toosehooseonline

Bye Bye Blogger

2008-05-26T15:27:00.007+10:00

After almost 2 years and 169 posts Toose Hoose Online is following the small crowd of Dave, Guthers and Michelle over to the greener grass of Wordpress. You can now find the new look blog over here.

Don't forget to update you RSS feed to the new TOOSEHOOSE

h/t to Sam and Soph over at the fountainside for getting me into this whole thing...

Star Wars Nerd

2008-05-25T13:54:00.004+10:00

I'm a Star Wars nerd from way back so I was excited to see a trailer for the new Star Wars - The Clone Wars animated movie. Check it out here.

These look good too:
Righteous Kill - De Nero, Pacino
Hancock - Will Smith
You Don't Mess With The Zohan - Adam Sandler
The Incredible Hulk - Edward Norton

Toose Hoose Italian Style

2008-05-24T12:46:00.008+10:00

Starter
Garlic Bread

Main
Chicken Breast wrapped in Prosciutto and pan fried (Chicken Saltimbocca)
Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil
Steamed Broccolini

Dessert
Tiramisu

Scott and I were wondering what other desserts or recipies use coffee or more specifically espresso in their ingredients. I thought of some chocolate cake recipies and even a chocolate mousse that have coffee in them. I used 2 double shot long blacks in the Tiramisu - Yum!

Blogging is useful

2008-05-22T12:16:00.004+10:00

I posted on a blog of sorts yesterday regarding one of the 3 uni assignments I have cooking at the moment. When our lecturer announced that participating on the subject discussion board was mandatory for this assignment there were a few who looked a little daunted at the prospect. I put it down to my time on the blogs that I didn't share their trepidation. Last night I wrote up a brief explanation of the patient I planned to study and my thoughts on the two areas of health management I was focusing on. My lecturer replied this morning with some good advice and a very helpful and interesting link to a pain management site. Have a look if you're interested.

What has blogging helped you do?

Great Idea #2

2008-05-21T10:05:00.002+10:00

Electric blankets you can turn on from your mobile = warm bed by the time you get home.

Great idea especially coming into winter. Might be marketable this time next year.

Remember the Electrolux air con unit that could do the same - the TV ad had this lady waking up her lazy bloke by cranking the air con to freeze him out - for some reason all he had on was a sheet?!? If someone did that to me I'd dig further under the doona and stay there!

On The Go

2008-05-20T12:37:00.002+10:00

'On The Go' playlists on the iPod are my preferred method getting my music fix. Hooked up to the stereo I've had the Arctic Monkeys, Spiderbait, Jimmy Hendrix and Powderfinger randomised as the soundtrack to a morning of coffee, washing and washing up.

Strangely (or maybe not) I usually combine artists of the same gender in a playlist - the switching between male and female vocals is a bit much. Regina Spektor, Joss Stone and Cat Power is a good combo from the ladies. How do you do it?

Wonderful Toys

2008-05-15T15:08:00.002+10:00

I was in Kmart yesterday looking for a present for Emily (decided on JJJ Hottest 100 CD) and while waiting for Kate to call me to confirm that this was cool I hung around the store. Security seemed a bit jittery about this hoodie wearing, nonchalantly wandering, stock examining young bloke...

Anyway, with a few moments spent in Kitchenware, Electronics, Car Accessories and Sporting I spent most of my time in the Toys section. There are cool options for the young and young at heart these days! A few highlights were:
- Nerf air powered rapid fire dart guns (not that new) and a blow dart tube.
- Super soaker with a refill port big enough for ice cubes (that's just mean)
- plush Star Wars figurines

I reminisced about cool toys we used to have:
- Bandit crossbow with suction cup tipped darts that we modified with thumbtacks (Heathrow Customs didn't confiscate these)
- Cap guns especially some very realistic ones we bought in the UK (Customs did take these)
- Super soakers of all shapes and sizes
- GI Joe - I still have these in a box under the house (and they're making a GI Joe movie)
- Lego - lots and lots of Lego

What were your favourite toys?

International Nurses Day

2008-05-12T10:30:00.002+10:00

Happy International Nurses Day. We had a BBQ at work last week to celebrate and the hospital gave us this amazingly crappy gift of a plastic keyring with a torn square of paper inside on which way typed "Proud to be a Nurse/Midwife". They actually used a forward slash - LOL!

How funny is this action figure - with stethoscope and x-ray clipboard!

Babycino

2008-05-08T11:59:00.004+10:00

I made my first babycino this morning for Adrian's son Nicholas when they came over for brekky and to borrow some movies for Rowena who's hurt her neck - get better soon Row! I wasn't really sure how to make one so had to ask Adrian. I over frothed some milk and scooped the thicker foam with a bit of milk into a small espresso cup and sprinkled some chocolate powder over the top. After first shaking his head at the proffered cup and spoon which I placed in front of the little guy we soon heard the clinking of metal on ceramic - I must have got it right :)

Any tips for my future Babycino attempts? Do you put some coffee in or is that a no no? How much chocolate? What should the foam to milk ratio be? What size cup do you use? Maybe I should do a Barista course ;)

Great idea #1

2008-05-06T08:43:00.004+10:00

I thought it might be original - at least Lawso and I had grand plans after seeing U2 3D last week (fantastically awesome by the way!).

3DVD is what I want to see

Catchy, huh? 3D movies in the comfort of your own lounge chair but it seems someone beat me to it. The cinema technology has come along way recently but has yet to make the leap to DVD. Therefore I think I should see some royalty payments coming my way for the use of my cool catch phrase.

Aussie iPhone

2008-05-06T08:31:00.003+10:00

Looks like it'll be here soon. The 3G version is the one to wait for!

Coldplay - Violet Hill

2008-05-05T22:33:00.003+10:00

Click here to get a free copy of Coldplay's new single Violet Hill from their upcoming album Viva La Vida. I think it's only free for a week - just found out it ends today.

Long White Clouds

2008-04-24T07:29:00.005+10:00

We're about to leave for the airport so I thought I'd keep my promise and just quickly make a holiday post. We've seen heaps. Done some awesome driving tours around the top of the North Island - Taupo, Rotorua, Coromadel Peninsula. Visited lots of geothermal thingys. Seen heaps of cows and only a few sheep?!? Paid an arm and a leg for petrol $2.17/litre - curse my right foot! Eaten great food. Drank a few tasty beers and a couple of decent espressi. All in all good times. See you very soon.

Holiday Photo #1 - Sophia

2008-04-14T09:40:00.003+10:00

Scott & Kat have had a baby girl! Sophia Grace was born 2.30pm on Sunday 13th April. Praise God! She's very cute and mum & dad are ecstatic (though a little tired & sore).

Just in time for holiday photo blogging:
She looks like she's crying but she's not (I'm not either, ok)

Holidays

2008-04-13T09:04:00.004+10:00

Just finished night shift and am now officially on Holidays. We leave for NZ tomorrow to visit my Mum and David plus tour the top half of the North Island. Looking forward to heaps of food, driving the MX-5 and ride on mower, seeing NZ in green & gold (I'm taking my Wallabies jersey), possibly skydiving?!? and hanging with Kate. Should be good times though I'll miss my machine. Thanks to Mish for house sitting! Might do a post from the land of the long white cloud...

Studying and Procrastinating

2008-04-08T11:12:00.002+10:00

I've a lot of work to do for Uni today so obviously I'm doing a fair amount of procrastinating - it would be good if you would all stop posting and let me work ;) The first assignment is due on Wednesday and the second on Friday so they are close enough for my adrenaline driven panic mode to be setting in. Actually I think putting those thoughts to type has just kicked the 'last minute' mechanism into gear. Yeehaa!

Daylight Spending

2008-04-06T08:35:00.003+10:00

Almost as funny as an April fools joke (maybe that's why they changed it to April) is forgetting to change the clocks. We were an hour early for creche this morning! Those of you who know us well would be familiar with our penchant for sleep. I even joked with Kate as we drove to North Rocks this morning about how poorly we would fare if we were to have a baby.

So with an hour to spend we returned home to change the time on 12 appliances (only two of which were actual clocks!), tidied the lounge room a little, I synchronized my watch with the talking clock (phone 1194), Kate played on facebook, I checked the pantry for the ingredients for scones that I'm planning on making for church supper tonight and posted this. Priceless.

engage - SOLD OUT!

2008-04-02T17:04:00.003+11:00

Engage tickets had sold out by 10am this morning! That is crazy!

Our MTS trainee called me to ask if I had a spare ticket - which sadlyI don't. If anyone has a spare can you let me know. There's a waiting list that any unpaid tickets will be distributed to after the 17th or something.

It's going to be huge. Do you think they'll put on a second weekend? How long are Carson and Driscoll in the country? KCC could have charged more - maybe I should sell our spares on eBay ;)

Jonah & The Big Fish

2008-04-01T19:26:00.000+11:00

Jonah & The Fear of God

2008-03-31T21:09:00.004+11:00

I'm leading church on Sunday night. It's been a while since I've led. Any hot tips?

We're starting a new series on Jonah. It's been a while since I've read Jonah. I keep thinking about boats, fish (really big ones), a plant that melts and sackcloth. I think I'll have a read before Sunday ;)

Jonah Chapter 1 (HCSB)
Jonah tries to run away from God and his mission to Nineveh.
He fails & along the way leans to fear God.

The photo is of our fish (not really big) called 'Fishy'. Dad and Celia gave him to Kate for Christmas.

Carcassone tactics for married blokes

2008-03-30T11:50:00.005+11:00

1. Let your wife win sometimes, preferrably without her realising you are letting her win (NB I haven't figured out how to do this yet)

2. Don't beat her 4 times in a row (occasionally by a significant margin)

3. Suggest a different game - ie one that she regularly beats you at (eg Boggle)

4. Beg for forgiveness and wiggle your way over to the 'losers side' then offer a massage.

Good luck!

What is Carcasone?

Saturday Morning

2008-03-29T11:22:00.006+11:00

A near perfect Saturday morning today, except for the lack of sleep in?!? Woke my usual time of 0600 (not that usual on a Saturday but it happened) and threw together some banana and raspberry bread and whacked it in the oven. Set a timer beside Kate's sleeping head to take it out when done.

Up to church to mow the lawns at 0800. Nothing like pushing an engine on wheels to get the heart going. Beautiful temperature this morning if not a little dull (when is daylight savings starting?). Finished by 0930.

Doppio ristretto lattes and warm b&r bread with Guthers and Matt Fuller (on the mowing team). Now off to Isaac's 1st birthday picnic in Carlo. I'm taking my frisbee! Love the frisbee - I used to play ultimate for the Uni team back in the day - it's been a while though. Fun!

Check out the art that I knocked out for Guthers!

Smashing Pumpkins Last Night

2008-03-28T12:01:00.005+11:00

Went to see the Pumpkins at the Hordern with Lach (my bro) last night and they went off! I saw them when they were here in '99 and have to say I enjoyed their old style better but there was no faulting them for the 10 year hiatus and new band line up (who it seems are better musos than the old team but look weirdly similar - Eurasian guy and blond chick - marketing ploy?)

Great review of the gig here with photos.

Amefufuka - He is risen!

2008-03-23T13:42:00.002+11:00

Amefufuka qweli - he is risen indeed!

One of the few Kiswahili phrases I can remember from our time living in Tanzania. Easily recalled as I hear it every year on Easter Sunday from my family as we remember Jesus death and resurrection.

Jesus is risen from the dead. Read more here!

The Plurality of Pants

2008-03-22T15:05:00.003+11:00

Pants, trousers, jeans, undies, boardies, trackies, shorts...

Not only are they plural but these lower body items of clothing have a masculine nature - not that chicks can't wear the pants ;)

I think of some weird things as I'm falling asleep, do you?

Live in Concert

2008-03-21T19:02:00.006+11:00

Almost a week ago my brother-in-law, Nick, called me up out of the blue to offer me a spare ticket to see Jack Johnson in Centennial Park. I took it. Awesome! Such a sweet concert and great weather. His voice was amazing. Jack and the band had a kicking competition off the stage using a beach ball the crowd was bashing around.

This week I'm going to see The Smashing Pumpkins. They were one of my first favourite bands - I went to see them on their Adore tour in '99. I'm really looking forward to it.

What's your favourite live music performance?

All Mankind

2008-03-13T18:12:00.002+11:00

Richard Beeston and the boys have been hard at work on the new album. Check out some of the tracks and pre order it at allmankind.net.

Food Fight

2008-03-12T21:41:00.001+11:00

Major world wars shown in food fight stop motion video. For cheat sheet see the Tourist Pictures website.

Soft Launch

2008-03-09T22:31:00.006+11:00

'North Rocks [at Night]' started this evening with our soft launch.

We go live in two weeks!

It was great to meet our new family (33 of them at least). There were a few kinks but it was exciting all the same. We had a BBQ after church which I was organising so I missed the last 5 mins of the Bible talk which made praying in response to the sermon tricky - so I asked for suggestions from up the front on what we could pray for. I got a couple of blank looks, one of abject horror and someone put up their hand but then people caught on and started speaking up - ahhh (sigh of relief). I thought it had the added bonus of getting people to think through what they'd just heard and in a way respond immediately. Also prayed for the Wilsons in Italy and prayed in confession (I think this is a good thing to do regularly).

This is our promo postcard. The back reads:
"We'd like to invite you to church"
Hopefully have a website for you to check out soon. Keep praying for us.

Baby Back...

2008-02-28T20:22:00.005+11:00

(... Ribs)

I got my baby back yesterday - yesss! I had my first day back at Uni so while I was over that way I called the 'doctor' on the off chance it was ready. It's now pumping out the good stuff. Although the beans I bought just before it went away might be getting a little old they are better than plunger to my palate - I'll work through them quickly ;)

Real God!

2008-02-24T21:48:00.008+11:00

This clip from an ER episode really hit me. I've been asked 'meaning of life' questions in my work as a nurse. Never this aggressively but I wish they'd been direct and open yet definite like this guy. Wow! h/t craig

"I want a real chaplain who believes in a real God and a real hell ... I
need someone who will look me in the eye and tell me how to find
forgiveness".

Pumpkins Sideshow!

2008-02-22T16:32:00.002+11:00

Need I say more...

Chocolate Cake...

2008-02-22T11:33:00.004+11:00

... makes everything better. Work has been particularly stressful and draining at work this week so I made this chocolate cake for the staff. It helped a little, I think, but didn't stop me from being off sick today : ( . It was sweet, dark and rich - yum!

Hope the Greek and Hebrew exams go well today - let me know if you need some chocolate cake?

The Source

2008-02-18T19:10:00.003+11:00

Went to this kicking cafe in Mosman on the way home from our 5th anniversary stay the city. Met up with Lach (the bro) and Joy (the wife). There's a massive Synesso and a tricked out Mazzer grinder - they cut a hole in the back and whacked on a sizable cooling fan (like a computer) - they said it works a treat. The barista even has a tat of a group handle on his foreram and it seems the rugged unshaven look is the staff uniform. The use a tasty bean from South Melbourne by St Ali. Had a double ristretto latte then a piccolo. Kate had a couple of lattes. Lach had large flat white in what I now call 'Sambo's dream cup' - solid heavy with a dark brown glaze on the outside (you can get them from Cafe Bianchi). Every cup was sweet as! Anyway check it out - it's off Military Rd on Raglan St.

Blokes

2008-02-15T15:44:00.009+11:00

I'm a bloke and I was just reading an insightful and thought provoking post by Dan (as recommended by Dave) about music and men. We're doing some thinking about how to do music at North Rocks @ Night. One of the things I'm thinking about is singing up the front. Here's some of what Dan wrote:

Another factor is who you stick up the front. If all your music leaders are girls then why are all the backing singers girls? At nitechurch we have 3 guy band leaders and a couple of guy backing vocalists. I’m always trying to encourage our guys to take up the mic. It gives example to guys in the congregation.

What songs are you singing? Are you always singing about Jesus being beautiful or lovely or ‘darling’. These are fine to sing at times but what is your diet? So many christian songs are girly. Don’t buy into it wholesale. Sing about Christ’s victory, his strength, our mission, His leadership. Guys get that stuff. We get the other stuff too and I’m being stereotypical but I’m just saying be careful.

Read the rest here. Well worth it.

Something else blokey is this - the new Indiana Jones teaser!

I love the quote "You're a teacher?" "Part time"

Love

2008-02-14T22:21:00.003+11:00

It's valentine's day not that it really means much to us seeing as our wedding anniversary is tomorrow but it gives me an excuse to talk about food.

What the?!?!

I love food, my wife too of course, but I love food. We watched Ratatouille today (Kate was home sick) and I loved it. The movie, not Kate being sick. It was all about food ( and a rat and a young French guy) and it was brilliant, funny and touching. We then had spag bol for dinner of which I made extra for one of the girls at work who just left hospital. Supreme comfort food, cooked for over an hour, pasta al dente, freshly grated parmesan - I love food!

ps If you get a hold of the DVD watch the obligatory Pixar short film 'Lifted' - nuff said!

I'm Back

2008-02-13T18:15:00.004+11:00

I've just come back from the future to save you...

...save you from the frustration of checking to see if I've posted lately! (I missed the new Terminator series last night - any good?!?!)

Such a slacker - I think I was feeling the "Facebook killed the blogger star" vibe either that or I'm lazy. Busy last couple of months. I was reading over my last few posts so here's an update:

The iPhone is still awesome (and still not mine)

Kevin Rudd is not only our PM but did a bloody awesome job today. It was quite emotional watching the apologies made by both leaders. Brendan could have just said "I agree" but he had to waffle on and repeat everything with a few different stories thrown in to make it look like he hadn't copied :)

I've got Uni orientation tomorrow for my post grad course starting in a few days. I managed to score two scholarships recently which will cover all my fees for the year - nice!

'North Rocks @ Night' is going full steam ahead with a planned launch on the 23rd March. It's going to be a busy few weeks. Kate and I will be leading a Bible study group which should be challenging and fun.

Other than that I've been playing with my espresso machine and Kate's settling into teaching Kindy. All is well for the start (close) of 2008. Hope you like the new '08 look for THO - feedback appreciated. Thanks for all you die hards who kept asking for another post.

Cheers

iPhone Post

2007-12-10T20:51:00.000+11:00

Blogging using Bob's iPhone. Deadset awesome. I'll post a picture when I get home coz for some reason it doesn't have bluetooth for me to send a photo to it??? Still awesome!!!!

...and check this out, Super Mario on the iPhone:

Big Decisions...

2007-11-26T08:44:00.000+11:00

... have been made lately!

- Kevin Rudd for PM (hope we made the right call)
- the chick won Idol (poor Matt)
- UTS accepted me for postgrad next year (what are they and I thinking?!?)

and

- We're changing churches next year. We will be part of the 'North Rocks Night Church' plant from St Paul's Carlo. It is a big decision that has involved a lot of prayer and discussion (thanks to those who have talked and prayed with us). We're excited to be part of another church plant after we had such a good experience at MarsHill at Mac Uni. Please keep praying for us as we leave our church family at 5 o'clock at Carlo and for the new church that God would use it to grow his kingdom and for his glory.

The Bros Mo's

2007-11-24T17:47:00.000+11:00

Check this out - a screen shot that Mum took while we were talking to her on Skype at Nic and Claire's new place in Baulko. Pretty impressive (or creepy) mo's don't you think. I can't wait to shave mine off - so annoying, but for a good cause.

Recent Photos

2007-11-13T19:45:00.001+11:00

One of the cicadas that inhabit the trees around us and make a hell of a racket. This one jumped onto the footpath when I went to hang out the washing. It's a green grocer (according to my Dad)

We went to visit Liz and Liam and their new addition Aidan last night. Very cute (I mean Aidan not Liam)!

I gave Kate this wall hanging (from India - from the Oxfam Fairtrade shop at MacCent) for her birthday. Sweet!

Beautiful Machine

2007-11-05T15:10:00.000+11:00

Pablo & Rusty's (new website) just got a 3 group Synesso! A friend just had a go on it and was amazed at it's beauty (well duh!) and how forgiving it was. I reckon it'd have to be one of the first in NSW?!?

It's Cold!

2007-11-05T11:40:00.000+11:00

One of the things Ford Prefect had always found hardest to understand about human beings was their habit of continually stating and repeating the very very obvious, as in “It’s a nice day,” or “You’re very tall,” or “Oh dear, you seem to have fallen down a thirty-foot well, are you all right?” At first, Ford had formed a theory to account for this strange behavior. If human beings don’t keep exercising their lips, he thought, their mouths probably seize up. After a few months’ consideration and observation, he abandoned this theory in favor of a new one. If they don’t keep on exercising their lips, he thought, their brains start working. After a while, he abandoned this one as well as being obstructively cynical and decided he quite liked human beings after all, but he always remained desperately worried about the terrible number of things they didn’t know about. The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy

Apologies for stating the obvious. We're blaming Mum who is visiting from New Zealand for a few days (they are her goats). It looks like it will be cold all week.

Fountainside Spouts Again!

2007-11-05T11:30:00.000+11:00

This is the second time I've used this post title. Sam and Soph are back with some interesting thoughts on the 'heroes' and 'villains' of the Old Testament. Check it out!

How awesome is Heroes (the TV series)?!?

Two things I like...

2007-11-02T09:34:00.000+11:00

...are Cats and Star Wars. So I thought this was pretty funny!

Gordo's Thoughts on Music

2007-11-02T09:23:00.000+11:00

Thoughtful post from Gordo about the music at ENGAGE and what it might mean for our churches. Read here.

Scary!

2007-10-31T18:58:00.000+11:00

Tonight is halloween as we were abruptly reminded by our neighbour's daughter and her friends knocking at the door.

It is also the last day of October which means that tomorrow is the first day of Movember. I'm going to (attempt to) grow a mo to help raise awareness of Depression among men and Prostate Cancer. Should be scary!

ENGAGE was awesome...

2007-10-29T16:14:00.000+11:00

... as those who went will tell you! Rockin' music, challenging teaching, relaxed vibe (10.30 start), good food (Byron Bay cookies and Lindt chocolates) and encouraging fellowship (we took our Bible study group & stayed at the YHA with church crew). I also managed "a few" coffees from Fresh - very nice! Overall two thumbs up and looking forward to ENGAGE '08! I threw together the photos and clips from my mobile below...

Toose Music News: Issue 4

2007-10-25T20:00:00.000+10:00

I bought the new album from The Panics today - thanks Chris and Elissa. I really dig it! You can listen to some tracks here. My favourite is 'Don't Fight It'.

In other music news Lior has announced that his 2nd album will be released early next year. Cool story that happened to a friend of a friend of mine (no, really!). He organised a picnic with his then girlfriend to propose to her and emailed Lior to ask if he would come and play for them as he popped the question. Lo and behold Lior rocked up and sang 'This Old Love' (listen here) as requested and just as it dawned on the chick that it was really him the guy asked her to marry him. She said yes. They then invited him to come to their wedding but he couldn't make it.

Aria Awards on Sunday too...

Postgrad

2007-10-23T11:36:00.000+10:00

I handed in my application to do a Postgraduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing next year. I had promised myself I wouldn't do any more study - obviously not a very trustworthy bloke :) It's one year part time and gives me the cred to apply to be a nurse specialist. Now begins the joyous task of applying for scholarships. Your prayers would be appreciated.

Facebook Song

2007-10-21T20:50:00.000+10:00

Very clever and very funny! (h/t Kate)

Beer Festival

2007-10-21T13:30:00.001+10:00

Yesterday a group of us went to The Australian Hotel Beer Festival. It was very tasty! Stand outs included The Grand Cru and 2IPA both from Murray's Craft Brewing Co. A no-show from Grand Ridge and Cooper's decision to not have the awesome Vintage in their Festival line up (motivated by cost) didn't stop us from having a great afternoon.

L to R: Joy, Lach, Jimmy, Geoff, Turns, Me

Skype

2007-10-16T11:02:00.000+10:00

I'm using Skype talking to Mum who now lives in New Zealand except I can't get my camera to work.

Still pretty cool though!

2000 Today!

2007-10-08T06:14:00.000+10:00

Today, Toose Hoose Online should hit 2000 individual visitors. The count is 2 short of this milestone as I load THO while watching the valiant Pumas defeat the proud Scots.

Thanks to all you readers and especially commenters!

I'd be interested to know if you read (and who you are) so drop a comment and let me know you were here!

Victory & Defeat

2007-10-07T01:00:00.000+10:00

Tonight I finished Halo 3 and then the Wallabies were beaten by the English in the first quarter final and eliminated from the Rugby World Cup 2007.

Devastating...

The Kingdom

2007-10-05T23:27:00.000+10:00

Wow! This movie is crazy and I loved it. Shot in a similar style to Bourne Ultimatum (ie try to make Matt motion sick) this is an insane thrill ride almost too big for the 'big' screen!

Things I liked:
- Jamie Foxx is the man! (if you don't think so check out 'Ray' and 'Collateral'...)
- the opening credits/history lesson/clever visual effects
- action with lots of guns
- the cut to the heart moments when Arabs and Americans see eye to eye
- the irony of the ending
- only 65 - 70% full of "how awesome is America" (based on a poll of the 4 car passengers of the way home)

Check it out!

NEWS FLASH
While Googling for a piccy I found the title for the upcoming Indiana Jones movie - "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" - pretty long winded in my opinion. Harrison Ford is also the man!

We also saw shorts for a new Denzel Washington movie titled 'American Gangster' (our own Russell Crowe is in it too) - it looks good. Denzel Washington is also the man!

Halo 3 Released

2007-09-26T09:14:00.000+10:00

It came out yesterday! I think I'll pick up a copy on my way home tomorrow morning (Target have a sale!).

Pretty comprehensive review here - 9/10. Can't wait!!!

Old but New

2007-09-25T09:59:00.000+10:00

Just arrived home from my second of four night shifts after making an unscheduled pit stop at Withams Coffee roasters after a spur of the moment desire to get fresh beans. They great thing is they are 3 blocks from the hospital and just off my route home. It's bean a while (he! he! he!) since I had any of their stuff - I had easy access to it when we lived at Gordon and can't really think why I stopped because it's fantastic. They've a new logo, bought a massive new roaster, started using a WEGA machine and have a new barista who is awesome (I had a hot chocolate - beautiful milk). I bought 250g of the Super Mocha ($10) a brother of an old blend they had called Columbia Medellin Excelso to which I was rather partial.

I'm also listening to a pommy bloke called Scott Matthews - sweet tunes! Check him out here.

Catch you all later. I'm off to bed!

Media Savvy?

2007-09-13T15:44:00.000+10:00

It's not often that I comment on current events or controversial topics but I am giving it a go right now:

I had to attend a meeting near home today which started at 9am (a little more humane than my usual 7.30am start). This meant that after dropping Kate at school I had 90 minutes to kill. I took care of that time discrepancy like Arnie would a bad guy, by shooting over to Eastwood and attacking a plate of French toast with bacon & maple syrup (piccolo and a flat white were caught in the crossfire too!).

While completing my breakfast mission I had an unusual opportunity to read The SMH. Two articles caught most of my attention. This one on Russia's new bomb dubbed 'The Father of All Bombs" which reminded me of my Modern History days of studying The Cold War and the arms race - maybe God is going to end it and Jesus will return?!?

The other piece was this one on the publication of Mother Theresa's personal letters which show she was human (well duh?) with human doubts and the human ability to have faith. Richard Dawkins who calls himself an "anti-theist" is either really going to cop it (either that or be saved).

Controversial? Maybe. Media savvy? I think not...

Tips

2007-09-12T16:47:00.000+10:00

I joined the my school's Old Boys tipping comp for the Rugby World Cup. I'm coming second, equal with 175 others who all picked France to win - only 3 guys saw the Argentina upset coming. The next round should sort out the ranks a little more with some close match ups. My tips for the next round are below. I've never been in a tipping comp before so we'll see how we go!

Home

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Italy

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Japan

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USA

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Australia 91 - Japan 3

2007-09-09T01:10:00.000+10:00

Nic and Hammm joined me for the Wallabies domination of the Cherry Blossoms.

Our highlights - Sterling Mortlock called "Captain Insaneo" by the commentators, Rocky Elsom's hat trick, Berreck Barnes try in his first test ever within 2 minutes of coming on (then a second), George Smith's hit then steal then try, a bigger score and margin than NZ over Italy (no tries agaist us either), Chris Latham's double kick and try (on his birthday no less). Looking good!

New Zealand 76 - Italy 14

2007-09-09T00:18:00.000+10:00

Ouch! Though I'm surprised the All Blacks let in 2 tries???

Highlights here.

France 12 - Argentina 17

2007-09-08T10:50:00.000+10:00

Big upset in the first match of the Rugby World Cup with Argentina (Pumas) beating the much favoured RWC hosts France (Les Bleus) 17 - 12. Argentina scored the first try of the Cup! Watch the highlights here.

Looking forward to tonight!

Another Funny Ad

2007-09-06T18:25:00.000+10:00

One of my favourites at the moment. Sure to get a lot of airplay during the World Cup. Did I mention the Rugby World Cup starts in two days!!!

Rugby World Cup!

2007-09-02T21:13:00.000+10:00

It all starts this Saturday! Yeehaa!

RWC Official site
TV Match Schedule - Channel Ten
Wiki entry for those who need to catch up ;)
Standings for Pool reference and for when it all gets going

Any tips? I reckon Australia, France, South Africa and New Zealand will win their respective pools! After that it's game on...

GO THE WALLABIES!!!

The Toose Ultimatum

2007-09-01T15:50:00.001+10:00

Sam & Soph hid this funny picture in my email inbox as part of their attempts to escape Adultitis. Read the full post here.

I saw the movie on Thursday. It was fantastic!

Wake Up!

2007-08-28T06:40:00.000+10:00

Every morning at 0600hrs our radio wakes us up with Vega 953 morning news. Today it carried some very interesting information that I thought was worthy of an early post:

- there will be a lunar eclipse tonight a bit before 7 O'clock. Cool...

- they have started the new roadworks on Epping road, along which I drive to get to work. Should be interesting...

- the temperature should nudge 27 degrees. Enjoy it if you get to go outside...

Cooking Weekend

2007-08-27T20:30:00.000+10:00

Kate and I spent the weekend serving (literally) our brothers and sisters at Cumbo Uni Church. We cooked for them on their weekend away while they heard talks on Eschatology or 'the end times' (I had to ask). They had a great time and so did we. It was great to be a part of a small Uni Church again after our Mars Hill Anglican Church experience at Macquarie Uni a few years ago.

The highlights were pancakes, lots of apple crumble and choc chip cookies. This one is from the dough that didn't fit on the trays - so we made a huge one!!!

We also went to Fresh on Sam and Soph's recommendation. I had a piccolo of their fair trade Sumatran Single Origin and of their House blend. Both very good! Amazingly we ran into Libby and Matt as they were also following Sam and Soph's advice while in the mountains for the CMS Federal AGM (I think?!?!). They were roasting as you can see on the embedded blogger video below (new feature!)

New Tastes

2007-08-27T19:40:00.000+10:00

The McDonald's 'Name It Burger' now has a name - 'The Backyard Burger'. I had one this arvo so I could park in the Macca's car park (and 'cos I wanted to try it). It's very tasty and I like the name.

I'm about to have dinner and try a new beer that I picked up in Leura on the weekend. We were up in Katoomba cooking on the Cumbo Uni Church weekend away. As we were there I felt it necessary to make a visit to one of the top beer selections in the Sydney metro area - Leura Cellars. The beer is made by Saltram's, a winery in the Barossa. It's called Pepper Jack Hand Crafted Ale and it has Pepperjack's Barossa Valley Shiraz in it. Should be interesting...

Funny Ad

2007-08-23T19:53:00.000+10:00

Hilarious Snickers ad. Check it out!

Or now that I'm on the Mac you can watch it below (Kate's lappy doesn't like embedding????)

The Escape Plan

2007-08-22T17:58:00.000+10:00

Sam and Soph are trying to find their inner child. Check out their latest foray below. Awesome video Sambo - definitely link worthy! ;)

For the earlier attempts to become more child like and cure their devastating cases of Adultitis check out The Fountainside.

Different Perspective

2007-08-21T20:43:00.000+10:00

I'm doing a different job at the moment looking after the TAFE Enrolled Nurse trainees. It's going well - it's a nice change and gives my aging body :) a chance to rest and recover from all the aches and pains. I had a meeting today up on level 13 (as high as you can go before you hit the roof) in the board room and this was the view. Nice!

Sick Satuday

2007-08-17T18:50:00.000+10:00

Last Saturday our intention was to spend the whole day together for a 'Date Day' - a new concept in the Toose Hoose. We had planned activities like sleeping in till midday, putt putt golf, dinner out and a nice movie (A Good Year starring our very own Russ). Unfortunately Kate's cold escalated to Snotcon 4 on Friday night. So putt putt took a rain check, dinner was take away Thai, sleeping was mandatory and the movie was just as enjoyable.

I took today off work after leaving at 2pm yesterday with my head buried in a roll of toilet paper (we ran out of tissues). No matter how much I boasted about my impenetrable immune system, Kate has very generously shared her plague with me so that tomorrow I will be the sick one. We had planned to visit, with others, a friend's property in the southern Blue Mountains to go bush walking and have lunch with the group. Sadly this will also have to be postponed. At least we have more tissues...

Engage

2007-08-07T14:04:00.000+10:00

Engage (if you haven't heard) is the latest conference to be added to the KCC line up. Our church (along with many others) is going as an informal group. We are going up with our Bible study group and all but one are coming, some of whom had never even heard of Katoomba conventions! This is really exciting as we are looking forward to some great teaching and a good time to get to know one another better! I especially looking forward to visiting Fresh for some fair trade delights after Sam & Soph's recommendations and revisiting Blue Mountains Chocolate - yum!

Has anyone else heard the rumors about Engage next year?
- both Mark Driscoll & Don Carson are the speakers for next year!
- if you have tickets for this year you are guaranteed one for next year (possibly two)?

Also check out the Engage Blog. Some interesting thoughts especially one on "whether to buy or rent"? I commented on this one - check out the discussion here.

Tax & The Environment

2007-08-01T19:59:00.001+10:00

How are these two unrelated topics related I hear you think (I can read your thoughts!!!)?

I've finished my tax return but to do so, rather than receive the usual convenient copy in the mail, I was required to hunt down the elusive 'Tax Pack'. I guess 'they' are trying to save wasting paper with people using the convenient eTax system - not so convenient as they haven't managed to pull their finger out in 5 years to make it Mac compatible?!?!

We did however receive the obligatory copies the White Pages on the Toose Hoose doorstep. I dutifully dragged the rectangular, plastic covered, reconstituted tree trunk into the house. However, before I could store it safely in the bottom of the cupboard in the room furthest away from the telephone I had to pull out last years copies, take off the glad wrap and deposit them in the recycling bin. Now what the heck is that all about! Clearly they have a slightly larger number of pages than the humble Tax Pack but Telstra throw them around like they own half the Amazon Basin. Come on people! When was the last time anybody looked up a name or number in those tomes. Internet baby, internet!

Jack's on the Simpsons

2007-07-31T20:04:00.000+10:00

Just watched the Simpsons version of 24... AND I RECORDED IT!!!

Below is a spoiler. Don't watch it if you want to borrow the tape. Awesome!

Tony's Alive?!?

2007-07-30T18:34:00.000+10:00

The producers of 24 have revealed some secrets from the next season of 24!

A change of location and some Lazarus style raising's could be on the cards!?!

Check it out here and here!

Church Yesterday

2007-07-30T14:38:00.000+10:00

Church last night was particularly great.

Gordo spoke in Isaiah 1 after doing a overview of the whole book last week. I was challenged to 1. cease evil, care for the weak, seek justice from 1:16-17 and 2. remember that we have the smae offer of fogiveness and cleansing through Jesus from 1:19.

We stayed late afterwards talking. A few of topics I covered were: HP & TDH, Facebook, Mobiles, Bible Study and Edward Norton movies (some of my fav movies incl. Fight Club and 25th Hour & The Score).

The music was awesome. Some great songs and funky band.

Renovations Yesterday

2007-07-30T13:43:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I made the fishing touches to our latest reno project in the Toose Hoose - The Doors. We've recently replaced the lovely creamy yellow internal doors with their hand painted ceramic doorknobs with something a little more our taste (the bathroom and toilet now have locks on them too!). I also painstakingly replaced the yellow glass panels in the front door with a less garish option. Yesterday I thought I'd get into a little recycling and while I was at it maintain some memories by reusing the beautiful ceramic doorhandles. I put one on the workshop door and a couple on a cupboard in the workshop (it now has a fenimen side).

Reading Yesterday

2007-07-30T13:25:00.000+10:00

Kate it still going on The Deathly Hallows and enjoying it. I finished re-reading The Philosophers Stone yesterday after deciding to start at the very beginning (as it's a very good place to start) to remind and relive the adventures. Whilst reading I was struck by JKR's forethought into this series. There are a number of facts and happenings that are not explained/mentioned/used until the last book. Things like: the information on the back of Dumbledore's Chocolate Frog Card (12 uses of Dragon's blood and the mention of his battle with Grindelward), the significance of the invisibility cloak, the intricacies of Gringotts and Snape's reaons for protecting Harry. Impressive. Most impressive. I was speaking to Adrian R. last night at church (he's another HP nut) and he heard that JKR wrote the last chapter of Deathly Hallows before she'd found a publisher for Philosophers Stone!

Sleep Yesterday

2007-07-30T11:24:00.000+10:00

We slept in yesterday after a lovely dinner with Russ & Nomes on Friday - we got to see Will & Issac too! We woke about 11 and, after bowls of Coco Pops in bed, started reading (more on that later). Sleeping is great (it's one of Kate's favourite things to do) and I find a sleep in a necessary remedy to 6 days of early starts for morning shifts at work. However sleep was in short supply yesterday evening with neither Kate nor I able to get to sleep before 12.30am (I didn't drop off till around 2am). Oh well, I'm functioning pretty well today but it's a good thing I've tomorrow off as well!

Finished

2007-07-24T18:10:00.000+10:00

Pretty tired right now. Kate had to drive me home when I picked her up this arvo. Finished it last night at 11.57pm. Great book. I think I might have even shed a tear or two, but it could have been from weary eyes ;) One of my bros finished it on Saturday (or it might have been the very early hours of Sunday). Kate has started this arvo. To those of you who are still going - Enjoy!!!

Starting Now!

2007-07-21T14:37:00.000+10:00

Slept in to recover from night shift and a late dinner with friends. I've returned relatively unscathed from braving the vicious waters of Westfield Parramatta. After parking at the opposite end of the centre I made it to Borders where Kate had a voucher (thanks Mum!) and secured the target. Mission accomplished!

Starting now...

Reading Magic

2007-07-20T10:54:00.000+10:00

"You're inviting Satan into your home and opening yourself up to him". That's what one of the ladies (a Christian) at work said when we started talking about the Harry Potter series. I disagreed and said I thought there was more of a problem with the romance novels (soft porn for girls) she enjoys. We agreed to disagree.

Kate and I put down our current novels last week to re-read The Half Blood Prince in prep for tomorrow's release of The Deathly Hallows (AWESOME!). I noticed something interesting about the books we replaced - Kate: 'The Hobbit' and Me: 'Kiss Kiss' by Roald Dahl (a collection of short stories) both are from authors in who's writing magic features heavily. I distinctly remember, as kids, Dad refusing to let us read 'The Witches' by Dahl (along with banning cartoons featuring bad guys with red eyes - evil?).

I was wondering if there was such a problem with these two well loved and widely read authors back in their day? Why does Harry pose such a problem? Is it the setting of a magical realm within our reality as opposed to Tolkein's other worlds or Dahl's wildly imaginative parallel?

Coffee... NOT!!!

2007-07-20T10:09:00.000+10:00

Thought all you other coffee snobs out there will be pleased to know that International Roast has had a face lift. At least they show what you're getting (no false advertising here unlike Gloria Jeans).

Tagged

2007-07-10T23:30:00.000+10:00

I was tagged by Libby

1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player blogs eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. At the end of your blog, choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

Here's my list:

1. My hair stays in whatever position it dries - even if it's standing up. This means if I shower before going to bed I wake up with a killer mowhawk.

2. After taking off my shoes I have to clean between my toes with the sock - weird, I know.

3. I alphabetised our DVD collection, sorted our CD's into genre's and have my wardrobe colour coded - yes, I have a problem.

4. I have to drink beer from a glass (this is not a weird habit but an essential aspect of appreciating good beer).

5. I won a free Snickers bar today (1 in 6 really does win!).

6. I have four names with my Dad's name within my name.

7. Like Libby I fold too and use (on average) 14 squares a go (Kate and I once counted to see who really did use all the paper - LOL!).

8. My left ear sticks out more than the right.

I now tag Michelle.

Bye Bye Blair

2007-07-09T23:06:00.000+10:00

A short time ago Michelle of Knock Box notoriety asked some of us coffee snobs for our feedback on a new (signature) blend she had created. She also asked for name suggestions and the above is what she may have decided on (it was roasted on Tony's last day as PM). She also made hints to the possibility of starting what would be the premier coffee snob go-to joint on the Central Coast (ie. their own cafe with 4 blends available) - sounds like a ripper idea. I'd definitely drop in when visiting my Grandma who lives up there. Here is the latest (and probably my greatest yet) art made on top of the very tasty coffee - nice one Michelle.

Where is the love?

2007-07-05T21:34:00.000+10:00

One thing I really love is a bargain. Never pay retail! Another thing I love in close conjunction with my affinity for a deal is my credit card (a very dangerous weapon in the hands of an experienced operator). It was in this pursuit that I visited Aldi today. This is probably my fourth excursion to the great German supermarket. I was looking for two of their 'special items' - a cast iron enamel skillet and frypan (I also love cooking). Unfortunately they were sold out so I had to settle for a dutch oven (heh heh heh). What annoyed me was not the fact that they sold out within 2 hours of going on sale but the severe lack of assistance and courtesy (verging on rudness) supplied by the staff and then they slugged me a surcharge for using my credit card. Where is the love?

Cow & Baby Cows

2007-07-03T12:25:00.000+10:00

We went down to Bundanoon on the weekend with a group of friends to a farm belonging to one of the guys parents - for some photos check out Kate's facebook album (if you're her friend). For those that aren't or who can't be bothered here is a video I knocked up on iMovie of some cows and their very new and very cute offspring (some only a day old). I recorded it on my sexy new phone (more on that later). Check my skills of a videographer...

St Paul's going strong

2007-06-25T21:12:00.000+10:00

Check it out here. You can see Liz in the promo photo. Praise God for his amazing works!

Powerful!

2007-06-25T20:42:00.000+10:00

Very powerful skit from Winterfest in Knoxville TN. You need to watch the whole thing.
h/t Suzanne

Ocean's 13

2007-06-23T00:05:00.001+10:00

Just saw this with Nic while Kate was at the ballet with Mum, Claire, Joy & Mickey. Fair trade I think. Scotty asked for a review so here it is. No spoilers, I promise...

Two words: very cool!

Acts of War

2007-06-22T13:36:00.001+10:00

It's time to renew our home & contents insurance so I'm reading the policy. It turns out that we're not covered for any loss or damage arising from war, warlike activities or revolution. No big surprises there. What was strange was the fact that we're not covered for damage caused by the use or misuse of nuclear weapons. What the?!?

I guess I'll have to move that A-bomb out of the living room and into the back shed ;)

Coffee Baby!

2007-06-21T12:53:00.000+10:00

Here are a couple of cool coffee links that I've found recently that you should definitely check out. One is a Flickr album called Coffee Porn which is totally clean except for the naked group handle ;) - it's clean too.

The other is a photo journal of a complete rebuild of a La Marzocco machine that this guy off bought eBay - buyer beware!

I've also put some piccys of my latest latte art below as I've been commenting on other peoples (Guthers, Michelle) so thought it'd be only fair to open it up for comment on mine.

ICE CREAM! ICE CREAM!

2007-06-21T11:42:00.000+10:00

Back from my last night shift and eating the remains of the Apple and Raspberry Crumble we had at Bible study last night. I bought some Cadbury Creamy Vanilla as Woolies were sold out of the Toose Hoose regular - Peter's Vanilla (the Cadbury's was on special at the same price). It's pretty good with more of a creamy yellow colour than the Peter's stark white and has a great texture. Our other favourites are the Toppa Hokey Pokey (available @ Woolies) a New Zealand ice cream that's pretty cheap and almost anything from the Connoisseur range especially the Cookies & Cream and the newly discovered Chocolate Honey Nougat. I do like a bit of gelato especially hazelnut (which Kate hates) but ice cream is my first love.

***I've just discovered that Cadbury, Peter's & Connoisseur are all owned by the same mob***

The Secret Toose Hoose Crumble Recipe (read this and I'll have to kill you)
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Cup Rolled Oats
3/4 Cup Plain Flour
1/4 Cup Coconut
50 - 75g Melted Butter (depending on how healthy you're feeling)

Chuck it all together making sure you crumble the butter into the dry ingredients (get your hands into it!). Bung it over any tinned/stewed fruit you like in a oven dish and lightly pack it down. Whack it in the oven @ 180 for 25 - 30 mins or until lightly browned on top.

Hmm? Err?

2007-06-20T10:05:00.000+10:00

Saw this in the city the other night. That's right a stretch Hummer - crazy! What's more crazy is that I was passed (at high speed) the other night in the pouring rain by an H3 (a smaller version or the original Hummer). I figured they must have brought it out of the garage especially to handle the inclement weather (which seems to have finally cleared as I look out the window). What's even more crazy is the thought of the fuel bill for a 6 litre V8 - freaking mental!!!

I'm on night shift at the mo' so I killed some time building myself a customised H3 here on the Hummer global site for a cool $61k...

Toose Music News: Issue 3

2007-06-19T11:23:00.000+10:00

I may be a little slow on the uptake but I heard a new song on Triple J the other day (hey that rhymes!) and was sure it was Wolfmother. It turns out I was right. It seems to me they have sold out a little as the track 'Pleased To Meet You' is featured on the Spiderman 3 soundtrack (I've previously made my thoughts clear on this movie here).

Sell out or not, I like it! You too can enjoy it here on their myspace player. I saw these guys at the Horden last year - they were very skinny and very awesome!

A Bit A Culcha

2007-06-19T11:02:00.000+10:00

It could be said that the only culture in the Toose Hoose is to be found in the tub of yogurt in our fridge. I have recently proven this fact by adding the Justin Timberlake albums to our music collection (they're actually pretty good - especially appropriate listening for driving around in a black convertible!). However on the weekend, in stark contrast to the norm, we attended a production of Les Misrables by The Kings School & Tara with Kate's family...

... and it was really good. Great voices from the players and some awesome songs (some familiar). It reminded me of the few musicals I've seen previously with my family - Starlight Express (in London), Pirates of Penzance (with John English), Joseph & The Technicolour Dreamcoat (fantastic). Any secret musical bandits out there?

We also watched Cool Hand Luke (Paul Newman) - bit of a famous one. I liked it especially lines like "tell your story walkin' " and the National Nine News theme on the soundtrack (rip -ff!!!)

Beer Festival

2007-06-12T15:49:00.000+10:00

A great evening with a cool crew from St Paul's. Unlimited volumes of Coopers Vintage on tap from an awesome dude who completely ignored the fill line on the tasting cup but had no idea about what he was serving. About 40 beers on show the mentionable ones including Leffe Brown (on tap) & Radieuse, Schofferhofer, Little Creatures full line up, Erdinger, Hoegaarden Verboden Vrucht (Forbidden Fruit). A few shenanigans on the way out making the night a bit more memorable!

Beer & Brewer Magazine sort of launched itself at this most auspicious occasion - we met the publisher (Dave) who gave me a free copy of Issue 1 that's going straight to the pool room.

We had planned to have dinner at the James Squire Brew House (I'm yet to visit this hallowed ground) but we decided we wouldn't appreciate it fully after what we had just sampled so instead hit the old time hangout of Sydney's coolest junior hoodlums: Macca's Darling Harbour for some tasty burgers.

Now I'm looking forward to The Sydney Food & Wine Festival where I'm told Redoak will have a stall. I might even see Jamie Oliver too. See you there Saturday.

Link Me Up Matty

2007-06-08T18:37:00.001+10:00

Sydney Beer Festival

Funny Google Maps: Atlanta, Georgia to Paris, France (scroll down to direction #19)

Engage Conference (KCC) open for rego

Facebook: I'm loving it. Reuniting with old friends from Africa. Cool!

Let me know what you think...