Monthly Archives: November 2011

Stan: 1, Vodafone: 0

Posted by Stan on

I don’t think there is a single person in Australia who has been duped into signing up with Vodafone who hasn’t experienced terrible network coverage (dropped calls, delayed SMS, laggy data transfer etc).

I chose to ignore all the stuff in the media and really give them a go, signing up for a fresh contract about a year ago despite Vodafone being in the media almost daily for bad service.  I’ve been regretting it ever since, denial was probably what stopped me from doing something earlier.

Anyways, a quick online complaint to the TIO  (skipping the step where you’re suppose to call Vodafone and TRY to have thing sorted), a short discussion with Vodafone where you refuse their offers of free phones/reduced rates and hey presto, you’re free from your contract that has 13 months left on it.

Telstra here I come…

Broadcasted on Youtube

Posted by Stan on

Been so busy, and focussed on my projects & presentations that I’ve only just seen a video showcasing the new office environment at The GPT Group. 

An awesome video, an even better office – if only I could do something about my voice (it’s always so weird hearing yourself speak)

Check it out and start getting envious, one seriously cool office fitout!

New tees…

Posted by Stan on

Why on earth you would spend $50 to $100 buying the ‘same old shit’ that everyone buys locally is beyond me when you can get custom quality, limited production tees from overseas for a fraction of the price.

This will be my 2nd order of tees from Import Bible (http://www.importbible.com) so I already know I’m in for a treat :)

Sydney to Melbourne (27/12 to 30/12)

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Having spent the last couple of Christmas breaks in Sydney, I decided to plan something different for 2011… The wedding being 2 months after restricted the selections but I’m glad Roxy and I came to a nice compromise :)

907km according to Google  Maps, should make for a quality drive!

No more gaps…

Posted by Stan on

The edges on the spoiler began to raise today, evidence of the double-sided tape not being thick enough at the extremities of the item, the effect heightened because the degree of bowing was not 100% matching the curve of the boot-lid.

To fix this, the first point of call was to do some surgery on the left and right corners, getting rid of the old double-sided tape and inserting some new bits, double the width.  This worked well and now the corners are rock-solid.  What I was left with though was 1.0-1.5mm gaps between the spoiler and the boot-lid so I brainstormed some ways to fill them.

I didn’t want to resort to permanent items like Sikaflex or any other type of adhesive-based agent so I turned to the world of modelling and picked up some modelling clay ($1.48 from my local arts and craft store).  The stuff is oil-based (meaning water proof) and moulds to any shape you want very easily.  It doesn’t set hard or stick permanently to the surface so is easily removed when I want it to be.

So I hit the edges with generous amounts of the stuff, applying it with this tool :)  Because it doesn’t set, I could take my sweet ass time and really get the gaps filled properly.


Once I was happy with the amount of filling done, I used the tool to scrape off the bulk excess and then a cloth to smooth it all out so it looks the same as items bonded from factory.  Personally I think it looks very neat and for $2, a very worthwhile way to perfecting the look of the CF rear spoiler.

135i gets more carbon goodies…

Posted by Stan on

A couple of bits arrived in the mail this week, namely the carbon fibre rear spoiler and the matte black front grilles – all thanks to the strength of the AUD against the USD.



As with all other parts added to my cars, they were scheduled for installation at Mitch’s place on the weekend (yesterday).  But first, some pre-modification photos, been a little while since I’ve posted any photos of the car.



Installation of the grilles was about a 10 minute job, simple snap-off and snap-on affair.  As a reminder, the stock OEM items carry chrome edges (photos above), a look that I’m not particularly fond of at all.  The matte black version, while having less of a ‘visual effect’ gives the front-end a much meaner look not to mention significantly adding to my black & white Stormtrooper theme.

The installation of the rear spoiler was a bit more involved, requiring the use of fishing wire, rags, cleaning agents, and of course industrial strength double-sided tape.  Being the noobs (or anally-retentive perfectionists) that we are, we repeated the process twice as we weren’t 100% happy with the initial placement of the spoiler.  In the end, it’s worth it and I’m very, very happy with the outcomes – the rear wing, dramatically changes the look of the rear-end while keeping things looking very subtle and well-packaged.








Next up… 135i receives black ears!

Courtney & Ben – 05 November 2011

Posted by Stan on

Attended a really nice wedding ceremony and reception yesterday for Ben & Courtney down by Sydney Harbour at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.  A picture perfect day (albeit a bit on the warm side) topped off with beautiful views, a classy & entertaining schedule, and of course the bride & groom.

I wish Courtney & Ben all the best in their future together~


I don’t think anyone could have asked for a nicer day to have an outdoor wedding…


The bride and groom, part way through the ceremony.


Vintage style umbrellas were a very nice touch.


Been a very long time since I’ve seen (or heard) a harp in real life!


Reception venue was nice and close, just up the road actually at The Pavilion.