Chadstone VIP Night

I just received an email from Chadstone. They will have another VIP night next Wednesday, 7th of March from 5.30 pm to 10pm. Full details check on their website and for offers on the night check here.

End of February 2007

Yup, last day of February. Let's see what is going on in this last day of the month before going onto a new month tomorrow

Jesus' grave found...along with wife, child
Yes, it's for real, not another book by Dan Brown. This time, James Cameron is involved. The whole family graveyard of Jesus, Maria (2 Marias), and Judah (acclaim to be the son of Jesus) was found in Jerusalem. This is a part of a documentary to be screened soon. Everybody is taking sides, is it for real or is it for ratings ? Anyway, just decide for yourself, the DNA test should be coming.

Parking inspectors get new uniforms
Yes, that's right. City of Melbourne is changing the look of their parking inspectors. They don't want their parking inspectors to look like the police wearing a blue uniform, instead they want them to look more like boy scouts or a ranger. Nice. I think every parking inspectors need to get 10 issued fines to get the new uniform. If they want the sweater, they must issue another 5 fines and so on.


Picture courtesy of Herald Sun - taken from their website.

Petrol is going up up and away
It's rumoured that petrol will stay around $1.25 a litre after spending quite some time at $1.09. It's time to take out your bicycle again guys.

Skeleton mania in Australia
It seems that everywhere in Australia, they've just found a skeleton of human remains. One in Windsor station (near South Yarra), another one in Northern Australia. Maybe you'll find one in your backyard as well.

A boy age 8, weigh 88 kg is found
And I thought I was fat. Man, something seriously need to be done to combat these problems. Maybe Americans should start eating rice. And for you people that are wandering, they don't have Chinese parents and the number 8 is just coincidental.

Yeah, I think that's enough news for today. We'll anticipate the coming of tomorrow, a new day, a new month.

Bye Hard Rock Cafe!!

Hard Rock Cafe in Melbourne will close down in July when their lease with Windsor Hotel ends. But it is not goodbye forever as they might plan to relocate somewhere else (Fiuh, I can still eat those delicious ribs).

The current space will be incorporated into Windsor Hotel. The hotel is planning a major refurbishment. Windsor was recently changed owner and I believe, one of the co-owner is Indonesian.

Nice quote

I found this quote in my Church Weekly Bulletin, it is definitely interesting. Made me think for a while. It is true, do you agree ?

Aren't we strange - we pray for a long life but fear old age

Spice Girls is BACK!!!

How exciting, the Spice Girls is apparently going to team up together again for a charity concert. They had similar ideas in the past but nothing happened. But this one seems to be for real. I heard that they want to get the royalty from the TV station that will air the concert, maybe everybody ran out of money (well maybe not for Posh Spice) ?

If you don't know Spice Girls, they're an all-girl group. They were big in 1997 with their zig-a-zig-ah from their Wannabe hit. They promoted "Girl Power", went on and make a ridiculous movie, Spiceworld. I can't remember when they split up but it was Geri H. who first left the group. Another album after that, they all went their separate ways. Everybody tried a solo career after that but only a few survived. I guess 5 is still better than 1.

Spice Girls consists of Baby Spice (Emma B.), Scary Spice (Mel B.), Sporty Spice (Mel C.), Posh Spice (Victoria B.), and I forgot the one for Geri, I think it was Ginger Spice :)

Shuffle those colours

If you don't know, a couple of weeks ago Apple launched more colours for their iPod Shuffle range. It's still the same price but you get the newer headphones. Check out Apple Store or retails locations.

Evanescence ROCKS!!!

Evanescence is currently touring Australia. They had their concert in Melbourne last weekend (Sat and Sun). I was lucky enough to be able to go for the Sunday concert. The Saturday one was sold out. The only reason that I went to their concert because my partner loves them. But it turned out to be a good concert.

I arrived around 7.30pm and the ticket says that it's going to start at 8pm. I went and find a park at Alessandra Ave. I thought it will be packed but it's not hard to find a carpark. In fact, there were plenty. Apparently most of them parked near Vodafone Arena or dropped off by their parents/friends.

I reached Vodafone Arena around quarter to 8 and there are a couple of security checks, as usual. As I had a General Admission ticket, I had to get myself banded. After that, I was surprised that there were a lot of people in the foyer just lingering around even though I heard some noise from inside the stadium. I just went inside, and it was dark. They have covered both the seats on the sides so the only seating was straight in front of the stage and that's it.

I went inside to the arena and was quite excited cause it was only half full, cause that means better view. The opening band was already playing when I came in. They were called Shade or Shihad or something like that. They're not bad. A curtain (Collingwood style - Black and White) was blocking the entire view. They played on until 8.45pm.


At 9pm, I thought that Evanescence will start but nothing. There was only a guy standing on stage doing mike checks, "Mike check, one, two", he said that like 10 times.

9.15, everything went dark, curtain pulled to the side and the show started. I can't remember what song they started. As I said, I came to the concert cause of my wife so I don't really have time to listen to their stuff. Anyhow, I think it was Sweet Sacrifice which I think will be their next single after Lithium and Call Me When You're Sober.

The band was wearing all black, except Amy Lee which also wore a Scandinavian type skirt. The band's logo was highlighted on the background. The drummer has 2 sets of drum, which I think incorporates the digital one as well.
There were 2 guitarist and a bassist.



After they started then it was NON STOP ROCK. All I can say is Amy Lee, the singer, is truly a talented person. She's got an amazing voice. She did all the numbers flawless and she actually drank less water than everybody in the band. Amazing. Her voice quality did not even go down after a few "screaming" songs.


After a few songs, Amy Lee took the stage by herself and a grand piano. There was some "snow drops" during the songs.

All and all, it was about one and a half hour of good ROCK. They played songs from the new album, and a couple of songs from their previous album, Fallen, the album that launched them internationally.

In the end, the band gave out a few "merchandise". Amy Lee threw out some water bottles (Mt Franklin, I think), the guitarist threw a couple of picks, and the drummer threw his sticks.
It was really interesting to see how many people are so interested with the water bottles.

I've got some photos (blurry ones) from the concert at my flickr. It was only from my camera phone so nothing special.

Finished about 10.30pm and I've got to say their songs are not bad at all. I'm listening to them now so I suggest you do the same. The new album is The Open Door and the band is EVANESCENCE.

Boys Toys Night

If you're not doing anything tonight, Chadstone Shopping Centre has an event called Boys Toys Night. It's some kind of celebration for the upcoming Formula 1. So, expect to see everything cars, gadget and games. I think the girls won't miss out as well cause I saw a few offers from other retail that doesn't have anything to do with cars. So tonight, starts at 6.30pm. Check their website.

Apple Sale (in Australia)

Last week in US and some other lucky countries, Apple did a sale event which was called a Black Friday sale. It's a similar concept to the Boxing Day sale in Australia. So, one day after Thanksgiving, the stores hold sale events to suck you dry of the pocket money you might received during the holiday season.

Anyway, Apple did the sale last Friday, 24th of November 2006 for the US and some lucky countries (I think Canada was one of them). However, Apple decided to include some of the unlucky countries that missed out on the sale. So, on the 1st December (this Friday), Apple will again hold a sale, for Australia only (I lied, and UK as well).

Unlike the US sale which happened at both retail stores and online, the Australia sale seems to be online only and UK seems to be focused more on retail stores.

So, browse the Apple Store now to have a look what are available and get ready for next Friday. The sale in US include discounts for ipods (not the shuffle), macs and some accessories. We can only hope that it will be the same here.

Check out www.apple.com.au and click on store for further details.

Getamac campaign

Also, if you're a fan of the Get a Mac campaign (the commercial with PC and Mac), you might want to check out the US site for 3 new commercials. As always, the commercial is hilarious.

The new ones are,

• Gift exchange - PC and Mac exchange gifts
• Sales Pitch - PC is trying to sell itself with subliminal messages
• Meant for Work - PC is exhausted of too much work

Check out http://www.apple.com/getamac/.

Chadstone Summer VIP night [updated]

I just went pass Chadstone (Chaddy) and I saw the announcements for another VIP night. It is going to be on Wednesday, 22nd of November 2006. I guess the time would be after 6pm as usual, I didn't manage to look at the time. There are no details on the website yet but will keep you all updated when more news come.

Update:
It has been confirmed that the VIP night will be held on Wednesday. The sale will start from 5.30 pm until 12 am (yes midnight). There is also free shuttle bus to and from Chadstone every hour on the night.

For all the special offers on the night, please click here (pdf file).

Some of the highlights (from Chadstone's website):

• Enjoy exclusive one night only discounts of up to 60% off at selected stores
• Savour complimentary wine & Mainland cheese on arrival
• See 3 star Michelin Chef, Marc Brown cooking up Christmas storms at Chadstone Corner
• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Cadbury chocolates & Christmas cake sampling
• Great door prizes including a getaway to The Sebel Heritage Yarra Valley Wellness Retreat and a weekend golfing package up for grabs
• The Sebel Heritage Yarra Valley will be conducting spa treatments and massages to rejuvenate tired shoppers and a mini golf putting green to keep shopping buddies entertained
• You could be in the running to WIN a Summer South African Safari valued at almost $20,000
• Purchase a Variety Heart for the Chadstone Christmas Tree from the Customer Service Desk, located at the Jag entry

Offers from Microsoft

PC

Currently Microsoft is running a few promo for its products. As we know, next year Microsoft will revamp its product line by introducing the new OS, Microsoft Windows Vista and the new office applications, Microsoft Office 2007.

So, if you buy the current version of Windows XP or Microsoft Office that is specially marked, Microsoft will give you an upgrade to next version for $27. So if you buy Windows XP, you'll get Windows Vista for $27 (although it's not really that simple).

The version you buy now will determine the version you'll get later. So for example,

• Microsoft Office Professional 2003 Academic > Microsoft Office Professional 2007 Academic
• Microsoft Office Standard 2003 > Microsoft Office Standard 2007 Version Upgrade
• Windows XP Home Edition > Windows Vista Home Basic Upgrade
• Windows XP Home Edition Upgrade > Windows Vista Home Basic Upgrade
• Windows XP Professional > Windows Vista Business Upgrade
• Windows XP Professional Upgrade > Windows Vista Business Upgrade

For a full list of what software, you'll receive check this website. http://www.microsoft.com/australia/windows/terms.mspx

If you bought it already, you can redeem the offer here,
http://www.microsoft.com/australia/windows/upgradeguarantee.mspx


To bad the XP Pro doesn't upgrade to Vista Ultimate. I'm not sure though who wants to buy Vista Ultimate considering the price is going to be AU$751. Nice.

Note though that these products (Office 2007 and Vista) have yet to have a launch date. I just read that Office 2007 is completed and MS will begin shipping to business customers this month. But for common users like us, expect the products to launch early 2007 (Feb/Mar if MS doesn't delay anymore).

MAC

Anyway for Mac users, Microsoft has a deal going on as well. If you buy the Office 2004 for Mac (any versions - including the Student and Teacher edition), you can get a Microsoft Laser Wireless Mouse or $50 cashback. The mouse has an RRP of $99.


Purchase must be done at qualifying retailer then you can download the coupon and send it to Microsoft.


Further details here, http://www.microsoft.com/australia/office/mac/holidayoffer.aspx

New Macbook just released !!!

After releasing the new Macbook Pro line a couple of weeks ago, only the Macbook line is left with the Core Duo processors. Update by Apple was predicted by everybody before Christmas and it's finally here.

The new Macbook line still has 3 different models to choose from, two of them are white and one is black. The upgrade includes the processor, RAM and hard drive. The processor is now 1.83GHz or 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo.

In Australia, the prices are $1749, $2099 and $2399 for the 1.83GHz White, 2.0GHz White and 2.0GHz Black respectively. All has 13.3 inch glossy screen.
The cheapest version only has a Combo Drive (no DVD burner) and 512MB RAM whilst the
rest comes standard with a Super Drive and 1GB RAM. Hard disks vary according to the model.

Unlike its predecessor, the difference between the white and the black now is only around $50 (if you upgrade the hard drive and have the same spec). So, basically you're buying the black paint for $50. Last time, you basically bought the paint for around $200.

I don't think that the changes are really significant except of course the processor. So I guess if you have been waiting to buy a Macbook, this is the perfect time. But if you're upgrading, maybe I'd wait until it comes with the Leopard (OS 10.5) at least.

Domestic airfare ON SALE NOW

Jetstar and Virgin Blue are doing it again. They are on a price war. Their latest sale will end at 6th of November 2006. So, grab it soon. Unlike previous 'wars', now Virgin and Jetstar are completely different sale.

Virgin has the normal, price cut sale. Travel is between 16 Jan 07 - 29 Mar 07. Some of the specials from Melbourne are as follows,

• Melbourne to and from Sydney: $79
• Melbourne to and from Gold Coast: $69
• Melbourne to and from Hobart: $55

Full details check out www.virginblue.com.au

Jetstar has two sale, one for domestic and one for international.

The domestic one is a bit different. You must travel in twos to take advantage of the offer. Travel is between 01 Feb 07 - 31 Mar 07. Some of the specials,

• Melbourne to and from Hamilton Island: $169 for 2
• Melbourne to and from Sunshine Coast: $109 for 2
• Melbourne to and from Gold Coast: $109 for 2
• Melbourne to and from Hobart: $79 for 2

For weekend dates, I think there's only a few left but there's still plenty on the weekday.

For the international fare (note: Jetstar will start flying international end of November), the travel must be done between 22 Jan 07 - 31 Mar 07.

• Melbourne to and from Christchurch: $199
• Melbourne to and from Bali: $299
• Melbourne to and from Bangkok: $329
• Melbourne to and from Honolulu: $429

For full details, check out www.jetstar.com.au

Qantas has a sale as well but obviously it will be a bit pricy as compared to Jetstar and Virgin Blue.

what is rule 72 ?

Do you know about rule 72 ? I recently came across the term when I was reading a book about investment property. If you're in accounting, the term would be familiar to you.

It's a simple way to count how long your money will double in value given the current interest. It's not a sure answer but gives a very good approximation.

So, if you want to know when that $100 in your bank account is going to be $200, then you will use this formula. It's just simply,

72
number of years needed = --------
interest

And for your $100, with the current interest of around 6%, it will be 12 years before your money double up.

This can also work with inflation, I think currently the inflation is around 3% (I THINK). That means your $100 in 24 years (72/3%) will only be worth $50. This concept is a bit harder to understand because the value of money decreases overtime.

So that's just a short lesson in Rule 72.

bring on the fat

I'd say thank God that I don't live in the States. Just have a look at what they've got on the menu.

This is from KFC. They called it the Famous Bowls. The content: a tub of mashed potatoes or rice, with yellow corn, fried chicken nuggets, gravy and three types of cheese.

This one belongs to Burger King (Hungry Jack's here in Oz). It's called a Quad Stacker. The content: four beef patties, cheese and bacon (NO vegetables or salad) squeezed into a bun.

Last but not least, who could resist two of your favourites....PANCAKES AND SAUSAGE ON A STICK. Very nice indeed and to top it all off, some cholocate chip. If you don't like the chocolate chip, I think they've got one with berries.

change of look

As you can see, it's a new design.....it's Blogger Beta and I'm still learning so please be patient with me if you see any hiccups here and there.

another store in VIC

Krispy Kreme has done it again. After opening a store in the city (Melbourne), they are now going to open the third store in Victoria and take a guess where are they going to open it........it's at Chaddy (Chadstone). Yes, that's right.....the shopping centre. Here is the news that came on my email today.

Big news for our Friends in Victoria! We're excited to announce that our third store is set to open at Chadstone Shopping Centre this November. Chadstone – the fashion capital has just become Chadstone – the Krispy Kapital

You'll be able to meet the Store Manager, Kylie and her team for a fresh espresso coffee and doughnut from 7:30am on Thursday 2 November. Don't forget, it's Spring Carnival time and the weather and the fashions are hotting up in Melbourne – call in for a Krispy Kreme Ice Kreme while you're shopping for your Melbourne Cup outfit. See you at Chadstone!

Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Road (Warrigal Rd entrance, located near bus stops)

red ipod nano

Apple has released a red iPod nano. They name is (PRODUCT) RED, don't know why. I am not sure whether it will be available in Australia, so far there is no word about it. It's the 4GB model and it's the same price with other 4GB model, US$199.

For every red nano that they sell, they will give $10 to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa.

So, let's just hope that it will come to Australia soon. That way you can have another excuse to buy an ipod, charity (or you can persuade your parents with this excuse as well).

Jobs on Zune

This is what Apple's CEO got to say about Zune (the new Microsoft media player to compete with iPod).

- Are you worried about Zune ?

In a word, no. I've seen the demonstrations on the Internet about how you can find another person using a Zune and give them a song they can play three times. It takes forever. By the time you've gone through all that, the girl's got up and left! You're much better off to take one of your earbuds out and put it in her ear. Then you're connected with about two feet of headphone cable.

no more student discount on ipod

How sad.....