Disqus - Latest Comments for xntrek

Re: (02) 9032 5623 / +61290325623 phone number Search | Truecaller

xntrek — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 21:56:11 -0000

Number is from the OXFAM Australia's Fundraising sydney call center for monthly donations to their campaign work (https://www.oxfam.org.au/do...

Re: (03) 8695 1111 / +61386951111 phone number Search | Truecaller

xntrek — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 21:49:34 -0000

CSC Docklands Office: http://www.csc.com/au/ds/51...

Re: Plant RNAs Found in Mammals

xntrek — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:13:10 -0000

That's a false statement -- the issue of feeding the world's population is an issue of logistics and finance - not of capacity. The globe produces enough calorific matter to feed twice the population we have today. The western world places a third of the food supply into landfill alone. Personally, I welcome GMOs as a valid and pertinent technology. I think it is often misused to create profit centric crops rather than solve actual food issues, but that is a fault of failed regulators and governments who do not support research in the academics and public domain. The point being this: do not believe that any one thing - in this case GMO - will be a magic bullet for any problem and do challenge the accepted status quo to demand better.

Returning to your original statement though, we are far better served by the development of faster and cheaper transport than the GM modified crops in solving world population feeding.

Re: http://xntrek.tumblr.com/post/2467099985

xntrek — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 09:05:43 -0000

Well, the description does say it's a Hookah. It's a middle eastern smoking contraption. You place Shisha (which is a tobacco or herbal mix soaked in molasses and flavoured with essence such as apple or mint) into the top, and then hot coals slowly heat the molasses and smoke the mixture which you smoke (mouth only) via the glass vase at the bottom that is filled with water and acts as a filter but also makes it much smoother and more pleasant.

Re: pssssst … don’t drink the tumblr water today …

xntrek — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:28:08 -0000

Because people are human? Because sometimes people forget that the other people are human too? Because your panties are in a twist? It doesn't really matter -- the point is to recall we are all here and have our own issues and sometimes it's good to be reminded of that. Also, what is sanity?

Re: A life without Magic?

xntrek — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 06:32:16 -0000

There is no enlightenment. Far from it.

In fact, the truth is that making that discovery that you do not actually have the belief or the faith is a sure fire way to become disillusioned with life and experience an existential crisis, or more often just as likely, depression. Why? Well, as you said, Why bother? I mean if there is no heaven or hell, if there is no reincarnation, no ghosts, nor angels nor higher beings looking after our interests ... if this is all there is, then ... why bother?

It is understandable why someone would want to commit suicide at this point. Heck, it's not like there's anything stopping you when the fear of eternal damnation is no longer there to stop you, is there?

So, why keep going?

In all honesty, every one has their own answer. For me, there are two answers.

The first answer is that I have a shame faced motivator, it is a fear known as thanatophobia. The very thought of dying is enough to send me into the throes of panic. You don't have to be a genius to realise how much of a motivator this is to keep living.

The second answer is an eternal, wide eyed, optimistic curiosity. There is so much to learn, to understand, to see and to experience. If I could live for 500 years, I do not know if it would be enough for me to fulfil my insatiable appetite to continue to learn.

So, why bother? I think it is a fallacy to think that we all experience this world the same way already. I mean, the analogy that we enter the rabbit hole and see a whole new world is one of the reinforcement of the existing mythology. I argue that the magical world you will see is the one that exists already, re-seen from a new perspective.

Do you realise how magical life is? The chemical and biodynamic interactions that creates the basis for the web of life? The fact that without a symbiotic relationship between bacteria and fungi there wouldn't be plant life and the symbiotic relationships they form? It is magical! It is incredible!

There is some jealousy towards those with faith. They have a hope. They can continue along with the belief that everything will be alright and it will all be worth it in the end.

But, let's ask once more ... why bother?

I mean, let's be honest - if everything you do is pre-determined, then why bother doing anything at all? If your actions can only be judged by god, then why bother doing anything that is not outlined in the bible? Why bother looking after the poor? Saving the whales? Stopping spousal abuse? Why stop rape and murder and theft and anything else since they will get their eternal salvation or damnation as is right by the lord above.

I mean, seriously ... why bother? After all, the prize is at the end of the road. It's not here. It's in the golden sunshine of the nebulous wonder that is eternal salvation in the kingdom of god. So, why bother making this place a better place? Why bother looking after the earth? Who cares about the rights of the inhabitants? In fact, why not just organise the mass obliteration of the non believers right now and get on with getting ready for the reckoning?

Why bother?

Why?
We need to keep going forward.
We need to leave our mark.
We need to know that our life meant something.
That's why.

The real question is, if there is an eternal reward for our lives, then ... why do we need this?

Enlightenment in the rabbit hole, my dear little storm in a tea cup? No, the only enlightenment ... the only answers you'll get, have to come from inside you.

Try some magic, be the rabbit, look at the world from inside the burrow.

Re: 9 point Samsung Galaxy S Review Exploding Palm Technique

xntrek — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 09:15:22 -0000

thanks, nice to hear a real review. This is the only other "warts and all" review I read (http://ausdroid.net/2010/06... be interested how you compare it after a week or so.

Re: DISQUS | Analytics

xntrek — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 20:00:21 -0000

My Community. It is far and wide. It flitters, it flutters and it hops from page to page. Do I feed them with seeds or feed them with nectar? How do I keep my community alive?

Re: Blind spots

xntrek — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 18:11:54 -0000

Stupid tumblr stupidly eating my notes ... let's try again using disqus:

1. if the bright spot you are describing is like the "burn in after image" you get when looking at a bright light, then the most likely explenation based on my own experiance is Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR).
2. It's not uncommon in males with high stress
3. It usually goes away on it's own.
4. If it becomes too bothersome or too large, they can laser cauterise it.
5. If you have astigmatism in your eye, there seems to be a link where if you are prone to angle closure glaucoma then pressure build up and the CSR seem to go hand in hand, and a Laser iridotomy removes that concern.

If you need to talk, you know how to get me.

Re: Monday 02 August, 2010 …

xntrek — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 09:07:53 -0000

That they are - one journey ends as another begins. I was hoping settlement was going to occur tomorrow as well, but their bank delayed it :(

But shan't be long now :)

Re: http://bettylies-.tumblr.com/post/743439729

xntrek — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 19:18:00 -0000

or they forgot to add a comma

Re: An idiots guide to Australia;

xntrek — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:17:05 -0000

Yes, but it's like all things regarding the west and east islands, we pick and choose who owns what.

For example, we like to lay claim to the Finns which you guys thoroughly object to ... but you are more than happy to have the world believe that Russel Crowe is ours.

So, it all balances out somewhere along the track. :)

Re: http://f1l.tumblr.com/post/549811615

xntrek — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 07:52:37 -0000

Very cool.

Re: http://xntrek.tumblr.com/post/513008702

xntrek — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 21:24:56 -0000

This property has only a 1:5 chance of Bodily Organ Loss. which is not as
bad as some others we have seen before. We are still buying lotto tickets
just in case though :)

Re: http://xntrek.tumblr.com/post/432035960

xntrek — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:23:56 -0000

*snort*groan*snort*

Re: http://xntrek.tumblr.com/post/405630201

xntrek — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:39:44 -0000

Using a per Acre price is quite common. They can't actually sell the land as
sub-parcels without Council or State Zoning approval. Regardless, while we
should be speaking in Hectares, many people are still far more comfortable
in Acres - personally I think it's easier to think of 10,000m2 = 1Ha rather
than 4046.9m2 = 1Ac.

Either way we are still in the same spot.

Stephen Leacock<http: www.brainyquote.com="" quotes="" authors="" s="" stephen_leacock.html="">
- "I detest life-insurance agents: they always argue that I shall some
day
die, which is not so."

Re: http://xntrek.tumblr.com/post/405630201

xntrek — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:41:12 -0000

Using a per Acre price is quite common. They can't actually sell the land as sub-parcels without Council or State Zoning approval. Regardless, while we should be speaking in Hectares, many people are still far more comfortable in Acres - personally I think it's easier to think of 10,000m2 = 1Ha rather than 4046.9m2 = 1Ac.

Either way we are still in the same spot.

Re: cheaper than candy (bathroom at Green Man Pub in Wellington, NZ ...)

xntrek — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 05:52:42 -0000

How long are you staying in Welli / NZ for?
Are you two going to have time to do a quick pop round to Melbourne? Free Accomodation :)

Re: Ick factor

xntrek — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:52:47 -0000

Je t'aime et votre façon de voir le monde aussi.

I have already told you you are welcome to come to place and use it as a base to explore my backyard, right?

*anytime*

Re: Found out tonight my husband's oldest sister hasn't gone to have her blood drawn/sent in yet.

xntrek — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:53:35 -0000

I may or may not have relatives in shady circles of the underworld if you need some "leaning" to be done. Otherwise I may know a friend of a friend of a guy who can go in and take what you need from her through the gentle art of persuasion. I'm just saying, I don't wish harm on anyone but I am willing to wear some form of karma in this case.
{hugs and love}

Re: Exhale

xntrek — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:58:44 -0000

Don't you dare leave!

Instead, give me names and I shall make them uncomfortable ... I don't know how ... maybe by sending them love pics of my moobs or something ...

(and I always have a guest room if you do want to run away to the other side of the world for a while)

Re: Dear Smart Coder Types | by name and nature

xntrek — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:20:11 -0000

Thanks man. I guess the almighty (easy) dollar wins as always. Still if any of those developers ever read this, I would so pay the $2.49 for the damned app without ever seeing a free version ... also, the Android Market just hit 20,000 apps and growing ... that's bigger than the original 1st gen iPhone app market.

Still, you're point is made, and I shall just cry and whine in the desert of obscurity :P

Re: Being an invalid

xntrek — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:17:58 -0000

If you need extra pain killers, let me know - I have a lovely stack left over after my shoulder recon - and I'm only a phone call and a 25 minute drive away :P

Re: Doctors are jerks

xntrek — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:11:48 -0000

I've gone through this trip ... problem is (aside from those you have already highlighted) that we are still in the relative dark ages of psychotropic medication. My Current trip has taken me from Aropax -> Xanax -> Zoloft -> Endronax -> Effexor XR

They all have their own issues. First 3 are basically SSRI based meds. Effexor is an SNRI. Is it perfect? No. Are there side effects? Yes. But it helps the most and I'm willing to live with those particular sets of side effects ... for now.

If it is at all possible, find a "wholistic doctor" -- you want someone who will spend the time with you, look after the overall state of health (physical, mental, emotional) and may very well suggest a massage and acupuncture if they believe that will help you more than a round of valium.

Easy to say, I know ... especially since I'm all the way across the globe ... but might be worth the time to look around.

Also, if I can help in any way: chats, a willing ear, sender of ~~illicit medications inside~~ teddy bears ... let me know, ok?

Re: film | by name and nature

xntrek — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:02:46 -0000

What! Yay! I may take you up on that post the silly seasons :)

Thank you!