Yes Aus is beautiful, I am very lucky that I have had the chance to travel the country and it is a wonderful place. Just had lot of rain here in Perth in the last week which makes it harder for me to get out and walk etc., and I used to live up north in the warm weather so I do miss the sun! But yes it won't last forever and I'll be back out in the pool soon.

How ya goin,' mate? I am NOT from Perth, although I always wanted to go there during the 5 years I lived in Oz. I was in NSW -- Wollongong -- doing my Ph.D. What an incredibly beautiful country! You should feel proud!

I apologise for this weather. It WILL get better, I promise. Where are you? I live in San Diego.

Don't worry, all Yanks are not such arrogant profit addicts and holier than thou about everything. Just quite a few.

Be well, Ebs. Contact me if you wish. Cheers, Jake