Happy New Year!! :D

Oh yes, very exciting times here on planet earth.

It's currently 1.30pm here in Bali and the countdown has begun.

You know what's exciting about New Years? It's just the perfect opportunity to reflect on the year that's been, and think about what you want to achieve in the brand new year that's coming. It's exciting.

So have a fantastic night, stay safe, and if you're up tomorrow before 11am you didn't do it properly ;D

Enjoy!



Love Murldog and Fanzibear :)

S T O R I E S have landed...

Hi all,

First story has begun, finally! It's called Cafe Corante. Just click on "Cafe Corante" on the home page and you're away!

I'll be posting a bunch of stories that I've started over the years (most unfinished thus far due to a condition I suffer called Incompetente attentiondeficitatus, with the goal of finishing them...over time..:)

I'm still figuring out how to organise pages and perform basic graphic tasks on the blog (I grew up playing with sticks and leaves), so please bear with me whilst wrinkles get ironed.

Many of the stories contain a bit of swearing and some adult concepts, so parental guidance is recommended.


Enjoy!



Murlfish

Daily Surf Report - Padma Beach - Legian, Bali

Waves got fun this morning a couple of hours after high tide. Winds were super light onshore. Waves mellow waist-chest high. Mellow but I still hurt my foot! Always the way...injuries always seem to happen on the small days.

Swell picking up over night and should pump for the next few days. Yeeeuuuwwww!!

Bintang, Mentawais. Photo by Joey Melroy - D'bora Surf Charters

P H I L O S O P H Y - Quota le Day

"A contented mind is a perpetual feast"

- Sugar sachet, Thai Cafe 2013


NB - Feasting on your own mind has serious health implications, and the delicious contentment, for which you originally feasted, will diminish accordingly. Teflon accepts no responsibility in relation to any misguided inspiration derived from this wise packet of sugary goodness :)

S C I E N C E - Max Planck

Max Karl Ernst Ludwig Planck (1848-1947)

In short, Max was the German theoretical physicist credited with being the originator of quantum theory, for which he won the 1918 Nobel Prize for Physics.

He was good friends with Albert Einstein. They played music together (when they should've been working).

Quantum theory describes the behaviour of atomic and sub-atomic particles.

In the late 1800's it became apparent that the laws of classical physics had limitations when trying to describe or predict physical events at a microscopic level. And so, in the early 1900's, quantum theory was born, and it revolutionised human understanding of how small particles behave.

Practical derivations of quantum theory include transistor radios, LASER'S, and ultra-precise clocks and thermometers. And teleportation (true story. QT is bizarre and we love it!).

Yes, the theories of quanta can be mind-altering, counter-intuitive and fascinating (you can change the behaviour of an electron simply by observing it. This can work on humans too:), so we'll have a look at some of it's quirkier observations and predictions in posts to come.

Until then, just remember, you can walk through a wall if you try hard enough (QT predicts this to be possible in an infinite universe, coz at some point all the oscillating particles of both bodies must line up), but you may struggle to maintain a healthy relationship. (And you may have to live longer than 85yrs. Unless you jag it:)

Big tip of the hat to Max Planck. Good job :)



References:

1. wikipedia.com
2. dsc.discovery.com
3. bbc.co.uk/science

Daily Surf Report - Padma Beach - Legian, Bali

Similar conditions again this afternoon (I missed the early), chest-head high with onshore winds around 10-12 knots.

I missed the action at the Bali Cup of Surfing at Padma too, but looks like they got through a few rounds and will hold the finals tomorrow. Should be good!

Conditions at Padma should be similar again tomorrow, with lighter winds and an agreeable tide earlier in the morning.

If you see trepang, you just gotta go for it :) - Uluwatu

Daily Surf Report - Padma Beach - Legian, Bali

Swell is back up today with chest-head high sets this afternoon.

Wind was onshore but there were still a few fun rippable lefts and rights to be had.

Looks like the swell will be hanging around well into next week, with contributions from some standard southern Indian Ocean swells and a bonus low pressure/predicted cyclone system developing off northwestern Australia. Time will tell how much the 2 swells will interfere with each other, but at least there will be waves.

The "Bali Cup" surfing competition is on tomorrow at north Padma, so come on down and enjoy the show!

Sending signals to the pitcher, Mentawai Baseball League. Photo by Joey Melroy.

S U R F - Sharing Greenbush With Michel Bourez

As referred to in a previous post ("Michel Bourez Takes Haleiwa"), here is my buddy committing hare kare after accidentally "sharing" a wave with The Spartan at Greenbush, Mentawai Islands 2011. All photos by the legendary Joey Melroy of D'bora Surf Charters.

Enjoy! (Sorry Michel, he's no longer my friend:)

Below: Same friend, less "sharing" ;D , Bintang and Rags, 2011:

P H I L O S O P H Y - Quota le Day

Statistically the probability of any of us being here is so small you'd think the mere fact of existing would keep us all in a contented dazzlement of surprise.


- Lewis Thomas

S U R F - Comedy at Uluwatu

Below is a sequence from a session I had at Uluwatu in October this year. That's me in the green and blue stripey shorts. The shorts seem to say "Where's Wally?". The guy out back scratching his head isn't sure, so the guy a few metres to my left promptly answers :) Enjoy!!

And better times at The Racetrack last year, Oct 2012...

And shiny joy at Greenbush 2010 :) (Photo by Joey Melroy, D'Bora Surf Charters)

M E R R Y X M A S :D

Have a safe and fun Christmas and New Years everybody,

Enjoy!!! :D

Daily Surf Report - Padma Beach (Legian, Bali)

Smaller swell today with bouts of wild and woolly weather.

Still a few fun waves around 1-2ft at midday after the squall, but it required a board with a bit of buoyancy coz she's none too pushy!

Swell predicted for later in the week with a combo of southern Indian Ocean swell and potential cyclonic activity between Indo and Northern Australia on the way. Indian Ocean Animation paints a pretty picture of this development at www.lajollasurf.org/inda.html

Enjoy! :D

T R A V E L - Thailand In Photos and Words - Part 1

Fani and I returned from our 4-week taste of Thailand a few days ago. It was the first time there for both of us and we had a great time. Saw some stunning islands and beaches and discovered a true food-lovers wonderland. Below is a chronological summary of the highlights and a few photos to whet the appetite. Enjoy!

1. Bangkok - THIS is the food-lovers paradise. The quality of the street food is truly amazing. The variety, creativity, flavours, skills and cooking methods are mesmerizing. And addictive. I haven't seen anything like it anywhere else in the world. I honestly believe I could return to Thailand purely for the sole purpose of further exploring Bangkok's streetside eateries.

2. Krabi - A very chilled and charming town near the coast in southwest Thailand. We only spent one night here enroute to Koh Lanta, but we really liked it and I could have easily spent a couple more days there. Some great little cafes and restaurants here.

3. Koh Lanta - Wow, we really loved this place. For me I think it was probably my favourite destination of the trip. It's a beautiful island and sooo cruisy compared with some of the other islands which really bustle with tourists.

We stayed on the mid-west coast with the intention of exploring the whole island, but, aah, we got bitten by the lazy bones bug (Buggus lazeboneii), thus only managing to explore about a kilometre in either direction of our dwelling. Kinda the story of our trip actually! But it was fantastic, just so very relaxing and pleasant.

The beaches here are beautiful but don't consist of the pure white sand and crystal clear waters that Thailand is so well known for. There are also quite a few rocks in the ocean, separated by occasional patches of sand good for swimming and frolicking. And these two factors alone might just be the secret to Koh Lanta's magic. It keeps the tourists away!

We stayed at Lanta New Beach Bungalows, which is at the northernmost end of a 700m stretch of beachfront accommodation and, EASILY, the coolest beach bars and restaurants I've ever seen. That's a subjective opinion, but if you're the kind of cat that wishes they grew up in the treehouse of The Swiss Family Robinsons', or yearned to dine, drink and dance in a coastal ewok village, then look no further!

And the beauty of it is that there is basically no coastal development in either direction beyond that 700m stretch (with the exception of the stupendous "Krit Friendly Bar" to the south, which I'll elaborate on shortly), so you can just wander and explore, usually all on your lonesome coz most others seem reluctant to do the same :)

Krit Friendly Bar - What a bar, what a guy. Krit owns and runs this fantastic, very simple beach bar and restaurant at the southern end of Klang Kang Beach, approximately 1.5km south of where we stayed at Lanta New Beach Bungalows. Not only is Krit one of the nicest, most generous people you're ever likely to meet on your travels (complimentary pineapples and other fruits come thick and fast!), but the food is exceptional, the location superb, and the service second-to-none. And the beer is cold :) We dined and drank (the coconut shake is the best in the world) there twice, and I would almost go back to Thailand purely to kick back and soak up the serenity and scenery at Krit's Bar. The bar is only open during dry season (Nov-May), as Krit has a farm to tend to in northeast Thailand during the wet season.

Unfortunately we never got any photos of Krit's Bar, always forgot the camera, sorry, you'll just have to go see it for yourself! :D

More photos of Koh Lanta, plus the Koh Pi-Pi's and Koh Tao coming soon..:)

T E F L O N Phase 2 - Back in Bali!

Hi all,

Our Thailand sojourn has come to an end and we are back in Bali now, ready to get blogging! From here on in 'twil be a veritable blogfest. More sub-par reporting, photos, stories, lame jokes and general inane waffle than you could ever regret wasting your time on.

So put the kettle on, your feet up, and prepare to be enthralled*!


- Murlpants




*enthralment not guaranteed

Daily Surf Report - Padma Beach (Legian, Bali)

Fun waves later in the morning as the tide started pushing in. 2-3ft, light offshore winds. Couple of good left and right banks, and a couple up at Double 6 too.

Crowds were down (good for surfers, not so good if you're selling drinks) and there were a couple of microgrom local girls (maybe 5-8yrs old) absolutely ripping!! If they keep surfing they'll be putting Carissa Moore and Steph Gilmore to shame in a few years!

M U S I C - Teflon Sessions #003

TEFLONETIX SESSIONS #003

- with roving guest reporter, Tom Baker -

K-9 and I are a bit preoccupied at present, flying across the galaxy in the Tardis.  The Daleks and Cybermen are at each other again (you’d think  after 3 millenia they would have learnt to agree to disagree, but noooooo), so looks like a busy xmas ahead.  

Stocking up with supplies at the local IGA before we left, xmas is obviously  nearly here...and with it the tired, same old xmas tunes being belted out in store.  

So in the interest of reviving a love of music over this period – DJ Rubberfunk’s xmas mix:


http://www49.zippyshare.com/v/63977314/file.html


Happy xmas!  : )


Dr Who xx

S U R F - Mick Wins, Kelly Wins, John-John Wins

Well the ASP World Championship Tour, the Pipe Masters, and the Vans Hawaii Triple Crown of Surfing all wrapped up last Sunday morning (Oz, Indo and Thailand time. 'Twas Saturday afternoon on the beach at the mighty Pipeline) and what an epic conclusion to the 2013 season it was.

Mick Fanning won his 3rd World Title. Kelly won his 7th Pipe Masters (and VERY nearly his 12th World!) Title. And the young Hawaiian prodigy, John-John Florence, won his 2nd Triple Crown.

The conditions at Pipe on the final day were all-time. Just perfect booming Pipe. The dream scenario was a final showdown between Slater and John-John, and that's exactly what we got.

There's a whole heap to froth on here, and seeing as it's 2 minutes past midnight on a Wednesday night in a dodgy corner of Bangkok..this probably isn't the time to discuss it! But we'll be back in Bali tomorrow and I'll be back with a full report from there. Stay tuned!

Sleep tight,

Murlfrog

M U S I C - Teflon Sessions #002

TEFLONETIX SESSIONS #002

More music news and beats from Teflon's guest music columnist than you can poke a stick at (even a very big stick), so without further ado:

NEWS:

J AWARDS 2013
Triple J (radio station in Australia) have just awarded their J Awards for 2013...voted for the listeners, by the listeners.  Big congrats to Flume who took out Best Album for 2013 (among some stiff competition like Abbe May, Cloud Control, The Drones and Karnivool) for his self titled debut album. If you've been hibernating for the last year, get ONTO this album...chunky electronic fuzzed beats done Oz style.  Anyone that can get Diplo and Skrillex’s attention must be doing something right...not bad for a 22 year old who produced this album mostly in his bedroom. Remi won Unearthed Artist of the year which was a solid effort given the amount of quality unsigned artists comin out of Oz at the moment.

ARIA AWARDS 2013
The Australian Record Industry Awards were held the other week.  The awards show itself sucked – as it does every year – and this year some genius decided to include ‘artists’ from X Factor and Pop Idol in the votes (ie. Guy Sebastian, Samantha Jade).  It was quite funny watching the real musicians that were present (Flume, Tame Impala, Birds of Tokyo etc) all with the same look on their faces, thinking exactly the same thing – “Why are we even here?”.  
However, DESERVED awards to artists with TALENT as follows:

Flume – Best Male Artist, Best Dance Album, Breakthrough Artist/Release
Tame Impala – Album of the Year, Best Group, Best Rock Group
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Best Adult Contemporary Album, Best Independent Release
Karnivool – Best Hard Rock/Metal Album
Illy – Best Urban Album

Tame Impala also picked up a grammy nomination this week too...and (of course!) these boys are from Western Australia.  Nice work lads!


PERTH INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL 2014 - FEB 7th - MAR 1st

HEAPS of cool films, exhibitions, plays, concerts, street performances and stuff will be happening arounds Perth for their annual international arts festival.  

Concerts – The National, Public Enemy and Madeleine Peroux have already sold out, however there are still a few tix left for DJ Shadow (for which I'll be front and centre, thanks to Down South Pete) and plenty of tix for DJ Food/DJ Moneyshot/DJ Cheeba show...these guys are ridiculously talented turntablists, and for this show they are doing a live dedication to the Beastie Boys album "Paul’s Boutique" – definitely worth a look!


And finally, Potato Head Beach Club Bali are having a big new years eve bash December 31st this year. I dont recognize any of the dj’s playing, but Potato Headz really know their music (MIA, Fatboy Slim and A-Trak have played here in the past), so no doubt this gig will have plenty happening on the D-Floor.  DJ’s as follows:
Lady Flic (NZ)
Yuki (JP)
DEA (ID)
Stuart Mac (UK)
LBS (USA)
Denis (RUS)


TIP O' THE HAT

Single track this chapter, Ozomatli with Cut Chemist Suite.  So Ozomatli on percussion, Cut Chemist on the decks and the legendary Charli Tuna on the mike. ..this track is one of those that ,as a dj (no matter how dead the dancefloor is), ALWAYS gets crew funking out.  Its the start of summer, and summer is primarily intended for maximum time on the dancefloor, so – enjoy!
http://www34.zippyshare.com/v/85375455/file.html

Dr Who xx



POND + AAA AARDVARK GETDOWN

S C I E N C E - Also Coming Soon...

Apologies also for the distinct lack of scientific material thus far. That too will come thick and fast upon our return to Bali in a couple of weeks (when I'll have more time to research and write properly).

Photos too..they are also coming..:)

Have nice dayze,

Murltown

Teflon - Now With Paragraphs :)

Yes it's exciting times

here at Teflon headquarters.

As President and self-appointed CEO of Teflon Unlimited,

I'm pleased to announce the experiment's Lead Researcher, we'll call him "Graham", has successfully hacked into the Google mainframe and de-bugged the insidious paragraphobic virus intent on bringing down Teflon's reputation as a greater-than-semi-literate blogfest.

Thanks Graham.

Well done.

Your Boss.

L E G E N D - Goodbye Nelson Mandela 1918-2013

At 95 years of age the great Nelson Mandela has died.

An incredible human being. He inspires us all to be better people.

Goodbye good sir.

M U S I C - Teflon Sessions #001

Welcome to Teflon's first instalment from our mystery musical guest commentator. Enjoy!!

Teflonetix Sessions #001

Welcome to the very first chapter of Teflonetix Sessions; all things music for music lovers – news, mixtapes, compilations, and musical soundscapes covering all kinds of genres.  

No matter what music you’re into, certain songs, albums and DJ mixes provide the soundtrack to our lives – songs and albums we listen to after breaking up with a loved one, introspective albums we delve into solo buried deep into our headphones while travelling, or simply tracks dropped by dj’s during those crazy nights out with mates that compel us to raise our arms high on the dance floor with huge grins, wondering if life can get any better – certain music has the power to stir up strong emotional responses in each and every one of us.  For me, this is what I love about music the most (awwwww).

Music today is a constantly changing animal due to the substantial advances in digital technology. The internet has obviously forever changed the way we as listeners discover and experience music. My Space, for example, was originally born in LA as a medium for local unsigned bands and artists to connect and get their music HEARD – then of course it morphed into an online global social medium.  

The advances in home music production technology has produced an incredible array of music that was once only able to be produced and recorded in studios - now whether it be electronic producers producing incredible music using software programs like Ableton Live (which guys like Daft Punk also use for their live shows), to artists with simply a guitar and a beautiful voice – for those that truly appreciate good music, there has never been such an exciting time to be alive.  

Of course, with the positives of this technology come the negatives...one of the reasons Motown music, for example, sounds so damn good is because it was recorded using analogue processes that today (in some instances) have been discarded in favour of more modern digital production methods that just don’t have the same warmth and soul of analogue production. And for you the listener – listen to Bob Dylan on cd or mp3, then listen to the same music on a vinyl record - no prizes for guessing which sounds the best. But I digress...

Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Katie Perry, David Guetta, Guy Sebastian, the latest f*cking winner of Pop Idol  – all these ‘artists’ and others of a similar ilk have two things in common:

1. The music vomited up  by these ‘artists’ is mass produced, talentless crap that is served to the masses just like McDonalds:  it comes off a production line looking great, it smells ok but at the end of the day it is bad for you.  Entertainment it might possibly be, quality music it is most definitely not.

2. You will never find any music from or information about these types of ‘artists’ on this blog - here at Teflonetix we just have too much self respect  :D

TIP OF THE HAT:

DJ Shortkut and DJ Vinroc – So Much Soul mixtape volume 1

This mixtape has been out in the internet ether for a minute now, produced by two extremely talented DJ’s in their own right; DJ Shortkut and DJ Vinroc.  This mix seamlessly blends soul, hip hop and everything in between...truly one of the best mixtapes I’ve ever heard in my life.  From Barry White to Mos Def – Shortkut and Vinroc obviously spent a lot of time carefully selecting the music on this mix.  Theres been 9 or 10 So Much Soul mixtapes from these guys now (have a hunt around), but to my mind this one is still the best.  Whether it be providing a backdrop for a romantic dinner for two, early beats for a house party or just kicking back with a spliff with sunshine drifting through your window – do yourself a favour and give this one a listen.  

And don’t forget – if you like what you hear, make sure you check out Shortkut and Vinroc’s websites and official streaming sites, or catch them play live and show these guys some support. True artists in every sense of the word.

Enjoy  : )

http://www34.zippyshare.com/v/9912676/file.html

Or go to www.mixcrate.com
http://djshortkut.com/
https://soundcloud.com/#vinroc


NB - Teflo Sessions are compiled by Teflon's mystery tunes literacist. His/her opinions and comments may or may not in no way, some way or any way reflect those of the people/persons/person behind the Teflon experiment. For what it's worth, I appreciate Lady Gaga's creativity, and Guy Sebastian seems like a nice guy with amazing hair. - Signed : The Management :)


-

S U R F - Ezekiel Lau Wins Sunset!

Young Hawaiian Ezekiel Lau has just taken out an emphatic victory in The World Cup Of Surfing at Sunset Beach, Hawaii. An inspired challenge from tour veteran Damien Hobgood (USA) couldn't hold off a red hot Lau, who selected the best waves, got barrelled off his head and laid down some beautiful power turns to take the win.
He may well be Hawaii's next big thing. Lau's ability to read a wave, along with his power, flow, technique and courage combine to make him a formidable opponent in competition, especially in solid waves.

It was great to see a return to form for Damo Hobgood and Raoni Monteiro (Bra), who both took it to Lau in the final. Hobgood was fired up and blasted some insane backside snaps but fell just short to finish second. Monteiro started with a bang on his first wave (a 7.87) and held the lead for much of the heat, but failed to find a solid back-up wave. Newcomer Frederic Morais (PRT) was also in the mix in the final until the last few minutes when Lau closed the door with a big clean pit out the back.

All in all a very exciting event (don't forget to check out South African Beyrick De Vries' 10pt bomb on the Vans website!) Now bring on The Pipeline! Yeeeuuwww!!! :D

T R A V E L - World Nomads - Tip O' The Hat

If you're looking for good travel insurance, check out World Nomads.

Recommended by Lonely Planet and Nat Geo, we stumbled upon them recently on the net whilst trying to organise insurance in a hurry. Though we haven't had to make a claim, they really look the goods, and offer a lot of things other insurers don't. And if you're into adventure travel, they cover pretty much anything you could think of, including ziplining and zorbing!

For more info see www.worldnomads.com

F I L M - World War Z - Updated!

I'm not into zombie flicks or horror flicks, but this is a great movie.

I watched it on a flight a couple of months ago and was totally engrossed.

It's more of a biological thriller (Bi-Fi) than a horror, and it manages to create a level of plausibility that makes it all the more engaging. They're not your average zombies either - these ones move at SPEED. And they're very enthusiastic about having a little nibble; launching themselves with suicidal (ironic) desperation at anything that moves. Which makes it a lot more exciting :)

And to the hungry, twitching "ill" individual waiting for Brad Pitt to emerge from the safety of a sealed lab - you, good sir, deserve an Emmy, or a bloody good burger..

This is one of those movies that will probably transcend a lot of people's taste boundaries.

Close the blinds, lock the door and enjoy!!

S T O R I E S - Coming Soon...

Hi everyone, sorry for the distinct lack of stories thus far. You can expect a flurry when we finish our travels in late December, promise :) Hope you're all well and happy, Love Murldog :D