weekend will the see the biggest sporting event in Australia, the AFL (Aussie Rules Football) Grand Finale. This year it is between Geelong Cats and Hawthorn Hawks. Go Cats!


Ten pin Bowling

In the past 2 months I have played a lot of bowling. Well only 3 games, but that is much more than I have played in my entire life. For Lauren and my birthday we decided to have a bowling party. It was a lot of fun. It’s a fun game to play and I will be playing again this Friday for a work social function.


21st Birthday

I think I mentioned in a previous blog that the 21st birthday is considered a big deal here in Australia. I am going to my first 21st party. It’s for a member of Lauren’s family. Another Aussie cultural experience to add to my adventures.


Why I hate yoga but must continue to do it

I have been doing Yoga now for almost a year, except for the 2+ month period when we went away. I never like going to yoga and always have a hard time psyching myself up to go. The reason I don’t like it is because it’s hard and my body is not flexible enough to do it.

But that is the reason I must continue. In my current job and for the past 10 years I sit at a desk for the majority of the day. Leading a sedentary work career has its down sides, such as Repetitive Strain Injury and loss of mobility in your muscles. This can lead to pain, stiffness and tenderness in your body.

I need to do yoga to combat the effects of sitting for living. Also I have read that doing yoga can add 5 years to your life. Hopefully doing this will negate some of things that take away from my life expectancy.

World Views

I haven’t felt the urge lately to write about anything happening in Australia or my life. So I thought I would highlight some recent things that happened in the world recently. I want to use the blog as a timeline of events that took place while in Oz.


Sarah Palin – Republican VP - August 28, 2008

Almost 3 weeks ago Sarah Palin was chosen as John McCain’s VP. She has caused a sensation with her beliefs and her demeanour. She is a 44 year old governor of Alaska for almost 2 years. She describes her self as hockey mom with 5 children. Two which have made headlines, one a 17 year old girl who is pregnant and a 19 year old boy who headed off to Iraq, just days ago.

Palin believes in the right to bear arms and is member of the National Rifle Association (NRA). She supports capital punishment and the teachings of creationism in schools. She is pro-life and does not believe in abortion even in rape circumstances. She believes in pre-emptive military action in the face of an imminent threat.

Her beliefs and the straight-forwardness of her speeches have caused an Internet and Media sensation over her. You can see comedy sketches of her on Saturday Night Live, You Tube and on speciality internet sites dealing with politics and comedy.


Financial Collapse in US – September 15 – 18, 2008 and continuing

Wall Street's oldest investment bank, Lehman Brothers filed for Bankruptcy.

This was followed by the sale/merger of Merrill Lynch to Bank of America for $50Billon US

The following day American International Group – AIG, the world’s largest insurers was bailed out by the US government

The next day shares of Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley fell so sharply (Morgan Stanley has lost $120 million US in value) that Morgan Stanley was considering a merger with another bank.

All of this financial upheaval, the worse since the Great Depression era is having effects all around the world. The effects are being felt in the UK, Europe and Asia.


Canadian Election – Oct 14, 2008

On September 7, 2008 Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper called a general election. For the past 2+ years he has been the PM but in a minority government. He senses that he may have the numbers to win a majority government. He may be right as the hold of the Bloc Quebecois party on Quebec may be waning and increased competition from the NDP and Green party is eroding Liberal votes to spilt the vote toward the Conservatives.

What do I want?

Ideally a Liberal government or a minority Liberal government, but I don’t think it will happen. So I would prefer another minority government for the Conservatives. If this election shows that Stephane Dion cannot connect with voters, I want a new leader who can. The only way that may happen is if the Liberals lost.

Being healthy is like Climate Change, sort of...

As I embark turning 31 at the end of this week I have started to change my habits, particularly my eating and exercise habits. I have started eating oatmeal for breakfast, sushi for lunch, grilled cheese sandwiches’ with multigrain bread instead of a quarter pounder with cheese.

I am doing yoga weekly and have started a regiment at the gym to go daily and do cardio exercises. I intend to start biking to work once I get my bike tuned up.

I have reduced my consumption of coca-cola to just every now and again as a treat.

Why am I finally doing all this ?

I am over 30 and officially an adult. That means in terms of my body and health it’s all downhill from here. They way I treat my body now is going to have an impact over the next 20-40 years of well being when I will still be relatively young (50-70).

I don’t know what’s in store for me but I have to act now to be able to be healthy in the future. It’s a very hard thing to do because it’s seems like a long time away. I don’t know if it will really make a difference. But I do know that right now I am overweight (I don’t really look it) and that my body is not in the best possible shape it could be.

That got me to thinking about Climate Change!

There is conclusive scientific evidence that “the massive release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere since the beginning of the industrial revolution, through the burning of fossil fuels that have been buried under the Earth's surface for hundreds of millions of years, is the main cause of a rise in the global temperature of 0.75° Celsius in recent decades.”

What are the real impacts of Global Warming if not checked - Ice melting and lose of water sources. Increase in water levels can put cities underwater. Melting of glaciers such as the Himalayan glacier would mean 2 billion people would lose their source of water.

This would in turn mean animal and plant species dying out and increase in sever weather conditions like forest fires, heat waves, droughts and acid rain and oceans.

But the problem is that Climate Change is slowly happening and people cannot see it. What you cannot see is hard to believe. This is why there are climate change sceptics or deniers.

This leads me back to why I started making change for my body. I have no idea if the changes I make now will affect me in a positive way. I’m doing it because I want the best outcome in my health and well being. But I won’t know for another 30 – 50 years if it has truly helped. And for it to really work I have to keep doing it year in and year out regardless how easier it would be eat fast food or stay on the couch watching the TV.

Because as everyone knows the easier route is a lot more fun. But the toll it takes can be even worse. In relation to human health it can mean obesity, diabetes, heart problems, liver problems and cancer. For climate change it could mean a world where weather is unpredictable, droughts and changes to environment – erratic and catastrophic conditions.

I have decided to aim to be 10% lighter, leaner and fitter by 2020. And hope the rest of the world can reduce their greenhouse emissions by 2020.