Got into Melbourne last night from Warnambool.
Drove from Barossa Valley to Warrnambool the previous day - 9 hour marathon. The lengendary Uncle Pat was in town so we had a quick visit with him. Travelled to Melb via the Great Ocean Road. Twelve (or is it 9?) Apostles are still there, as spectacular as ever.
Staying in South Yarra - Darling Manor I think it's called. Nice apartments near the rail station, so close in fact you could probably touch the trains if you leaned out of the window! Mumsy was looking forward to having a dip in the heated spa but when she saw the location she was a bit put off, it's next to the 24 Hr Reception, only a very clear, unfogged, glass window separates the spa from the Reception. Puts one in mind of a fish bowl.... On the plus side it's a super location, loads of great shops, restaurants and the Prahan markets nearby.
Time for the city fix and a jam donut at the markets..... Love, Mumsy xxx
Friday, June 03, 2005
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Marcia II, Cherie going astray and Melbourne's temptations
Due to public request here another post from the sensational and amazing SB. In tonight's exposé I am going to examine the naming procedures for whales, the almost magical appeal 2nd hand CD shops have on weak souls like the mine, the limitations of GPS Navigation system on outback roads and other highly interesting topics of current relevance. I will conclude with a comparison of different pepper grinder mechanisms.
Before we get started our appartement centre would like to advice that they are not - as reported by MB - called "Darling Manor" but "The Manor House".
http://www.cyberoo.com.au would like to advise that by mentioning a company name MB has breached our sponsorship contract and that a decision on the action which will be taken is pending.
Our journey to Melbourne started with an excessive takeaway breakfast consisting of a takeaway quiche, which MDR bought at a convenience store earlier that morning, and takeaway pizza, which was left over from dinner. During breaky Uncle Pat, who had just turned 86, gave us a visit and provided us with some high class entertainment, i.e. storys from his latest holidays and a brief history of Warrnambol and region (BTW, I'm not being ironic, his knowledge is amazing and the accounts of his travels are highly enjoyable). He himself is amazing, travels through the world and administers his website www.home.austarnet.com.au/pfxcrowe (this link was kindly authorized by http://www.cyberoo.com.au).
Because the local newspaper (or rather - advertisement paper) had reported whale sightings, we decided to have a look at the local whale sighting platform, joining about 30 other tourists from all over the globe who waited patiently for the whale to surface. Unfortunately that cow decided to swim to another bay (no, that's not an insult but the term for female whale) so we only saw the "smoke" (that's what the local whale watching guide called that water they splash up) and although Marcia insisted on staying a bit longer we didn't get to see anything else.
However MB wasn't happy with that and decided to ask the guide random questions instead, including the fatal one that will be revealed in due time.
PLEASE WAIT FOR DUE TIME UNTIL YOU CONTINUE READING!
You will know when due time is - usually it ocurrs within five to seven minutes, however those times may vary.
To make your wait a little shorter, why don't you visit our sponsor's website, http://www.cyberoo.com.au...
Here the fatal question, which MB asked the whale watching guide because there was nothing else to do: "And what is this whale called?".
Whale guide: "Well, what's your name, lady?"
MB: "Marcia."
Guide: "Well, we'll call it Marcia for today."
Well, it was meant to be amusing and we grinned friendly but then Marcia turned it into a laugh for all by saying "Oh thanks, that'll give new material for all those 'stranded whale' jokes about me." - Good one MB!
After I had to stand next to a stupid sign for about 5 minutes so MB could take a photo without tourist walking through the frame we re-boarded our vehicle and found out that most of the sights we wanted to see on the way were to insignificant for Cherie to know (it's only the Twelve Apostles, nothing important...) and we had to give her a place much further down the coast. Luckily we are all capable of reading signs and so we stopped at the right spots anyway. MB and MDR took about five minutes to get into warm gear before getting out of the car while I decided to toughen up for when I go back to germany and wore a t-shirt only (well, sometimes a jumper).
At Laver's Hill (or something like it) we left the Great Ocean Road and headed to Colac to do the rest of our trip on the Princes Highway. Unfortunately they must have changed the road slightly and Cherie got totally lost and told us to do U-turns all the way to Colac, and even there she didn't quite know where we were. Finally MDR got fed up and punched her, after which - surprisingly - she worked fine again.
We drove all the way to Queenscliff, from where we caught the ferry across the inlet. We had about half an hour time before departure, so we decided to have lunch (leftover quiche and leftover pizza) and we also did a quick trip around the town (MDR: "Our ferry goes at four, so be back by..." MB: "I know, five to four" MDR: "No, quarter to four, it's a ferry, it won't wait for us" and so on for three minutes).
We made it to the ferry on time and while MB and me relaxed for a hile, MDR took the camera and inspected the whole boat and asked the crew questions about the features. I did an exploration of my own and stayed on deck for a while, however due to the weather I was the only person outside and got rather bored so I joined MB and MDR (who had retuned) again. We read various newspapers, chewed nibblies and MDR also chewed on his glasses, which was commented by a three year old kid with a clearly audible "Mum, look what he'ds doing to his glasses", which MDR answered with "He's eating them".
Little kid: "Why are you doing that?"
MDR: "Because they're tasty!"
MB to MDR: "Why don't you offer him a try?"
We finally arrived in Melbourne and checked into our appartement, which offers all the luxuries of modern city life, including a tram line and a metro station just around the corner, which means we have to keep the windows closed at night or we wouldn't be able to sleep, but on the other hand the good thing about living next to the train station is that it's not far to walk home (hope you're getting that reference to a famous Aussie comedy...).
But the location is superb, within one kilometre there are about 17 CD shops and indeed I already bought a second hand Shania DVD and a second hand Shania CD.
It's also got a swimming pool, however when using it you feel like in a fish tank because it's got a hige window to the entry area...
MB is on the lookout for a new peppergrinder and at the moments got her eyes fixed on one costing a hprrendous amount of money, which I find not fit for your o'erlooking (that's from Shakespearre's King Lear). She's not sure whther to get a ceramic mechanism or a stainless steel mechanism yet, and although I promised a discussion about it, I haven't got a clue either, so please send any suggestions!
SB
P.S.: If you find a typo you may keep it!
Before we get started our appartement centre would like to advice that they are not - as reported by MB - called "Darling Manor" but "The Manor House".
http://www.cyberoo.com.au would like to advise that by mentioning a company name MB has breached our sponsorship contract and that a decision on the action which will be taken is pending.
Our journey to Melbourne started with an excessive takeaway breakfast consisting of a takeaway quiche, which MDR bought at a convenience store earlier that morning, and takeaway pizza, which was left over from dinner. During breaky Uncle Pat, who had just turned 86, gave us a visit and provided us with some high class entertainment, i.e. storys from his latest holidays and a brief history of Warrnambol and region (BTW, I'm not being ironic, his knowledge is amazing and the accounts of his travels are highly enjoyable). He himself is amazing, travels through the world and administers his website www.home.austarnet.com.au/pfxcrowe (this link was kindly authorized by http://www.cyberoo.com.au).
Because the local newspaper (or rather - advertisement paper) had reported whale sightings, we decided to have a look at the local whale sighting platform, joining about 30 other tourists from all over the globe who waited patiently for the whale to surface. Unfortunately that cow decided to swim to another bay (no, that's not an insult but the term for female whale) so we only saw the "smoke" (that's what the local whale watching guide called that water they splash up) and although Marcia insisted on staying a bit longer we didn't get to see anything else.
However MB wasn't happy with that and decided to ask the guide random questions instead, including the fatal one that will be revealed in due time.
PLEASE WAIT FOR DUE TIME UNTIL YOU CONTINUE READING!
You will know when due time is - usually it ocurrs within five to seven minutes, however those times may vary.
To make your wait a little shorter, why don't you visit our sponsor's website, http://www.cyberoo.com.au...
Here the fatal question, which MB asked the whale watching guide because there was nothing else to do: "And what is this whale called?".
Whale guide: "Well, what's your name, lady?"
MB: "Marcia."
Guide: "Well, we'll call it Marcia for today."
Well, it was meant to be amusing and we grinned friendly but then Marcia turned it into a laugh for all by saying "Oh thanks, that'll give new material for all those 'stranded whale' jokes about me." - Good one MB!
After I had to stand next to a stupid sign for about 5 minutes so MB could take a photo without tourist walking through the frame we re-boarded our vehicle and found out that most of the sights we wanted to see on the way were to insignificant for Cherie to know (it's only the Twelve Apostles, nothing important...) and we had to give her a place much further down the coast. Luckily we are all capable of reading signs and so we stopped at the right spots anyway. MB and MDR took about five minutes to get into warm gear before getting out of the car while I decided to toughen up for when I go back to germany and wore a t-shirt only (well, sometimes a jumper).
At Laver's Hill (or something like it) we left the Great Ocean Road and headed to Colac to do the rest of our trip on the Princes Highway. Unfortunately they must have changed the road slightly and Cherie got totally lost and told us to do U-turns all the way to Colac, and even there she didn't quite know where we were. Finally MDR got fed up and punched her, after which - surprisingly - she worked fine again.
We drove all the way to Queenscliff, from where we caught the ferry across the inlet. We had about half an hour time before departure, so we decided to have lunch (leftover quiche and leftover pizza) and we also did a quick trip around the town (MDR: "Our ferry goes at four, so be back by..." MB: "I know, five to four" MDR: "No, quarter to four, it's a ferry, it won't wait for us" and so on for three minutes).
We made it to the ferry on time and while MB and me relaxed for a hile, MDR took the camera and inspected the whole boat and asked the crew questions about the features. I did an exploration of my own and stayed on deck for a while, however due to the weather I was the only person outside and got rather bored so I joined MB and MDR (who had retuned) again. We read various newspapers, chewed nibblies and MDR also chewed on his glasses, which was commented by a three year old kid with a clearly audible "Mum, look what he'ds doing to his glasses", which MDR answered with "He's eating them".
Little kid: "Why are you doing that?"
MDR: "Because they're tasty!"
MB to MDR: "Why don't you offer him a try?"
We finally arrived in Melbourne and checked into our appartement, which offers all the luxuries of modern city life, including a tram line and a metro station just around the corner, which means we have to keep the windows closed at night or we wouldn't be able to sleep, but on the other hand the good thing about living next to the train station is that it's not far to walk home (hope you're getting that reference to a famous Aussie comedy...).
But the location is superb, within one kilometre there are about 17 CD shops and indeed I already bought a second hand Shania DVD and a second hand Shania CD.
It's also got a swimming pool, however when using it you feel like in a fish tank because it's got a hige window to the entry area...
MB is on the lookout for a new peppergrinder and at the moments got her eyes fixed on one costing a hprrendous amount of money, which I find not fit for your o'erlooking (that's from Shakespearre's King Lear). She's not sure whther to get a ceramic mechanism or a stainless steel mechanism yet, and although I promised a discussion about it, I haven't got a clue either, so please send any suggestions!
SB
P.S.: If you find a typo you may keep it!
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Following Cherie...
Today we did the biggest part of our drive to Melbourne; from Lyndoch to Warrnambool. Luckily our hire car company (unfortunately this blog has an exclusive sponsorship deal with Cyberoo, so I can't mention the car company's name) gave us a free sattelite navigation system. We can choose whether we want the directions to be given by a male voice or a female voice, however the guy sounded rhather dull and so we opted for the lady and nicknamed her Cherie.
Cherie has got a very calm but commanding voice, obviously used to giving orders. Just the thought of her saying "Please do a u-turn if possible" in her style that extinguishes even the slightest notion of rebellion, led to the fact that we followed each of her directions, even if that meant leaving the main road, driving around the block and then returning to the same spot we started. Yes, even computers have a sense of humour. However we then figured out that she had told us to "bear left" but we had "turned left", so really we can't blame her.
After a short pit stop at the German influenced township of Hahndorf, where they have Australian flags with eagles on them, a "Kaffeehaus" run by ocker Aussies and other perversities.
After buying a take away coffee we departed and Mark dared to do a u-turn without consulting Cherie, who had worked out an alternative scenic route. Her revenge came in form of some bold "nasty" arrows and her leading us through some tiny Hahndorf streets which MB found just beautiful and amazingly idyllic.
We then drove further south at a high speed and almost gave a kangawallpop a ride. Luckily it got scared away by Marcia's "Open Space" music (the sort that's supposed to be relaxing but really makes your teeth go yellow). We then arrived at Kingston SE, which is a village on the coast and famous for its lobster (we don't know what the SE stands for).
MDR had seen it on TV a few days ago and knew exactly which restaurant he wanted to go to. The "Great Lobster Restaurant" is hidden behind a - surprise, surprise - giant lobster, which is approximately 25 metres high. Unfortunately the joint didn't look as spectacular as on TV and in fact was more of a fast food outlet with a drive thru, and as if that wasn't bad enough, it was closed. We therefore consulted our travel guide book, which suggested the fish markets. Cherie guided us there in no time, and while the lights were on the markets were closed, too.
Therefore we decided to give the "Famous" Grand Hotel a visit and indeed got some very nice food (unfortunately they used a lot of garlic which influenced the atmosphere - with that I mean air - on the further journey). However far more spectacular was their jukebox. In addition to playing songs this wondrous machine showed the music videos on a big screen TV. MB and I decided that we just had to try it and put on Pony by Kasey Chambers. It started off really loudly and was greeted with a "Turn it off" from the drunk figures at the bar. The bartender opted for a compromise and turned it down.
An overenthused MB couldn't wait for that song to finish so she could put on another one. Apparently possessed by demons, she decided to play the Sunscreen Song by John Safran. Luckily we had almost finished our meals and were able to escape before being attacked by the locals.
MB then took over the wheel and we almost took another kangawalla-animal with us, however this one didn't dare challenging MB (also see "Trivial Pursuit challenge" - again the odds were clearly on her side).
We made it to Warrnambool safely and checked into a very nice Motel (again, our sponsorship deal with http://www.cyberoo.com.au forbids the mentioning of any business names) where we enjoyed takeaway pizza and are recovering from the day.
SB
Cherie has got a very calm but commanding voice, obviously used to giving orders. Just the thought of her saying "Please do a u-turn if possible" in her style that extinguishes even the slightest notion of rebellion, led to the fact that we followed each of her directions, even if that meant leaving the main road, driving around the block and then returning to the same spot we started. Yes, even computers have a sense of humour. However we then figured out that she had told us to "bear left" but we had "turned left", so really we can't blame her.
After a short pit stop at the German influenced township of Hahndorf, where they have Australian flags with eagles on them, a "Kaffeehaus" run by ocker Aussies and other perversities.
After buying a take away coffee we departed and Mark dared to do a u-turn without consulting Cherie, who had worked out an alternative scenic route. Her revenge came in form of some bold "nasty" arrows and her leading us through some tiny Hahndorf streets which MB found just beautiful and amazingly idyllic.
We then drove further south at a high speed and almost gave a kangawallpop a ride. Luckily it got scared away by Marcia's "Open Space" music (the sort that's supposed to be relaxing but really makes your teeth go yellow). We then arrived at Kingston SE, which is a village on the coast and famous for its lobster (we don't know what the SE stands for).
MDR had seen it on TV a few days ago and knew exactly which restaurant he wanted to go to. The "Great Lobster Restaurant" is hidden behind a - surprise, surprise - giant lobster, which is approximately 25 metres high. Unfortunately the joint didn't look as spectacular as on TV and in fact was more of a fast food outlet with a drive thru, and as if that wasn't bad enough, it was closed. We therefore consulted our travel guide book, which suggested the fish markets. Cherie guided us there in no time, and while the lights were on the markets were closed, too.
Therefore we decided to give the "Famous" Grand Hotel a visit and indeed got some very nice food (unfortunately they used a lot of garlic which influenced the atmosphere - with that I mean air - on the further journey). However far more spectacular was their jukebox. In addition to playing songs this wondrous machine showed the music videos on a big screen TV. MB and I decided that we just had to try it and put on Pony by Kasey Chambers. It started off really loudly and was greeted with a "Turn it off" from the drunk figures at the bar. The bartender opted for a compromise and turned it down.
An overenthused MB couldn't wait for that song to finish so she could put on another one. Apparently possessed by demons, she decided to play the Sunscreen Song by John Safran. Luckily we had almost finished our meals and were able to escape before being attacked by the locals.
MB then took over the wheel and we almost took another kangawalla-animal with us, however this one didn't dare challenging MB (also see "Trivial Pursuit challenge" - again the odds were clearly on her side).
We made it to Warrnambool safely and checked into a very nice Motel (again, our sponsorship deal with http://www.cyberoo.com.au forbids the mentioning of any business names) where we enjoyed takeaway pizza and are recovering from the day.
SB
On the Road - Tuesday May 31
Departing our little rural idyll today. Heading east today, no idea where we will end up tonight, but it will certainly be on the coast somewhere.
The Trivial Pursuit Challenge
We held our second Trivial Pursuit challenge last night and I was again victorious. Although I have to admit that it was mainly due to the easy questions I got. It was quite funny to see the boys struggle with questions about 18th century authors while I had questions like "What happens when you get pepper in your nose"...
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Aussie Rules Rulz
MDR is suffering from acute NRL and Super 12's withdrawal. The only rugby league & union news he can get is via SBS. Do the crow eaters think Queensland is overseas?
Days 2 & 3 Barossa Valley - Tanunda, Nuriootpa, Angaston & Bethany
Day 2 - Saturday 28 May 2005 - Gawler & Tanunda
Gawler is the major town just before Lyndoch. Went there for tourist info and supplies. SB, schnappschenjager, checked out Cash Converters for bargains. The tourist centre folks were wonderful.
Next stop was Tanunda for lunch, found a beaut restaurant called 1918, food was superb, and the Sparkling Dry Red was delicious. Lots of German style cafes and bakeries there too. The old houses and buildings are delightful, some of the older houses are so tiny!
Mumsy saw a brochure for Norm's Working Dog Show. 2pm found us at Norm's farm with a bunch of other tourists. Norm's been around the block a few times and puts on a good show, he's a typical laconic bushie type and has this huge collection of coolie dogs living in a bunch of old yellow utes scattered around the property. Norm is unable to disclose details of the breed, but he does export them far and wide. The dogs were amazing, really clever and so cute.
Day 3 - Sunday 29 May 2005.
Hit the wineries today, Wolf Blass, Hamiltons and Chateau Yaldara. There are 60 wineries in the Barossa, amazing how many there are and how accessible they all are. We are finding it quick and easy to get around as the Barossa isn't such a large area at all. SB is the navigator/entertainer and has very thoughtfully brought his country music CD selection for us to listen to in the car, funny how Mumsy's CDs always get left back at the Casa.
A must see for Mumsy was Maggie Beer's gourmet farm at Nuriootpa (saw it on SBS). The food and produce is sensational. She has the most amazing collection of pheasants and quail, which they farm for their gourmet food lines. They also produce and sell Beer Brothers' Wine! We naturally stopped for lunch; Game Pie for MB, Kangaroo Crepinettes for MDR & Barossa Valley chook for SB. Mumsy thought eating outside "al fresco" would be a novel experience, but for some strange reason the sun didn't have any warmth at all... MDR & SB weren't impressed. www.maggiebeer.com
Checked out Angaston and Bethany too, very charming little towns dotted amongst the vineyards. SB loves browsing through second hand stores and found, and bought, a German Bible printed in 1903 for $10.00, in excellent condition, quite a find! MDR enjoyed the blacksmith's shop in Angaston, it was like stepping back in time.
Visited Mengler's Hill Lookout near Bethany, it has panoramic views of the Barossa, which at the moment is really dry, great views though. There is also a sculpture park at the lookout which has these huge modern marble and granite sculptures, SB took a load of photos of these.
Just near Casa Rossa there is this amazing rose garden "Barrosa" which has over 10,000 rose bushes and the fragrance is heavenly.
The fireplace at the Casa was very popular that night, all MDR needed with his glass of red was some NRL on the tele and he would have been in heaven....
Gawler is the major town just before Lyndoch. Went there for tourist info and supplies. SB, schnappschenjager, checked out Cash Converters for bargains. The tourist centre folks were wonderful.
Next stop was Tanunda for lunch, found a beaut restaurant called 1918, food was superb, and the Sparkling Dry Red was delicious. Lots of German style cafes and bakeries there too. The old houses and buildings are delightful, some of the older houses are so tiny!
Mumsy saw a brochure for Norm's Working Dog Show. 2pm found us at Norm's farm with a bunch of other tourists. Norm's been around the block a few times and puts on a good show, he's a typical laconic bushie type and has this huge collection of coolie dogs living in a bunch of old yellow utes scattered around the property. Norm is unable to disclose details of the breed, but he does export them far and wide. The dogs were amazing, really clever and so cute.
Day 3 - Sunday 29 May 2005.
Hit the wineries today, Wolf Blass, Hamiltons and Chateau Yaldara. There are 60 wineries in the Barossa, amazing how many there are and how accessible they all are. We are finding it quick and easy to get around as the Barossa isn't such a large area at all. SB is the navigator/entertainer and has very thoughtfully brought his country music CD selection for us to listen to in the car, funny how Mumsy's CDs always get left back at the Casa.
A must see for Mumsy was Maggie Beer's gourmet farm at Nuriootpa (saw it on SBS). The food and produce is sensational. She has the most amazing collection of pheasants and quail, which they farm for their gourmet food lines. They also produce and sell Beer Brothers' Wine! We naturally stopped for lunch; Game Pie for MB, Kangaroo Crepinettes for MDR & Barossa Valley chook for SB. Mumsy thought eating outside "al fresco" would be a novel experience, but for some strange reason the sun didn't have any warmth at all... MDR & SB weren't impressed. www.maggiebeer.com
Checked out Angaston and Bethany too, very charming little towns dotted amongst the vineyards. SB loves browsing through second hand stores and found, and bought, a German Bible printed in 1903 for $10.00, in excellent condition, quite a find! MDR enjoyed the blacksmith's shop in Angaston, it was like stepping back in time.
Visited Mengler's Hill Lookout near Bethany, it has panoramic views of the Barossa, which at the moment is really dry, great views though. There is also a sculpture park at the lookout which has these huge modern marble and granite sculptures, SB took a load of photos of these.
Just near Casa Rossa there is this amazing rose garden "Barrosa" which has over 10,000 rose bushes and the fragrance is heavenly.
The fireplace at the Casa was very popular that night, all MDR needed with his glass of red was some NRL on the tele and he would have been in heaven....
Monday, May 30, 2005
Laucke Flour Mill, Angaston, Barossa Valley, SA.
This caught our eye, as Laucke is our favourite bread making flour. It must be like gold, judging by the security around the building!
Day 1 Barossa Valley
Left Cairns 4:30pm on Friday 27th May 2005 via Virgin Airlines and arrived at a chilly Adelaide around 10pm. Collected our car rental from Avis, who were good enough to upgrade us to a Commodore with satellite navigation. Didn't realise how useful these are! SB* programmed it to get us to Lyndoch (about 1 hour nth of Adelaide), MDR didn't have to worry about maps or anything, the nice voice on the satnav, which we've dubbed ''Sheree'' after SB's maths teacher, plotted our route and told us when to turn and the distances we needed to travel, a wonderful tool for sure.
Mumsy booked a 3 bdrm holiday house called 'Casa Rossa', through wotif. Our thoughtful hosts had turned on the central heating for us. The house is in a vineyard and is just perfect for us, not only centally heated, it has an open fire and heaters in the bedrooms. Mumsy loves the bath too, where she can thaw out when required.
*SB - Sebastian Bluemmert
Mumsy - Marcia
MDR - Marc
Mumsy booked a 3 bdrm holiday house called 'Casa Rossa', through wotif. Our thoughtful hosts had turned on the central heating for us. The house is in a vineyard and is just perfect for us, not only centally heated, it has an open fire and heaters in the bedrooms. Mumsy loves the bath too, where she can thaw out when required.
*SB - Sebastian Bluemmert
Mumsy - Marcia
MDR - Marc
Monday, March 07, 2005
Internet Radio
I enjoy listening to the radio via my PC. There are many interesting programs on when I'm not around to listen and I've wondered for a while about recording them. Looked through the MS Windows Accessories and there doesn't appear to be any software for recording, except via the microphone. Went to good ol' Google and found the answer in a nanosecond, downloaded Total Recorder from www.highcriteria.com and voila I have the software.
It's very simple to use, had to set-up a recording profile which was probably the hardest bit. Once that was done tried recording but nothing doing. It turned out that as I use Windows Media to listen to radio I needed to download some extra software, did that and I was up and running. I then recorded a 2 hour radio program. Replayed it the next day and it was superb. There are also options in the software to convert the sound files to the format needed for burning to CD etc. This is a great little piece of software that will provide me lots of extra listening pleasure.
It's very simple to use, had to set-up a recording profile which was probably the hardest bit. Once that was done tried recording but nothing doing. It turned out that as I use Windows Media to listen to radio I needed to download some extra software, did that and I was up and running. I then recorded a 2 hour radio program. Replayed it the next day and it was superb. There are also options in the software to convert the sound files to the format needed for burning to CD etc. This is a great little piece of software that will provide me lots of extra listening pleasure.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Tuesdays with Morrie
This book should be compulsory reading for everybody. I first heard about "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom on ABC radio. Morrie was one of Mitch Albom's University lecturers. About 20 years after Mitch left Uni, Morrie appeared on TV after being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, which Mitch happened to see. Mitch then started visiting Morrie regularly and wrote about their discussions until Morrie died of the disease. Mitch & Morrie talked about all the big questions in life, ie love, marriage, children, death etc. It is so simply and touchingly written, I was reduced to tears. I found it to be a very "grounding" book that reminded me of what the really important things in life are.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Midnight in Sicily
What an enthralling and fascinating read! "Midnight in Sicily" by Peter Robb is an unusual combination of commentary on the mafia, cosa nostra, murky Italian politics, travel, cuisine, the Sicilian writer Lampedusa, and the amazing story of the death of the famous Italian artist Guttuso. Peter Robb's writing is like a very large canvas, he paints a very detailed picture which takes a good deal of attention and concentration to absorb. I was particularly intrigued with the Guttuso story, truly a gaudy soap opera, incredibly melodramatic and so Italian......
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)