Always Travelling

Ages ago (February this year) Nida gave me a list of movies from the Subcontinent to watch. I have made very slow progress. Anything a little removed from the mainstream is not so easy to come across in Perth I'm afraid to report. I've asked around and got a few offers from friends who own a DVD or whatever here and there, but I never really followed up. The only place that sells Bollywood/Indian movies is a little shop called Prime Products, and they have a 'shelf' of DVDs - that's it. They can order you in stuff if you really want.

Tonight however, we had a Bollywood night. My good friends Kris & Christelle brought a delicious curry for dinner, and Taylor brought his collection of movies (a couple of Indian girlfriends early in uni life turned him into an expert on the subject). We watched Asoka, which was good (as a side note, the Ashoka wikipedia article contains some fascinating material, I could read for hours looking into all the avenues of interest aroused from that one article). Taylor also left for me a handful of DVDs, and I'm gonna get stuck in over the next week. They include Lagaan, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Dil Se, Shakti, Devdas, Saathiya, Pardes, Main Hoon Na, Kal Ho Naa Ho, and Chalte Chalte.

Quality time in front of the TV and no pressing deadlines of any sort on my mind. All I need is my girlfriend here and it'd be perfect.

(Oh, and last night I went out with Megan to a nice Vietnamese restaurant and had a mixed beef rice noodle soup... I was unawares that 'mixed beef' includes tripe! Well not one to make a big deal about these things, I tried it and chewed it all down. Kung Fu Hustle followed and it was a very lazy night. Brilliant.)

These come every working day and I think they're essential for any local business student or anyone who wants to be uptodate with the WA business scene. There are a range of good sources for all sorts of world/technology/ political/etc news, but for business news close to home, nothing comes close to WA Business News. It's a weekly newspaper that claims that 43% of it's subscribers are either CEOs, managing directors or proprietors, 48% hold managerial or professional positions, and that 91% are decision makers. Those at the top read this newspaper... I signed up for a free 8 week trial (during which the newspaper will be home delivered) via their online registration page, and got a phone call about 10 minutes later from a customer service representative asking me my occupation and telling me that I'd receive this week's copy in the mail with the next edition. So far, so good. Hmmm, I don't think I'll be shelling out to subscribe though, because 1) I am a poor student, 2) I can always pick up the hub's copy to read whenever I go into uni, and 3) they offer a good email alert through which I can access articles online.  

An example of what the daily email contains (not the full email, just the first few stories):

Hello Nicholas, welcome to our Daily Business Alert for Friday November 24, putting tomorrow's business news in your inbox today. If you have some news you think we should know about, please email news@wabusinessnews.com.au - Mark Pownall - Editor

Boom slowing, but house prices growing: REIWA

Despite lower sales volumes, an increase in listings and interest rates, Perth's housing boom just goes on and on. The latest figures show the benefits have shifted to areas like Stirling, Bayswater, Bassendean, Belmont, Canning and Fremantle.

Perth Airport secures $770m refinancing

Perth Airport has completed a refinancing through bank facilities and bonds worth $770 million, a few days after announcing a planned expansion of facilities worth $8 million.

Port Bouvard plans 2000-lot development near Mandurah

Como-based property developer Port Bouvard Ltd has purchased 275 hectares at Point Grey, near Mandurah, for $92 million, which it plans to develop into more than 2000 housing lots, the company announced today.

Cole report to condemn AWB, exonerate government:

Terence Cole's report into kickbacks paid by Australian companies to Saddam Hussein under the "oil for food" program will be tabled in parliament next week. In the meantime, we take a look back at the inquiry, and what the future may hold for AWB.

Federal Court awards 7,000km Kimberley native title claim

The last in a series of native title claims dating back to 1994 concluded today when the Federal Court handed over 6,758 kmsq of land to the Miriuwung, Gajerrong and Kija people of the East Kimberley.

Hilarious!

eating an ice-cream in a hot shower. :P

Flashmob in the city today... got an email that said to bring a beach towel and a camera, and to spot a guy in a t-shirt with "I love frisbe" on it. I got a sheet of instructions from him about what was to happen after saying the magic words "I love frisbe too!". (By the way, it did say frisbe, not frisbee).

Loitering beforehand (carrying beach towels in the middle of the city!)


Before the action


Well we didn't necessarily have to all spread out... but it ended up that way. After a few minutes lying down, soaking up the questioning looks of passers by, the music came on and we surfed our towels Malibu style - quite silly and thus very liberating and fun. There's was quite a few of us, probably a good 35 at least.


Part 2, in front of the train station entrance: what is that in the sky??




Lastly, just at the end as people were moving off, an undercover copper came up to me and asked me what we were pointing at. I said "nothing, mate", and he flashed his badge and gave me a good telling off; he'd come running after hearing some of the girls scream (they were quite dramatic), told me it was a public disturbance, there was an emergency yesterday etc, and "don't do it again". Why did he single me out? haha. Apart from that, the whole affair was quite fun. There was probably a 3 or 4:1 girl/guy ratio and a whole range of ages, predominantly 18-22 though I reckon.

All pics here

I attended a private high school so when I got to uni I sort of let myself go. Short back and sides? No way! There are some things that you need to do in your life, to be able to tick them off your list. Grow a beard? Tick! Long hair? Tick! haha. I found these photos last night, and had a good laugh. Prepare yourself for a shock!

(oh and please excuse the vanity of posting lots of photos of myself)

Early to mid 2002


Christmas 2002


August 2003 I think




19th Birthday - September 2003


Bag packed for Indonesia - January 2004


Off to Pakistan - November 2005


Yesterday

What do you think? Would you recognise me in the street if you only know me in 2003?

CCH, 21/11/06

WA's first formal Aboriginal court will hear begin hearings in Kalgoorlie this week after officially opening its doors today.

WA Attorney General Jim McGinty said the law and sentencing options in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community Court would be the same as in any other Western Australian court, but indigenous values and cultural input would play a key role.

A similar scheme in Victoria has seen a significant reduction in the rate of re-offending among Aboriginal communities, with recidivism rates dropping by 15.5 per cent in one Victorian town alone.

The number of offenders who breached community corrections orders also fell and fewer Aboriginal defendants failed to show for their court appearances.

The introduction of such a court in WA was one of the key recommendations of the recent Law Reform Commission report into 'Aboriginal Customary Law and the Criminal Justice System'.

"A specialised court, which recognises indigenous culture, can provide justice which is far more relevant to Aboriginal people and also help reduce re-offending," Mr McGinty said. "Similar courts in the Eastern States have seen a significant reduction in the rate of re-offending among Aboriginal communities, with recidivism rates dropping by 15.5 per cent in one Victorian town alone."

The changes to the court include:

• all court participants, including the magistrate, would sit at a special table,
• legal jargon would be replaced with everyday language,
• Aboriginal artwork and flags would be prominent in the court,
• elders and respected people from the local Aboriginal community would sit alongside the magistrate during hearings, and
• the employment of a dedicated Aboriginal Justice Officer.

Fifteen Aboriginal court members, nominated by the local community, have been trained in court procedures, conflict resolution, juvenile justice and other matters.

The first hearings are scheduled for Thursday.

Article from The West, 15th Nov 2006. (Emphasis is mine)

Perth house prices will defy the latest interest rate rise and continue to soar on the back of the commodities boom and strong population growth, Westpac Bank senior economist Andrew Hanlan said yesterday.

The fundamentals of the WA economy meant that while house prices in other capitals could stagnate, Perth, and to a lesser extent Darwin, were in a league of their own, Mr Hanlan said.

Perth prices have soared close to 40 per cent in the past year, with the city now rivalling Sydney as the most expensive in the country.

And today it will be revealed that house prices in some suburbs soared by significantly more in that time.

Figures from the Real Estate Institute of WA show Forrestdale was the best-performing suburb, with the price of an average house leaping 96 per cent to $490,000.

Mr Hanlan said prices in Perth were set to climb further, fuelled by the commodities boom and an influx of residents from other States and countries.

“Population growth is still accelerating in WA, and people’s incomes are growing, so that’s offsetting the problems on the affordability side,” he said. “I sense there is still plenty of momentum in the Perth market.”

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: do or diy <do.or.diy@gmail.com>
Date: Nov 15, 2006 9:34 PM
Subject: Flashmob on saturday 25th Nov Instructions

Hello people.
This Mob will be in 2 parts . Each one just a short walk apart.
What you need to bring: A beach towel (no you won't be getting wet, no need to hide the towel either). A camera (working or not).
When: 12:30pm sat 25th Nov
On Saturday the 25th of November you will make your way to the information Kiosk located near the City Beach surf shop on the Murray st mall in  the city. The Mob Rep will be present between 12:30pm and 1:00pm in the vicinity and will be wearing a BLUE "I LOVE FRISBE" T-SHIRT. Approach this person and say. "I love frisbe too!"
You will be then handed the rest of the instructions. Move away and read them, then follow them.

Thanks
Please reply with how many people will be attending.
Thanks people spread the word.
--
Flashmobs in Perth www.do-or-diy.com

Nick Taylor, one of my best friends, recently got a flickr pro account and has put a hellava lot of great pics of his travels up. He mentioned the other day that his parents after viewing the pics, suggested that Nick should only put up the best few pics, only the really good ones. However Nick was of the opinion that the photos aren't just for others to see, but also for him, as an easily accessible record of his travels. They're easy to browse (especially when tagged or put into sets), so putting up lots of picks shouldn't really be that much of a bad thing, and they're a backup in case your hard drive dies or something. I agree totally.

But I got to thinking today that perhaps I'll actually name and add some text to my pics, because at the moment 99% have only the auto generated title. Probably make the viewing/browsing experience much more enjoyable and informative for friends, family and strangers. Along with finishing scanning and uploading the rest of my prints, it's something for the holidays when I have time to spare.

I've got a set of my most 'interesting' photos, autogenerated every day or two, here. 100 photos based on flickr's concept of 'interestingness', which I think is mainly calculated through number of views, links and number of times favourited. I think the composition of this set will change once I add some metadata to my photos.

Today I also received in the mail not one but two thank you letters for John Curtin Weekend volunteering. Both signed by the Vice-Chancellor (this is sure to make many volunteers feel very appreciated - good move!), one for driving a bus and one for leading a group. First reaction - I'm definitely in for next year. Curtin is adding a lot of value to extra-curricular activities for its involved students; starting this year graduates will be able to receive, in addition to and following their academic grades, a list and description of the volunteering and other activities they were involved in outside of the classroom. All signed by the Vice Chancellor and/or Dean of their faculty. This is significant because, as all AIESECers will know, seriously intense learning experiences are not often found in the classroom - and business knows this.

Also needs to be said: my brother is living and working in Lumut, Malaysia for Clough. Return tickets to KL or Singapore from Perth start at a little under $600 (tax and extras not included, and I'm quoting from Garuda here).... if it's possible to spend say 3 weeks in Singapore/Malaysia, using his house as a base (I'm sure he wouldn't mind haha!), I'd do it. I'd leave probably early week... let's see if it happens. All it really depends on is how much the tickets will actually cost, because I'm not made of money, ya know. 

** also most ridiculous opening speech (monologue) in movie history.

*** I really liked this movie though, despite smacking my head in frustration during and after this torture. Got to say Hugo Weaving has serious voice talent. There is a lot to say about this movie, but I'm going to bed. Perhaps another time...

... but I wish I was when I hear about their pay.

I am looking to head into Human Resources (first in a generalist role or graduate program, then to specialise in something, maybe employment relations or training and development) on the back of a Commerce & Science degree combination with majors in psychology, industrial relations and human resource management. How complicated is that for something so simple??!!!

At the end of next year, when I graduate, I'd seriously better get a decent job at a multinational or whatever, with a decent salary and good development opportunities, or I'm gonna be pissed off.

The things I do in study break heh...

.... sexual options!!! What the heck!!!

I should hasten to add that another reason Perth is doing so well is that it is isolated! I had an inkling about this but this wikipedia article on WA confirmed it: Perth is closer to Jakarta (3,007km) than it is to Sydney (3,284 km). Last year it cost about $1000 to fly domestically to Brisbane for the Aussie AIESEC September Presidents' Meeting, yet a month and a half later I was off to Pakistan on a return ticket for about $1400. Let's see, shall I go to Africa, anywhere in Asia (South-East Asia less expensive).... or to Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne. I'm exaggerating of course, but accommodation and food would be cheap most places in Asia and a trip outside of Australia would work out cheaper after a couple of weeks, and continue to be progressively less expensive the longer I stay.

I sort of didn't emphasise the point that Perth is one of the world's hubs of mining administration and that miners/engineers here have hit the jackpot. Engineers are desperately needed and will be for the next 10 years; supply won't meet demand for a long time. 2nd year engineering students doing vacation work are getting paid up to 75% graduate salary even though they know next to nothing useful, and signing on bonuses (basically saying that you'll work for the company when you graduate) of $5000 are not unheard of. It doesn't matter about your marks, just graduate and you're assured an awesome salary. Graduate mechanical and mining engineers start on $60,000 or more.

From the news today

The Australian economy is going great guns.... thanks China! A national unemployment rate of 4.6 per cent currently if fantastic, it's a brilliant situation... but this national figure hides the reality here in Perth where things are even better, much better. Perth is the central hub of a massively resource rich state, and you've got to remember how big Western Australia is. It covers a third of Australia and is larger in size than most countries. WA has about 10% of Australia's population but currently accounts for around 40% of its exports. There are literally hundreds of mines operating in WA, and don't forget the oil and gas fields off the north-west coast.

The situation here is basically this: if you are able to get out of bed in the morning and dress yourself, and you want to work, then you have a job - and you're probably on a pretty good salary. That 4.6% national unemployment figure would be much much lower in Perth, and I suspect then a large part of whatever is left would be made up of transitionary employment (with the economy as good as it is people are getting very choosy about their jobs and moving jobs at the drop of a hat is becoming more common).

In fact, university entry applications have been down for the last few years because many school leavers are going straight into the workforce. And I don't blame them - earn great money for a few years, $40,000 per year and upwards, mature, and then if you want a professional career you have a sound financial position from which to live off whilst studying. Make hay whilst the sun is up.

Listening to Ghoom Tana by Junoon on repeat. Takes me back to Pakistan, a different life. Reminds me of travelling, of meeting new people and forming friendships, new experiences coming left right and centre, and of being in that frame of mind, the traveller's frame of mind.

I long to travel. Man it is strong this morning.

Realistically though, I need more money! So I'll probably spend this Summer working as much casual as I can get (better rates) and bring in as much as I can, for future travel adventures.

I've been very sick lately, came down with a virus last Thursday night and still recovering from it now. If I'm to take a positive out of it, I suppose it was the best time for it, as I'd just finished an exam Thursday and had no further classes or assessments, only exams on the 13th and 20th of this month.

Anyway today is Melbourne Cup day, aka "the race that stops a nation", and I rolled out of bed and got dolled up (in all of 30 seconds) to watch it. Here's a photo of my brother Sebastian, my Dad, and I. My Dad tucked into half a kilo of prawns whilst Seb and I were happy with chicken sandwiches. We swigged Mason (non-alcoholic wine ie, fizzy grape juice. Tastes nice though). All very posh. Mum even did a family sweeps - I didn't win so we need not go into further detail on that.