: : nothing : :

computer problems...work not finished by my developer...emails with more work...the soothing sounds of mutations by beck the only thing keeping me from madness...

went to france on the weekend to buy a selection of cheeses...Laura commented that this might be considered excessive...living 5 minutes from france and germany has its benefits...the world is getting smaller, especially when you live in Basel...

did absoultely nothing on sunday and it was incredible...even the craziness of work and monday blues cannot kill my buzz from vegging out yesterday...it was like a holiday in my apartment...after 9 months of nothing but the cartoon network and cnn, i discovered a channel from kosovo which is a mix of home grown sitcoms and old us movies (in english!)...the sitcoms are like what would happen if Fat Pizza was crossed with Kingswood Country...really funny, even if i don't understand a word...

the month is over already, time is just getting quicker and quicker...doesn't anyone else notice it?

: : australia day : :

Looks like vegemite on toast for my celebrations here - no Aussie action in Basel....Happy Ausl Day everyone, especially the Aussies abroad - I know the homesickness you all feel today!!

Posted this once before, but its worth a re-run...

"I ate my pet Kangaroo.
I am shit scared of crocodiles.
And I wear a baseball cap.
I love Star Wars.And the wookie is my favourite.
I would rather get pissed.
And watch someone else carry the country's flag with pride.
I like to rock.
To Billy Ocean.
I am blind to my incompetence.
My brothers are the Smiths, the Wilson's, the Santerelli's, the De Costis, the Wong's and the Jagamarras.
I watch football with a tinnie.
I take the beetroot off my hamburgers and throw Macca's pickles on windows.
I do runners from taxis.
I believe the world is flat.
And Australia is fucking miles away from anywhere.
I believe Australia has the best address on earth.And Australians brew the best beer on earth.
And that's why we never touch Fosters...

: : a month later : :

Working for an agro-chemical company can test ones resolve daily. Are the products we produce providing a greater benefit than the harm they possibly do? When Brasil crops are plagued by rust and we experience %%%% increase in sales of fungicide, are we helping more than we are gaining? I am looking all the time for the goodness in the business that I am in, and one month after the Tsunami, I was happy to see at work that its not a short term memory/CNN approach - in dealing with this tradegy, as in business, our approach is long term and strategic...

Talking clarity out of chaos
Author: Paul Castle Published: 25-Jan-2005

Following the Tsunami flood disaster, Syngenta established an Agricultural Reconstruction Fund. The APAC region manages the fund, and has support from the Syngenta Foundation. David Scott is the co-coordinator of this relief and reconstruction initiative. David’s first task is to assess the needs, and identify where Syngenta can help. He is now rapidly building up local contacts and knowledge by visiting Thailand, as an important regional centre for WHO and FAO, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Global News caught up with him in Bangkok and asked him for further details.

GN: How have people reacted to the Syngenta initiative so far?
DS: Everybody I have contacted has been very positive. Those are not just people in areas directly affected by the flood disaster, but also other stakeholders interested in the medium and long-term relief effort.. The Swiss Ambassador in Bangkok, for example, has also been very supportive. So have many employees, both locally and internationally. The response to our donation appeal on the intranet has already been excellent. I would like to thank everybody who has contributed so far.

How will Syngenta be spending that money?
Precise details remain to be worked out. A month after the disaster, many places are still in considerable chaos. Clearly, however, agriculture is where we can contribute the most to rebuilding livelihoods. Farming is a crucial economic sector in the areas affected, and is of major social importance. Restarting food production will also have a direct effect on the health of the region’s inhabitants. We will be working with the FAO, governments and other groups to understand the nature of the damage to agriculture. This will take some time. The donations from employees, the Foundation, and the company will all be very well spent.

What is the current view on damage to agricultural infrastructure?
First and foremost is the substantial loss of life. In Ache, Indonesia, some estimates are that 40% of the populations in some localities have been killed. 19 out of 26 agricultural extension officers have died. So there will be a need for capacity-building. Annual crops such as rice and vegetables have been lost. Perennial crops such as fruit trees and plantation crops have been either lost or damaged. A major agronomic issue is salinity. Saltwater flooding results in increased soil alkalinity and a collapse in soil structure. The FAO regional office in Bangkok is currently co-ordinating an assessment in the affected areas. This will be available in early March.

Media reports suggest that not all countries are as open to external assistance as one might hope...
As I say, much is still unclear. The situation is also changing daily. But my personal talks in several countries are already “building bridges”, and helping show where progress is easiest. Larger discussions like the Tsunami Relief Meeting planned for January 26th in Jakarta by a coalition of UN groups, NGOs, and private industry should also bring additional clarity. What is clear is that re-construction will take time, money and, importantly, know-how. Public/private partnerships are likely to play a major role in putting these elements together and Syngenta is well placed to be part of this process.

How is the agribusiness industry as a whole helping with relief work?
The regional section of the industry association CropLife is being very helpful. As regards its members: Syngenta was extremely quick to make emergency relief donations and offer expertise. Most other major companies have also been generous. However the whole effort of reconstruction still has a very long way to go.

: : snow : :

its snowing out my window right now, wind blowing a gale - I finally understand snow domes, the way the snow seems to come from the sides, and up and down...I can understand why Matt Dillion loved the ones his mother gave him...One Night at McCool's - hurt yourself with a hammer funny - so haven't laughed that hard in a long time...

Devrim's references to Office Space have been sitting with me a lot this past two weeks...the routine of life has become just a little too routine...I need to get outta the office... "Oh, and next Friday... is Hawaiian shirt day..."

Is there a point in your life when you have to accept that you have finally grown up? Maybe my Peter Pan syndrome is clearing up...

: : extreme (pain) sports : :

3rd attempt this morning to write this entry - do not hold down shift and the up arrow for too long - twice now I have made this stupid mistake...

Back in the office today after a very humbling experience on the mountain learning to snowbaord. With new boots, board and bindings I did very much look the part - until I tried to stand on the board...Ok, maybe over exaggerating, but I did spend a lot of time on my knees, wrists, back, neck and ass....

So sore today, I cannot lift my coffee mug to my mouth - pain reminiscient of my first yoga class...

Quite a kicker week last week - found a new asian restaurant, "Lillys" that has the decor, presentation and taste down pact - just need some more enthusiastic apathetic waiters - I can handle the 'I¨m to cool for this job attitude' to a certain point, as I too have been in many jobs just for cash...What I cannot tolerate is asking for a table and getting the reply, "I can't be bothered"...Needless to say we found our own table, left no tip, and my colleague even left payment in 5 cent pieces.....

Apart from shitty service, a good meal and I will be back...Also last week, saw Alexander - what a crap movie - Maz, totally agree with you on this one - and what the hell is with all the scottish/irish accents???

Found a new bar - very laid back, house music and funky seats - a few pints will be consummed here I am sure...went to an old bar, Bar Rouge - its on the 33rd floor of the local hotel with a view of the entire city of Basel, even from the toilet - you can't help but wonder as you do your business and peer out the window on the street below if someone is infact peering right back at you?!

: : Blogging Pt. 2 : :

I love Wired...


Like It or Not, Blogs Have Legs
By Adam L. Penenberg

I detest the word "blog." It sounds like the noise a bulimic makes after a hearty meal.
Unfortunately, this faux onomatopoeia has done more to undermine blogs, blogging and the so-called blogosphere than a thousand maladroit Columbia Journalism Review articles.
Nevertheless, we are in the midst of a new kind of internet boom, thanks in large part to this weblog phenomenon. It's not an economic bubble, where scores of startup companies run by fresh-faced 20-somethings are blowing through wads of venture capital in the hopes of becoming the first eBay or Amazon.com in their digital niches. Rather, it's a revolution in the dissemination of intellectual capital.
more

: : Beazley might get another crack at it : :

Opposition Leader Mark Latham has quit as Labor leader and Werriwa MP, blaming his health.

Former leader Kim Beazley says he is in "fine form" and "absolutely fired with ambition" and will put his name forward at the special caucus meeting to elect a new leader on January 28.

Mr Latham, speaking at a doorstop in Sydney, also announced he would quit politics.
""A number of colleagues have asked me to address the uncertainty concerning the Labor leadership,'' Mr Latham told journalists.
""While I had planned to reassess things at the end of my leave period on the 26th of January, the ongoing speculation is damaging the party and needs to be dealt with now.
''(My family's) conclusion is that I should look after my health and pursue a normal life outside of politics.
"Therefore I've decided to resign both as Labor leader and Member for Werriwa.''

Mr Latham thanked Labor "for the opportunity of leading it to the last election and trying to form a Labor government.
"I hope that my colleagues can achieve this final goal in the future and I wish them well.''

Mr Latham said he was proud of Labor's achievements from opposition in 2004, including reforms to parliamentary superannuation and changes to the US free trade agreement.
"I did my bit to lead a genuinely progressive Australian Labor Party,'' he said.
"I wish to thank the people of Werriwa for the opportunity of representing them since 1994 and putting something back into our local community.
"I also thank the local Labor Party members and particularly my staff, who have worked so hard both in the electorate and in parliament house.
"I again thank the Labor supporters and members who backed our cause in the last campaign and gave me so much encouragement as Labor leader.''
Mr Latham refused to answer any questions from reporters.

He addressed the media without his wife Janine Lacy by his side.He left immediately after delivering his prepared statement.

Mr Beazley said after the announcement that Mr Latham's resignation through ill health was a matter of great sadness.

Source: SMH

: : ever wondered where grandad picks up? : :

Ok, its official - I have just visited the WORST CLUB I have ever been too.

Jen you will love this - I WAS THE YOUNGEST PERSON IN THE PLACE!!!

So Friday, responding to an invitation to go out clubbing to a place that quote, "Looks pretty cool, check out this link..." I decided that its been far too long since I have paid for overpriced drinks and listened to cheesy euro house, now is the time.

The link I followed showed pics of a really awesome venue, with dj set up in front of the bar, and a huge dance floor - I found out later that evening that the reason there were no pics of people on the site is because the club regulars were all 40+ years of age. Without a word of a lie, some of these dudes (using the term dude very, very loosely - I am tempted to say these gentleman, if not for their obvious sleeze factor) were nearing 60.

And the women - lets just say I have never been looked at in such an objectifying way - ever. I guess if the need should ever take me, I would do all right with Mrs. Robinson!

The thing that really shits me is that this could have all been a harmless mistake, if the Swiss German website was not first found by a German (and can I stress the obvious - native German Speaking) colleague of ours who said, "This place looks cool!".

Called the "Saud Haus", with my very poor german I tranlsate it to "Very SAD HOUSE".

There are bigger issues in the world I know, but its my party and I'll rant if I want too.
Next club will be Brett's choice.

: : Blogging the new msn : :

Talking with Maz the other day we were discussing how everyone we know now has a blog. Its incredible, but there are just so many now. My work morning ritual includes mandatory cup of tea (with milk - and yes I do speak the Queen's English too), check work mails, check personal mails and then spend copious amounts of time reading other people's blogs. A great way to really feel like you are there with the person, you know what they are thinking and with world clock times, you even know when they are thinking it. For trainees at least it fills a hole left by not being on msn every day. I started out wanting to keep a record of my time abroad, and now blogging has become one of my biggest links with my network.

Well morning ritual over, time to do some work.

: : New Year, New Blog : :

Well blog design at least. Change is as good as a holiday.

: : Training : :

Just sat through 4 hours of PPT training. Yes that's right, when you leave AIESEC you think you leave that stuff behind. I am sorry to tell ya, the real world is a mock up of the AIESEC world, complete with flip charts for action points, 101 different databases all to retain the same information and of course, the cheap and nasty tasteless food (in my case, the cafeteria, back in Ausl it was the anything cooked in the office microwave).

But back to the subject at hand - would you believe that I learnt a lot of stuff. Well, I re-learnt the same stuff that I learnt over and over again and seem to have forgotten when you look at my PPTs with well more than 3 bullet points, no clear message and way over 10 slides per 20 minute chunks of time....change agent? Not when it comes to PPTs anyways....here's to fewer PPTs in 2005 and even less content in them - I can dream can't I?

Did I tell you about the 360 slide PPT I found at work? (Not mine!)

:: Swimming an ocean of opportunities, hand me the snorkel ::

Sitting at my desk, beginning the second week back at work this year. 1 down, 51 to go. No I don't really mean that, but I still am trying to adjust to the fact that another year has flown by and time just seems to be going quicker and quicker.

I look at a one page excel spreadsheet with the year condensed into little blocks on the page. It is forever amusing to me that my life has become a chart of coloured little boxes and outlook booked agenda meetings. 115 out of 365 days on the chart are weekends and Switz public holidays. Not bad.

As for the rest of the 250 days, it looks like I will be spending them at Syngenta, remaining the lead for my project and finally, to quote/paraphrase the boss, "getting an increase in salary to match my contribution". Happy with that! Still facing a lot of uncertainty careerwise, it seems that a permanent position is a vague opportunity as there seems to be little way around the passport issue. Maybe I will have to move house. And just when it is finally Breztt-clean too. We will see. It is somewhat comforting to see friends battling with the "what do I do next" issue. The question never seems to stop popping up.

Swimming an ocean of opportunities, hand me the snorkel. 2005 ("in 2005 anything can happen"- memories of 2002/03 MC taking the piss) is for me a year of getting shit sorted.

Debt free is the big agenda item. Carrying too much debt for too long now and knowing that income will exceed living expectations this year means that I can afford that extra pint etc and still pay the goddamn bills. Amex, Visa and the rest of my banking community friends, you can all get stuffed. This year I hope you choke on your bloody money, and I look forward to not getting anymore fanmail from you guys! "Hi Mazzy, its Wilbur here from Debt Consolidation Services..."

Setting up for the next few years. Maybe London as a base? I have about 300 days to sort that one so I embrace that challenge with confidence. For Laura and I it will be starting a year together that we can spend together, in its entirety - cannot wait for that!

I know that a trip home is on the cards, latest November as the lil bro is walking down the aisle. Man I feel like I am getting old. (No comment needed thanks Jen). I am such a slack arse in maintaining my network of friends. I am going to be making a concerted effort to click the reply button and infact the old dusty "compose mail" button too. Ed has inspired me with an excessive update mail that in one swoop has detailed his movements of the past 6 months, and I feel like I have been there with him. Ed, you will be getting mail from me soon! And all the rest of ya too.

After New Years in Prague I am really keen to do a central Eastern Euro tour and am starting to plan that trip in my head already. When I remember I will post some of the thoughts/adventures from that trip.

Joing the gym, going skiing, the general health kick. However, this is limited to physical activity alone. Before New Years I had all these fantastic aspirations of eating healthy but unfortunately I just love food too much.

For now? Laura is with me until the 26th Feb and then heads back to Ausl to finish (hopefully) her last year of study. March thru June waiting for her return in the summer will be tough, but after 7 month stints apart, I think we will manage ok. AM realy over the long-distance deal now, I can assure you. Saying goodbye to the one you love should happen once a day when you leave the house for work with the full knowledge that you will be together again in the evening. Its funny, but simple things like that and knowing that I can shop for a cutting board and time enough at home to do a load of laundry and clean the windows have become the pleasures of life I look forward too. Do not get me wrong, I am loving my life abroad and travels and the whole package, but I live for quality Brett time at home, knowing that "home" is a somewhat constant.

I take the next few weeks to finally get all of the tidbits I've been collecting from my travels actually pasted into my leather journal (currently bolging with all the stuff just crammed in there), spend a bit of time thinking about the future, but mostly enjoying my free time with L.

Snorkling for now and the next year at least in Basel.