I don’t usually like a sad song.But a very good sad song probably worth mentioning here. It’s 2010 song and made popular after contestant if “So You Think You Can Dance” TV show use it for their performance. The rest is history.

The song storyline is very common among young (and old) people: broken hearted person who angry with the ex because the ex want to come back after painful break-up. But finally come to term with the grief and take the life back! Let’s hear it!

The Sing-A-Long Version

Jar of Heart

Singer: Christina Perri
Written By: Christina Perri, Drew Lawrence, Barrett Yeretsian
Atlantic Record
Flash video from Youtube
No! I can’t take one more step toward you
Cause all that waiting is regret
Don’t you know I am not your ghost anymore
You lost the love I love the most

Reff:
I learn to live half alive
Now you want me one more time
Who do you think you are
Running ’round leaving scars
Collecting your jar of Heart
And tearing love apart
You’re gonna catch a cold
From the ice inside your soul
So, don’t come back for me
Who do you think you are….

I hear you’re asking all around
If I am anywhere to be found
But I have grown too strong
To ever fall back in your arms

[Reff]

Dear, It took so long just to feel alright
Remember how to put back the light in my eyes
I wish I have missed the first time that we kiss
Cause you broke all your promises
And now you’re back
You don’t get to get me back
——–

Tearing It Apart

Christina Perri: powerful autobiography song. Photo courtesy of christinaperri.com

Why? Because after second one you will be already develop some skill about managing attachment. You here that cliche “If you love him/her you need to let him/her go” – this is quite true. You can see this more clearly when your love one die. It is natural you are a bit sad. But, you will not be sad forever, right? So, the day you decide to move on, is that mean your love gone? No! It’s the attachment that disappears: You still love her/him but she/he doesn’t need to be within arm reach.

In this case, obviously Christina Perri got  a bit of trouble with attachment: “Cause all that waiting is regret“,  “Dear, It took so long just to feel alright“.
And because of that she suffer the consequences: “I learn to live half alive“.

I would think the ideal breaking up should just last for 1 day. Break-up fight at 7pm, cry a little, then say  Christina Perri’s for 10x (as part of the very important grieving process), cry again and just wake up the next morning like nothing happen. You ditch the sadness. (nNot just pretend, but totally remove the attachment) Yes, it’s easier said than done but we should aim for that.

Back to Christina, she actually do subtle mistake most of us made. Obviously she treasured the relationship, right ? ” You lost the love I love the most“. But she also regreted the starting point “I wish I have missed the first time that we kiss“. In my opinion this is not right, we should still cherish and grateful with all the beautiful moment. What happen next is after the fact that has nothing to do with the cause of the break-up. ” Cause you broke all your promises” – this nothing to do with the beautiful first kiss, right ? So, regret only the bad things, don’t regret the good things. This way, the universe will give you even better good things over and over again. But if you regret the beautiful thing, you are telling the universe you do not want that kind thing again.

One last thing, you actually will never get cold from any coldness. This is busted urban myth. You get cold from virus. Yeah, yeah, it’s just a song, but to be technically correct she need to sing “You will catch a cold from the virus inside your soul“, right ?

I actually listen maybe a dozen of covers of this song via You Tube. None of them can match how Christina Perri deliver this song. So powerful, well, powerfully sad. Maybe because she said this song was her personal experience. You can feel the strong energy when she sing it. The closest that I like probably the cover by Sam Tsui . While the vocal is good, unfortunately he chose to use guitar with quite upbeat rhythm. Definitely not good for this song.

Warning: this song can make your mood two notch down. My tips: After enjoying it, just shake your body, at least your  hand, to shiver the sadness away.

The Original Version:

I think I need to stop my rumble….
I hope you enjoy this intermezzo….

If You are Really Sad….

First of all, my sympathy to you…. But whatever causing it and no matter it tears your heart apart, you need to promise me that you will move on as soon as possible.

Remember, you are in control of your own emotion. Not that person who make you sad… Show that person that you are strong, you are fine and whatever that person did have only little effect to you. Don’t let that person win.
But if your sadness is due to something wrong that you do, forget the past. Just focus to the future ahead.

Whatever the reason that make you angry or sad, the first step of recovery is to talk it to somebody else: brother, sister,mum, dad, friends. Do not be ashamed – every single person on earth is very sad sometime in their life. To make it more bearable and to make sure it will not affect the rest of your life, you need to talk it through.

If no one is available around and you are in Australia, please talk this 24-hours crisis line: 13 11 14 (this superb free support run by charity organization Lifeline , cost of local call in Australia)

In the meantime, you may sing-a-long with Christina couple more time, feel your pain, feel your grief… cry a little….. then drink a glass of water and make that call!
God Bless!

Online Ticket Travel Agent is Enough !?

Airline ticket is never like before. These days, most airlines will not be offering item such as: changing schedule (unless you pay hefty premium on the ticket),  open ticket purchase (the one that you can choose the date later as you have not really fix it) and even more, the ticket itself is hardly a “ticket” anymore. It’s just a printout from computer of the booking number. Actually you just have to mention the booking number and that’s all you need.

So, in this case the online travel agent is actually enough (WARNING!: Stick only to the big name: webjet.com.au, expedia.com.au, zuji.com.au, etc – the dodgy on could cause you money). They still send you email if there is a change of the schedule from the airline (funny enough, we should charge the airline if they change schedule, right?), you can pay by credit card without surcharge and you can shop around easily – looking for bargain price on several different airlines on your route. Perfect!

So why buy at Flight Center ?

“Lowest Airfare Guarantee or You Fly Free” slogan

Powerful Guarantee

Flight Center got a little bit problem with “Lowest Airfare Guarantee” (without “Fly Free”) at 2005 as ACCC (Australia Competition and Consumer Commission – the Australia’s company watch dog) ban them using the slogan. Why? because such slogan is very powerful and Flight Center (as also other travel agent) are not pre purchased the airfare in bulk (with wholesale price) – they only purchase it once customer requested it, hence there is no guarantee that they will give you the cheapest price, right?  Therefore, they then change the slogan to “Price Beat Guarantee” – which require customer to obtain quote from other agent before they beat it.

Currently, it seems they have convinced ACCC to go back to the original slogan, with a modification: “Lowest Airfare Guarantee: we will beat any airfare quote or you fly free“. Clever marketing and wording. It still implied that they are the cheapest (they are not) without really actually misleading customer.

This is how it works: you get quote (online or shop) from any Australian company, bring it to Flight Center and they will just beat the price by $1 and giving you $20 travel voucher. (At least that’s what happen now – 2011). So, technically, nobody will ever got the “fly free” part as they just beat it by $1. The slogan cleverly made up so nobody will ever be able to claim it, (or NOT? – see below)

For example: Let say a ticket from Sydney to Los Angeles return with Qantas for certain date at Flight Center is $2000. Customer who just come to Flight Center ordering that ticket will be charged $2000 each. But other that shop around first and found that the ticket (the same airline and date) is $1800 on other travel agent, then he/she will be able to purchase that ticket for $1799 at Flight Center. (To see further detail go to http://www3.flightcentre.com.au/lowest-airfare-guarantee/ or download the printout (PDF format) here (just in case if the link does’t work anymore).

In other words, full service travel agent with internet’s cheapest price. Why not, right?

Buy Airplane Ticket from Flight Center

So, here is what you need to know/do to get the cheapest price from Flight Center:

1. Understand it, the price at Flight Center by default will not be cheaper than online price (think overhead, shop leasing, salary, etc) – so without doing your homework (i.e:researching the internet first before going to their store) you will pay premium
2. The homework is quite easy, just go to your favorite travel agent that you think will have a best price and ask for written quote – caution: you will get some difficulty get it as they read this article as well Do some creative item: fax to husband works, email to daughter, etc. Or the easiest just go to zuji.com.au (so far the best price I can find – proven on several occasions already), put your date and destination and print out the quote.
3. Go to Flight Center with the written quote. Don’t muck around and waste their time, just tell them you want to buy the ticket from your written quote.
4. So, the consultant will start taking your detail and giving you that price, less 1 dollar. Then they will give $20 voucher for next purchase. That’s it – always work every time. (read the link above to see more detail about the terms and condition)
   A small note: by default Flight Center will charge a surcharge if you pay by credit card, but since zuji.com.au does not charge any, so the price that you have quoted is your out of pocket – Flight Center should charge exactly that amount less $1 – don’t pay the surcharge – remind your consultant if they charge you that.

Not too hard isn’t it ?

Get Lucky – Finally Fly Free!!

I was wondering before how clever is the marketing slogan as by default nobody will be possible to claim that free flight. I mean if an airfare of $2000 is quoted cheaper by say $200 somewhere else, then it is only logical to take $201 hit rather than $2000. So, in general sense, how the company ever give the free flight?

But so much for the logic, I was proven wrong! (or lucky?) So, a few months back, I did exactly what I explain above, but instead of beating the price by 1 dollar, the shop only matched the price (Say (not the actual price), the price is like “$1423.17″ (quite difficult number), so instead of charging me $1422.17 they just quote exactly that $1423.17. I only realize it when I am home, and actually thinking to give it a pass.

However, the next day, as I return to the store to complete the booking (to link with other booking as I was organizing my 3 years old son traveling overseas with his grand-ma), the manager of that shop did something very arrogant and rude that really tick me off.  Have you ever experience that? You as customer, being treated as a piece of dirt? No customer service at all….

Usually the customer is just helpless and just have to sigh as victim of corporate cruelty… But not me at that time…
“Is that how you treat customer, okay, actually I want to claim your lowest price guarantee for my purchase yesterday….”
Flight Center supposed to beat the price by $1, as they just matched it, not beat it then they are at trapping themselves here. Then for some strange reason, the attitude of that manager suddenly change 180 degree.
The manager even begged “Can I just give you the $1 now?” and with a smirk of my face, I give the 2 thousands dollar smile “No…”

So, that’s how I just beat them on their own game : free flight for 2 person return to Indonesia from Sydney. Yes, I only got it because the consultant made simple mistake. I just need to claim it.

To my much surprise and credit to Flight Center, only 4 working days after I file it, they just simply refund the whole amount on my credit card without hassle.
Finally fly free from Flight Center !!! Another reason you should buy there as well You might get lucky as well.

Unbeatable sometimes is a little bit overrated, yes?

Don’t be Sorry

If you feel guilty about squeezing the price on a decent company, don’t be! Flight Center, as public company traded in Australian Stock Exchanges, in 2011 has reported record profit of more than $200million. With about 2000 shopfront all over the world, that’s a profit of more than half million a day on average. As the market leader, they have massive wholesale purchasing power and any prize that is listed and beaten, they still make some profit on it.

Also, from 10 customer that walk into their door, how many do you thing have researched the air fare on other website on the exact date and airline? I guess not many – So, as example above most of the customer will pay $2000 not $1799.

Furthermore, airfare ticket is just one element of the trip, the ticket itself maybe not giving them much profit but other items such as: hotel, tour and travel insurance are something that cannot be really compare apple to apple (too many variable) with other company. That’s where they making their money. After all, these items are not covered by price beat guarantee program and most customer will be happy if all come from 1 company to minimize hassle.

But the most important thing is: the promise that they use carries very powerful marketing power and it comes with responsibilities. This is it.

Final Words

A tip: if you did notice that they are going to “just match” the price – keep your cool and wait until they give you the receipt. The transaction need to be totally done and dusted before you can claim.

Good luck if you really want to try !

A Bit of BT

Bit Torrent(BT) enable you to connect directly and quite securely to other computer (which is not necessarily the server). It could be your friend PC or some strangers’s PC or company server. This is how it work:

1. The person who own the file will upload a file (bit torrent file) to a server that serve as “tracker”. This file contains all the information needed about the file.
   The file could be a movie, a song, a software, data, etc – it could be any digital file.
2. As you want to have that file, you then download that torrent file to your computer.
3. Then you use what so called “Bit Torrent client” you open the torrent file with it.
4. That’s it now you can connect to the other person getting the file as long as that computer is on.

Because of this, the illegal use of bit torrent become popular. Bit Torrent is in particular quite notorious since the illegal music sharing by Napster revealed. It was where people sharing a digital music illegally (without paying the royalty, i.e: “buy” it).

Transfering Big File over Internet

Well, some of the reason will be:

• Not everybody have a web server  or ftp server to put the file on.
• Bit torrent allow the distribution to be distributed: if 1 person has successfully downloaded (“leech”) that file, the second person who download the file will have 2 persons as the source: the original seeder and the first downloader that become seeder as well (make it faster). So if hundreds of people has ever downloaded that particular file, then it may be 100s sources “seeding” the file. It’s better than clogging just 1 particular server, isn’t it?
• For one with slower or more problematic internet connection, bit torrent provide excellent way to stop start and resume seamlessly.

ISP and Bit Torrent

Knowing that bit torrent will use a lot of bandwidth capacity, it will be preferable for an ISP (Internet Service Provider) to not supporting bit torrent or to slow down its traffic in order to limit the usage. (For example: with 120GB download limit on your internet plan, I would say, without bit torrent download, it will not go near 120GB – but using bit torrent however, that amount can be reached easily).

However, the ISP cannot really saying that they will throttle or even not allowing bit torrent traffic as it will jeopardize their sales number. So, what they do , sometimes secretly , is to just throttle it (to make it slower) a little bit that customer probably wont notice but it will reduce the bandwidth use. (For example: with a little bit slower maybe you then cannot download full 120GB, say only 100GB, then the ISP can use that extra 20GB to be used for other customer).

So, MLab who is supported by Google itself, do lots and lots of test of internet provides the data and a project funded by U.S. National Science Foundation at of Syracuse University did “deep packet inspection” analysis to reveal whether or not the ISP throttle the bit torrent and by how much. This is their story.

(The worst the higher, compiled as weighted average of the minimum number of test between Q2-2008 and Q1-2010 based on the original report: spreadsheet)
The original report (including other country’s ISP data’s) published here: http://dpi.ischool.syr.edu/MLab-Data.html

Therefore, if your activity involves a lot of bit torrent (I hope the legal one..) and you want to maximize the speed you got from ISP for your BT, then consider the table above. But generally speaking, or at least for me, even 20% throttling is not really a fuss, it will make a bit longer, that’s all.

My tips: if you really want super fast bit torrent, hire a “seed box” that hookup to superfast backbone and then just FTP it to your computer later. It will cost you barely $5 a month (even cheaper, depends on storage space and bandwidth quota), but you will got 24/7 hours seeding and leeching without turning on that computer at home 24/7. Additionally, if you do some illegal download, you won’t get a nasty letter from your ISP

Happy torrenting…..

Science is Not Democracy

Democracy is the people say "No" to Carbon Tax - Sydney's Hyde Park 7 July 2011

Why? This is, in my opinion, because human knowledge is not at maturity as yet: we don’t even understand our own DNA completely, we still cannot travel near speed light, we still cannot cancel or create a storm, etc…
As we learn or invent something new, the old one become obsolete. History has proven this time and time again.

Remember Galileo Galilei – the telescope inventor? On his time, almost all existing scientist say that earth is flat and sun is circling earth. Now we know it for sure now that that was incorrect, but you may ask Galileo. He got the torture and pain to say it, that time. Even get banned and ex-communicated by Catholic Church. Only at 1992, the church apologize to him – more than 300 years late.

Remember pesticide called DDT? It was banned around 1972 because scientist say it caused cancers and danger to environment. And because of that, millions of people die for Malaria as before the ban, it was used to control the mosquito. And of course after learning it the hard way, it was then “un-banned”

About the Global Warming/Climate Change itself

Lord Christopher Vicount Monckton speaks at the rally

Put it this way: so someone is challenging a UN body and nobel prize winner, do you think if they don’t have a solid prove, they will go ahead? Of course, no. Why put name, reputation, money and everything else for something that has been declared winner? If they have only even half the evidence, do you think they just want to risk it all just for the sake to dispute it? Of course no…

CO2 giving a green house effect and produce some warming is known fact, but how much it will endanger the planet and whether caused by human is totally different question.
If you want to know first hand, bring yourself to the presentation from Lord Christopher Monckton and team. Visit Galileo Movement , ask them when is the next one and see it yourself whether it is just a BS or not.

My gut feeling telling me, the real truth will be somewhere in the middle. For the purpose of this Carbon Tax article, let us say that this matter is still need to be debated and investigated further and let me refresh some factors that make Carbon Tax just unnecessary sacrifice with massive consequences for no real purpose.

Carbon Tax

Jo Nova

At present moment, Gillard government plans “Carbon Tax” as a fixed price that has to be paid by 500 top pollutant company for every ton of CO2 that they produce. Then in 3 years the price will be floated to the market as traded commodity. Knowing that the increased cost experience by those companies will be passed to the customer in domino price change that at the end have to be paid by every household, included in the tax is a compensation compensation money for 9 out 10 household in  price to offset the increase of the price.

Just by this fact alone, we can see it is meaningless tax. By their own words: this tax is to hurt pollutant for them to change the behavior and favor the renewable energy. But if the consumer is compensated for the increased price (meaning they still buying from the polluter), then there will be no effect on the company , just business as usual. And the whole excercise is just money merry go round with huge admin cost.

Global Market makes Carbon Tax Causing Job Loss

Say ABC company traded in Australia, company XYZ traded in Brasil and they are both producing the same product i.e: they are competitor. Since Australia have carbon tax, the price of ABC company’s product will be higher than XYZ company – this is given. So, if this happen, ABC will lose market share, as their customer in China or India will prefer the cheaper prices. And at the end it’s about survival, ABC company will then just move its operation to say Malaysia or Indonesia to maintain their competitiveness in long run. This means: job loss in local market is imminent.

Malcolm Roberts of Galileo Movement

How about local company? As the tax will eat the profit away, companies will grow slower, less staff will be hired, more company will go bankrupt, and at the end Australian economy will grind to halt.

What the Purpose?

And after all the fuss and problem, I still cannot see what is the purpose of this tax ?

If it were to save the earth, why all other nations is just laugh at Australia ? Australia just a  small population. At about 20 millions mark population – the whole Australia population  is just the size of  Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. Even if all the activity stop and all Australian get extincted (i.e: all die), the effect of Global Carbon Dioxide amount will be very miniscule.

Is it just for warm and fuzzy feeling that Australia is the leader in Global Warming effort ? – such a childish purpose then…. How about if it is not warming as it claimed? It became leading embarrassment rather than anything else.

Remember a direct statement from Julia Gillard before the election “There will be no carbon tax on government I lead“? I kind of believe in what she said, she meant it. Unfortunately, as the election result is not up to her expectation and she has to negotiate with Greens (which is not really “green”) and independent senators to form minority government , she is the one take all the blame of all this fuss to maintain her power as PM – as the hard-left intention fuel its ambition.

Lord Monckton on a seminar in Sydney

What’s Next?

With so much resistance at all level, I would think that it is in the interest of Government to know exactly what the Australian really want. Please respect us that we are not just dummy and idiot.  We can see and look trough whether it’s good or not.  If election is too much, then a referendum or plebiscite is not that bad really…. let us find out whether the nation is really want to sacrifice the wealth to be the “leader” in climate change.
In the meantime, REJECT THE CARBON TAX !

Further Reading:
http://joannenova.com.au/
http://www.galileomovement.com.au/galileo_movement.php
http://www.conscious.com.au/
http://www.nocarbontax.com.au/2011/04/warning-science-zone-dr-david-evans-eplains-why-co2-is-not-the-villain/
and more on the web

No Carbon Tax

Having reviving my photography passion, my main motivation is to get some good photos. With my wife and daughter in tow, I turn up also get a good night out with various eateries around the location. It is cold, but good preparation and well clothed save the day – only some awe of what we see. So not too many words here are some photos that I took with my brand new “backup” camera – well except the fire dance – since I don’t have time to crawl to the top of roof (maybe I would if I am just alone)… anyway enjoy….

Vivid Sydney 2011: stripy house

Vivid Sydney 2011: disco opera

Vivid Sydney 2011: The fire dance - photo from vividsydney.com

Vivid Sydney 2011: meteory ceiling in one of the plaza

Vivid Sydney 2011: colorful Circular Quay

Vivid Sydney 2011: vibrant opera

Vivid Sydney 2011: vivid opera

Vivid Sydney 2011: remind me of Hongkong's sail

Vivid Sydney 2011: Pink Sail

Vivid Sydney 2011: Cyan sail

Vivid Sydney 2011: Futuristic opera

Going there

Vivid Sydney 2011

Unfortunately it is a little bit too late to go there at this moment at this event has wrapped up on 13 June. So, mark your calendar on your phone at 20 May next year “check vividsydney.com for schedule”

HDR Images

I will finish this photo article with images call High Dynamics Range (HDR) images that I took – just to check I still “got it” in term of my photography skill. You will not get this kind of photo with your iphone for sure, this is the kind of photo that we can still see the detail of the darkest, without really over exposed the brightest. For example on Circular Quay photo below, if you take good picture of the 3 lampions in the front, you will get dark background, but if you took good picture of the building light on the background, you will get super bright lampions (maybe white), HDR images combine those 2… enjoy…

Vivid Sydney 2011: Circular Quay Charm - HDR

Vivid Sydney 2011: The calm of Night - HDR

Anyway, if you want to see all the Vivid Sydney 2011 collection that I got, click the link here: Vivid Sydney 2011 gallery. Maybe you can pickup 1 or 2 print for unique postcard.

Want example? Have you ever want to fill up your petrol tank but then you say to your self, ”Nahh… Just buy it tomorrow as it will be cheaper…” Well, this is a little gambling….Nobody knows what the price tomorrow, so you making a bet that the price will be cheaper tomorrow.

If it is 10 cents cheaper, then for 50 liter you will be rewarded with $5 save. But what if it is 10 cent more expensive and you just have to fill it up as it is running out already, then you ”lost” $5. For me, that is similar with putting $5 bet on Red color on roulette table. You guess right, you get rewarded, you guess it wrong your money gone. Isn’t it ?

Anyway, talking about gambling, the ultimate gambling experience will be going to the casino, as it is the gambling place. For those that never been to casino, you don’t have to be a gambler to enjoy the casino, it usually has cheap food, good live entertainment on week end, glamorous lighting and usually to get in is free !

Casino Cruises

Casino cruises are a unique experience as they combine the beauty and thrill of sailing with the excitement of playing casino games.
Casino cruises are popular in states that have outlawed gambling and/or the existence of casinos on land. In this case, casinos are often built on riverboats or cruise ships and sent out on the water so that will not be in the jurisdiction where gambling is illegal. These types of casinos attract all types of gamblers. Amateur gamblers who enjoy the tranquility of the water will often embark on a casino cruise, as will hardcore gamblers that have traveled from nearby states.

Short holiday in a cruise liner

For the casino cruise enthusiast, the ultimate trip can be taken on a large cruise liner. These huge elaborate ships usually feature a variety of entertainment options, one of which will most certainly be a casino.

A cruise of this type can last a week or more, allowing plenty of time to gamble at your leisure. Not only that, but there are plenty other diversions if you get bored of gambling, or if you simply need a break. However, this type of casino cruise is typically much more expensive. In addition, since more time is spent with access to the casino, there is a greater likelihood of incurring debt or becoming involved in a quarrel with another gambler.

When choosing any casino cruise, always research the company that owns and operates the casino. You can find information online easily. This is especially important if you decide to take one of the longer cruises available. These cruises can be pricey, so you need to make sure that you get your money’s worth.

Bet for fun, not for ruining your live

A little bit of warning and tips, as with other aspect of your life. You are in control of your own decision. As gambling is proven to be addictive, going for a holiday on a cruise ship should be planned with cool head:
- budget your gambling money. Treat this amount as if you will be using it all up. If it turn up you win, then it’s a bonus. This way, even you lost it all, at least you plan for it and it will keep your emotion and the urge to win a little bit down.
- do not bring your credit card on board. Bring cash, once you burn it, that’s it… no more.
- Look after one another with your friend or love one, do not do anything stupid.

Finally, as like other holiday….. Enjoy your time….

p.s: if you really want to just do some visit to casino, the easiest will be the one on your computer – but which one? Be sure to check the link below to get your info.

– Article by Brian Hill of CasinoTop10

.

The beginning….

It was just  a quite normal Saturday morning. Children are watching morning kids program and I was just finished morning bath and my wife is looking after laundry and ironing. Until suddenly all light were gone and my UPS alarm start beeping. First thinking is that there was a blackout, but upon checking my electricity panel, it seems that my circuit breaker which consist of Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) a.k.a Residual Current Device (RCD) has tripped.

Circuit Breaker Panel

I start the troubleshooting (see picture): I shutdown 2 power’s switch from the MCB row, 1 light, oven and air conditioning. Then I flip back the master switch. It holds. Then I put back oven, then air conditioning segment – still holds. Even power1 and power2 also have no problem. But once I turn on the “light” the master switch tripped again.

Well, it’s time to turn off all lights, turn on the light’s MCB, turn on master RCD switch and turn on all lamp one by one. What I found is really beyond my expectation….

Lamp Immerse in Water….

Condensation on Cover

The dew is concentrated on the cooler part of the lamp housing (away from the hottest part – the bulb) which is consistent with condensation theory – hot humid vapor become liquid as it meet cool(er) surface.

Can the water come from splash? No, the glass dome has rubber seal (tight fit), also patern of the dew is typical of condensation.

Looking at the amount of water accumulate inside the glass bowl and the water mark on the lamp, I would suggest that this has been ongoing for a while.

Luckily, the RCD/RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breaker) who detect that the current out is not equal with the current in (as it got short circuit into earth) , has done its job: tripping the circuit. Otherwise there are 2 dominant risks:

1. The short circuit spark a fire
2. -Or- anybody who is trying to replace the bulb will touch the water that contact with live wire a.k.a electrocution

Water accumulate on glass bowl

The root cause…

At first I thought this problem is due to my negligence of putting higher bulb than the maximum. On this decorative white oyster fitting, there is a note to read “Max 40W” – I did only install 20W energy saver bulb, but 20W of this fluorescent lamp is equal to 100W normal bulb. Lucky for me, the law of physics is on my side: the equivalence is only about the luminance (the brightness of the lamp), the energy (that makes the heat) is purely from the current, which is half than the maximum rating as a wattage is proportional to amperage (current).

A further research shows that a bathroom light need to conform with International Protection Rating (IP) of  at least IP44 standard (which require splash proof from any direction and dust  proof housing).  The definition of “dust” is any solid above 1mm diameter.

Got hole on the back, definetely not IP44...

Closer observation reveals that this fitting has about 20mm round hole on the back of the base and has about 50mm clearance from the ceiling and the base. Easy enough for humid vapor from bathroom activity get inside the container. So, very safely to say, it is not IP44 fitting as required.(VDE 0100, Part 701,Zone 2, domestic bathroom)

If the hole is very small (to cater >1mm diameter), then the moisturized vapor will not get in into the housing because inside the housing there is expanded gas due to the heat (which produce positive pressure), furthermore, with extraction fan very near to the lamp and always on when the lamp is on, then following the least resistant path, the moisturized vapor will go to the fan straightaway. But with the hole, as the fan try to pull all moisturized gas outside, some will be easily trapped inside the sealed front housing and then condensed as long as it’s heated and go to the cooler surface. Little at times, but after more than 3 years without bulb changes then it happened.

Then… why the developer installed sub standard part ? Well the answer is easy… The developer of the building is well known as dodgy. Here is the definition of “dodgy” for this: conveniently liquidate themselves upon receiving complain of building defect. Looks seriously dodgy for me…

The Messsage

1. Check your bathroom !! NOW!
   If you find some accumulating water inside the light fitting: turn off electricity, open the cover, and dry it – hair dryer will do, then just leave it open. Yes, it’s not splash free anymore and a little bit eyesore, but still better than got electrocuted. You will not splash the water that high anyway (just make sure this )
   If you’re not sure, call your licensed electrician.
2. Make sure your electricity is protected by RCD a.k.a RCCB
3. The extraction fan is playing a great role, if it is broken replace it straight away. It does not just put the “smelly” air away, but also those damaging moisturized vapor.
4. Don’t buy property from dodgy developer….

Have a great day !

Sea World Gold Coast

Polar Bear Swim

Then you can top it up with premium (read: need to pay more) services such as helicopter ride (starts only $49 adult), diving with shark, behind the scene tour, etc.

The food outlet is quite limited to McDonald-style menu and cafe menu (cake, rolls, sandwich) – no asian food on the shops.

And also, they have quite efficient handling for lost and found. Unfortunately, with 2 screaming kids on the haul, we forget to take the “peripheral bag” after a ride. A small trip to “Guest services” to register your lost item, and one hour later they call me that they have found the bag and I just pick it up at the area where they found it. Looks simple, but this implied: your report is really registered, and staffs all over the big park are talking each other under some kind of procedures. Well done !

A few tips

• 

  Curious penguin

  Schedule at least 2 days to enjoys all Sea World can offer: marine animals, rides, shows, etc. You can “finish” all of them in 1 day, but it’s gonna be quite a rush…
• Don’t plan picnic, not only there is not much space, the park ban commercially pack food and esky.
• Buy combine ticket (with other parks) to get the biggest bang for your buck.
• Check the website for show schedule, plan the visit on that schedule as the animal exhibit/rides can be a filler in between.
• Parking space is plenty. If you find yourself cannot find parking space then it’s too crowded already – just reschedule if possible or come earlier.
• If you purchase VIP pass, the queue for processing the photo card is quite long – do this later don’t waste your time
• Limited locker is available so better leave unnecessary item at hotel or car.
• You can park at the resort (see below – just 30 second drive further down the road) – enter and exit to the park via the monorail and you can have early dinner in one of their restaurant at the end of the day.

The Sea World Resort, Hotel and Water Park

Sea World Resort Lobby

A small part clearly visible from the Sea World is a area of swimming with big tower a la wet n wild called “Water Park”. Not that huge, but I guess it is designed to entice all Sea World visitor to become the guest of the hotel.

Linked with a monorail system, the hotel is offering no frills 2 double bed room, good for family of 4 at the price of normal room. Depends on the package when you buy the room, you can choose to have room only, room and access to Sea World, with all the perks like: the water park, behind the scene Dolphin presentation, etc.

For a start, the hotel offers coin operated laundry and dryer machine at $4 each to wash your dirty clothes. This is quite unusual for a 4 star hotel to give facilities usually only available for backpacker hostel. Well, of course the “usual” hotel laundry also available.

Water Play at swimming pool

The hotel’s swimming pools area offers great welcome to kids. Plenty of shallow area, big water play just like in the big park, squirts play, etc. As mentioned, you can extend your kids’ swimming day to the linked water park.

For the big boys and girls, spa pool operates every 7am, countless of sun deck, side-pool cafe, waterfall, sauna, gym, massage, etc will make your day to enjoy with love one or even for simply watching the kids play. And , oh, a golf practice net to warm up before your round of golf.

Not to mention Elmo and Sesame Street Beach friends that come every 9am to greet the kids.

Guest Facility

For your reference, in March 2011 (not school/public holiday – but includes week end), standard 2 double bed room for 4 is $137 per night (booked in Nov 2010) – you maybe will just get semi-decent room for 2 at Surfer’s Paradise with that price.

If you are traveling with kids, I would recommend strongly stay at this resort.

Enjoy your holiday !

p.s: this article is current as of March 2011 – check the latest news from their website

Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World, Gold Coast

Wet n Wild

Own by the same conglomeration that own Movie World, the theme park just located within 1 minutes drive of each other. However the experience will be totally different. As water  park, the park is actually not really for every one, why?

• For a start, if you don’t like get wet and be thrown around while falling, then this park is not for you. That’s  because ‘wet and be thrown around while falling’ is by default what you get there.
• Certain level of fitness is required: not only to climb the stair of those 30 meter or so platforms, but also to carry your floating device up there while enduring the chilling wind while queuing. (Especially children)

Having said that though, if you just after “normal” pool for children to play around while the bigger “boys” do serious stuff, this water park is good for you as there are some “normal” pool.

Also, the rides on this park is relatively safe because the main power of the ride is gravity (except probably “SurfRider”). I mean when you get thrown from the platform, you ride the water only under gravity force rather than from some powerful roller coaster. If you have physics background, you will find it’s quite fascinating to determine the maximum force, speed and what can happen during the course of the rides.

Anyway, the full price general admission is $54.99/$34.99 for adult/kids – not as expensive as other theme park, but it’s still expensive. Again try not to pay the full price by combining with other theme park ticket or purchasing VIP pass (unlimited 3 theme park pass: movie world, sea world and wet n wild for $99 up to 30 June 2011).

SurfRider from Wet n Wild

A few Tips

• Beware that roughly during April – September, although not as prominent as Sydney/Melbourne, the temperature does lower than the other months.
• Wear a swim shirt/diving shirt. Not only to give you 100+ SPF protection from sun, it also shield your body from wind during queuing in the platform rides.
• Use the locker provided ($9 whole day, currently) to store your valuable – too many people could mean reduce the safety of your valuable if it’s just hidden under the towel.
• Pack your lunch as the eateries inside the complex is very limited: in number and choices.
• Minimize congestion during start and end of day in changing and showering by changing & showering at hotel. I don’t think the number of shower/change room are enough for crowder day.
• Use the “Splash Cash” rather than go to locker to get your wallet every time. (“Splash Cash” is barcoded water proof wrist band that “filled” with your money – unused money will be refunded when you go)
• Bring extra towel for your spare. I don’t think towel hire is available.
• It’s quite big property/area, make sure you set a meeting point/”base camp” , especially if you have big contingent.

If you have a good tips for other to know, feel free to write and share it via comment section below.

Enjoy your visit at Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

p.s: this article is current as of March 2011 – check the latest news from their website

The Warner Bros’ Movie World Theme Park

WB's Movie World, Gold Coast

As kids under 3 years old is free, there is not much for them. But Movie World is one of the theme park that still quite friendly for younger/smaller kids. They still have what called “WB Kids’ Zone” that is suitable for kids under 110cm height. But you will get the most of the park if you have kids 7 years old or older.

Located a little bit outside the CBD, the 30 min trip from Surfer’s Paradise perhaps one of the most anxious trips your kid ever have. There are plenty of parking. If you find yourself cannot find a parking space then just head home without hesitate – it’s gonna be too crowded.

Price: Make The Most of Your Dollar Bang!

The full price ticket of Movie world currently on Mar 2011are: Adult $74.99 and Child $49.99 (3 – 15 years). Those number are ridiculously expensive. The good news is you can combine the ticket with other theme park or buy a annual pass instead to make it more reasonable. For example, “VIP Pass” currently offers 3 theme park pass valid up to 30 June 2011 that “only” cost you $99 where you can make unlimited entry to all three park until it expires. Even if you just use it once on each park, it’s far less expensive. I guess this is just a marketing plot.

Anyway, the park opens 10am and close at 5 pm – so 7 hours. With meal break/toilet break your effective hour will be about 6 hours.

There are 8 rides and 3 shows at this time of writing. The actual rides may change over time, but the number will be around that (unless they expand, of course). With end of day parade that you probably don’t want to miss, you probably want to check out all of those attractions perhaps with some repeat of one that you like.

Therefore with 6 hours (=360 minutes) divided by 11 then average time spent per ride/show will be 32 minutes. With the ride itself at least 10-15 minutes, then the queue should not exceed 17-22 minutes.

Now, that’s the problem. I just got there on a week day, 3 weeks before school holiday, and visually there is no queue. But I still spend average of 10 minutes per ride to wait to our turn. Hence,  any visible queue will easily double or triple or multiply your queue time.

So, I can safely conclude, on the week end, school holiday or public holiday, it will be almost impossible to get to see everything.

Also, check their website http://movieworld.myfun.com.au to see if there is special event and maintenance schedule that could ruin your day.

A few tips

• Never ever pay the full price – try combine or pass ticket to make it cheaper. Even a trip to a ticket agent downtown will give you better price
• If possible, plan the visit on weekday. And further, not in a school holiday or other public holiday
• If it’s raining, reschedule your visit – not worth it. (Yes, there are some outdoor ride/show but it will slash the fun by much)  – or at least bring spare shirt and towel (forget umbrella and rain coat)
• They ban commercially pack food and esky, so probably do not plan a picnic, just enjoy the venue fully
• Come as early as possible – be there when the gate is opened
• Download the map from website and make a plan which ride to hit first the night before (as well as to make it more familiar with the venue and build up excitement)
• Don’t buy those souvenirs or plush toys during the day. At the end of the day, you may get “lucky” to find “end of day” sale that let you to buy those $20, $30 item with only $10.
• The height restriction is very strict. Every ride there will be staff with height gauge. So, if your kids is around 110-120cm boundary, wear a thick sole-but-comfy shoe  or even do your hair up straight!  to make it more solid in passing the minimum height (Nothing will happen because you are shorter by 5 cm!! – nothing)

Do you have any hot tips? Let’s share it by putting your comment below…

Enjoy your visit to Warner Brother’s Movie World, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia !!

p.s: this article is current as of March 2011 – check the latest news from their website