tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post5028668726939291932..comments2024-03-01T21:01:15.174-06:00Comments on Biblical Christianity: Hither and thither 7/30/10DJPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-56188090298767316232010-08-03T21:54:47.950-05:002010-08-03T21:54:47.950-05:00Not much of a beer drinker myself. I prefer the ne...Not much of a beer drinker myself. I prefer the nectar of the Barossa. Although there is usually some Corona in the fridge, along with lemons and limes.<br /><br />As SirAaron says, its' a long trip and it would not be cheap. Making it an OZ/NZ trip is a good idea.<br /><br />It can be cheaper for us to holiday in places like Bali than somewhere like Ayers Rock in our own country. Two adult return airfares from here to Hamilton Island (a 1 hour flight) is $1250. Two adult return airfares to Osaka (an 8 hour flight) is $1450!Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-79368801168508830962010-08-03T19:30:33.883-05:002010-08-03T19:30:33.883-05:00You're a riot. Yes, it's close enough tha...You're a riot. Yes, it's close enough that I wouldn't go to New Zealand without also going to Australia. At least, from the perspective that it's only another 3 hour flight, assuming you didn't have to fly into Australia first to New Zealand.<br /><br />I know I didn't say that, but I thought it was implied.Aaronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15285043747501470199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-68110710543111785722010-08-03T18:02:38.741-05:002010-08-03T18:02:38.741-05:00Sprechen Sie Foster's?
(I kid.)
I'm sure...Sprechen Sie Foster's?<br /><br />(I kid.)<br /><br />I'm sure we'd find something. But it isn't on my <i>known</i> list of things-to-do-soon.<br /><br />We really would like to go to New Zealand, though. Isn't that close?<br /><br />(c;DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-32684082556352395702010-08-03T17:35:48.723-05:002010-08-03T17:35:48.723-05:00Thanks for the pointer Daryl. I just called it Aus...Thanks for the pointer Daryl. I just called it Austrian because it's sorta like a dialect of German.<br /><br />Switzerland is tricky too as they speak slightly altered French or German depending on which part of the country you are in.<br /><br />If you did visit DJP, what would we talk about? The old saying about not discussing sex, politics or religion may well be true in this case! :-)Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-82508367223048532010-08-03T16:03:52.116-05:002010-08-03T16:03:52.116-05:00I love me some Iron Chef. Another chef contest on ...I love me some Iron Chef. Another chef contest on Food Network you might enjoy is called Chopped - it's on tonight, I think. Basically chefs get a basket with 3-4 extremely random ingredients for each round, and have a very short time to make an appetizer/entree/dessert using all of them, worst dish in each round gets the chef eliminated. The dishes are obviously not nearly as refined as Iron Chef, but they're forced to be much more creative under pressure, and it's often amazing what they come up with.<br /><br />On the immigration issue, the argument that because setting immigration policy is explicitly the domain of the federal government, state/local authorities cannot enforce it, always seemed extremely hollow to me. How would that logic apply to counterfeiting? Monetary policy is strictly federal domain, so does that mean that I'm safe to try using fake money, so long as the feds don't happen to be there? Would local police need to pretend they didn't see anything if they do a raid and find a printing press?trogdorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11452996348717802065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-27970934738216557882010-08-03T15:00:21.204-05:002010-08-03T15:00:21.204-05:00You were dreaming of a new governor again, weren&#...You were dreaming of a new governor again, weren't you?Aaronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15285043747501470199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-32224576361489069612010-08-03T14:59:45.704-05:002010-08-03T14:59:45.704-05:00Did you wake up screaming? Or thinking of making a...Did you wake up screaming? Or thinking of making a run for governor?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-45808135416197337682010-08-03T14:47:12.626-05:002010-08-03T14:47:12.626-05:00I think Arnold Schwarzeneggar is funny, if that he...I think Arnold Schwarzeneggar is funny, if that helps.<br /><br />He actually figured in a dream I recently had. But that's another story.DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-4761234646323064542010-08-03T14:44:24.325-05:002010-08-03T14:44:24.325-05:00Rupert,
I'm not sure which is funnier, an Ame...Rupert,<br /><br />I'm not sure which is funnier, an American who thinks Austrians are from Australia or an Australian who thinks Austrians speak Austrian...:)<br /><br />That'd be German....with a wicked accent, mind you, but still German.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-21178751261721257352010-08-02T19:17:50.868-05:002010-08-02T19:17:50.868-05:00I've had Ostrich burgers many times. It's...I've had Ostrich burgers many times. It's good, but a little dry for my taste (at least for a burger). My preference is Buffalo.<br /><br />Rupert: My travel time was over 24 hours. Of course, I stopped in Honolulu and Fiji on the way there. And I went from Sydney to Melbourne to Fiji to Honolulu to Houston on the return. And having done that, it would be tough to take a couple young kids on that journey. But my wife does have relatives in New Zealand and I have about 260K miles to use, so we might do it.Aaronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15285043747501470199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-86035731212758403032010-08-02T17:38:44.930-05:002010-08-02T17:38:44.930-05:00I realised my mistake soon after I responded SirAa...I realised my mistake soon after I responded SirAaron. Yes, you meant their prevalence, not their taste!<br /><br />Thanks for the vote DJP but I think I'm a bit 'old dog new tricks' for the sort of 'mindset' required for politics or a high-profile role. You would be most welcome to visit.<br /><br />I really don't know about the ostrich thing. They look very similar but you can never assume.<br /><br />SirAaron I am both surprised and disappointed at the experience that you and others have had. I don't know what to say.<br /><br />Try flying from here to London. It's generally 8 hours into Asia and then 12-14 across Europe. Usually about 24 hours all up. I've only done it twice but I'd really like to fly better than cattle class if I ever do it again!<br /><br />Healthy (well, relatively) home cooked chips (fries?). Buy baby potatoes. Don't bother peeling them. Drink first glass of wine. Cut length-ways into 4 segments each. Place in microwave for 6 minutes. Drink second glass of wine. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, allowing another glass of wine. Toss in wok on maximum heat for 10 minutes - in olive oil - then season to flavor or serve with something like sour cream and sweet chilly sauce and a glass of wine. If I can do it, anyone can!Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-27214555540487219532010-08-02T12:27:02.735-05:002010-08-02T12:27:02.735-05:00Don't get me wrong, Rupert. I didn't say ...Don't get me wrong, Rupert. I didn't say the Kangaroo <i>tasted</i> like rat. But the lovely couple who ran the tour I went on, said the kangaroo was a nuisance more like a rodent than the cute, furry national symbol that we Americans think of. I still went to the wildlife refuge and fed the kangaroos anyways.<br /><br />As for restaurant service, it was pretty much the consensus among the Americans detailed there that customer service at restaurants was poor. So it wasn't my experience (which wasn't terrible) alone.<br /><br />And no worries. I can't wait to go to Australia again. It was a great place to visit (even though I was working most of the time) and would love to take my family. The only bad part of the trip, is the trip itself which is a rather long flight.Aaronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15285043747501470199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-88476671631320471662010-08-02T06:38:59.537-05:002010-08-02T06:38:59.537-05:00Rupert, now at long last we see your real mission ...Rupert, now at long last we see your <i>real</i> mission here:<br /><br />You're aiming to be <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minister_for_Tourism_(Australia)" rel="nofollow">Australia's Minister for Tourism</a>!<br /><br />(And a darned good one you'd be. You've got my vote.)<br /><br />(c:DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-85246699913301582772010-08-02T06:32:54.991-05:002010-08-02T06:32:54.991-05:00Tsk, I said no such thing.
I've heard that os...Tsk, I said no such thing.<br /><br />I've heard that ostrich meat is really terrific; a restaurant around here served ostrich-burgers, but I was never around at the right time of day. Wonder whether emu's similar?<br /><br />Like fillet steak only less sinewy? Intriguing; however, I do like a nicely-marbeled cut, so that'd be an adjustment. You're making quite a tempting case for a visit... if it weren't a 349 hour flight!DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-4213996544746307172010-08-02T01:32:17.994-05:002010-08-02T01:32:17.994-05:00Rachael, Rupert:
I stand thoroughly corrected.Rachael, Rupert:<br /><br />I stand thoroughly corrected.Stefan Ewinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05530690016594029847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-52407242034305016382010-08-01T23:28:36.466-05:002010-08-01T23:28:36.466-05:00I live in a well known tourist mecca. Many visitor...I live in a well known tourist mecca. Many visitors from Japan and Europe. Not so many from the USA. I can assure you that we welcome Americans just as much as anyone else, but....<br /><br />There is just something a little bit different.<br /><br />In 1993 I was in the old city of Salzburg. A bus load of American tourists were on the loose. I actually overheard one lady say to another 'oh, don't the children speak the local language well'! - as if they had learned Austrian as a second language! Most of the souvenir shops had t-shirts with a map of Austria on the front with images of kangaroos and the ubiquitous red circle with a line across it and the words 'Austria, there are no kangaroos in our country'. Americans didn't buy them because I don't think they got the irony. I'm australian, I did, because I do. <br /><br />And if you are American Sir Aaron, you might want to be careful about the 'Sir' bit. Apparently you might lose you citizenship if you have an overseas title. <br /><br />And the verification word is 'muffir' - so, so close!Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-26521827523540427982010-08-01T23:23:17.934-05:002010-08-01T23:23:17.934-05:00Sir Aaron, it sounds like you may have had a very ...Sir Aaron, it sounds like you may have had a very poor visit to Oz.<br /><br />I find our restaurant service to be very good the vast majority of the time. I have eaten in all states except Tasmania and the Northern Territory. I have also eaten in parts of Europe and the UK. I find our standards of service to be better than most.<br /><br />The food in Adelaide and Melbourne would be amongst the best there is, and the rest aren't far behind.<br /><br />Our waiters and waitresses get paid a fair and decent wage. And patrons do tip if they've enjoyed the service so the staff can earn more by being good at their jobs.Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-84975348579213443402010-08-01T23:17:36.403-05:002010-08-01T23:17:36.403-05:00No DJP, I'm not deifying myself. This has beco...No DJP, I'm not deifying myself. This has become interesting and I'm just sharing a bit of Land Down Under stuff.<br /><br />Kangaroo is nothing like rodent! It is more like fillet steak only leaner and even less sinewy. Does have to be cooked quickly and rare though, otherwise it can get tough. Emu is delicious, it's like a thick piece of venison. And wallaby backstrap is like that little piece of meat you can get on the bone of a lamb roast which has no grain, it just melts in your mouth.<br /><br />Kangaroos and emus are so far from endangered there are regular calls for a change from raising cattle and sheep! They also degrade the land less than cattle and sheep do.Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-76658535222819891622010-08-01T22:02:51.116-05:002010-08-01T22:02:51.116-05:00When I was in Australia, Kangaroo was on a lot of ...When I was in Australia, Kangaroo was on a lot of menus. I couldn't eat it myself at first, because it seemed like eating the Bald Eagle. But after talking to some natives, I was informed it was more like eating a rodent.<br /><br />In any case, the service at restaurants was lousy because you don't tip there.Aaronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15285043747501470199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-47073392463285823152010-08-01T22:00:54.763-05:002010-08-01T22:00:54.763-05:00Only here would I expect to see an analysis of wha...Only here would I expect to see an analysis of what an English muffin is. At my house, it better just say Thomas on the side of the box.Aaronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15285043747501470199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-61242905464330317962010-08-01T18:15:22.357-05:002010-08-01T18:15:22.357-05:00Certainly DJP. We have cooked 'roo but not cro...Certainly DJP. We have cooked 'roo but not crocodile. But that wouldn't be a problem as we have eaten it at restaurants enough to be able to produce something at home.Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-64026475504256037902010-08-01T18:01:10.798-05:002010-08-01T18:01:10.798-05:00No kangaroo or crocodile?
Rats; there goes a whol...No kangaroo or crocodile?<br /><br />Rats; there goes a whole 'nother cultural image.DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-54602583250746223152010-08-01T17:30:50.514-05:002010-08-01T17:30:50.514-05:00threegirldad, yes, there is an English muffin. It ...threegirldad, yes, there is an English muffin. It is quite distinct and quite unlike the crumpet. It is more like bread but made like a scone. They can have fruit in them or spicy coatings.<br /><br />And of course, fine Australian red wines are served with dinner.Ruperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16141432408537488025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-22061626946748198302010-08-01T15:25:39.379-05:002010-08-01T15:25:39.379-05:00My favorite “Strangest Sate Fair food” is “Road Ki...My favorite “Strangest Sate Fair food” is “Road Kill”, but only to look at, I wouldn’t eat it and “Pork Parfait” is just plain wrong.<br /><br />Btw, did anyone else notice that a Pepcid Complete ad in running above the story the entire time…lol.Ron (aka RealityCheck)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03274921909241630662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9313009.post-16236963708774657872010-07-31T22:26:49.860-05:002010-07-31T22:26:49.860-05:00On this blog, there's only one English Muffin....On this blog, there's only one <a href="http://englishmusings.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">English Muffin</a>.DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.com