Yes, the Sydney airport had a nasty Bikie event yesterday where 20 or so guys had a roving battle in the airport that left on person dead. In Australia, bikers are called Bikies. There are the usual clubs that you have in the USA, the Hell’s Angles, the Comancheros, etc. Much of Sydney and most likely the world is shocked by this 15 minute battle. The government is saying that the police responded within the prescribed time, about five minutes.
Kinda scary, but no worse then the criminal in Oakland, Ca shooting and killing police. Add that to students killing other students, its just appalling. Maybe Lisa and I need to move to the bush- where all you have to do is worry about eleven of the world’s most poisonous snakes live. <sigh>
Tipping
There is an article in the Sydney Morning Herald on ‘How to Tip in the USA’ see 10 Tips for Tipping.
Lisa has explained to me that tipping in Australia is lean. Since workers in the service industry here get a livable wage, a tip isn’t expected. When some service is really excellent, you might step out from this a little bit to a tune of 10%. And I mean the services was really, really excellent.
Where to sit in a Taxi
If you flag a taxi down, well before that, if you are going to flag a taxi down, it would be in bad form to wave your arm a whole bunch like we normally due in the US. Only a reasonable gesture is required. If you are alone, you should sit next to the driver in the front seat. To sit in the back is impolite. When Lisa told me this at first, I found it hard to believe, but after observing folks in taxis for a day or so, this is the rule. Lisa says if two people get into a taxi, then one should sit next to the driver. I’m not so sure about this one yet, haven’t done my field work yet, have done my observation.
Bottle Shock
Lisa and I saw an advance screening, at least here in Australia, called Bottle Shock. Here is the summary in IMDB: Bottle Shock
Lisa and I both enjoyed the movie. It had some screen writing issues with continuity, setting the sense of place, adding a hacky relationship and some production issues. Two thumbs up—not fab, but enjoyable. Alan Rickman is good.
Rugby
Last Friday night, Lisa, Alexandra, Eric and I went and saw a National Rugby League (NRL) match at ANZ Stadium. The stadium is located in the Sydney Olympic park. The Parramatta Eels beat the South Sydney Rabitohs. Rugby is a very violent game. I’m still not sure all of the rules. I may write a bit more about this later.
