Monday 1st May 2023
Finally a new month. April was such a long month. The sun is out today with a forecast of 22 degrees C again and possible showers.
Week 7 Day 18 Intermediate Computer Skills Course @ Macquarie Community College Chatswood Computer Lab Room 5
Again after class I did a grocery shop before going home on the bus.
News headlines today include
A man has been charged for beating up a referee at a South Western Sydney soccer match at Padstow..
As the Kings Coronation nears people are already camping out to get the best vantage point. Meanwhile Everyone watching is encouraged to pledge allegiance to the King. And for the first time the coronation will be in English, Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic and Welsh.
Major rail and road projects are under threat with a week long review of infrastructure projects that could face the axe before the Federal budget . Meanwhile it is speculated on with increased tax income, the budget could be back in surplus.
In QLD a family of 4 were attacked in a road rage incident when a man in white van started shooting after tailgating them with a 14 year old in the car shot in the thigh by the man in the van.
The Spirit of Tasmania has had to return to Geelong after a man has fell overboard. His body has been retrieved .
An experienced fisherman is missing and feared he was eaten by a crocodile in the fsr North of QLD. The area is being searched after witnesses heard splashing in the water. This occurred after an 11 year old from Tasmania visiting Exmouth was bitten by a croc and taken to hospital with leg injuries.
Tuesday 2nd May 2023
Week 7 Day 19 Intermediate Computer Skills Course @ Macquarie Community College Chatswood Computer Lab Room 5
Another grocery shop before going home. A sweet treat today from Breadtop a coconut bun and an almond custard bun taken home.
News headlines today include
There are plans to nationally ban vapes and their imports and only make them available on prescription at pharmacies.
Celebrity chef Jock Zonfrillo has died aged 46 on the night of the new series of Masterchef airing which has been delayed. He was found in his hotel room in Melbourne.
Prince Louis may have turned 5 recently but Princess Charlotte turns 8 tomorrow with a new photo released.
Preparations for the King's coronation continue with Australian defence force members in rehearsals in London . Meanwhile AA is on his way to London to attend the Coronation however with pressure for him not to swear his allegiance to The King.
A 13 year old teenager has been charged for reckless driving without a licence killing 3 women and injuring one with life threatening injuries .
A new AFL CEO Andrew Dillion has officially taken over from the outgoing AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan and a licence for a 19th AFL team in Tasmania is about to be announced. The outgoing AFL CEO Gillon is heading down to Tasmania to announce that a 19th AFL team licence has been granted however if Tasmania wants to name the team Tasmanian Devils it will have to fight Warner Bros for copyright for the name as The Tasmanian Devil has been part of the Loonie Tunes cartoon characters since 1950s.
All eyes will be on the RBA today as to whether they will sit or raise interest rates again. Very disappointing that the RBA decided to hike the interest rate again another .25% bringing the interest rate from 3.6% to 3.85% citing the inflation rate is still too high despite it falling from 7.8% to 7% and that the rate gas already past its peak.
A meter crocodile was found on the Central Coast in a wheelie bin whilst cleaning up.
Wednesday 3rd May 2023
Week 7 Day 20 Intermediate Computer Skills Course @ Macquarie Community College Chatswood Computer Lab Room 5
Another grocery shop after class today however I forgot my lunch so walked to GyG to purchase a chicken burrito ( oops I forgot the spicy) and a chimy mayo sauce.It was very windy and because we only have 30 minutes for lunch had to eat & run.
I had another APM appointment today at 11 am today but did not attend as I had classes. I had sent a text message in advance on 22nd April 2023 in reference to this.
News headlines today include
AA has met King Charles III and has announced that although a republican as part of protocol will pledge his allegiance to the king. Not long after that Buckingham Palace went into lockdown as a controlled explosion was thought to have been heard. A man has since been arrested for having procession of a weapon.
Qantas has a new female CEO as Alan Joyce steps down from his CEO role.
The godfather of AI at Google has resigned as he was unhappy with the direction it was developing.
A sunny top of 25 degrees is forecasted for today and a cold change is forecasted to come.
Nick Kyrios mother was carjacked at gun point in his bright green Tesla. Using his car's app Kyrios and police were able to track down the stolen car and arrests made.
The Met gala is on with Nicole Kidman wearing a vintage gown from one of her old perfume commercials , other wild costumes include a white cat .
After the interest rate increase, there are promises in the upcoming budget for more rising cost of living assistance.
Thursday 4th May 2023
Today is another mostly sunny day with a top of 21 degrees C however I do not intend to venture out as it is a catch up day today.
Yesterday I had stocked up on most grocery items although there seems to be a continued supply chain issue with things like water at Woolworths, and seafood at Coles . I just purchase whatever I can find left on my shopping list.
News headlines today include
The King & Queen look very relaxed as they host their first garden party just a few days before the King's Coronation this weekend. The garden party was mainly for volunteers and frontline service staff to thank them for their services although there were some celebrities such as Lionel Ritchie who will be performing at the King's Coronation concert. After the party the King & Queen together with Prince William snd his family travel to the Abbey for a final rehearsal for the coronation.
Brisbane was lit up in red as a tribute to s female fire fighter Izabella Nash who passed away overnight in hispital from fighting a fire with a collegue North of Brisbane ( Slacks Creek) when they both ran out of oxygen and had to be rescued by other fire fighters. Her work collegue is still in hospital in a serious condition. AA has sent a message of the cruel reminder of the risks and dangers that confront iirefighters everyday. This comes after International Fire Fighters Day.
Aged care industry workers will receive the biggest payrise to attract and retain workers in the industry. A 15% increase was announced for registered nurses aged care workers and chefs and cooks in the aged care industry. It's not the 25% rise that the sector gas been campaigning for for so long but it's a start.
It is estimated that after the 11th interest rate hike in less then a year where the RBA governor is under fire for, 45% of household income is now going towards the household's mortgage. The big 4 banks start to pass on the interest rate increase with NAB leading the way despite huge increases in profits.
A 24 year old exchange student who accidently ingested rat poisoning has been medivaced back to Australia. He had been stranded in s Taipei hospital snd kept alive for the plane trip back after a go fund me page was created as the cost of the medical evacuation flight was not covered by insurance. It is unclear at this stage of how the incident happened.
2 police officers were attacked at Crystal Brook outside of Adelaide when they went to investigate a noise complaint neighbours made from the man's dog. The officers suffered severe stab wounds with one officer in a stable condition alert and and talking but with the other just having surgery in a critical condition. The man was shit by officers passing away.
Russia blames Ukraine for trying to assainate president Putin with 2 drones shot down above the Kremlin. Ukraine denies the incident declaring it does not have the resources to so. Putin was not at the Kremlin at the time.
AA is in the UK not just for the coronation he will be meeting with the UK PM as well - ah the submarines are back in the discussions.
Friday 5th May 2023
Another mostly clear day with a top of around 22 degrees C.
Last night I was up until 9.30 pm doing laundry snd only managed to do one load of laundry. Today I need to finish it off - still not done. I need to empty my bin again done and return all my bottles for recycling done.
Today I took the 291 bus out to Macquarie Shopping Centre.
First stop was to recycle my 18 bottles. One got stuck so I only got $1.70 in vouchers as I used a self service machine rather then take it to a manned recycling centre. I don't like vouchers as I always forget to redeem them at the nearest Woolworths.
Next stop was a snack which I paid cash for - Hainan Chicken. It was definitely not Hainan chicken and it wasn't even labelled that but instead something like Hoinam chicken. It was too dark to be Hainan chicken and covered in too much shallot and ginger oil. It came with a fried rice for $9.50 as an end of day special. There was only 2 left and an extra fried rice so they asked if I wanted it all - no thanks just 1 serving. I tasted it and it wasn't nice rating 5/10. I have a classmate who loves his Hainan chicken - has it for lunch at least once a week and I am sure he would not be impressed by this one!
Next stop Kmart for towels singlets underpants and moisturiser.
Next onto Big W for leggings and socks.
Finally onto Coles for a rather massive grocery shop.
It was very quite for a Friday afternoon at Big W and Coles. Maybe everyone is preparing for King Charles III Coronation Partys tomorrow.
Home on the 291 but it is quite late so I did not get to do my laundry. Oh well another catch up day tomorrow.
News headlines today include
Ed Shereen has won his US case of plagiarism from an old Marvin Gay hit. He announced that if he lost the case he would give up being a musician altogether .
Only 1 more sleep until the Coronation. Prince and Princess Kate have been out and about even pouring a beer at the Dog & Duck pub with no sign of the King or Queen.. There will ba a Coronation dinner tonight at Buckingham Palace. 4 pm Saturday is when the Coronation will commence. Meanwhile AA has met Prince William and is a very busy man having discussed free trade with Rishi Sunak and rausing the working holiday visa age from 30 to 35 years old and from 2 years for 3 years.
Gabreille Carey co author if Puberty Blues has died suddenly aged 64.
Father Bob is being farewelled at a funeral which will be streamed in Melbourne if people can't attend or want to attend.
Another 13 year old has been arrested in relation to the stolen Mercedes that crashed killing 3 women and leaving one in critical condition in hospital.
It's a full moon tonight. A luna eclipse on the night of King Charles coronation - coincidence?
Saturday 6th May 2023
King Charles III Coronation Day - a once in a lifetime event where all eyes around the world will be tuned in for it. Coverage in Australia is from 4 pm today.
I didn't end up doing my laundry today but I did make a batch of soya sauce and honey chicken wings as well as separate my laundry into whites and colours. The Coronation was do long! It was interesting to watch though ( after I figured out which channel was broadcasting it live snd when to switch over to another channel to continue the live coverage - I started off watching channel 7 until they stopped broadcasting for the news then went to the ABC until they advised to switch over to ABC news to continue the coverage then it got a bit boring so I switched back to channel 7 who were actually using the BBC for live broadcasting - confused? Yep I was!)
I think I switched off just after the fly over and saw the king and queen on the balcony. It was quite late.
News headlines today include
Well there does not seem to be much else in the news due to all eyes being on the King's Coronation however -
The World Health Organisation has declared COVID is no longer a global energency. Yes we all know the COVID pandemic is well and truely over however we have been warned in Australia not to be complacent.
A man has been in a hit and run North of Coffs Harbour. The driver responsible for the hit & run is still being hunted. A woman has now been charged and co operating with police as to what happened.
Contraversy over the lighting of the sails of the Opera House to commemorate the Coronation was cancelled . Budget conscience a compromise was struck the government believes.
A jockey Jamie Kah thrown off her horse back in March in Flemington which led to her being in a coma with a brain bleed and broken bones is determined to ride again.
Russia has now blamed the US for the drone explosion above the Kremlin. Again denied by the US. Meanwhile first lady Jill Biden is in the UK to attend the Coronation without Joe Biden as there is no need for the head of the US to attend as they are not part of the Commonwealth.
A beer tax - what a glass of beer could cost AUS$20!? Part of inflation and the rising cost of living?! Surely not?! Which is almost the cost of a meal , small pubs are to afraid to pass on the increase in the cost of beers to their customers coping the costs of increases themselves.
A class action has arisen by QLDers against Q super of not being notified of changes to their life insurance.
The MP responsible for the Centrelink Robotax fiasco that caused some Australian residents to take their own lives and extreme stress for thousands of others , has resigned.
First look at Celine Dion's new movie and soundtrack is being released.
Sunday 7th May 2023
Today is meant to be sunny with a chance of showers and a top of 17 degrees C. Getting cooler.
I woke up quite early this morning making my lunch for tomorrow and catching up on my blog as well as thinking about what I still have to do today. I would love to go into the city but it's a track work weekend again today. I will check just in case it is not s track work weekend. Yep there is track work.
I was up until past 9.30 pm tonight doing just 2 loads of laundry. It took up most of my day. A doub lo e wash each which took 1.5 hours each load then almost 3 hours to dry!
Sleep around 10 pm after folding all of one load. I did watch Kahn Ong's Wild Food whilst doing my laundry which is quite a good new series on the Food channel on Sunday nights.
I almost forgot to blog about this but today I signed up for the 3.5 km family fun run on Sunday 17th September 2023. The super earlybird period for entries have ended so the next best category earlybird is now $50 which is rather expensive to enter a family fun run. There was no merchandise options or catering options just an itab option for online registrations. No free singlets - nothing just entries into the Sydney Marathon half marathon bridge run and family fun run. The cost to entry has become almost unaffordable.The emphasis is on the full and half marathons and not the 10 km bridge run or 3.5 km family fun run. It is no longer sponsored by Blackmores since they are no longer an Australian company taken over recently by Kirin the Japanese beer company. I was going to sign up for the bridge run but since the major change this year I don't want to waste my money in the event it is a dud fun run due to no major sponsorship. After it's delayed 20th anniversary run last year I guess it will be a pretty boring run this year - probably no recovery village or entertainment either this year. COVID really killed these fun runs. I wonder what the city 2 surf is like this year!?
News headlines today include
All news is on the Coronation yesterday. There was hardly any coverage of other news. A brief mention of the budget announcement on Tuesday night.
A brief mention of yet another mass shooting in Texas US where there are 4 dead.
A brief mebrion of how the AOC is the first to support an indigenous voice in Australia which may lead to a first step to reconciliation.
A brief mention of Melbourne having a cold snap of 7 degrees but feeling more like 4 degrees.
The writers strike in Hollywood continues. This is the second time the writers guild has been on strike over better pay and conditions. If it continues for as long as the first strike, quite a few streaming series will be affected. At this point in time mainly late night shows are affected with reruns being screened whilst the writers strike is on.
$2.4 billion will be raised from off shore gas and oil exploration tax to fund it's budget.
The woman holidaying alone in the Bright area who took a wrong turn and ended up bogging her vehicle has been found by search and rescue after 6 days surviving on a bottle of wine and a juice box. She was taken to hospital for observation and the ordeal has not discouraged her from future adventures in the alpine region.
Monday 8th May 2023
Week 8 Day 21 Intermediate Computer Skills Course @ Macquarie Community College Chatswood Computer Lab Room 5
All eyes are now on The Coronation Concert which unfortunately is not streamed live in full this morning by channel 7 due to the morning news. Lionel Richie is one of the stars that has performed all night long, Katy Perry sang and Prince Wiliiam has made a speech to his father with an All Night Long dad joke
What a cold dnsp overnight with snow in Thredbo NSW, Falls Creek near the NSW VIC boarder and in Mt Buller in Victoria with high wind gusts , out West past The Blue Mts and in Canberra .Today is forcasted for 18 degrees C in Sydney with high wind gusts.
News headlines today include
Cost of living assistance for welfare recipients nd single mothers are hinted in the Federal budget tomorrow with a possible budget surplus that has been speculated for most of the week now. Assistance also includes power bills .
Another shooting out West of Sydney.
A man has died in his new BMW . Rescuers tried to revive him but he died on the scene.
More trailers of Celine Dion's rom com movie and sound track Love Again
Tuesday 8th May 2023
Week 8 Day 22 Intermediate Computer Skills Course @ Macquarie Community College Chatswood Computer Lab Room 5
It's freezing yesterday with temperatures dropping to 7 degrees C in Sydney however the freezing temps rain and wind as well as beaches closed due to wild conditions and waves as high as 6 meters plus will continue today. The snow rain and wind may have stopped but the wild weather and surf conditions continue so we have been told to rug up and stay away from beaches.
After class today it was another grocery shop and a shepherds pie from Woolworths Metro for as n after class snack ( a hot snack for a cold day)
Home on the bus - always a very long wait.
Last night I did watch a rerun of the Coronation concert. It was ok.
I got almost no sleep as my neighbour had his tv on quite loud throughout most of the night a nbn d morning. I could hear it through my common wall. He has done this before. I am so tired. I still have to get to class on time.
News headlines today include
Lionel Richie brings King Charles & Queen Carmila onto American Idol as guests - a little awkward but cute. Note I noticed that there was no Kylie or Dani Minogue performing at the Coronation concert - I thought they were one of the confirmed acts?! Meanwhile the royal children shine on a national volunteering day ( Big Help Out) out with their parents with Prince Louis and his father William in a digger as part of the 3 day celebration of the King's coronation. Official coronation portraits have been released.
The budget is back in surplus after 15 years and inheriting a huge deficit from the previous government however the current Labor government warns it is only temporary and will be back in deficit in the next year as the economy slows. This is a result of a lower umemployment rate meaning more people in jobs which means more taxes which means using this revenue to assist those people and areas that need it. Those that benefit are welfare recipients, single parents healthcare industry and medicare and the aged care industry.
John Farnham has recovered fully from a chest infection which required hospitalisation and is recovering well from his cancer battle whilst continuing with his rehabilitation
Barry Humpheries family has rejected a state funeral in Melbourne ( Victoria has had so many state funerals already) instead opting for one in Sydney although there are no details yet.
Telstra has had an outage today with some customers unable to make or receive calls.. Customers have been advised to turn the phone off and on again using flight mode or use other methods of communication eg use data until the problem is fixed.
Trump faces court again ( civil case) over a victim came forward claiming she was raped in a department store back in the 1990s. ( who cares). Trump is charged for sexual abuse but not rape to Ms Carroll.
There are new scams that involve fake rental properties being advertised which do not actual exist .Victims lose their deposits and rent however it is unsure whether the scam is only in Victoria or nationwide.
Bluey is again in the news bit not in as negative sense but a positive one - Americans just can't get enough of her!
In Rockhampton residents have become vigilantes by storming known juvenile repeat offenders homes. Residents ate sick of being repeated victims of youth crime.
Wednesday 10th May 2023
Week 8 Day 23 Intermediate Computer Skills Course @ Macquarie Community College Chatswood Computer Lab Room 5
A quick stop at Breadtop again for breakfast and lunch - a tuna and egg bun and my favourite Japanese fried beef curry filled doughnut and a very quick shop at K mart and the larger Coles after class with as quick stop at Tamon for some scallop sushi before walking back to catch the next 144 bus home. It was waiting at bus stop but I had to stop off to get rid of my one empty cranberry juice bottle to be recycled for ten cents. I just made it onto the awaiting 144 bus.
As soon as I returned home I took my rubbish out to the bin put my groceries away and had a nap to catch up on the lack of sleep I had last night.
News headlines today include
All eyes are on The Budget - The Winners & Losers. The Greens are unhappy with the outcomes and want more with the $40 per fortnight for welfare payments not going far enough and over 55s a higher rate closer to pensioners. Triple for Medicare with $3.5billion bulk billing boost with pensioners concession holders and under 16s to benefit, $500 energy bill assistance for low income earners. Aged care industry workers will get a wage increase.
QLD police are poaching potential police officers to tackle the increase in youth crime by offering perks such as their relocation costs of $20 000 with free accommodation and waiving testing and educational fees as well as offering them an increased wage 38 hour week and work life balance.
The Australian arm of weight loss company Jenny Craig has gone into administration after the parent company filed for bankruptcy in the US. The Australian NZ arm is separate to the US company therefore staff will be paid while it is under administration.
Prince Charles has returned to his first royal duty since his coronation, digging up the first spade of earth to a new sustainability research lab to be built at a university as well as rescuing a lady whole got her heel stuck in the turf.
The other royals William Kate Sophie Edward and Anne all hosted a garden tea party.
Thursday 11th May 2023
Catch up day - I slept in a little this morning. A beautiful 20 degrees C day forecasted for today but I have no plans to go out.
News headlines today include ( and there is so much news)
Petter Dutton is angry ( and he does have a valid point or two) that the recent budget did not account for any infrastructure for the influx of new migrants expected (estimated 1.5 million over next 5 years) . That the government's lack of planning for the future will result in yes we need more migrants to fill labour shortages but they may end up on welfare and living in tents due to the lack of housing availability that Australia is already experiencing with high mortgage rates and high rental competition resulting in a housing crisis. The number of infrastructure projects that are now under review and that may face the axe will also affect the new immigrant influx especially regional areas.
Harry has won his case against The Daily Mirror for phone hacking. He has received an apology from them This is just one of Harry's 3 legal cases he has against his invasion of privacy.
A 16 year old teenager has died after she was hit by a light rail in Sydney overnight. She was trapped under the carriages and the cause of the accident is under investigation.
The Melbourne Airport Rail project which was due to be completed in 2029 is now under review by the government. Will it go ahead with delays or will it be another infrastructure project to be axed?
It has been revealed that an estimated $187 000 tax payers money was spent for MPs to stay in 3 swanky hotels ( including the Hilton Shangrila ) in Cairns QLD for the recent parliamentary sitting
Billy Ocean coming back to Australia ?! Meanwhile stars of the new Little Mermaid will be coming to Australia on 22nd May with it's premieres on 25th May 2023.
Anthony Field The Blue Wiggle would like to sell his share of The Wiggles Band to buy and make private The Balmain Tigers NRL footy club. If this were to happen he wants it's jersey sponsorship free and will join the likes of Russell Crowe and Packer.
There is another budget scam going around from Mygov advising to click on a text link for a one off $750 cost of living payment . Everyone should be aware if this scam and not to click on the link as it will access your personal details and bank account details.
Australia's trade minister visits China on a 2 day trade ban visit hopefully paving the way for a PM visit in the future to China.
The AUS$ is now well above the $0.67 mark against the US$.
Friday 12th May 2023
Today I have another appointment at 11 am at APM. The consultant was still with another client over half an hour into my appointment time. We had a chat and it is all good for now.
After my appointment it was a quick spinach quiche from Vina bakery which unfortunately was not very nice - the pastry was far too thick and the quiche was very dry. This is not what their quiches are normally like. Something has changed since the store's renovation. I used to love their quiches so have to rate this quiche a 4/10 barely edible.
Another large grocery shop at Priceline Coles and Woolworths before heading back home to do 2 more huge loads of laundry which used all of my laundry money again due to the long drying time.
I tried to watch Eurovision but fell asleep so tired.
News headlines today include
Australia's Perth band Voyager has made it through to the Eurovision Song Contest finals on Sunday! It will be the last year Australia will be involved in the Eurovision Song Contest as it's contract expires this year. The song contest is hosted in Liverpool UK as the winners last year Ukraine are unable to host it in their home country due to the war with Russia. Another Australian is also in the song contest however he is representing Cyprus. When I heard this pieve of news I though what you c as n't have 2 contestants representing Australia! He is Australian but not representing Australia but if he wins and Voyager doesn't Australia can still claim him as a win!
Finding The Voice a documentary on the life of John Farnham which premiered in Melbourne premiered in Sydney overnight with advanced screenings on Mothers'Day this weekend and from next week.
Jaryd Haynes will find out today how long he will remain in jail after being charged for 2 accounts of rape in 2018 of a woman in Newcastle. Whilst the judge was sent a threatening letter before Haynes sentencing with someone writing "We know where you live", Haynes has now been a sentenced to spend 4 years and 9 months behind Silverwater jail however could be released in 2 years
Petter Dutton has responded to the government's budget and taking hos "promises" to the next election. He not only criticised the budget for not taking into account housing and infrastructure planning for future immigration influxes but also for not doing enough for middle income Australians. He proposed more spending on female health, welfare recipients bring able to work more hours and earning more income without their welfare payments being penalised rather then increasing welfare payments which is what the budget has done, renewing the push for nuclear power, allowing the use of some super funds to purchase first homes just to mention a few alternative proposals.
Saturday 13th May 2023
Today it is not a very nice day overcast but still in the early 20 degrees C today. I am not venturing out but catching up again.
I started planning what I might want to do my presentations on for class this week . We need to do at least 1 PowerPoint presentation snd the other 2 we can use whichever software we like.
Yesterday I paid some bills but have not paid my storage yet - not because I can't pay but it't always a hassle to pay because they don't use bpay and I have to remember the codes to pay it.
I finally paid this bill later today. It's one day late but it is such as hassle to pay as I had to find the code snd password write them down go to the website in order to pay it. The codes are too long & difficult to remember as one changes each month.
News Headlines today include
Telstra is charging customers a fee for not paying their bills digitally ie those that pay at Australia Post or at a Telstra store. Exemptions still apply though for customers for example with vision impairments, remote and concession card holdets
Former cricket great and Pakistan's ex PM Imran Kahn has been granted bail for corruption charges.
Australian looming housing crisis is not keeping up with immigration numbers accounting at a rate of only half of immigration numbers. QLD meanwhile are revisiting possible plans to use a vacant COVID quarantine centre outside of Brisbane as emergency housing for the homeless however the disused site will need to be modified to make it more livable to include a laundry and kitchen as well as accessibility as it is outside of Brisbane. $1 million has been put forward towards the planned project however all parties and Federal and State governments have to come to an agreement on the plan.
More photos of the Coronation have been released.
At the US Mexican border thousands of immigrants make their way to the border remaining on the Mexican side before tough new asylum rules come into force but there is calm.
Sunday 14th May 2023
Happy Mothers'Day!
Another beautiful day today! The forecast is for showers and a top of 21 degrees C. Is the forecast wrong? It's sunny outside!
I did not venture out today as I made as duck stew and spent most of my afternoon working on one of my three performance tasks due this week. I needed to get ahead as the collection of photos used for my tasks takes a lot if time to compile. I managed to complete it using Google slides.
News headlines today include
Turkey faces one of it's most important elections after it's earthquake destroying poorly designed residential blocks of buildings and a country's inflation rate of 50% ( and we thought Aystrali as's rate of inflation was bad!) which has forced the current government to increase public service staff's wages by 45% just to cover the cost of inflation.
A missing SA resident a male teacher is believed to be taken by a shark after finding his surf board with bite marks in it, the search continues today for his missing body.
Jock Zonfrillo has been laid to rest 2 weeks after his death 2 weeks ago at Macquarie Cemetery. He was found dead in his Melbourne Hotel aged 46 on the eve of the premiere of the new series of Masterchef. He died of natural causes and the new series of Masterchef was delayed out of respect for his family to morn. Jimmy Barnes sang amazing grace and there was a nod to Jock's Scottish heritage.
New videos have been released of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children getting ready for the King's coronation and their day out volunteering as well as Kate playing the piano for the opening of the Eurovision s song contest snd William rehearsing his speech to his father at the coronation concert.
A Neo Nazi protest in Melbourne has clashed with anti discrimination protest outside Parliament House in Melbourne over immigration . 2 Neo Nazi protesters have been arrested.
Tasmania has protested over new stadium led by Jackie Lambie. Claims the building if the stadium was rushed. A snap election ?
Sweden's Loreen has won the Eurovision Song Contest for 2023 again ( kast win 2012) robbing crowd favorite Finland. Discussions are now on for Australia's continued involvement in Eurovision as it's contract has ended. Disappointment but great exposure for Perth band Voyager whose lead singer is an immigration lawyer by day.
The Ukrainian President is planning to visit the Pope.
Monday 15th May 2023
Week 9 Day 24 Intermediate Computer Skills Course @ Macquarie Community College Chatswood Computer Lab Room 5
Another grocery shop after class today. I am constantly running out of things!
News headlines today include
Jim Charmers has failed to convince Australians the budget will be good for inflation. Only 13% think the budget will be good for inflation.
Taylor Swift has yelled at security guard for being overly aggressive towards a fan during her performance at her concert.
3 prisoners have escaped and are on the run from a minimum security prison in QLD. A man hunt is underway. Residents have been warned not to approach them as they could be dangerous.
An armed home invasion has happened in Melbourne's South where the attackers stabbed a male resident in the face and 2 females escaped with minor injuries. The attackers made of with a Volkswagen and a safe with jewellery after asking for drugs and cash. Police are also looking for a white getaway car also involved in the home invasion .
Matchbox 20 coming back to Australia?!
Dolly Parton has new music - an album
Turkey's elections continue.
Hundreds of Aussies are about to face the mortgage cliff coming off their low fixed interest rates.
There are calls for curfews for kids to crack down on youth crime where 70 plus are living in state homes.
Parents are being urged to get their kids vaccinated due to the increase in early flu cases.
Western suburbs have become anti teal forming their own political party in the West attracting real "Westy" representation.
The Pies won and invited mums and partners back in the dressing room to sing the club's song
Tuesday 16th May 2023
Week 9 Day 25 Intermediate Computer Skills Course @ Macquarie Community College Chatswood Computer Lab Room 5
Another shop after class today but my grocery shops are getting smaller.
Whale watching season starts .
Click Frenzy starts
News headlines today include
A Chinese national has been rescued found floating fir 18 hours after her boat took on water and aank near Fraser Island. The search has bern resumed for her missing boating partner today.
Prince Andrew has been evicted by King Charles from his current home a mansion in Berkshire near Windsor. Prince Andrew is refusing to move. His likely home will be the now vacant Frogmore Cottage which Garry and Meghan were evicted from.
A major fire has broken out at a hostel in Wellington NZ where many more long term residents were on the top floor. Asbestos and a collapsed roof are fears for those missing feared dead. 52 people have escaped but at least 6 are dead with the numbers to increase.
A thick fog has blanketed Sydney between 3 am and hoping to clear by 8 am this morning. Today the weather is forcasted to be sunny with a chance of showers and a top of around 21 - 22 degrees C.
Retired tennis champion Ash Barty is preparing to become a mum .She is currently promoting the Buy Australian campaign which starts today and ends on 21st May.
Who was that old man sitting next to Andrew Loyd Webber at the coronation? Certainly not the conspiracy theory it was Meghan Markle in disguise going around on socoal media. It was
Wednesday 17th May 2023
Week 9 Day 26 Intermediate Computer Skills Course @ Macquarie Community College Chatswood Computer Lab Room 5
It"s been very foggy lately in the early hours of the morning clearing by 8 am usually. Temperatures are hovering around the late teens to early 20s degrees C. It's been quite wet over night clearing in the mornings. Some nights are cold with temperatures dropping to around 10 degrees C sometimes into single digits. Winter is still yet to come.
Another stop off today at lunch for Breadtop and after work for buffalo chicken wings at Woolworths Metro. These are getting rather expensive with a normal 6 pack of either Chinese or buffalo wings costing $8.80 which used to cost no more then $6 . There is now a 3 pack of wings for $5.50 which I purchased and still think is expensive - that works out to be around $1.80 per wing! Talk about shrinkflation again!
I was stressing out today about completing and passing all my assessment knowledge and performance questions but I did end up completing them all for the module. Next week is the final week of the course. I will miss not having to attend classes and work on projects. It is now time for me to seriously look for a job. I have applied for and been rejected from so many jobs already. It's not easy for older women to find employment. Age is a discriminating factor unfortunately no matter how educated or talented you are. ( the unemployment rare is now at 3.7% ie 0.1% - 0.2 % up.
News headlines today include
Biden has cancelled his trip to Sydney to meet AA for next Tuesday's Quad summit which also includes India and Jaoan's leaders.Biden cancelled due to the US debt ceiling ie the government is running out of money. Biden will still travel to Japan to attend the G7 summit where he will catch up with AA.
The RBA is hinting a further multiple interest rate hikes.
A school bus outside of Melbourne carrying 45 student was hit by a truck just 400 m from it's school flipping it on it's side. 13 students and the driver were transported to hospital many in serious conditions. The driver of the driver of the truck remains in custody
A Qantas plane Cairns to Melbourne was forced to turn back after a loud bang was heard by passenger just 20 minutes after take off from Cairns.
The QLD premier has made a cabinet reshuffle due to the crisis in housing youth crime and healthcare. 2 ministers from youth justice and housing were demoted to more junior roles and there is likely to be a job swap with Yvette D'ath going back to her old portfolio snd attorney general..
An unauthorised documentary of life after conservatorship for Britney Spears has been released by tmz where Britney is not involved in at all depicting a less then wholesome life including mental health issues and marriage problems. Her husband was quick to defend her on social media. It shows her obsession with knives and caffine. A year and a half after her conservatorship ended they question whether this was actually hood for her.
Princess Kate was out and about having a game of be as n bag tik tak toe against an Olympian - Kate lost but was happy to have a chat and answer some rather personal questions about how she feels bring a princess with students.
Thursday 18th May 2023
I do not intend to venture out today. It is clear outside and the forecast is a chance of showers with a top of 18 degrees C.
It's catch up day today.
I took my rubbish out, made breakfast lunch and dinner but mist of my afternoon and night was doing my laundry!
News headlines today include
King Charles and Queen Camilla have attended their first royal duty together since the coronation reuniting with former Spice girl Ginger Spice Geti Halliwell.
Yesterday the Garbos from Cleanaway were on strike over longer hours worked with less pay today the paramedics are on strike over pay and work conditions.
China has been caught out selling local Chinese pond yabbies as Australian lobsters a slap in the face for Australians after the trade minister 's visit to China to unban Australian exports to China.
Harry and Meghan claim they were chased for 2 hours by paparazzi in NY liken the incident to that of the death of his mother. Different versions of the story have emerged but they did arrive at their charity event safely.
The severe floods in Northern Italy have trapped hundreds of residents. The rain deluge short but severe in about 36 hours .
Budget airline Jetstar now requires domestic passengers to have checked in snd bag dropped 40 minutes prior to departure time instead of 30 minutes and 1 hour for international flights both inlinewith international budget airlines. Meanwhile Qantas is planning to offer economy only passengers a chance to purchase a s po are seat next to them so they don't have to sit next to anyone which will range from an extra $35 - $65. An bv enail will he sent to passengers however if the seat become occupied at the last minute a refund will be issued. Customers are are wondering about the validity of these changes questioning why the airline is not concentrating more on minimizing delayed snd cancelled flights instead.
Friday 19th May 2023
It is so nice outside but I am still having a catch up day today with a forecasted top of around 18 degrees c again today. I was up last night doing just 2 loads of laundry and was up until 11 pm as my laundry just would not dry after 2 - 3 hours in the commercial dryer. I am a little tired so slept in this morning.
Today I did absolutely nothing except fold and put away all my laundry .Watched tv and caught up with watching YouTube videos and updating my blog.
News headlines today include
An Australian doctor Dr Elliot 88 was kidnapped 7 years ago and has nibeen reunited with his wife who was also kidnapped but released after a few weeks.
Everyone is rallying around the school bus accident carrying 45 children that was crashed into. Strangers set up a Go Fund Me page, the local Lions club has offered to pay for hospital parking fees for parents visiting the iui r children in hospital and all canteen proceeds from a game to be played will go to the school.
Nadal who turns 37 soon and who has won 22 grand slams maybe retiring next year but will miss this years French Open due to ihip njury. He is still working towards the Olympics though.
A photographer is blaming Harry & Meggsn's personal driver for the paparazzi incident claiming they were the reason for the pursuit by driving dangerously.. Meanwhile Harry and Meghan are celebrating their 5th anniversiary.
Kylie Minogugas released new music " padum padum"
3 children were run down crossing a green pedestrian light on the Pacific Highway at Crows Nest yesterday. An 18 year old driver has been arrested for the hit and run.
A mother who left her engine running to pop into a pet store had her car stolen with her toddler still inside it. The car was found abandoned not long after and the mother reunited with her toddler however the driver that stole the car is still on the run from police.
Kate is out and about again talking to students about anxiety and mental health meanwhile Camil has hit the school library and Charles the British Fashion Design Council with David Beckham for Fashion Design Award cermony.
AA is off to Japan this weekend for the G7 summit and hopes to have an unofficial quad leaders meeting after it was postponed due to Biden's last minute cancellation.
Another MyGov text scam is circulating with a warning for everyone.
A great grandmother in her late 80's is fighting for life in hospital from head injuries after she was tasered twice by police falling and hitting her head. She has dementia and was in procession of a knife which could not be removed from her at the nursing home in Cooma. She is not expected to survive the incident as her distressed family are by her side. No officers have been suspended from duties yet as investigations are underway.
Darling Harborside Shopping Centre and the old remsining Monorail Station is being demolished to make way for new residential and office complexes. The shopping centre was opened by the Queen. The new complexes will be complete in 2027.
Saturday 20th May 2023
Today is another beautiful day with a top of 18 or 19 degrees C. Last night it was cold!
Since my computer course ends at the end of May, I started to look for volunteer work so applied for a position part time online today. My plan is to ease myself back into the workforce with unpaid work first.
I had to venture out today as I had a large bag of plastic and glass bottles I needed to recycle which was my first stop.
Bextstop was Woolworths Metro where I purchased some nut bars and a loaf of bread - it was over $4 a loaf znwas just a jomebrand wholemeal loaf. Have I been overcharged again by Woolworths ? This better be a good loaf of bread! ( when I had it for breakfast the next morning it was slightly stale - can't be bothered to return it ).
Next stop was Coles and did I spend up on groceries! I spent 1.5 times what I normally spent. It was so heavy I had to catch the bus halfway back to the station and had to purchase 2 large K mart bags to replace to replace my favourite kmart bag which ripped due to my heavy groceries.
At Coles I also picked up a second free product in one month. The other day I picked up a Farmers Union favoured yoghart. Today I picked up a Heinz plant based soup sachet. The yoghart was ok as it contained very little sugar but I have never been a fan of Farmers Union products. I filled in the short survey Coles sent to me and sent it back by email. The product I picked up today was a Heinz plant based soup? They only had 2 of the 3 flavours available so I went for black bean corn and corriander. I will probably get another survey as to what I thought of that as well but with non refrigerated free products I tend to keep them for longer before trying them .
Wow 2 free products in one month first time this has happened with Coles! Better mark these off in my diary.
Snack was a teryaki tofu hand roll from my favorite sushi place Tamon.
Home on the bus . I just missed one but zi wasn't going to run for the bus. The next one was in 7 minutes. It's cold .
Home unpacked my groceries and it is wash and dry my load of towels sheets pillow and blankets. It is again late. I fell asleep so tired.
News headlines today include
Full time Bunnings employees are set to get pay rises over the next few years, have 5 week annual leave and a 4 day work week.
AA has headed for the G7 in Japan with a catch up with the quad 4 leaders.
There is a concern that there is a rapid increase in NDIS claims amongst children with 11% of boys being diagnosed with Autism and over 5 % of girls being diagnosed with 54% the most commonly diagnosed followed by 21% intellectual learning difficulties. Only children diagnosed with level 2 autism are eligible for NDIS claims so parents with children diagnosed with level 1 autism can't get support. The concern is therefore of overdiagnosis.
At least 2 have died in a caravan fire outside of Brisbane in upper Brookfield Another was injured.
There has been some tension amongst the Royal household. William and Kate refuse to curtsey to Queen Camilla as per Coronation.
Sunday 21st May 2023
It's another beautiful day today after a cold overnight.
I am not venturing out today. The forcasted temperature is around 19 degrees C today with a chance of rain but very windy and it was indeed very windy just after lunch today!
News headlines today include
The rising cost of living is again on the news - with interest rates set to rise again for the next few months by the RBA and a close eye on wage figures as well as unemployment rates.
QLD is considering making kindy free to halpwith the rising cost of living. Some families are already eligible and receiving free kindy for their kids.
Meanwhile far North QLDers witnessed a lightshow where a flash of yellow orange red blue green shot through the sky crashing into the distant ground. It is thought that this is a meteorite, a piece of space junk or a shooting star.
AA has caught up in Japan with the quad 4 leaders at a sidelines meeting during the G7 meeting (which ends this weekend) ,after it was cancelled for next week in Sydney. Biden has apologised to AA in person - the vibe between AA & Biden was a "No worries mate!"
QLD vigilantes continue as youth crime continues and the system is broken. There is a push to do more as offenders as young as 10 arrested and charged are more likely to repeat offend in adulthood.
NY is sinking 1 - 2 mm a year due to the weight of it's skyscrapers.
The woman in her 90s tasered at her nursing home twice by police is still in hospital fighting for her life 4 days after the event. Her family are there supporting her as staff at the hospital prepare for end of life. Footage of the tasering will not be released and the officer stood down during an investigation.
A man has survived a fighter plane crash in spain. He managed to eject before the plane crashed during a training exercise. An investigation is underway as it is unclear why the plane crashed.
Monday 22nd May 2023
Week 10 Day 27 Intermediate Computer Skills Course @ Macquarie Community College Chatswood Computer Lab Room 5
It is the final week of the computer course but there is still quite a lot to do. Luckily I had submitted my first attempt of my knowledge questions I had partially attempted not so seriously before a number of the modules were retracted as they were released out if sequence. So all I had to do was correct the ones that were not answered correctly.
I received a text from my consultant from APM as to whether I could do data entry. I answered that I was currently in class do some. I hate it when she contacts me whilst I am in class. Tge teacher does not like it when our phone rings in class. My consultant akscalkik ed me but I ignored her call - she knows that I am in c look ass Mon - Wed! I have told her and texted her about this many times.
It's now a matter of whether I get or she gets me a job first!
News headlines today include
AA has returned from the G7 and quad meeting with a climateand green energy agreenent with the US. Modi is still coming to Sydney for a visit.
The Little Mermaid remake premieres tonight in Sydney with it's stars and director Rob Marshall are in Australia for it's premiere. Stars Melissa McCarthy and Halle Bailey.
Victoria slashes spending on public service , projects and programs and introduces new taxes to recoup their spending during the pandemic lockdown resulting in a state debt as they announce their state budget. The RBA has also been partially blamed for the state's debt.
Buy now pay later cracked down on. Plans to regulate this currently unregulated credit industry.
Grocery prices upto 70% more then this time last year with white bread an example. No wonder my home brand loaf of bread cost me over $4.00 from Woolworths! Sugar flour and coffee remain stable in price.
SpaceX is launching 4 commercial astronauts to a space station. 16 hours to get there and 8 days stay they will be taking part in experiments alongside the other astronauts.
There has been a stabbing in Burwood at a boarding house.
Prince William has gone rowing with members of the royal navy to raise funds for mental health.
Meanwhile Harry has a private room at a hotel to escape! and he didn't celebrate his 5th wedding anniversary with meghan!?!
Instagram has had an outage this morning. Users have vented their frustrations on twitter!
Tuesday 23rd May 2023
Week 10 Day 28 Intermediate Computer Skills Course @ Macquarie Community College Chatswood Computer Lab Room 5
Cancer Council's Big Morning Tea 10.30 am
I did not go to class until around 12 noon as I had a severe allergic reaction to a moisturiser I rubbed into my extremely dry skin. I took an antihistamine and just had to wait until my allergy calmed down. The downside if taking certain antihistaminesis they make me drowsy . As soon as my allergy calmed down I worked on the radata for 2 of my 3 Excel performance tasks I had to submit by the end of today. I msbsgedto complete these when i arrived to class as well as fix up a 3rd attempt of a knowledge question I didn't quite get correct ( not enough information given) .
After class I did another small grocery shop and it was strsighhome to think about what I can add to my third Excel powedormanctask before submitting it as it was quite boringt
I missed the big morning tea that was put on but there was still plenty of foid when I arrived in the lunch room. I tried a wraped chocolate cake which wasn't very nice but asked reception where to make a donation . Apparently photos were taken and the lunch room was really crowded with students..
News headlines today include
Princess Kate is out and about at the Chelsea Flower show
Germany is re investigating a man made lake outside of where Madeline McCann disappeared 16 years ago last briefly searched without finding anything back in 2008. Madeline would now be 20 years old now and her parents still hold on to hope that she is still alive. It is unclear why there is a relaunch of the search.
Kylie performs her new single padum padum on American Idol.
India's prime minister Modi has landed in Australia last night for his 2 day tour in Sydney. He is a rockstar in politics and very well loved. He will meet with AA to speak to a sold out crowd of approximately 21 000 out at Olympic Park and will meet with other business leaders with trade talks to improve trade between India and Australia. Residents have travelled for thousands of km to see him speak in special buses planes from Brisbame Mrlbourne and even NZ.
The police officer that tasered a 95 year old dementia paitient has been stood down but police commissioner admits that the police force does not have the training to deal with dementia patients.
After 16 hours the 4 commercial astronauts have arrived at the international space station safely greeted by resident astronauts there.
Wednesday 24th May 2023
Final Day of Below Course!!!! ( March 6th - May 24th)
Week 10 Day 29 Intermediate Computer Skills Course @ Macquarie Community College Chatswood Computer Lab Room 5
Well today is the last day of the computer course I have been studying for the last 3 months. I was a little late this morning due to the lift not working. Another student was there trying to get to her class. We went for s walk around the corner to try and find a staircase only to find there wasn't one and confirmed by my teacher when I was finally able to get to my class advised there is no staircase only an alarmed emergency exit down and out as it is an old building and there were probably no emergency exit regulations back then.
So much to do today - we still had to complete our final Excel performance task and upload it, we still had to clear our downloads and documents folders from the shared computer"s drives, we still had to fill out a very long 2 page feedback form as well as learn about Google sheets an alternative to Excel and the differences between them as well as fit in a mini vlookup lesson with morning tea lunch in between and watch concluding videos in relation to AI applications as well as participate in a mentimeter quiz! We then had to clear history and log out of the computer properly. There was no time to muck around . Even yesterday when I did not attend class until 12 noon as I had a severe allergic reaction I still made myself prepare all my data for my other 2 excel performance tasks I had to submit in order to pass.
After class I celebrated with a slow cooked spicy beef burrito for GyG. I had never had one before as I always got the chicken or barramundi ( discontinued) burrito. I always thought the beef was bbliked the chicken but no it was either minceor slow cooked. The slow cookebeef was ok but I think I will stick to chicken. I think chimi sauce is better then just requesting extra cortiander.
A quick shop at Chemist warehouse and coles then it was a very long wait for a 144 bus home - so many people waiting for this bus it was packed.
When I got home I had planned to do my laundry but was so tired. I fell asleep around 7 pm and missed The Cook Up.
The last 3 days of the course have been so intense. We were all trying to get ahead with completing and passing our knowledge questions as well as completing all 4 of our excel performanc tasks let alone fitting in all the other bits and pieces. I think we all did anything we could at home before and after classes just to keep up or get ahead!
I will miss my class mates and having a routine to attend classes. What now? Further study? Volunteer work? or find a real job again?
News headlines today include
Modi mania 20 000 excited fans greet the Indian PM
Australian entertainer and convicted sex offebder ( pedifile) Rolf Harris dies 93 of neck cancer. He spent 3 years in jail.
The winners and losers of the Victorian budget are revealed . New taxes ( for Victorians for the next decade!) free kindy with a question of how the state of VIC will fund the Commonwealth Games - a multi billion dollar debt has to be re couped over the next 10 years somehow.
Damien Hardwick offically resigns as coach for Richmond due to burn out however a return to coaching has not been ruled out.
Lebron may retire from basketball.
21 aged care facilites have closed at short notice due to not being able to meet the new requirements of having a registered nurse at all times. It is feared more aged care facilities will close. The reasoning behind closures of aged care facilities was not due to lack of registered nurses ie a shortage of staff to meet requirements but due to s decrease in the need for aged care facilities as more senior Australians opt for homecare packages instead.
Thursday 25th May 2023
The sun is shinning and it's a beautiful day outside. The forecasted temperature today is a top of 23 degrees C but a warning a cold snap is to follow tomorrow.
I did not venture out today as I had a massive amount of cleaning and laundry to do.
I made myself some Malabar chicken and ate a whole lot of fruit today as I've run out of mixed greens ( I need to do another grocery shop) .
I'm still tired from yesterday for some reason as I may have fallen asleep yesterday but only for about 6 hours or so as everything is still buzzing around in my head.
News headlines today include
Tina Turner died overnight at 83 after a long illness ( a stroke cancer and organ failure) in her home in Switzerland . She was known for her role in Mad Max and her 2 NRL promotions 'Simply The Best" 1990 and "What You Get Is What You See' 1989.
A school shooting occurred yesterday outside of Perth where a former 15 year student of the school fired 3 shots into the school. The school went i to lockdown and the school is shut today to recover from yesterday's incident. No injuries occurred and all students and teachers have been accounted for but questions were raised as to how the former student obtained the guns. The guns were licenced and owned by his parents. This is believed to be the first school shooting in WA.
SeaWorld Resort has been turned into a makeshift hospital due to the hospital crisis on the Gold Coast. It is believed patients have been transferred there for a month.
Extinction Rebellion has disrupted city traffic during peak hour this morning along La Trobe Street.
The 95 year old grsndmothethat was tasered 6 days ago has passed away just as the police officer that tasereher was charged after being stood down with pay . It is believe that the charges will now be upgraded due to the passing away of the grandmother.
A man has been shot dead in North Willoughby by police. He was armed with 2 chef knives and was behaving erratically knocking on doors.
A 6 storey heritage building is burning out of control in Surry Hills and it's structure collapsing. There were 75 fire and rescue on site fighting the massive fire with more needed including possible aerial fire and rescue. Streets have been blocked off buses have ceased to run along Elizabeth St although trains from Central Station are still running . Ambulances are also present and there is a warning of large plumes of toxic black smoke which may cause flight disruptions. Residents and workers were evacuated from nearby buildings as well as students staff and patients evacuated from the nearby dental hospital. The embers jumped to a residential building catching fire quite badly before being put out. It is thought the fire started on the 3rd floor of the heritage building and a nearby car also caught on fire.
Friday 26th May 2023
OPENING NIGHT OF VIVID!
I slept for so long last night even sleeping in today until almost 6 30 am. I was so tired up until 10 pm almost doing my laundry again. It just won't dry!
I have another appointment at 11 am today at APM. I was so late as I was waiting for the bus for quite a while. I made it but my consultant was unimpressed that I didn't respond to her message last week about the data entry job. I could not respond as she knows I was in class and it was the last 3 days of my course and we had so much to complete. The job went to someone else. She has now sent me to some useless Just For Sucess workshop on Tuesday in the afternoon which is for around 1 5 hours out at Marrickville. It will take me an hour at least to get there one way and and hour back and cost me at least $15 which they will reimburse apparently. Why can't she just leave me to find a job? I don't need help with interview clothes or transport costs to go to useless participation appointments.I wastes my time and money which could be used for other opportunities.
After my appointments I did a massive grocery shop at Chemist Warehouse, the larger Coles in Chatswood and Kmart. My groceries were so heavy I caught the bus half way up tthe station ( 1 stop).
After getting home and unpacking most of my groceries, it was off to the opening night of VIVID. Tradition is I never spend opening night at Circular Quay, it is always straight to Darling Harbour and any art installations I miss I revisit at a later date. It is recommended that you split ViVID over 3 nights. I have been doing this for years as a strategy. It is impossible to see absolutely everything in one night. I will leave any paid art installations I would like to see for weeknights at a later date as well.
So tonight I covered Darling Harbour Darling Quarter Darling Square The Goods Line near The Powerhouse Museum and Central Station Clock Tower .
I was a little disappointedwith the main laser water show on Cockle Bay but did like some of tge other light installations with some surprising me It wasn't as busy as it was in previous years maybe it was too cold or the quantity of light installations was not as large. I have uploaded a series of videos onto my YouTube channel with ratings. Anything I missed I will find and revisit at a later date.
Darling GarbourDarling Quarter & Darling Square
8
The Goods Line & Central Station Clock Tower
News headlines today include
It is forecasted for around 19 degrees C today a little voolethen the 23 degrees C previously but a cold snap is to come today and snow will fall in the alps. There may be some showers as well.
An investigation is underway as to how the inferno started yesterday afternoon in a heritage building in Surry Hills. Was it started by a few juvenile delinquents who were spotted running from the site by a bystander? Streets around the site are still blocked off as investigators move in to ensure it is safe and more then 100 fire rescuesended up on the site.
The police officer who tasere the 95 year old grandmother who passed away will fight any upgraded charges against him.
A new dangerous app called W mainly used in WA meant to be used to find out what your friends think of you is actually a trap for collecting as much personal information on kids as possible from all socismedia platforms and sources and is a hidden platform for bullying as well as sexual predators. It is meant tobe safe and for kids only but lacks any cyber security.
The Nutbush dance ( only in Australia would this be such a trend) has been performed by staff in all departments of the US Embassy as a tributefir the late Tina Turner.
"Heat or Eat" the latest slogan of pensioners who will be just one group if residents that will beathe brunt of energy price increases as the government goes back on it's promise and allows retail energy prices to increase with increaesin increasing energy wholesale prices.
Extinction rebellion is again disrupting peak hour commuters in Melbourne's CBD this morning.
Over the past few days the AUS$ has dropped to the $0.65 against the US$ and continues to fall.
Saturday 27th May 2023
It's going to be a top of 18 degrees C today after a very cold day and night yesterday.
I slept in and need to catch up after a very busy day yesterday.
I am still so tired abd it's 2 pm. I had a little nap in between catching up with my blog and uploading annoying photos onto it.
I may or may not decide to see more of Vivid tonight. I think it will be quite crowded tonight being a Saturday night.
News headlines today include
The governor if the RBA has criticized the government for increasing wages as productivity remains the same as this will do nothing to decrease inflation and will have to use the only weapon he has to combat inflation and that is to increase inflation rates again.
Vapes lab analysis requested by the QLD premier have revealed they contain nicotine equivalent to 6 packets of cigarettes aswell as toxic chemicals such as arsenic, carcinogenic such as Formaldehyde and heavy metals such as lead - not so bubble gummy or chocolatey now heh? Vapes are now more addictivthen cigarettes.
To retire comfortably you now need $690 000 for a couple and $595 000 for singles to retire as well as your own home. My advicedon't relyon your super - I certainly am not!
2 13 year old boys have turned themselves in to 2 different police stations over the Surry Hills heritage building inferno. Police are urging any others involved to come forward as footage on Tiktok and other social media platforms emerge of the building being a popular videoing site visited prior to the inferno. Nearbresidents have been evacuated and are still living in emergency accomodation . One student resident is living in a hotel and has not been contacted as to when he will be able to return back to his residence or what is happening.
Australian Rules Footballer Adam Goodes has had a statue of him unveiled.
Russia has attacked a hospital in Ukraine killing 2 and injuring several others.
Celine Dion has cancelled all her concerts until April next tear.
Dua Lipa has released new music for Barbie
Britney Spear"s mother has offered an olive branch to the singer .
The remake of the Little Mermaid is in cinemas now.
The man that went on a drunken ram po sge in Valihas been acquitted of his possible 5 year ail sentence and a settlenentmade to the injured taxi driver. He is grateful that he has been spared life behind bars for the 5 years in bali.
Netflix continues to crackdown on shared subscriptions and even VPN Express can't save you!
Sunday 28th May 2023
I did not venture out today as my vertigo has comeback. It started late last night. I haven't had a bout of vertigo for so long.
News headlines todsy include
Another 12 year old boy has come forward to police in regards to the Surry Hills hertitage building however police are still seeking any others involved.
There was a serious car crash where a car went out of control outside of Melbourne hitting a tree killing all 4 in the car with a 5 passenger in a serious condition in hospital.
Lydia Thorpe to take action over racism claims of her former party.
A deal with republicans has been made to raise the debt ceiling in the US.
Monday 29th May 2023
What a beautiful sunny day outside with a forecasted top of 20 degrees C today. My vertigo is still present so I am still unsure if I will venture out today.
It will feel strange from today not having to wake up early and get to classes on time now that I have finished my course. Time to look for a job or find another course to do.
News headlines today include
A 3.8 earthquake on the Richter scalehas occurred o ernightoutside of Melbourne which could be felt as far as Hobart. Any aftershocks that may have occurred would be minimal as small as 1 on the Richter scale.
David Koche has announced that he will be retiring from Sunrise in 2 weeks time. This time for real.
QLD will have a surplus in their budget next week thanks to a bumper revenue from it's mining operations. Thisrevenue will be used to pay down the state's debt and also used towards ways to ease resident's rising cost of living.
The coldest May day for most of Austrslia ? Really. It's cold so don't letthe sun fool you.
RBA could lose it's control .
Mark McGowan WA's long time premier has stepped down from his job and a new replacement has not been announced. He has been in office for 6 years snd says he is simply tired.
Turkey's president has been successful in the country's election and will be serving another term.
Artist John Olsen who died in april has been rememberedin a memorial service with the sailsof the Opera House lit up during VIVID of his artwork.
A serious car crash in a Indycar race has caused one of the cars tyres to come off flying into the crowds missing them and landing onto a car.
The debate The Voice continues. Yes or No to the referendum - many still sit on the fence undecided due to the lack of details.
It is the 50 year anniversiary of the Vietnam War. There has been a call for more support for these surviving war veterians.
Tuesday 30th May 2023
I was suppose to attend another participation activity appointment out at Marrickville today at 2 pm for " Just for sucess" but after the organisation rang me and I explained my severe allergies , it was decided to cancel my appointment. It was a styling appointment where I would have to try on clothing. Most of the donated clothing is new however there is no garsmtee the origin and cleanliness of clothing won't agrivate my allergies. My eczema and allergies are on my profile as possible barriers for work and my consultant at APM knows about this yet she still sent me to this appointment . I have heaps of work clothes and don't need assistance with this yet she insist I go to this appointment . She said that I difn't have to accept the clothes just listen to the strategies. I would rather spend my time lookingfor wirk then spend $20 travelling to and prom an activity that is unsuitable for me.
I actually applied for 5 jobs I think today. I need to apply for 20 a month before the 27th of each month to meet my 100 point target otherwise my payment from Centrelink will be put on hold or cancelled. It's been put on hold so many times already even when I have met my points target or gone beyond it. I keep gettingtext messages every week that my payment is on hold.
I am still having vertigo issues. it's my right ear. Due to my allergies I am prone to my earsgetting blocked. I just clear them out with a little olive oil which is a natural treatment that seems to work. I tried a chemist ear treatment and had an allergic reaction from it so never used it again.
I had to venture out today in the afternoon to do anither massive grocery shop. First stop Woolworths Metro for a few things including a vegetable pastie as a hot snack.
Next to the atm to withdraw some cash before a rather large shop at chemist warehouse ( one of my regular shower oil cleanser was unavailable so i am trying an alternative). A final shop at the larger Coles where I again my grocery bill was 1.5 times my normal spend. Groceries are getting so expensive. All up I spent $200 today just on groceries including toiletries for myself.
I have a tonne of laundry to dobut am trying to put off doing it again. Nobody took the bins out last night so the bins are quite full. I have totake my rubbish out to the bin but will see if there is room in the bins tomorrow.
I am watching the food channel - so hungry but can't be bothered to cook anything.
News headlines today include
A thick haze has blanketed Brisbane with a health warning to over 65s and anyone with respiratory problems to remain indoors. The thick smog is due to back burning during the calm colder winter months. Hopefully clearing up intime for this weekend's Brisbane marathon.
WA's Mark McGowen resignation is causing a Labor headache for AA. Will he make a possible transition to Federal potitics perhaps? Not likely due to distance from the East Coast of Australia.AA owes a lot to McGowen for his Labor Party federal election win.
Proud mum of Blue Ivy , Beyonce has praised her daughter forher appearance at her concert. She looks like her father JayZ and stole the show with her dance moves.
A nice sunny 22 degrees c for Sydney today.
Heavy machine has been bought in in preparation for the safe demolition of the remains ofthe heritage building destroyed by the inferno in Surry Hills. A sweep of the building by police has to be performed to seek out any remains of bodies that may be in the building as there were reports of people squatting inthe building sleeping rough. A meeting is scheduled for this morning prior to commencing the demolition. The safety of nearby buildings streets transport businesses and residents has to be considered before commencing the demolition. Residents that were evacuated are still living in alternative accomodation until advised it is safe to return. Elizabeth Street will be closed off for the demolition and the walls will be pushed inwards to maximise safety as well as a 4th teenager coming forward in regards to the inferno.
COVID air travel credits are about to expire so advice is about to given as to how to get the most out of them.
Video footage has been released from inside the car posted on Snap Chat just before it crashed killing 4 snd putting a 5th in hospital in a critical condition.
Facebook has warned users of a new scam with a link attached to "Look who has just died" in a text. Do not click on the link as hackers will be able yo access all your private information.
A QLD guy snorkeling off an island in far North QLD when he was attacked from behind by a crocodile.Hemanaged to escape with injuries to his hand head and other parts ofhis body .
The great wheel of cheese roll race in the UK has been run.
Wednesday 31st May 2023
Last day of Autumn (Fall)
Today I was determined to get to Wynyard to see Dark Spectrum in the Wynyard tunnels at the 7.45 pm session and seeing the 9 pm drone show but I had some obstacles to overcome. My vertigo which was getting better but has come back. I took my rubbish out but had to wait fir my laundry to wash and dry again.
I spoke to my neighbour who hasn't bern home much as he has been cat minding. He was c lo eaninhis unit up. He has a large as ur purifier hooked up in his unit to prevent dust. It is really bad in our units mould and dust are as constant problem. I was thinking of getting an sir purifier but the filters seem a lot of work to maintain so I just vacuum constantly. My neighbousays he has used so much bleach - he is not wrong there I always have mouldspray on hand and disinfectant!.
Anyway after i caught the b uy s snd train to Wynyard my night turned out to be a little bizarre - good bizarre though.
Here's what happened.
(I have uploaded as whole series of videos onto my YouTub channel.)
I have been a little slack this year and taking my time seeing all of VIVID. Tonight is only night 2 .I wanted to see Dark Spectrum and also make it to see the Drone Show at 9.10 pm which only runs on Wednesdays and Sundays. I just made it to see the 7.45 pm session of Dark Spectrum but missed most of the 10 minute drone show at Circular Quay as I spent too long inside Dark Spectrum. It is recommended that 60 minutes be spent inside Dark Spectrum so I really wanted to go to the 7.15 pm session to allow me a little more time to walk from Cumberland St to Circular Quay however this and some of the other earlier sessions were either exhausted allocation or taken off sale online. I showed up at 7.41 pm at the ticket booth at Wynyard Park snd was about to purchase a full price $45 peak hour ticket plus an extra $4 surcharge per person on top of that when a stranger just walked up to me and offered me a free ticket to the session as he plus one could not attend. I was a little cautious and asked if if he was sure and asked the cashier if tickets were actually transferable due to all the other crazy conditions on the tickets ( I think the family in front of me decided not to see it after they found out how much it would cost them for a family of 4 plus the the extra $4 per person surcharge on top of it! - no mention of this surcharge anywhere at the ticket booth) . So if that stranger is reading and or watching my YouTube channel I would just like to give them a huge THANK YOU! They know who they are and they know who I am but I did not ask who they were.
There was a huge lineup to get intothe 7.45 pm session to see Dark Spectrum . I lined up withthe strsngethat offered me the free tivketand told him about my YouTube channel and blog and apologized if I talked too much. I had plans tonight to makr it in time to see the drone show and explainedhow the VIVID light walk worksand how it is impossible to see all of Vivid in one night snd 3 nights is recommended. I started at Central Station and the Goods Line then Darling Harbour. I advusethe stranger to split Vivid into locationthat are close together eg Circular Quay The Rocks and Opera House on one night then Barangaroo & Walsh Bay on another night.
So as you enter Dark Spectrum under Wynyard Park which are abandoned train tunnels and old car parks there is a presentation on safety and what you are about to see ( warning no toilets at allthroughouthe entire art exhibition and limited exits but there are rest stops with seats to sit on throughout the art installation.
Off we go in groups to the following series of tunnels and car parks or "rooms" where there are synchronized lights to music.
Each tunnel or carpark is named as follows ( photos attached where possible)
SEPARATION - Feels like you are at a rave or at The Ivy! Thumping music and multicoloured laser lights
CONSTRICTION
PRESSURE
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UNSEEN
REFLECTION
Look familiar? Refer my video from last year's VIVID. . Looks like more recycling but this time from the tunnel on the Goods Line to the tunnels of Wynyard! Add a few rotating cubed infinity mirrors and s nee soundtrack and voila!
UNFAMILIAR
INTERACTION
REVELATION
It was a very quick walk from Cumberland St to Circular Quay to try and catch the drone show unfortunately I missed it. Disappointing it's advertising and the usual superhero motives formed - is thisdrone show recycled as well?
Photos below ( sorry they are a bit dodgy!)
Almost 10 pm and I finally arrive home ( there are not many buses from the train station home so it's a bit of a wait or a 20 minute walk,) and watch a catch up episode of The Cook Up I missed before falling asleep around 11 pm.
News headlines today include
State of Origin begins as The Blues (NSW) verses The Maroons (QLD) is played on neutral ground in Adelaide ( SA).
There has been a suspicious fire in Brisbane destroying a house completely and damaging a neighbouring home where the neighbour has had to move out for a few weeks due to smoke and water damage.
The RBA is being grilled today over how many more interest rate rises there will be for this year.
Japan has been warned of a missile alert from North Korea ( it is believed a military spy satilite was launched) . The warning was for residents to take shelter but has now been down graded.
The smog from back burning around Brisbane is still hanging around and is expected to do so until the rnd of this week however it is moving south due to drafts and is heading South towards the Gold Coast.
AFL CEO called a late night press conference to announce the terminationof the investigation into alkeged racism of indigenous players and their families at Hawthorn however it does not mean it is the end of legal action
Taylor Swift hits her half way mark on her US tour.
AA is stressed overcyber bullying - just ignore the trolls and switch it all off! We all get hate mail!
The grieving parents living in British Columbia Canada of a woman that died and was found in an apartment in Liverpool over 20 hours after her death found out about her death through social media.
A bear had broken into a family's car in Lake Tahoe but forgotten how to get out. Police tied a string to the car door from a distance pulling it open letting the bear out.
Qantas by as implemented a new luggage tracking system where passengers can track their luggage on their phone on an app to ensure iyus on the flight with them. Meanwhile Qantas is also implementing a new boarding system to avoid a rush when boarding. It will beboarding in "zones" accordingto where passengers are seatedon the plane. This system has been in place in America for years. Air Canada has implemented the zone boarding system from years with zones 1 - 5 clearly indicatedon passenger boarding passes. An A - E zone system may be used instead of 1 - zone system.
