"Josephe Rowe Osborn, the founder of d'Arenberg, first beca..."
Very good wine, again, I'd buy it again and drink it again. Probably not as full as the Climbing Shiraz I had earlier this evening, but I wouldn't pour it out either.
Oh, and I did not drink the entire bottle. You need to save something for the morning right?
Friday, August 29, 2008
I understand the Aussies are very American-like...is that true?
My friend Pat asked me the following question: I understand the Aussies are very American-like...is that true?
Very much so with some slight differences. There are reasons Australia is called "Little America" or "America-Light". Here's my take:
Similar:
- US English is pretty much the same as Aussie English with an accent in the speech, British spellings, and geographic phrases.
- Although Gridiron Footbal isn't here I enjoy Rugby Union in a similar capacity. Rugby League sucks, and Aussie Rules Football is... Well, I really don't understand their AFL at all.
- They use dollars (different value, and I actually prefer their money over US money)
- People like to go out just like Americans, socialize, have drinks, etc. just like in the US.
- The have Mac Donald's, Burger King (Hungry Jacks), KFC, and other local fast food chains just like the US.
- The Sydney Opera House / Circular Quay area is the equivalent to San Francisco's Pier 39.
- Freedom of Speech just like in the US, and they're not afraid to use it.
- Both originally UK Colonies, and Australia is considering breaking away from the Commonwealth.
- Ford and Chevy (Holden) are here.
- Generally speaking, someone's life in Australia is a lot like someone's life in the US.
- Everyone hates George W. Bush.
Differences:
- They drive on the other side of the road.
- Tips and taxes are included on menus and prices.
- Ford and Chevy (Holden) are generally good cars and don't break down as they do in the US.
- Acura is not here, everything is Honda.
- Cricket is actually much more boring to watch than Baseball.
- Seafood is better here, although sushi is considered fast food here and I don't see myself trying it.
- Chinese food is much better here compared to Phoenix and Denver.
- Two words: meat pies.
- Women seem desperate to attract a man.
- They have swearing and nudity on public TV (late night)
- They criticize their own government more out in the open than US citizens do.
- They don't do protests like the US does.
- The US has 300MM people. Australia has around 20MM people.
Very much so with some slight differences. There are reasons Australia is called "Little America" or "America-Light". Here's my take:
Similar:
- US English is pretty much the same as Aussie English with an accent in the speech, British spellings, and geographic phrases.
- Although Gridiron Footbal isn't here I enjoy Rugby Union in a similar capacity. Rugby League sucks, and Aussie Rules Football is... Well, I really don't understand their AFL at all.
- They use dollars (different value, and I actually prefer their money over US money)
- People like to go out just like Americans, socialize, have drinks, etc. just like in the US.
- The have Mac Donald's, Burger King (Hungry Jacks), KFC, and other local fast food chains just like the US.
- The Sydney Opera House / Circular Quay area is the equivalent to San Francisco's Pier 39.
- Freedom of Speech just like in the US, and they're not afraid to use it.
- Both originally UK Colonies, and Australia is considering breaking away from the Commonwealth.
- Ford and Chevy (Holden) are here.
- Generally speaking, someone's life in Australia is a lot like someone's life in the US.
- Everyone hates George W. Bush.
Differences:
- They drive on the other side of the road.
- Tips and taxes are included on menus and prices.
- Ford and Chevy (Holden) are generally good cars and don't break down as they do in the US.
- Acura is not here, everything is Honda.
- Cricket is actually much more boring to watch than Baseball.
- Seafood is better here, although sushi is considered fast food here and I don't see myself trying it.
- Chinese food is much better here compared to Phoenix and Denver.
- Two words: meat pies.
- Women seem desperate to attract a man.
- They have swearing and nudity on public TV (late night)
- They criticize their own government more out in the open than US citizens do.
- They don't do protests like the US does.
- The US has 300MM people. Australia has around 20MM people.
Climbing Shiraz
"From a climb that begins at 600 meters above sea level, our high altitude, cool climate vin..."
Yeah, okay. Whatever.
My review of this 2006 vintage is that it's pretty darn good. That means I'd buy it again and would be happy to drink it again. It's a full wine, good texture, and has a complex taste. Great nose.
Oh, if my review didn't make sense to you, here's what you do - pure the entire bottle into a pitcher, add a cup of cheap vodka, ice until full and you're on your way.
Yeah, okay. Whatever.
My review of this 2006 vintage is that it's pretty darn good. That means I'd buy it again and would be happy to drink it again. It's a full wine, good texture, and has a complex taste. Great nose.
Oh, if my review didn't make sense to you, here's what you do - pure the entire bottle into a pitcher, add a cup of cheap vodka, ice until full and you're on your way.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Oyster Shooters
I tried the Pure Thai one this visit. It's actually the second time I tried it - it's pretty good. Generally speaking I love oyster shooters, so I think at the end of December myself and Megan will have to go down the list here...
Caviar, Lime, and Dill
They were pretty good, but I still prefer the natural rock oysters with a little lemon and tabasco. Would I get these again? No, but I would recommend them still to someone else.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Warming: This is a RANT about the Siemens Speedstream 4200, Wifi, and Skype
Things should just work. I am a huge believer in the development of technology and being able to use it effectively.
The telephone evolved into the wireless phone, which evolved into the mobile phone. The mobile phone has now evolved into a mobile network device. One advantage of this mobile network device, or even a mobile 3G modem, is that it can plug into a variety of devices to easily gain access to the internet to communicate information.
Today I realized that some devices are not so easily connected. My home wireless provider is Optus. They provide me high-speed internet access for business and personal use. In order to obtain this I use a Siemens Speedstream 4200 ADSL modem. Additionally, I use an Airport Extreme to provide myself with a wifi connection. At my home in the US I used a cable modem, which plugged into my wifi and it just worked.
In Australia I am learning that nothing just works and nothing is easy here. Everything requires handholding. If you ask someone when something will be done and they tell you tomorrow - that generally means within a week. If you ask about why it wasn't done by the next day the response is generally "no worries mate, I'll be right on that mate" and it gets done the following week.
Over the past couple days I've learned this impacts consumer technology as well. For example, in order for this modem to work by itself it required multiple settings to be setup after installation. From a consumer point of view I can imagine this taking a lot of support calls because it is not a simple process. Additionally, if you plan on setting up wifi with the modem you also need to reset some of the original settings with terms such as Full Bridge, PPPoE, etc. You can read pages of issues here: http://forums.mactalk.com.au/33/29464-airport-express-unable-establish-internet-optus-2.html.
Next, what I would describe as a popular software: Skype, well, that requires another workaround in order to let the modem function. (http://shadow.sentry.org/~trev/adsl4200/skype_config.html)
All said, I am now connected, however the advice or fix for these two problems was not provided by the service provider, Optus, or the hardware manufactuer, Siemens. Instead it came from individual consumers through message boards as these non-standard settings are not supported by the service provider.
Lack of proactive information is something I need to accept.
The telephone evolved into the wireless phone, which evolved into the mobile phone. The mobile phone has now evolved into a mobile network device. One advantage of this mobile network device, or even a mobile 3G modem, is that it can plug into a variety of devices to easily gain access to the internet to communicate information.
Today I realized that some devices are not so easily connected. My home wireless provider is Optus. They provide me high-speed internet access for business and personal use. In order to obtain this I use a Siemens Speedstream 4200 ADSL modem. Additionally, I use an Airport Extreme to provide myself with a wifi connection. At my home in the US I used a cable modem, which plugged into my wifi and it just worked.
In Australia I am learning that nothing just works and nothing is easy here. Everything requires handholding. If you ask someone when something will be done and they tell you tomorrow - that generally means within a week. If you ask about why it wasn't done by the next day the response is generally "no worries mate, I'll be right on that mate" and it gets done the following week.
Over the past couple days I've learned this impacts consumer technology as well. For example, in order for this modem to work by itself it required multiple settings to be setup after installation. From a consumer point of view I can imagine this taking a lot of support calls because it is not a simple process. Additionally, if you plan on setting up wifi with the modem you also need to reset some of the original settings with terms such as Full Bridge, PPPoE, etc. You can read pages of issues here: http://forums.mactalk.com.au/33/29464-airport-express-unable-establish-internet-optus-2.html.
Next, what I would describe as a popular software: Skype, well, that requires another workaround in order to let the modem function. (http://shadow.sentry.org/~trev/adsl4200/skype_config.html)
All said, I am now connected, however the advice or fix for these two problems was not provided by the service provider, Optus, or the hardware manufactuer, Siemens. Instead it came from individual consumers through message boards as these non-standard settings are not supported by the service provider.
Lack of proactive information is something I need to accept.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Aussie beer is crap
There. I’ve said it and I feel better.
Seriously, in terms of the major brands here it’s horrible. I know I wrote about it previously saying that there were the different types, brands, and subtle differences. Tonight though, I’ll make a stand and say it’s crap beer. Australia, I’m sorry, but your beer sucks. Sure, it’s drinkable, but it’s not very good, and.. AND it gives you a wicked hangover. If I have three Aussie beers I have a headache in the morning. Doesn’t happen with other types of beer, or I could even have five (5) shots of cheap tequila and no water, and still won’t have a headache in the morning. Slow, yes. Headache/Hangover, No.
I don’t know what it is either. I wrote before about a unique taste all the Aussie beers have. I’ve decided it’s not the water. The tap water in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, are all similar and very good. I’d compare the water to San Francisco Bay Area water. Maybe it’s the yeast.
So here are the major brands and styles:
Carlton Draught – by far my favorite Aussie beer, but it’s the Budweiser of Australia. Your standard lager, although best served NOT ice cold. Cold yes, but not ice cold.
Victoria Bitters – Crap. It might be the most advertised beer (every rugby match), but it’s not very good. Again, another lager, but more bitter than Carlton.
XXXX – They call it Four-X, I call it crap again. It’s from Queensland. Even Australian’s say it’s no good, but for some reason it’s still around.
Coopers – Okay, so Coopers has a couple beers I’ll comment on. Coopers Green or Pale Ale is horrible. I bought some in the US and was turned on, had it here and was turned off, so again… Crap. Coopers Red or Sparkling is better, but it’s not something worth writing any more abou…
James Squire – Evidently this is one of the oldest breweries. I liked the Amber a couple times I’ve had it, but I think it’s because it’s better than the above. Last week I went to a James Squire bar and had their porter. Porters are supposed to be full flavored, a little heavier, etc. Theirs is watered down. James Squire Blonde equals instant hangover. Seriously guys, if you’re going to make beer you need to let the alcohol cause the hangover after several drinks, not just one or two of your brews.
Crowne – I have absolutely nothing good to say about this beer. Ugh.
Little Creatures – I’ve tried their India Pale Ale, it’s not bad. It’s no Raj IPA from Four Peaks Brewery in Arizona, but it’s probably one of the best of the bunch.
And here we are. I’m sure there are other beers in Australia to try, so I’m not entirely closed minded. However, they all have the same Aussie crap-beer aftertaste.
Tonight I had some great beer. I went to a Belgium Beer restaurant with a couple of the guys. What a difference. I suppose moving forward in ordering beer I’ll have to spend the extra dollar and order an import, although nine dollars for a Corona just doesn’t sound right.
At some point I’ll have to write about Australian wines. They are wonderful.
Seriously, in terms of the major brands here it’s horrible. I know I wrote about it previously saying that there were the different types, brands, and subtle differences. Tonight though, I’ll make a stand and say it’s crap beer. Australia, I’m sorry, but your beer sucks. Sure, it’s drinkable, but it’s not very good, and.. AND it gives you a wicked hangover. If I have three Aussie beers I have a headache in the morning. Doesn’t happen with other types of beer, or I could even have five (5) shots of cheap tequila and no water, and still won’t have a headache in the morning. Slow, yes. Headache/Hangover, No.
I don’t know what it is either. I wrote before about a unique taste all the Aussie beers have. I’ve decided it’s not the water. The tap water in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, are all similar and very good. I’d compare the water to San Francisco Bay Area water. Maybe it’s the yeast.
So here are the major brands and styles:
Carlton Draught – by far my favorite Aussie beer, but it’s the Budweiser of Australia. Your standard lager, although best served NOT ice cold. Cold yes, but not ice cold.
Victoria Bitters – Crap. It might be the most advertised beer (every rugby match), but it’s not very good. Again, another lager, but more bitter than Carlton.
XXXX – They call it Four-X, I call it crap again. It’s from Queensland. Even Australian’s say it’s no good, but for some reason it’s still around.
Coopers – Okay, so Coopers has a couple beers I’ll comment on. Coopers Green or Pale Ale is horrible. I bought some in the US and was turned on, had it here and was turned off, so again… Crap. Coopers Red or Sparkling is better, but it’s not something worth writing any more abou…
James Squire – Evidently this is one of the oldest breweries. I liked the Amber a couple times I’ve had it, but I think it’s because it’s better than the above. Last week I went to a James Squire bar and had their porter. Porters are supposed to be full flavored, a little heavier, etc. Theirs is watered down. James Squire Blonde equals instant hangover. Seriously guys, if you’re going to make beer you need to let the alcohol cause the hangover after several drinks, not just one or two of your brews.
Crowne – I have absolutely nothing good to say about this beer. Ugh.
Little Creatures – I’ve tried their India Pale Ale, it’s not bad. It’s no Raj IPA from Four Peaks Brewery in Arizona, but it’s probably one of the best of the bunch.
And here we are. I’m sure there are other beers in Australia to try, so I’m not entirely closed minded. However, they all have the same Aussie crap-beer aftertaste.
Tonight I had some great beer. I went to a Belgium Beer restaurant with a couple of the guys. What a difference. I suppose moving forward in ordering beer I’ll have to spend the extra dollar and order an import, although nine dollars for a Corona just doesn’t sound right.
At some point I’ll have to write about Australian wines. They are wonderful.
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