tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8296602012-02-13T04:19:39.797+11:00Musings From The Great OracleCommentary on mainly Middle Eastern stuff, but whatever I damn well feel like.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.comBlogger5111100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1176717883616755802007-04-16T20:03:00.000+10:002007-04-16T20:04:43.633+10:00So, apparently, Spanking fetishes make men happier Get out of town! Bloody hell, I know I am surprised.I loved this quote:"In women, BDSM was most popular among under 20-year-olds and those who had a partner they didn't live with. There were no age or relationship trends in men."And this: "In fact, says Dr Richters, men into BDSM scored significantly better on a scale of psychological wellbeing Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1158007766196766912006-09-12T06:47:00.000+10:002006-09-12T06:49:26.210+10:00It's still (just) the 11th here. May the memory of their sacrifice long burn in our minds and motivate our actions.Lest we forget.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1143889192265498482006-04-01T21:38:00.000+11:002006-04-01T22:01:00.940+11:00Even though I'm not leaving for another month or so, I've already had to say goodbye to some friends and family here in Sydney who I won't see again. It's been weird, to say the least. I've never been a big fan of goodbyes - I find them important, but hard to handle. And these goodbyes have been especially difficult, given the gravity of the situation. I mean, I'm only going away for six months, Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1143544222503050932006-03-28T22:10:00.000+11:002006-03-28T22:21:22.003+11:00I kind of flipped out today. Nothing major, but unusual for me. I tend to keep my own counsel on political discussions, but today I couldn't manage it. I was talking to someone about Australia becoming a republic. Or rather, they were talking at me about it. Anyway, this person said if they became President, the first thing they would do would be to ban people holding multiple passports on the Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1143461008121014792006-03-27T22:56:00.000+11:002006-03-27T23:03:28.123+11:00Bad signs:My "to do" list is growing by the minute, and yet already there are things crossed off that I can't remember doing.My "to do" list is multiplying (I think it's malignant) - and I can't remember writing any of them.My mother is adding random items to my lists. This can't end well.I can't understand the 'mil-speak' on my dental form. My soft-civvie dentist has no hope.People are already Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1143459483900326242006-03-27T22:38:00.000+11:002006-03-27T22:38:05.230+11:00I have just five short weeks to organise my life. Already I am starting to see the cracks in this plan... I am not sure I can physically pack up my life in that short time, though my mother seems to think this will be an easy feat. Apparently, she has not seen my apartment recently - I am adamant that 'stuff' breeds while I'm not looking. I mean where did all this crap come from and why have I Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1140938340830446092006-02-26T18:11:00.000+11:002006-02-26T18:19:00.840+11:00I went along to the Canberra Philharmonic Orchestra's production of Les Miserables on Friday night. Les Mis is, hands down, my favourite musical, so I was all set for a good night. And I wasn't dissapointed in the slightest. The cast were excellent. Kudos to them all. It was an excellent production and featured some very strong singers - the lady who played the part of Eponine was especially goodHobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1140334652671622422006-02-19T18:21:00.000+11:002006-02-19T18:37:32.683+11:00We've had a conference at work this past week which was exciting but stressful. Organising, running and participating in the thing was bloody hard work and by Friday I was completely shattered. That may also have had something to do with going out every night with the delegates, but I'm sure it was just the early mornings, not the late nights that did me in. I think we presented a good image of Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1136608429336124632006-01-07T15:32:00.000+11:002006-01-07T15:33:49.353+11:00Yes, I am a lazy bum, thanks for asking!Greed:Medium Gluttony:Medium Wrath:Very Low Sloth:High Envy:Low Lust:Very Low Pride:Medium The Seven Deadly Sins Quiz on 4degreez.comHobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1136285057036116832006-01-03T21:41:00.000+11:002006-01-07T10:07:14.163+11:00I am planning a kick-arse Australia Day party in Syd-en-ey this year. It's going to be so mind-blowingly great my mind cannot focus on it (ie I have not worked out the guest list, the drinks list, the menu, the venue.. anything, really.) Any ideas, folks?Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1136281105324599972006-01-03T20:27:00.000+11:002006-01-03T20:38:25.336+11:00So I edited my links because, as Calvin wisely pointed out, one of them directed unsuspecting clickers to a porn site. Go me. I like the idea I am now somehow implicated in tarnishing the youth of today's world. Because, y'know, they aren't good enough at that themselves.So, in a wrapup of my amazing life events, not only am I still gainfully employed but I've even been promoted a couple of timesHobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1120558014817249752005-07-05T20:01:00.000+10:002005-07-05T20:06:54.823+10:00Posting that last post made me think. (This is not entirely unusual, as I do generally have to think in order to function like an adult.)What I meant was, is this blog - and conceivably, thousands, if not millions, more like it, merely a poorly-framed, non-scientific test of the thesis "if a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?"I mean, no one reads this Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1120557052686662902005-07-05T19:49:00.000+10:002005-07-05T19:50:52.693+10:00Hey, would you look at that, I do remember my password.Incredible.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1083911215521139232004-05-07T16:26:00.000+10:002004-05-19T15:03:07.160+10:00Why can't I see the two posts below on my computer and why doesn't anyone post here anymore?
Also- in my desire to procrastinate and clean, I found some of your books Nic. Actually, I found four. oops.
Toodles
Why can't I see this? I am trying to edit it so I can.....
Dellingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1079768189339095922004-03-20T18:36:00.000+11:002004-03-20T18:38:54.763+11:00And another thing that gets me about the mess environment: serving meals at weird hours. Like 1730. What's with that?!
No wonder I never signed up.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1079767921634494382004-03-20T18:32:00.000+11:002004-03-20T18:34:27.123+11:00One thing that has always freaked me out a little with officers' messes is their determination to serve cordial with every single meal.
Not that I have anything against cordial, you understand, but it is a little disconcerting to see a burly military guy with a teensy glass of red cordial in hand...Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1071377101721299622003-12-14T15:45:00.000+11:002003-12-14T15:45:50.280+11:00Despite recovering form a cold and hay fever at the same time, I played another good game of soccer today. We absolutely crushed the opposition: 14-3. I would have felt sorry for them had I not taken an instant and vehement dislike to one of their players.
It started when she elbowed me in the guts about 15 seconds into my first quarter. But I didn't say anything about it, just nutmegged her Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1070955757660408602003-12-09T18:42:00.000+11:002003-12-09T18:43:21.403+11:00I have discovered the flaw in the bureaucratic dating model: it's too democratic. Clearly it won't work at all.
What I am planning instead, is a dictatorial dating policy. It's a simple concept and one I see no flaws with; if I fancy someone then there will damn well be reciprocracy of feeling. More than that, not only will feelings be reciprocated, but they will be acted on - and happily! ThereHobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1070625034155769192003-12-05T22:50:00.000+11:002003-12-05T22:51:14.826+11:00"but reciprocracy of feeling is a certain uncertainty"
What?!
Now I remember why
bureaucratising dating seemed like such a great idea.
In matters of the heart, I am almost always impatient.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1070447251345320662003-12-03T21:27:00.000+11:002003-12-03T21:28:09.513+11:00I graduated from the grad programme today. I'm not really sure how that works - does this make me a post-grad? A grad twice over? A grad with too (two) much time on their hands? - but there you are.
It was kind of weird having a formal graduation ceremony when, after all, tomorrow I go back to doing the same job I was doing today. At least it's a job I love. And the pay rise doesn't hurt, Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1069921329188206022003-11-27T19:22:00.000+11:002003-11-27T19:22:41.420+11:00Israel seizes Osama, Saddam dolls (and proof that the Telletubbies are evil) - The Beeb.
My question is, what exactly do they sing?
As an aside, I'm sure no one will be terribly surprised to learn that this report did the rounds multiple times today at work. Yes, we really do have enough to do.
Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1068543545255155592003-11-11T20:39:00.000+11:002003-11-11T20:39:02.503+11:00So, there's this list of theThe100 greatest novels of all time. Of course, I was possessed to discover how much of a literary ignoramus I really am.
Hmm... although I had heard of all the top 10, I had not actually read any of them (Cliff notes versions do not count, I'm sure).
Top 20? Nope.
Top 30? Uh uh.
It was not until I hit #38 that I discovered a friendly title.
All up I had only read 12Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1067332675551165822003-10-28T20:17:00.000+11:002003-10-28T20:17:54.893+11:00Curse those in Iraq who persist in blowing things up, for it creates more work for the likes of me. And curse the time difference between here and there too, for it necessitates staying late and arriving (painfully) early. Curse it all!
In other (non-cursing) news, I saw Air Force One last week. Yup. Pretty cool, really. Especially seeing it barrel down the runway at Fairbairn. She used every Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1065945053581291772003-10-12T17:50:00.000+10:002003-10-12T17:50:53.016+10:00There are some days when I really miss Palo Alto. Which is funny, really, because in all my time there all I wanted was to come back here...
But memories can play tricks on you. In my mind, every day featured high skies, and days were filled with sunshine and lollipops. Wait, wait, wrong sound track.
Seriously though, I am able to think back very fondly on my time in Palo Alto. Perhaps not so Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1064736532141278672003-09-28T18:08:00.000+10:002003-09-28T18:08:52.163+10:00This week, courtesy of my kick-ass job I get to meet the great Anthony H. Cordesman!
I'm so excited I think I'll run around in hyperactive circles until I fall down.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1063267606236086722003-09-11T18:06:00.000+10:002003-09-11T18:06:46.313+10:00They shall not grow old,
As we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them,
Nor the years condemm.
At the going down of the sun,
And in the morning, we shall remember them.
Lest we forget.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1063009806682799042003-09-08T18:30:00.000+10:002003-09-08T18:30:06.750+10:00Very, very tired. And after only one day in my new rotation too. Have been told I should get used to it, as there will be 12-hour-plus days beginning at 0600 hrs...
Why?
Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time...Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1062576913301019682003-09-03T18:15:00.000+10:002003-09-03T18:16:34.190+10:00In order to make up for the embarrasing lack of content on here, I shall answer questions sent to me by adoring fans...
Ok, I lie, I will answer one of those naff surveys that propagate on email.
1. What time is it? 1741
2. Nicknames: Nic, Hobbes, Habs
3. Number of candles that appeared on your last birthday cake? 23
4. Date that you regularly blow them out: Jan 16
5. Pets: None. I once owned aHobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1062573823173094652003-09-03T17:23:00.000+10:002003-09-03T17:23:43.220+10:00I realise I'm not great at updating this. It's not deliberate, just that I usually lack interesting vignettes to add.
Soon I shall have even less to blog about. Actually, I may have more content swilling around in my head, but circumstances will make me unable to unload it.
Poop.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1062488011940680972003-09-02T17:33:00.000+10:002003-09-02T17:33:31.933+10:00The Garbage Disposal Cat
This just cracked me up. I mean, I literally had tears streaming down my face.
I believe Hobbes' first words are very appropriate here:
"Tigers will do anything for tuna. We're kind of stupid that way."Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1059637882871987812003-07-31T17:51:00.000+10:002003-07-31T17:51:22.766+10:00How's this for a motto:
Stutterers Do It Repeatedly
I want that on a coffee mug.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1059553800572527122003-07-30T18:30:00.000+10:002003-07-30T18:30:00.563+10:00Strange things are afoot at the Circle-K
Today at work, for a significant portion of the afternoon, there was an AFP riot van parked outside. Complete with a water canon, may I add.
I didn't even know we had these things in the ACT. Probably didn't till I moved here...Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-105912117412209142003-07-25T18:19:00.000+10:002003-07-25T18:19:34.163+10:00For reasons I don't understand, the government trusts me with its classified information and yet the bank does not trust me with a piece of plastic. Is it just me, or does that strike anyone else as odd?Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1057369901860704232003-07-05T11:51:00.000+10:002003-07-05T11:51:41.916+10:00Things that entertained me yesterday at work:
1) Overhearing a workmate's phone conversation wich followed
"Hello?
Who? I think you have the wrong...
Oh, Sharon!
No, she's not here. She got married and moved on. She's now living in Borneo.
Bye now!"
In fact, Sharon had merely gone round the corner to the tea room. He he...
2) Looking up the address of the bar I was going to that night on Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-1055835902896506372003-06-17T17:45:00.000+10:002003-06-17T17:45:02.926+10:00So I work in an ARE (acronym rich environment) and this sort of thing is to be expected, but really.
I came across one today that had me chuckling for hours (I'd had a long day). What really got me, though, was that it was published in a serious air safety publication.
The acronym?
PFOA: Pieces Falling Off Aircraft.
I kid you not. Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-946225962003-05-20T17:48:00.000+10:002003-05-20T17:48:12.543+10:00Leading off on a bit of a tangent here, but what has caused this apparent decline of morality in modern society? This, it seems to me, is one of the great mysteries of the world. Let's consider a few options.
Education
Today's children are more educated than at any time in history. In 24 of 27 OECD countries, the average time spent in education was 15 to 20 years. Further, there is a decent, Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-946219582003-05-20T17:19:00.000+10:002003-05-20T17:19:12.223+10:00Things that made me chuckle today: whilst reading an annual report from one of our suppliers, I came across a picture extolling their health and safety management. Unfortunately, the picture showed an employee arc-welding...
... without gloves.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-945826472003-05-20T00:49:00.000+10:002003-05-20T00:49:01.303+10:00And Hobbes- Only a Syrian watch would start bidding at $9.97....
Sad, sad, sad.....
;-PDellingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-945824552003-05-20T00:44:00.000+10:002003-05-20T00:44:13.293+10:00Todays musings from the wind are on Oaths and Honour- We in western society obviously do not place as much stock in them as we once did. People are not oath bound nor honour bound, and by in large people don't even feel obligated to tell the truth.
Is this a bad thing?
We long for the romanticism of yesterday, and I will be the first to admit that I think society would be better off if peopleDellingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-945700362003-05-19T17:48:00.000+10:002003-05-19T17:48:04.050+10:00Yeah, I know, I'm sad and I need prefoessional help, but even so how cool is this!Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-944376702003-05-16T17:58:00.000+10:002003-05-16T17:58:44.440+10:00So, I got royally shafted. I found out today I didn't get any of my preferences for my next rotation. Yeah, thanks a bunch.
Oh, sure, I'll enjoy it in DPE... looking at equity and diversity issues. I'm sure my utter lack of HR skills will come in really bloody handy.
Bastards.
And to think, I got lumped with this rotation despite my third preference remaining empty.
Non-political process my Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-944371482003-05-16T17:38:00.000+10:002003-05-16T17:38:44.000+10:00World's best quote:
"Of course, if the world does end on Thursday sceptics will face a position of unthinkable embarrassment."
(Rise of Japanese Cults BBC)Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-935878842003-05-01T20:43:00.000+10:002003-05-01T20:43:30.873+10:00A theological question: If you believe in fate, or some degree of predestination, or even that life is something more than a series of coincidences, does that mean you believe in some form of higher power? Can you be an athiestic predeterminist?Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-935878372003-05-01T20:41:00.000+10:002003-05-01T20:41:28.760+10:00Why hadn't I encountered the wonders of internet banking before now? Who was keeping this a secret from me, and why? I want them hunted down, tortured with paper cuts and then fed to starving ocelots.
The same goes for the other grad trying to muscle in on my territory in my preferred roation. Hands off, it's mine I tell you, mine!! Who'd have thought we'd all become so competitive over, of all Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-926379182003-04-15T18:14:00.000+10:002003-04-15T18:14:56.763+10:00So, our work section finally gets someone who knows what he's doing, can handle people (especially the boss) really well, is an all round great guy who doesn't give two hoots about my stutter... and now he's leaving.
Goddamnit.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-924766142003-04-12T18:35:00.000+10:002003-04-12T18:35:36.793+10:00Today I went paintballing for the first time. What a blast! I had a fantastic time, even if I did get shot in the head too many times (three to be precise). Good job I'm not in Iraq... I must say, I was pretty proud that I didn't commit any blue on blue incidents (aka 'friendly' fire). Not quite sure how many people I shot but it doesn't really matter, I had fun regardless. There was one heroic (Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-921358502003-04-07T17:53:00.000+10:002003-04-07T17:53:08.500+10:00I don't know, but I tell you if my theories are correct, somewhere, at sometime, a certain someone is going to be publically spit roasted and have reality crammed down her completely tasteless and thoughtless throat.
I on the other hand have the patience of mother Theresa and deserve to have large slabs of cash given to me repeatedly and for vast periods of time.
Soon I shall go home and postDellingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-921352772003-04-07T17:34:00.000+10:002003-04-07T17:34:57.810+10:00Seriously you guys....
I had a great post, but blogger ate it. This was days ago and I've only just realised. Now, after mindless hours of work, I can't possibly remember any of my salient points. Hmpfh. maybe I have a cosmic kick me sign stuck to me.
You know, why, when we do good stuff, don't we get a cosmic kiss me sign instead?Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-915393212003-03-28T22:07:00.000+11:002003-03-28T22:07:06.670+11:00Hmm... What however, if karma, rather than being a sentient being, is more akin to a magnet. Magnets (as far as I know, having not ever been able to ask one) are not sentient being but still attract things, positive or negative.
What if our Slovakian by either not caring or deciding, se-la-vie, in effect causes himself to become a screw up magnet? What if *that* is the purpose of guilt and Dellingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-915324712003-03-28T18:14:00.000+11:002003-03-28T18:14:56.530+11:00Actually, I lie. The whiteout is called "Cover Up". Which, frankly, is even funnier.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-913315762003-03-25T17:59:00.000+11:002003-03-25T18:01:12.000+11:00The irony of it all: the whiteout I procured from the Defence stationery cupboard is called "Cover all"...Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-907976292003-03-16T18:51:00.000+11:002003-03-16T18:51:30.263+11:00Hmm, that's a tough one.
I guess it depends on the guilt quotient, really. I vaguely remember reading something about how guilt seems to be a pointless emotion in that it doesn't really direct us to do anything specific. I mean, if you are feeling incredible pain because you're trying to slice your finger off or something, it's the body's signal to cease and desist. On the other hand, if the Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-907574492003-03-15T21:39:00.000+11:002003-03-15T21:39:00.543+11:00Heres a thought- If one does not inherit the obligation to correct the mistakes of ones ancestors, then who will?
Personally I do not believe that the sins of the parents can be vested in the children. But who then inherits obligation? Can we expect society to pick up the reigns? If not, can society ‘force’ responsibility on someone? If so, whom does it choose, if not, why not?
Lets take our Dellingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-904442572003-03-10T18:42:00.000+11:002003-03-10T18:42:55.936+11:00Turns out I don't get to go to Sydney after all. Most miffed at that. I would much prefer a trip to Sydney (which would naturally encompass seeing my family and friends) than a trip to Melbourne to see a power generator.
sigh... Easter is too far away.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-900990272003-03-04T17:56:00.000+11:002003-03-04T17:56:15.576+11:00I'm an idiot. I'm not going to be in debt at all.
Well, actually, I am, and I shall blame it on that bird, but of course, i'm not going to be in quite so much debt as I thought I would be because work pays for my flight. Yay work! Yay travel allowance!
Lots of mail today. Mail is good and comforting and grin inducing. But only when its not bills. I'm a big fan of mail, especially when it gets Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-900984982003-03-04T17:41:00.000+11:002003-03-04T17:41:41.356+11:00God, it won't be long before I'm in debt again. A ticket to Sydney and the Pelikan... What the hell was I thinking?!Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-899324392003-03-01T12:41:00.000+11:002003-03-01T12:41:51.950+11:00Am definitely going to wave goodbye to a sizeable chunk of my first real paycheck to purchase a Pelikan San Francisco fountain pen.
Who needs money, anyway?Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-897751132003-02-27T01:20:00.000+11:002003-02-27T01:20:06.826+11:00I demand that you all read my dead journal
http://www.deadjournal.com/~iguanatheory
now I demand sleep
lots of sleepDellingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-897629672003-02-26T18:01:00.000+11:002003-02-26T18:01:44.340+11:00Today I realised why the roundabout by the Russell offices is know, affectionately or otherwise, as the "roundabout of death". Saw three extremely close calls while I was waiting to join the fray. And it wasn't even raining. Go figure.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-894297022003-02-21T00:00:00.000+11:002003-02-21T00:00:19.716+11:00Weirdest sale of the days : $ 14 first aid kit.....for the terrorists....
Yes, yes a bandaid will help you with that...Dellingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-894202262003-02-20T18:36:00.000+11:002003-02-20T18:36:15.000+11:00Today I spent the day with our energy consultant who valliantly tried to explain the vagaries of the Australian market and Defence's place in it. Didn't really work, but that's hardly the point. What is importnat is that the guy had a fountain pen fetish (his words, not mine, though I understand where he's coming from). When he arrived, his first words, uttered as he pointed excitedly at my Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-892971432003-02-18T21:05:00.000+11:002003-02-18T21:13:20.000+11:00Yeah, Yeah...its me, its technology...enough said.
Lets try the Friday Five. I've never tried the Friday Five but its a Tuesday, so why not?
1. Explain why you started to journal/blog. - In a desperate attempt to marry myself to technology, or at least forestall the divorce I felt was looming between myself and the technological. It failed btw.
2. Do people you interact with day to day or Dellingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-891794562003-02-16T19:19:00.000+11:002003-02-16T19:21:28.000+11:00Yes, contrary to popular belief, I am, in fact, still in the land of the living.
And to be honest, most of the past month has been taken up with packing and moving and unpacking and settling in and living without a phone and so on, so offering "I had to move!" as an explanation for my slackness deserves at least some credit.
Anyway, I'm back now, so I expect you all to shower me with gratitude Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-853158572002-12-01T14:28:00.000+11:002002-12-01T14:28:43.286+11:00Things I remembered today:
1) Flying into San Francisco from Vancouver and hearing 'California' by Phantom Planet start playing just as we touched down.
2) That I really, really wanted to blow my paycheck on the Pelikan San Francisco fountain pen:
3) ...But that I had to buy things like cutlery and crockery instead.
4) That I acually have a blog. One that hasn't been updated in a month, but Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-843113112002-11-10T21:53:00.000+11:002002-11-10T21:53:25.830+11:00You were having another allergic to technology day, weren't you Delling?
And yes, many happy birthday wishes to Borrachio!
Now, just enough time for a belated FridayFive
1. Did you vote in your last elections?
Course I did. Not only is it compulsory, but it's also a matter of public duty... how can I complain about my elected representatives if I haven't even bothered to elect them?!
2. Do Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-842076602002-11-08T15:15:00.000+11:002002-11-08T15:15:29.243+11:00COngrats HObbes!!! (DOn't ask what is going on with this computer!!!) ;-)
HAppy BIrthday BOrrachio!
Dellingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-837621242002-10-30T20:03:00.000+11:002002-10-30T20:03:07.730+11:00Well, after the last end-of-thesis post, I have yet more good news to share. This is, in fact, not just good news but great news:
I have just been offered my dream job.
Oh... My.... God.....
Oh My God!
Needless to say, I accepted it! Which means, as of the 10th of February next year, I'll be gainfully employed by the Department of Defence.
Yep, I'm gonna be put in service defending the Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-830526252002-10-16T17:29:00.000+10:002002-10-16T17:29:47.380+10:00Well, that's that then. The thesis has been submitted. (Finally and after a great deal of "patient" waiting for anyone gainfully employed by the University, preferebly in the politics department, but not altogether necessary, to turn up and relieve me of those three copies of perfection. Or at least as close to perfection as I could be bothered to produce, which, in retrospect, probably wasn't Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-825507202002-10-05T17:35:00.000+10:002002-10-05T17:35:26.760+10:00Thesis update: the end is definitely in sight. I am hopeful of reaching it late tonight, but as always I expect unexpected challenges.
This week's Friday Five:
1. What size shoe do you wear?
8 1/2 to 9 in women's, 6 in men's.
2. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Six... or near enough. Two pairs each of boots, trainers and more 'formal' shoes.
3. What type of shoe do you prefer (boots, Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-824072782002-10-02T18:12:00.000+10:002002-10-02T18:12:17.273+10:00There are a bunch of very interesting articles over at the International Stuttering Awareness Day Online Conference 2002
I would particularly urge people to read Russ Hicks' "The Gift of Stuttering".
I've stuttered for sixteen years, and only in the past one or two have I begun to realise my stutter has been a positive, not a negative, influence on my life.
To face fear and fight it - that's Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-822920652002-09-30T11:43:00.000+10:002002-10-02T18:12:45.000+10:00Spurred on by a comment from the luffly Kacey, I am now musing over this:
What do you do if someone's interst is, well, not interesting. I mean you can't really introduce someone by saying "This is Fred. He has deathly boring interests, like income tax..." We clearly need a new word for this.
How does one combine 'boring' and 'interest' into a new word? Can one even combine the two? Or is it Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-822613372002-09-29T15:43:00.000+10:002002-10-02T18:13:30.000+10:00Taking a break from el theso, so here's a Friday Five (hey, it's more entertaining than watching the Argentine Polo on ESPN...)
1. What are your favorite ways to relax and unwind?
Writing a letter, tending to my cactus garden, hanging out with my friends. The usual, really. Oh, and cleaning / re-inking my fountain pens.
2. What do you do the moment you get home from work/school/errands?
Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-819787462002-09-23T14:18:00.000+10:002002-09-23T14:18:39.653+10:00 Bugger.
Just got a letter from the Department of Veteran's Affairs - I didn't get the job. I'm a little dissapointed because I had thought the interview went very well. Still, life goes on, eh?Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-819067282002-09-21T17:21:00.000+10:002002-09-21T17:21:02.900+10:00Haven't had a chence to do one of these lately - The Friday Five
1. Would you say that you're good at keeping in touch with people?
With some people, yes! If I want to keep in touch then I'm pretty good about it. But I'm pretty stubborn, so if I feel I'm being pushed into keeping in touch by someone else, I won't do it. It also depends how much I get out of it. I mean there have been a few Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-818036602002-09-19T13:08:00.000+10:002002-09-20T13:23:27.000+10:00Apparently, villagers have overrun Ranthambhor wildlife sanctuary in order that their cattle may graze on the fertile grasslands in the park. The rangers, soon outnumbered by the villagers (not to mention their cattle), fled, leaving the tgers unprotected and at the mercy of the scum of the earth: poachers.
The villagers are letting their cattle graze in a tiger breeding area (yeah, good choice,Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-817496392002-09-18T11:23:00.000+10:002002-09-18T11:23:19.966+10:00Ugh.
Going to the gym involves a lot more effort than it should. Like waaaaaaaay more effort than it should. And to think, I'm paying obscene ammounts of money to be in this much discomfort...Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-816676792002-09-16T21:51:00.000+10:002002-09-16T21:51:22.260+10:00For the love of God...!
How hard can it be to find one piddly declaration made four years ago between Britain and France?! It's not like it's one of the key documents of the EU's CFSP or anything... Why, why, WHY can I find the transcript of the fricken press conference after the declaration and not the declaration itself? Once again search engines are mocking me, leading me every which way Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-816574862002-09-16T14:33:00.000+10:002002-09-16T14:33:05.103+10:00I used to think that the names given to military equipment (like the MiG-15 'Fagot') were far fetched. Now I know better. In fact, equipment names are an attempt at subtlety; far more ludcrous are the names given to training exercises. A random selection of those training exercises British forces took part in during 2000/2001:
Destined Glory
Dynamic Mix
Hardfall
Druids Dance
Arrcade Guard
Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-814527362002-09-11T22:44:00.000+10:002002-09-11T22:44:56.573+10:00LEST WE FORGET.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-811185022002-09-04T11:48:00.000+10:002002-09-04T11:48:23.213+10:00No updates for a while. (As usual, Hobbes excels at pointing out the bleeding obvious.) It's fairly safe to say that we have all become trapped in a temporal vortex. Who can tell when normal service will return. Not that I'm even sure our usual fare can be termed (however loosely) 'normal'.
But I digress.
Favourite quote from my thesis research:
"France's sacred cow of the Eurocorps..."
Am Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-805524192002-08-22T13:44:00.000+10:002002-08-22T13:45:09.000+10:00Laughing my arse off at this description of Pen Heaven:
I pay my money, get my traders badge, grab a few of Len's blotters and move on. Hot dog, big table, Delta pens everywhere. Free ink, a new catalog, hey is that a Napoleone? Wow, look at those antique pen trays, are those Waterman 52's? Hello Chuck Swisher, can I play with your toys? Hey it's the whole Fahrney's pen store and the Pen Doctor. Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-803863552002-08-18T20:07:00.000+10:002002-08-18T20:07:25.913+10:00Fourteenish hours to go.
Feeling fucking petrified.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-803852242002-08-18T18:40:00.000+10:002002-08-18T18:40:28.260+10:00okay...felt like I had to blog....but about what.....
hmm... hows this: I am tired because I have a very loud mouse/cockroach/cricket/grasshopper/tim tam packet in my room. It is called Ernest, whatever it is.... Obviously I felt it was my duty to call Borracho at 1am to tell him I couldn't sleep. Also that Tuvalu is sinking. 57 square meters of Tuvalu washed away in the last big storm. I find Dellingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-803082792002-08-16T15:58:00.000+10:002002-08-16T15:58:34.440+10:00This is just too fucking funny.
No, really, it is.
I also want a Joan action figure.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-802286042002-08-14T22:49:00.000+10:002002-08-14T22:49:36.430+10:00I think I strained a muscle after dragging Borracho's not-exactly-dead-but-doing-a-good-enough-job-to-scare-random-people body around the carpark last night.
In retrospect, the handbrake turn was possibly a little excessive given I desperately need new tyres.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-802115662002-08-14T12:02:00.000+10:002002-08-14T12:22:57.000+10:00Visitor Killed Near Takoma Metro Station (Washington Post)
Slaying of Visitor Shakes Takoma (Washington Post)
Seattle Lawyer Slain in DC (Seattle Post Inteligencer)
Katie Hill was a friend I never knew. Her death has stunned us all. Her spirit will not be forgotten.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-801267442002-08-12T15:58:00.000+10:002002-08-12T15:58:49.883+10:00Fantastic? Fantastic? Try so happy I've had to peel myself off the ceiling multiple times already!
Sept 24th - Hobbes spends a day at the Department of Defence Assessment Centre!!!
WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-800962422002-08-11T21:27:00.000+10:002002-08-11T21:27:22.866+10:00Greetings all......
I had an absolutely fantastic day at work today!
It is such a rare occurance that I thought I'd share!!!
Have fun!!!!
:-)Dellingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-800154212002-08-09T15:45:00.000+10:002002-08-09T15:45:49.073+10:00CONGRATS HOBBES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*Rounds of applause all round* !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YAY!!!Dellingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-800153462002-08-09T15:43:00.000+10:002002-08-09T15:50:55.000+10:00FINALLY!!!!
RANT TIME! ;-) There's a virus....it's been killing people for days and NOW (over 184 deaths later....) SOMEONE IS FINALLY REPORTING IT!!! Here's the question.....over 1,900 people are infected and over 184 people die and yet no one reports it....why on earth do we muse over whether trees falling in the woods make a sound. How about: If people die in Madagascar and no one notices, Dellingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-800146892002-08-09T15:22:00.000+10:002002-08-09T15:22:17.593+10:00BOOYAH!!!!!!! The Department of Veteran's Affairs called me in for an interview! Whoo! Go me!Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-800140282002-08-09T15:02:00.000+10:002002-08-09T15:02:48.803+10:00Oh, well done Delling! No, really, you've excelled yourself this time!
Anyway, time for a Friday Five:
1. Do you have a car? If so, what kind of car is it?
I certainly do! His name's Trev and he's a '97 Chrysler Neon LX in an attractive Flame Red. My pride and joy :)
2. Do you drive very often?
Every day. Does that count? However, if you look at my milometer (erm... kilometometer?) it will Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-800133032002-08-09T14:41:00.000+10:002002-08-09T14:41:40.546+10:00Greetings Mark! *waves*
I actually have nothing to rant about today! It's a great day, and other than stalling my readings, I am completely enjoying myself! Hmm...that could be an issue of contention...how am I supposed to have a life if I have to actually attend my classes, work to be able to afford my classes, have a life AND do all my readings so that my classes make sense and I don't get Dellingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-799274712002-08-07T17:10:00.000+10:002002-08-07T17:10:26.606+10:00My father just arrived home with a gift. The gift bore a tag that read "Dear Doctor, Thank you for my life. I will never forget what you did for me."
Sometimes I am in awe of the people around me.Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-798884942002-08-06T22:53:00.000+10:002002-08-06T22:59:33.000+10:00Lack of fitness must be a first world problem... not too many Sudanese worry about cholesterol levels!Marknoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-798352392002-08-05T16:24:00.000+10:002002-08-06T22:37:07.000+10:00The mental strain of the whole Slovakian thing was becoming a bit much, so I made things a little more tangible and accessible. Enter the game Scorched Earth. I loved this game when I was younger. I could play it for hours on end, fine-tuning my style of mass destruction.
Taking part in today's Scorched Earth bout: in the red tank representing innocence and ignorance, Bob! Facing off against Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-798270592002-08-05T12:33:00.000+10:002002-08-05T12:33:05.773+10:00It should be obvious, as in something I really do not have to say, but apparently people are not that bright. Wait, wait, I knew that...
Anyway, the crux of the matter:
I am ill. I feel like shit. Leave me alone.
I also have PMS. Trust me when I say I am not in the mood to speak to you about the banalities of modern life.
ill + pms = leave me the hell alone unless you want to be bludgeoned to Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-798013342002-08-04T18:31:00.000+10:002002-08-04T18:32:31.000+10:00Okay...now that that is finished...I want to rant!
Oh BTW Hobbes "If a growing percentage of Americans regards English as its second language, US fitness will probably suffer."
Why? Because they won't be able to read their gym membership forms well enough to sign up or because Fat Blaster only comes with instructions in English?
Anyhoo....I worked all day so I've decided to start a listDellingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-798005282002-08-04T17:44:00.000+10:002002-08-04T17:45:31.000+10:00You gotta love car trips!!! ;-)
The next day yielded more amazing feats of brain power!
Here's the hypothetical: (sorry but the Slovakian stays! ;-)
Now Jane is dating Bob. Jane and the Slovakian have slept together. Through some odd feat Kim (friend of Jane and Bob) knows. Does Kim tell Bob?
If so...why? Kim is not "involved", Kim has no responsibility to Bob and besides which, even if sheDellingnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-829660.post-797984612002-08-04T16:18:00.000+10:002002-08-04T16:18:03.140+10:00If a growing percentage of Americans regards English as its second language, US fitness will probably suffer."
I don't know how I manage this, but every time I request an inter-library loan, all of which have been reccomended to me as the solution(s) of my current knowledge gaps, I wind up with a book that makes no sense at all, and is over conceptual. It's like postmodernism meets irrational Hobbeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00396028313492991125noreply@blogger.com0