Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Mistaken identity
There is someone else who works in our office named Darren. Except he spells his name with an extra n. Also, he is Scottish. Because of this the girls think he is adorable. With the accent and all.
Anyway, last week we all got an email with the heading "Social: House for Sale". Now from time to time people in here will send out emails with the word "Social" in the subject line, either to promote some cause (today Darrenn sent us all one trying to get us to save the whales), or sell/give away tickets to an event. However, noone to the best of my knowledge has ever used the medium of internal email to try and sell a house before. Until now . . .
Anyway, this would be mildly amusing on its own, but yesterday I got caught in a conversation in the kitchen with a colleague. It went something like this . . .
Her: "Did you get much interest in your house?"
Me: "That wasn't me. You're thinking of Darrenn in Events".
Her: "Oh" (slight pause). "Where did you and your wife move to?"
Me: "I didn't move anywhere. I haven't sold my house. You are thinking of an email from Darrenn downstairs. Not me."
Her: "Oh, right".
Man sometimes people are dumb.
Anyway, last week we all got an email with the heading "Social: House for Sale". Now from time to time people in here will send out emails with the word "Social" in the subject line, either to promote some cause (today Darrenn sent us all one trying to get us to save the whales), or sell/give away tickets to an event. However, noone to the best of my knowledge has ever used the medium of internal email to try and sell a house before. Until now . . .
Anyway, this would be mildly amusing on its own, but yesterday I got caught in a conversation in the kitchen with a colleague. It went something like this . . .
Her: "Did you get much interest in your house?"
Me: "That wasn't me. You're thinking of Darrenn in Events".
Her: "Oh" (slight pause). "Where did you and your wife move to?"
Me: "I didn't move anywhere. I haven't sold my house. You are thinking of an email from Darrenn downstairs. Not me."
Her: "Oh, right".
Man sometimes people are dumb.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Poker at the Palais
Hadn't been down to the Palais for poker night in weeks, perhaps months, so when the invite came from Muzz and Ando to go last night, how could I say no? The fact that Corey would be there for the first time only sweetened the deal.
We were planning on getting there early for dinner before the game, but some unfortunate tardiness from Ando and Devs meant it was after 7pm by the time we ended up registering. So we ordered our meals, but the waitress says "If we do them now, you'll probably get them before the game starts but you'll have to rush them down - do you want to wait till the first break?" Everyone agreed that this sounded like a good idea, and so I didn't really have a choice, even though I was crazy hungry.
So come 7.30 the game starts, and Murray, Ando, Cors and I all sit in a row on the same table. It's tempting to spread out so you don't knock each other out, but then that kind of takes the fun out of it. For the first fifteen minutes of so I mainly got rubbish cards, so focussed on catching up with Corey. I started to get hands a bit then, and cleaned up a few times without having to show my cards after getting Ace-rubbish.
I spent most of the first session dreaming of my chicken schnitzel in dianne gravy. I've never been so hungry playing cards before, or as relieved when the first break finally came.
During the second session we got split up and I ended up on a table alone. The blinds were starting to knock me out, so down to 1,200 chips I went all in and doubled up. As the final break approached I realised that the rest of the guys were all out of the comp, so decided that I was either going to go out in a blaze of glory on that hand, or come back from the break with a whole lot of chips. I went all in with King - Six, and had a few people call. Despite hitting a six on the flop I was still down until a third six came up on the river, and I cleaned up.
During the break I tried not to get too far ahead of myself. Murray told me there was $500 prize money for first place tonight, and I tried to resist fantasizing about what I'd spend the money on. I was getting advice all over the place - generally the consensus seemed to be play your game, play smart hands, don't try and get too agressive.
When we came back from the break I had about 11,000 chips, which probably put me up in the top 10 of remaining players, maybe higher. As the blinds climbed though, I started to lose . . . I saw two all ins against pocket pairs where I had two overcards and lost the race both times. Down to 2,200, I finally went all in with Jack - Queen suited. Was still in it till the river with an open ended straight draw, but didn't come off. Think I finished about 16th out of 70-odd players in the end, and avoided making any really boneheaded decisions all night, so I can't complain.
A few final thoughts:
It was great to spend the night just hanging with Corey, Murray and Ando. I realised then how infrequently we do that, just the guys.
Some of the players at my table were recounting the game they played in last night, which is held at an Adelaide strip club. I've never been to a strip club, but I would imagine it is not the kind of environment that is condusive to playing cards . . . or concentrating in general.
Some of the guys at my table needed to spend a little less time playing poker, a little more time showering.
There was an older guy there who Murray reckoned looked like Alan Kloot (an older South African guy who goes to our church). Murray explained to the guy who Alan was, and then called him Alan Kloot all night (using both names). Amazingly, the guy didn't seem to really care.
We were planning on getting there early for dinner before the game, but some unfortunate tardiness from Ando and Devs meant it was after 7pm by the time we ended up registering. So we ordered our meals, but the waitress says "If we do them now, you'll probably get them before the game starts but you'll have to rush them down - do you want to wait till the first break?" Everyone agreed that this sounded like a good idea, and so I didn't really have a choice, even though I was crazy hungry.
So come 7.30 the game starts, and Murray, Ando, Cors and I all sit in a row on the same table. It's tempting to spread out so you don't knock each other out, but then that kind of takes the fun out of it. For the first fifteen minutes of so I mainly got rubbish cards, so focussed on catching up with Corey. I started to get hands a bit then, and cleaned up a few times without having to show my cards after getting Ace-rubbish.
I spent most of the first session dreaming of my chicken schnitzel in dianne gravy. I've never been so hungry playing cards before, or as relieved when the first break finally came.
During the second session we got split up and I ended up on a table alone. The blinds were starting to knock me out, so down to 1,200 chips I went all in and doubled up. As the final break approached I realised that the rest of the guys were all out of the comp, so decided that I was either going to go out in a blaze of glory on that hand, or come back from the break with a whole lot of chips. I went all in with King - Six, and had a few people call. Despite hitting a six on the flop I was still down until a third six came up on the river, and I cleaned up.
During the break I tried not to get too far ahead of myself. Murray told me there was $500 prize money for first place tonight, and I tried to resist fantasizing about what I'd spend the money on. I was getting advice all over the place - generally the consensus seemed to be play your game, play smart hands, don't try and get too agressive.
When we came back from the break I had about 11,000 chips, which probably put me up in the top 10 of remaining players, maybe higher. As the blinds climbed though, I started to lose . . . I saw two all ins against pocket pairs where I had two overcards and lost the race both times. Down to 2,200, I finally went all in with Jack - Queen suited. Was still in it till the river with an open ended straight draw, but didn't come off. Think I finished about 16th out of 70-odd players in the end, and avoided making any really boneheaded decisions all night, so I can't complain.
A few final thoughts:
It was great to spend the night just hanging with Corey, Murray and Ando. I realised then how infrequently we do that, just the guys.
Some of the players at my table were recounting the game they played in last night, which is held at an Adelaide strip club. I've never been to a strip club, but I would imagine it is not the kind of environment that is condusive to playing cards . . . or concentrating in general.
Some of the guys at my table needed to spend a little less time playing poker, a little more time showering.
There was an older guy there who Murray reckoned looked like Alan Kloot (an older South African guy who goes to our church). Murray explained to the guy who Alan was, and then called him Alan Kloot all night (using both names). Amazingly, the guy didn't seem to really care.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Friday, December 07, 2007
Today was a good day
Woke up this morning and I was 31. Not sure if that feels old or not, I don't think it does.
I did few odd jobs around the house, then drove to Michella's place. She handed me my gift, and said "don't get excited by the shape, it's not what you think it is". As I unwrapped it I noticed it was a shoebox shape, and so figured it probably wasn't the November Rain limited edition Nike SB Dunks that I had been coveting. Anyway, it was all part of her plan to throw me off the scent, because tearing off the gold wrapping paper I found a gold Nike box with these awesome shoes (or "kicks" as they are otherwise known) inside.
Best present ever.
Anyway . . . after that we drove down to Star of Greece at Port Willunga, where Chella was shouting me lunch.
I'd never been there before, and it was very nice - great views of the coastline, and really nice food. The decor isn't really what you'd expect for the price you're paying, although some would say that's part of the charm.
I had the locally caught squid with lemon mayonaise, and then rump of lamb with purple gnocci, cherry tomatoes and green beans. Perhaps it was because it was my birthday, or perhaps just because she had the same main, Michella mainly left my food alone this time.
After coffee we got up to leave and approached the counter for the bill. When the waitress handed it to me I turned and gave it to Michella, and the waitress reacted with a horrified look on her face, like "You're the dude, you're not meant to do that!" I tried to explain that it was my birthday and not a regular occurence but she seemed pretty surprised still. Ah we still have so far to go in terms of gender equality in our society.
On our way back to town we stopped off at Colonades to try and find a dress for Michella. Unfortunately there was nothing in Myer and the rest of the place seems bogan central so came away empty handed.
We got some alcohol for my birthday breakfast at Dan Murphys there, picking up a slab of Coopers Pale and Coronas. Also grabbed a few bottles of champagne - Michella tried to get me to class it up with the $60 bottles but I figured it was a waste, especially since I don't like champagne and it would just be other people drinking it.
We drove back into town and headed for the markets, looking for food for the next morning. I like the idea of shopping in the markets, but it's just so tiring - trying to avoid people walking too slow, people not watching where they are going, and people with prams who might possibly run all over my new sneakers. Was glad to get away and finally home to relax.
I did few odd jobs around the house, then drove to Michella's place. She handed me my gift, and said "don't get excited by the shape, it's not what you think it is". As I unwrapped it I noticed it was a shoebox shape, and so figured it probably wasn't the November Rain limited edition Nike SB Dunks that I had been coveting. Anyway, it was all part of her plan to throw me off the scent, because tearing off the gold wrapping paper I found a gold Nike box with these awesome shoes (or "kicks" as they are otherwise known) inside.
Best present ever.
Anyway . . . after that we drove down to Star of Greece at Port Willunga, where Chella was shouting me lunch.
I'd never been there before, and it was very nice - great views of the coastline, and really nice food. The decor isn't really what you'd expect for the price you're paying, although some would say that's part of the charm.
I had the locally caught squid with lemon mayonaise, and then rump of lamb with purple gnocci, cherry tomatoes and green beans. Perhaps it was because it was my birthday, or perhaps just because she had the same main, Michella mainly left my food alone this time.
After coffee we got up to leave and approached the counter for the bill. When the waitress handed it to me I turned and gave it to Michella, and the waitress reacted with a horrified look on her face, like "You're the dude, you're not meant to do that!" I tried to explain that it was my birthday and not a regular occurence but she seemed pretty surprised still. Ah we still have so far to go in terms of gender equality in our society.
On our way back to town we stopped off at Colonades to try and find a dress for Michella. Unfortunately there was nothing in Myer and the rest of the place seems bogan central so came away empty handed.
We got some alcohol for my birthday breakfast at Dan Murphys there, picking up a slab of Coopers Pale and Coronas. Also grabbed a few bottles of champagne - Michella tried to get me to class it up with the $60 bottles but I figured it was a waste, especially since I don't like champagne and it would just be other people drinking it.
We drove back into town and headed for the markets, looking for food for the next morning. I like the idea of shopping in the markets, but it's just so tiring - trying to avoid people walking too slow, people not watching where they are going, and people with prams who might possibly run all over my new sneakers. Was glad to get away and finally home to relax.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
The Darjeeling Limited
This is a bit of a belated review, but I thought it was important that I post it, if only to save other people from watching this film.
Last Thursday night we went to the first night of Moonlight Cinema for the summer in Botanic Gardens. I got some tickets through work, and was looking forward to seeing "The Darjeeling Limited", the new film from Wes Anderson (The Royal Tennenbaums, The Life Aquatic).
We got there a little after 7pm with our take away Thai food. For me, this is one of the best things about Moonlight Cinema - even if the movie is completely crap, it's a nice excuse to eat great food in a picturesque location surrounded by pretentious yuppies (more on that later). I can't complain about the food, it was great quality. The only downside was that I ordered the Red Beef Curry, and Michella ordered some all-vegetable dish. And then wanted some of my meal too. It reminded me of how when you go to a party and they decide to order pizza, and everyone asks for all of these weird things, and you say you just want a bbq chicken one, and then when it comes everyone just eats your bbq chicken. I hate it when that happens.
Anyway, as we were eating dinner, we noticed a group of young people sitting across from us who looked like they were out at a day at the races. The girls in particular were all dressed up in summer dresses, despite the fact that in about an hour it was going to be freezing cold. There was a photographer for The Advertiser taking photos, and she spent quite a lot of time with this group, getting different combinations of them together. Once she finished up there she walked past us to the next group of people, and started taking their photo. I'm guessing we missed out because a) we were dressed appropriately for a movie in the open air late at night and/or b) we were stuffing our faces with Thai food.
Onto the actual film itself . . . it was preceded by a short movie starting Jason Schwartzman and Natalie Portman, playing two ex-lovers who meet again in a Paris hotel. It was kind of interesting, but nothing to write home about.
The main feature then commenced, with Jason reprising his character, playing the brother of Owen Wilson and Adrien Brody. The movie is basically about three brothers who go on a train journey across India, to "find themselves" or something like that, following the death of their father.
I was talking to Mirjana today who told me that the luggage they all carry throughout the film is meant to signify the baggage we all carry through our lives. That kind of explains the pseudo-depth they're aiming for with this. Mainly I found it boring. There were a few good Owen Wilson lines, but overall it was more of the same from the director - if you've seen any of his last few movies you know what to expect. Lots of quirkly dialogue, deadpan delivery, awkward silences, that kind of thing. I kind of enjoyed it for a while but two hours was way too much. Michella said she liked it but she fell asleep about an hour in so I don't think that really counts.
Last Thursday night we went to the first night of Moonlight Cinema for the summer in Botanic Gardens. I got some tickets through work, and was looking forward to seeing "The Darjeeling Limited", the new film from Wes Anderson (The Royal Tennenbaums, The Life Aquatic).
We got there a little after 7pm with our take away Thai food. For me, this is one of the best things about Moonlight Cinema - even if the movie is completely crap, it's a nice excuse to eat great food in a picturesque location surrounded by pretentious yuppies (more on that later). I can't complain about the food, it was great quality. The only downside was that I ordered the Red Beef Curry, and Michella ordered some all-vegetable dish. And then wanted some of my meal too. It reminded me of how when you go to a party and they decide to order pizza, and everyone asks for all of these weird things, and you say you just want a bbq chicken one, and then when it comes everyone just eats your bbq chicken. I hate it when that happens.
Anyway, as we were eating dinner, we noticed a group of young people sitting across from us who looked like they were out at a day at the races. The girls in particular were all dressed up in summer dresses, despite the fact that in about an hour it was going to be freezing cold. There was a photographer for The Advertiser taking photos, and she spent quite a lot of time with this group, getting different combinations of them together. Once she finished up there she walked past us to the next group of people, and started taking their photo. I'm guessing we missed out because a) we were dressed appropriately for a movie in the open air late at night and/or b) we were stuffing our faces with Thai food.
Onto the actual film itself . . . it was preceded by a short movie starting Jason Schwartzman and Natalie Portman, playing two ex-lovers who meet again in a Paris hotel. It was kind of interesting, but nothing to write home about.
The main feature then commenced, with Jason reprising his character, playing the brother of Owen Wilson and Adrien Brody. The movie is basically about three brothers who go on a train journey across India, to "find themselves" or something like that, following the death of their father.
I was talking to Mirjana today who told me that the luggage they all carry throughout the film is meant to signify the baggage we all carry through our lives. That kind of explains the pseudo-depth they're aiming for with this. Mainly I found it boring. There were a few good Owen Wilson lines, but overall it was more of the same from the director - if you've seen any of his last few movies you know what to expect. Lots of quirkly dialogue, deadpan delivery, awkward silences, that kind of thing. I kind of enjoyed it for a while but two hours was way too much. Michella said she liked it but she fell asleep about an hour in so I don't think that really counts.
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