Two 5 minute galleries

I popped into the The National Gallery of Victoria (Fed Square) (how other states hate us having national in the name) a couple of weeks ago to see ManStyle, an exhibition of men's clothing from the eighteenth century until now. It was worth a five minute peruse.

I then headed to the Town Hall to see Crepuscular. I had never heard the word but you can find out about it at the linked website. It perhaps took ten minutes to check. I like these quick look exhibitions. Who wants to spend a whole day looking at old pictures. Much better to take a digestible bite.

As I left Fed Square via the atrium, I crossed Flinders Street and joined a throng heading up Hosier Lane. Actually, there were several throngs, all there to examine the graffiti. Eventually I reached Flinders Lane after being impeded by the throngs and trying to avoid being snapped as a piece of graffiti.

Oh, a doorway, a staircase, a sign reading shopping centre. No shopping centre in this part of Collins Street that I know about. I climbed the stairs and sure enough, a few shops of the high end label variety and a large but deserted eating place. In fact the whole area was very deserted. From the outside I saw that I had been in 161 Collins Street, sandwiched between the T&G building and the rather nice one below.

Here are the red sticks at Fed Square. The bands around them were added later to stop kids pulling them to the ground and then letting them go. Bloody destructive vandalistic kids. But I am an adult. How was I to know you weren't supposed to do that and that it wasn't a piece of interactive art. They made a lovely clatter when I let them go.


A moat surrounded the cubes in the shopping arcade. It was very nicely done.


The cubes are lovely and although I saved looking closely at them for another time. I think they represent stages in Victoria's history.


Next door to 161 is this fine building. The windows are boarded up. I hope something nice is happening.


Across Collins Street is Scots Church. Last time I looked, this fountain was empty of water but not empty of rubbish. Now it is back on to delight passers by.

The Block in Richmond

Seems like I was too subtle for many. The houses under tarps post of the Near Map showing Cameron Street, Richmond are the houses being used in the new series of The Block on Channel 9. While I wasn't an avid viewer of the previous series, I am sure I will watch this local series keenly.

Get the camera out

Getting the camera out is what I would do. History needs to be recorded. Bugger the dead and maimed.

However, it does strike me as very odd that some bystanders at where a tram collision took place had an immediate instinct to climb on board the trams and fake injuries. Where does such an instinct come from?

Takes my mind back to when some Australian Greeks and Italians used to fake car accident injuries, or even stage car accidents.

Memphis, Tennessee (0ne thing you can always be sure about, spell checkers will get American place names right).

Clearly the trolley did not go 'ding, ding, ding' loudly enough.

In what one MATA spokeswoman deemed a "disturbing aspect" of Wednesday's trolley collision at Main and Auction are witnesses' claims that bystanders attempted to board the trolley and fake injuries after the crash.

Spokeswoman Allison Burton said witnesses saw at least eight people run at the trolleys following the wreck.

Onboard security personnel asked onlookers to stay back, said Burton, but the door of the second trolley was forced open from the west side and at least two people climbed in, witnesses said.

MATA workers who were some of the first responders after the crash told Burton they saw a man and woman "really trying to be a part" of the accident.

Household Tasks

You may be interested at how R and I divide up the household tasks. No? Never mind. Read on if you will.

Coooking: R. I cook once in a blue moon and then only special things. If he is fed up with cooking, he has only to say so and we go out or get take away.

Cleaning up after cooking: Me mostly. Although if R has had a day off and I have worked, as well as cooking he usually cleans up too.

Washing: My department. I wash, dry and fold. R washes his own bedding though.

Ironing: We each do our own.

Dusting, bathroom cleaning and hard floor cleaning: R, however I do clean my own shower.

Vacuuming: Me

Window, mirror and picture cleaning: Me, I have a sharp eye for a smear.

Skirting boards and the rare cobweb: Me

Flowers and indoor plants: R

Outdoor plants: Me

Balcony, barbeque and gas bottle replacement, and exterior air con cleaning: Me

Light fitting cleaning, internal air con cleaning, lamp cleaning and lamp bulb replacement, range hood and dishwasher and washing machine cleaning: Me

Stove cleaning: Me

Fridge cleaning: R

Tech machine maintenance: Me

Finances: Now, entirely me, but it wasn't always so. Things changed and the role naturally fell to me.

Tattslotto: Same numbers for three decades have not been productive. R's job.

Shopping: R, although I help if I am not working on Saturday and I sometimes buy bits and pieces in between.

It works out fairly evenly and it is not something we have ever really discussed. Each task fell to the one who the task suited, had the time at the right time of the day or who did it best.

About the only thing we disagree on is who answers the phone, and we can do a right back and forth on that. In the meantime the phone rings out.

There was one time though about the oven. R said it needed cleaning. I said, I only just did it not long ago. He said, you are doubting what I am saying? I wasn't really, and it did need cleaning, but it wasn't long since I had cleaned the oven. But of course you never complain about anything that happens in the cooking process if you want the cooking to continue.

Late edit: I left out the loading and unloading the dishwasher. There are no rules. We both do it, as suits.

Repaint of Illoura

I consider the approval of the demolition of the St Kilda Road mansion Illoura to be a criminal act. How could they. Sadly it is one of many.



This grand building replaced it....well, I suppose the architect liked his design. I quite like the angled windows. Makes for some interest at least. It is a wide building with a central atrium and a few shops. Mostly though, it is offices. It was looking quite shabby and you can see the original paintwork at the front and top. Over the past few weeks it has seen some imaginative repainting. No, they are not shadows on the angled window ledges but paint. It rather looks like the sun always shines from the east. While it is not quite a silk purse, it is a big improvement.

A NearMap view of a Richmond block

So what is going on here then? Ah, top right is DTs Hotel, a gay venue for more than ten years but now for sale including the freehold. It is Molly's local and favourite watering hole. But what is under the blue tarps in Cameron Street? You will probably have to click to see the larger view.


View Large Map

Adelaide or bust

Busy busy weekend. Out each night and work both days. What have I written in advance. This'll do.

We are to holiday in Adelaide mid year. This is my idea. We last visited Adelaide in the winter of 1983 I think, not long after the Ash Wednesday fires. We drove along the coast as close as we could and saw the burnt trees at Aireys Inlet. I can't imagine we did the whole trip in one day, so we must have stayed somewhere along the way. I have absolutely no idea where. Effectively, we did the Great Ocean Road and the Condamine. Our neighbour Mrs Sutcliffe insisted that we go past the area where Stormboy was made.

South Australia then had a government tourist bureau in Melbourne and they were very helpful. In 2011, I don't think it now exists and we book and organise using the internet. I think we stayed at West Beach, although it could have been Henley Beach. The tourist bureau found us digs and it was quite nice, owned by a married couple. Over the phone I had asked for them for a double bed. There was confusion and then disapproval when we arrived and they realised that we were two men sharing a double bed. R was terribly embarrassed, but I was on a gay rights mission. Of course now, we not only do we not want a double bed, we want separate rooms.

The beach was wide, clean and open. Pity it was midwinter. R has fixed holidays even back then did. I can't remember a lot of what we did. Of course we went to Glenelg. Of course we rode the sole tram to the city and back. We looked around the city. We went to the zoo. We went to area where there was a small purpose built sound stage, which I think was near the banks of the Torrens. We walked through the parks.

One memorable outing was a bus tour to the Barrossa Valley wineries. It was an excellent trip. Another day we drove to Hahndorf.

We have a travel agents six days in Adelaide, but practically it four days.

We leave late from home and stay at Sister's on the Bellarine. Next day visit the Otway Fly and back to Sister's and stay another night. Next day head to Mount Gambier by the most direct route, visit a friend along the way, and stay the night in a motel and the following day visit what is to be seen in Mount Gambier. I have found heaps of things to see there. The next day, unhurriedly, set off for Adelaide. Booked into a big big seaside caravan park cabin for our accommodation. We are paying a premium, so we should hear the lapping of waves. Day one of six has gone.

Days 2, 3, 4, 5, I am not sure. Day 6 we will probably head for home early.

If we were relying on public transport, I doubt we would fit too much in, but we will have the car and so can get around quickly enough.

We will visit the tram museum at

We will see Glenelg again and explore.

Of course we have to travel over the new tram extended tram route and experience both types of new trams.

See the city naturally.

Victor Harbour is on the agenda and I think I would like to take another winery tour by bus.

The whole point of this post was to ask Adeladians for suggestions for what to do when we are Adelaide, and while I would be quite happy for any suggestions, ah, I think I may have filled our time already.

The coin machine on the fridge

It was a box attached to a rental tv. You rented the tv and paid for it with coins. It had electrical wires coming out of it to the tv. Tradie Brother told me that there wasn't a direct relationship between the money you put in to watch tv and how much the tv rental cost, so therefore, when the box was emptied, you received some money back, an incentive of some sort I think.

When I told R this, he remembers them in England, along with the coin in the slot gas meters.

What is it?

Tradie Brother is rather fond of creating curiosities. He had a post painted like barbers pole only in blue and white and it was stuck into the lawn. If you looked at it, you could see many names written upon it with a carpenter's pencil. My name was added when I asked what it was for.

He also once grew the tallest rose on the Mornington Peninsula, maybe the world. He trained a single leader of a rose up a pole, up to over thirty metres in the sky. It showed on the various aerial mapping sites.

No one can enter his kitchen for the first time without exclaiming, 'What happened to your fridge?' It used to be a beer fridge and sat outside and must have become wet at times.

What about the black box attached to it? I have learnt not to ask, but eventually he had to tell me. In the close up photo, you can see a slide that coins were inserted into, the slide was pushed across and the money dropped into the box. But what was it for?

Miaow

Most people in the world I would not take on physically. I am a whimp. Intellectually, there are many superior to me. Mentally, I can probably hold my own against most people. One person I would not take on physically, intellectually or mentally is Senator Penny Wong.

No one could refute that it is hard for women in politics. They are scrutinised so much more than men and held to higher standards. Women only really succeed in politics by their brains.

Senator Wong has the lot I reckon. Physical, mental and intellectual. Be afraid boys be very afraid. Upset her, and you will not come out of it looking good.

In spite of me being disappointed in her for towing the party line over many matters, including gay marriage, which I don't care two hoots about personally, but many of my ilk do, I think she is future PM material.

I have no reason to doubt that she is also quite charming. Politicians need the charming ability too. But riled, she can turn like a mangy dog. Is she representative of Adelaide women? Should I be afraid to visit Adelaide? Take a look if you haven't seen it all ready. It is so passe to say so, but go girl.

The Mother Day

Which Mother story would you like? The mysterious door bell ringing at 2am which sometimes happens and did last night. I had a look at it today. It is wired in with a transformer in the meter box. It could be shorting out somewhere. Long story which I will save you from......for now.

What is that yellow thing Andrew? There was no yellow thing, only a smart electric meter with tamper areas tied off with yellow ties. Mother was most upset that it had been installed without her knowledge. I can refuse, she proclaimed. I don't know much about smart meters, but I think she can refuse. I ran my finger over the top of the meter. It had hardened dust upon it. It has been there a long time, before consumers were able to refuse. Maybe just as well Mother, as now they have to carefully check your wiring to make sure your electric wiring is all safe before installing one. Yours may not come up to scratch. Suddenly we are in a quandary. Thinking about it later, no quandary. Mother's house going up like a Hindu widow would not be a bad thing. Just save Mother and the photos.

What else won't I tell you about? Ah yeah, golf balls mysteriously appearing in her backyard. She thought cats were bringing them in. When a heavy golf club appeared on the back lawn, that seemed doubtful. Another one added to the mysteries at Mother's place.

Chainsaw niece called her 'that foreign woman next door', Mother's long time neighbour who may or may not have been a Filipina bride, now widow, had been the perfect neighbour. Always there to help but never intrusive. The neighbour's daughter is a high achiever in life, but has been struck down with Lupus. Our dyke heart transplant friend used to have Lupus and it was probably responsible for the failure of her heart. This is not good news. Mother has known the daughter since she was born and she would now be mid twenties.

Another story from Mother that is too long tell, speaking of Chainsaw niece, is that she slept in her car after a party until the morn. Did she lock her car? Did she wind up the windows? Evidently not as her purse and phone were gone the next morning. That's her story, and she is sticking to it.

I actually had a nice time with Mother today. I took her to a nursery for her to buy seedlings, to the shops and the supermarket for shopping that ABI normally takes her for on Friday evenings. We wrapped up with coffee and an apple slice each at the Great Australian Bakery. The weather was quite pleasant.

Mother is girding her loins for an overnight stay by Sister, Bone Doctor and Little Jo on Saturday night. 'Andrew, why can't they just come in the daytime? Little Jo wakes so early and I want to sleep.' What is the woman on. Little Jo coming into your bed at 6.30 in the morning for a cuddle is one of the nicest things in the world.

Mother did buy some jelly crystals and Smarties to make jelly with smarties in it for Little Jo's visit at least.

(all positive thoughts and comments about Mother were inspired by the fact that she did not bang on about her health issues, just for once)

Martini

Dean Martin always had one didn't he? A good stiff martini. Although I knew how to make a martini when I was eighteen and I worked in a pub, I was never asked for one and nor had I ever made one for myself to drink. I was strictly a beer or sweet drink person then. How times have changed. Of the former I rarely partake and of the latter I do not enjoy the partake.

I cannot remember when I had my first martini. It was a long time ago, maybe when I was around 30. My alcohol tastes had changed from sickly sweet and I enjoyed my dry martini immensely. For a while R and I used to make them at home or occasionally have them when we were out. Like the cry goes 'don't touch the bottom' as the birthday person cuts their cake, so too did the cry go out, 'don't bruise the gin'.

There are so many cocktails available now, but I prefer the simple ones, such as a martini or a margarita. Not that I have had one for years, but I could quite easily.

There is one cocktail I have not had and always want to try and that is a Long Island Tea. I believe one is enough to knock you sideways. I think I'll have two. Ten years ago one cost about $20. Goodness knows what they might be now.

While it is not a cocktail,I would like to try absinthe too. Rumour had it that it was banned because of its hallucinogenic properties due to the woodworm in it. Apparently it was nothing to do with woodworm, but the simple fact that it was around 80% proof. Did I read that France recently allowed the drink to once again be called absinthe?

Can I have my dose of the green fairy among the bacchanalia found in Montmartre? Look R, there is Montmartre, I exclaimed from the Eiffel Tower.

Not so exciting day off

I am excited. I have a day off tomorrow. They seem rare and far apart. I wish I had time to go out somewhere and see something interesting. Instead in the morning I must iron chothes, clean my shower, and clean the stove top. Mostly eating at home means our kitchen gets used, big time, and needs cleaning often. Oh yes, the dishwasher needs cleaning too. Only those who have one understand that. Arggh, so does the washing machine. How does a machine that cleans your clothes get so dirty?

In the afternoon I will visit Mother, fifty minute trip there, probably sixty minute trip home. I'd rather be home and go out for a walk when R gets home. We could have coffee in Park Street South Yarra after a walk along the gorgeous Park Street. We could go to Albert Park Lake. We could wander the streets of South Melbourne. Our printer ink is new, so no need to go to Officeworks in Kingsway.

Nah, Mother has hurt her neck winding the clothes line up and down. It is ABI Brother's fault. He had not visited the Singer sewing machine shop to get oil for the clothes line mechanism. 'Andrew, I try not to use the clothes dryer. The clothes must be wound high for them to dry. The cats play with the washing if they can reach it.'

Wish me luck.

Macca Coffee

An extract from a post about my McDonalds experience.

Now I am not a coffee snob, I just like a nice cup of coffee. I usually have a double shot latte, sometimes a long black, sometimes a short black, sometimes a macchiatto. If I am ever doubtful about the quality of the cup of coffee I am ordering, long black is the safest, and so I thus ordered.

I clearly stated that I wanted to 'eat in' and not 'take away', yet would you believe, it came in a paper cup!!! I gazed around and there was no evidence of any china cups or glasses. I haven't been so surprised since my first and only visit to Gloria Jeans and my coffee was served in a paper cup. For a change it was me moaning to Mother. Perhaps they have run out of clean cups, she said. Look around Mother. No one has a china cup. And what I thought was a proper coffee machine was apparently some sort of automatic device. The coffee was just dreadful. The automatic machine at work makes better coffee. And you know what I paid for dreadful coffee in a paper cup? $3.50!!! I can go to the cafe across the road from the Highrise and get an excellent cup of hand made coffee for $2.70 and in a china cup, and served to my table. For $3.50 I can go to the upmarket Cafe Vue next door, sit at a table and have waiter bring me a cup of coffee and a glass of water. He or she will take my money and return with the change.

Apparently very few like McDonalds coffee and the company is are well aware of it. They are now going to employ specialist baristas to make coffee. Ah, is my leg being pulled? What proper barista would work in McDonalds. Maybe they can get a common garden variety barista but specialist barsita. They really are shooting for the stars. I would be most grateful if someone could leave some detail in comments about the difference between a barista and specialist barista. Here is the bit from the Sydney Daily Telegraph. I thank you.


----------------------------

MCDONALD'S is planning to appoint specialist baristas following a huge customer backlash over the quality of its coffee.

Realising it is not “the most loved coffee chain”, McDonald’s is set to appoint professional baristas for its more than 650 restaurants in Australia in a bid to woo back unhappy coffee-drinkers, The Australian reports.

From Sunday, the restaurant chain launch a multi-million dollar advertising campaign apologising for its coffee and urging customers to speak up if it continues to fail to meet their expectations.

McDonald’s chief operating officer Helen Nash told The Australian the apology was “up there in terms of a bit of a first” for the company but said feedback from customers had been overwhelming.

“Australians have a very sophisticated palate and we are not delivering a strong cup of coffee,” she said.

“Customers have told us we can do better and we are saying ‘we have heard you and now we hope you notice the difference.”

Bricks

I was given to thinking about bricks after Timespanner posted about a now defunct brick factory in Auckland. Where are our Melbourne bricks made now? I haven't really investigated properly, probably because it is pretty boring information to know.

But when recently at Tradie Brother's house, he proudly showed me his 1957 Glen Iris brick. It has an emu on one side of the face and a kangaroo on the other side. Nice brick. Hey bros. That is a good brick. That was made in the year I was............ummm. Yeah well.

At the rear of his house is a self contained flat where his in laws used to live. His father in law used to use a brick as a door stop. It was a 1956 (Olympics in Melbourne) brick with Olympic rings on it. When Tradie Brother returned to the earlier matrimonial home, he found the brick, broken in half. He was much disappointed. He was shattered when I told one had recently sold on Ebay for $5.50. Well, not really. He likes them for what they are.

I did take a little time to investigate old bricks on the net. Great, there is an Australian brick collector group. Oh, twelve members.

Anyway, here is brother's brick. The old esky cooling blocks are a pretty good keep too. I recalled a tartan Willow brick but it was a red tartan. Yes, he said, they came in red too.