The Grand Slam of Asia Pacific

Oh Well. Gave in to temptation... So here I was.. at the Australian Open 2007.. Well worth the trip..

The rain came pouring..

And the retractable roof kicks into action..

Australian Open

Just passed up another Chance to go to the Australian Open.. It has created such a huge buzz around town for past week or so.. Everyday as my train zips past the Rod Laver Arena and Vodafone Arena, how I wish I could go.. But with exams just round the corner, I didn't want to risk losing focus..

To make things worse, my cousin saw upclose Maria Sharapova and Martina Hingis in Crown Entertainment Complex. ..... And to think that he asked me out with him before that.

I can only hope that it's all worth it, come 16 Feb.

Incinerated

40 degrees celcius. 40. I was absolutely burnt. The blistering heat was just unbearable. The wind is hot. It's like having a hair dryer blowing straight at you. Despite the heat, I didn't perspire much, if any at all, due to the dry weather here. I noticed that I can really feel that the sun light 'stinging' my skin even when the weather is in the high-20s or low-30s. I wonder if it's due to the depletion of the Ozone Layer over Australia. That's why Skin Cancer has been dubbed as the "National Cancer" with over 400,000 victims a year. And guess what, there's the Eye Cancer as well. How often do you hear that? Apparently caused by the UV-rays as well. That's why a lot of people here wear shades.. As much as it's a fashion accessory, it is also a neccessity to prevent Blindness. (Actually i Dont know what are the consequences of Eye cancer, but i Guess it's a safe bet that the serious cases can lead to blindness.)

The resulting forest fires today damaged a major power cable and resulted in a massive power outage throughout Melbourne. My lecture had to be cancelled after just 10mins due to the power failure.. The weather tomorrow looks set to be milder than today.. It's ONLY 35c.........

Kudos to Singapore

Check this out, adopted from the local media:

"DRINKING recycled water doesn't wash with most Australians, with nearly half believing it contains human waste and 70 per cent equating it with purified sewage.
A survey of 1000 Australians' perceptions of recycled and desalinated water shows that authorities face a tough time overcoming the public's distaste for drinking or bathing in recycled water.Almost 30 per cent thought recycled water was "disgusting" and one in four believed it stained the washing. Only 11 per cent said they would be very likely to use it for drinking.

Several prominent politicians and water experts have supported using recycled effluent as drinking water as catchments hit record lows in the current drought. In Queensland, recycling was rejected by Toowoomba residents last July despite severe water restrictions.

Prime Minister John Howard recently said "it's part of the solution", and Treasurer Peter Costello said it was the "final step" of measures to overcome shortages.The Victorian Government does not support using recycled water for drinking." -reported by William Birnbauer.

It demonstrates the incredible foresight of the Singapore Government in resolving the teething water issue. Despite not having an urgent, immdiate need for alternative water sources, the government have taken steps to ensure the water supply of Singaporeans should neighbouring countries play foul in the future.

Melbourne is currently under Stage 3 water restrictions due to the extended drought over the past few months, as is the entire Victoria state. Some of its 'features': Gardens may only be watered twice a week. Hoses not allowed for car washing. New pools not to be filled. Existing pools to be filled with buckets of water from tap.

Sounds interesting huh. Stage 4 is not far away judging by current trends. With such a dire need for water supplies, recycled water presents an attractive alternative to ease the situation. Unfortunately, the parliament here does have a sizeable and formidable opposition, unlike, erm. U-know-where. So i guess "Aussie NeWater" will still take some time before making its debut. But without a doubt, It's just a matter of time.

Guten Morgen, 2007

Countdown Parties celebrating NYE/2007.. What's there to celebrate anyway? Everyday can be a New Year... "Tomorrow starts today".. But nonetheless still went to take a look at the countdown celebrations in the City with Dad.. I'm glad he came.. Plesant Last-min surprise.. My weaponry is in Dire need of a re-load.. His visit will no doubt pep up my flagging morale... Not that he knew anything about it anyway. This is it. The final countdown. Make or Break. Whatever I've achieved in the past couple of months counts for nothing if I don't perform come Jan31.

Being an Int'l student is like a Vacuum cleaner.......

Crown Casino (Or rather, Entertainment Complex)