My First Christmas in Sydney - Alone

It's the night of Christmas Eve.

Every year at this time, I am at home with my family in Singapore. Dad will put up our Christmas tree two weeks before Christmas. This year, I don't think he does. I am the spirit of the family and the reason for the decoration. I let them down this year because I have selfishily flown to Sydney two weeks ago to start a relationship with my Aussie boyfriend (with their blessing). Mum called to wish me Merry Christmas but I didn't ask about the Christmas tree.

Do I feel homesick? Yes but not too strongly. Sydney is my second home now. However, I do feel a bit sad this holiday season. My boyfriend is not with me tonight and many nights to come. He has flown to Perth to be with his family. I learn that such tradition is the western thing. My U.S. and Candanian friends are all going home for Christmas. That's probably why the song 'I'll be Home for Christmas" is written. After Christmas with family, he will be away on a business trip. All in all, I am left alone in a big house for two long weeks. I am going to miss my boyfriend very much.

I have a friend in Sydney but she will be spending Christmas with her family from Indonesia. Luckily, I am blessed with great friends around the world who chat with me on MSN. Because of the time difference, when one friend log outs, the chat is continued by another who logs in. When everyone logs out, I return to my writing like now (Sydney time, 11:56pm) with my iTune radio playing a Christmas song I never heard of in Singapore - I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by Gayla Peevey

Well, I am not exactly being left in a lurch by my boyfriend. He is too sweet for negligence. He bought me some thoughtful gifts. Among which are two latest novels by best-selling Australian authors, "The Persimmon Tree" by Bryce Courtenay and "Anthony and Cleopatra" by Colleen McCullough. But he didn't want me to be cooped up at home all days reading while he is away. He suprised me with gift cards so that I could go shopping when I am bored. His thoughtfullness and generousity made me shed tears of joy.

So far I am suriving happily since his 3 days absence. Although there are books to read and shopping to induge in during the Boxing Day and New Year sale, nothing replaces having my boyfriend next to me now. I will be waiting patiently at home in Sydney for his return. Meanwhile, it's time for bed on a silent and holy night.

iPond - A Bad Chirstmas Gift

That is not a typo in my title - it is iPond, the latest innovation from Pet-Riffic, a company from Missouri, U.S. The tiny fish tank cum music speaker which can be attached to iPod is sold at Pets Paradise and Pet Goods Direct chain of shops in Australia.




Priced at AUZ$70, sales of iPond have been briskly since it was launched in the market in September. The 'torture-box' (to the fish) is a popular gift idea for Christmas but an outrage to the animal activists and aquarists. Measured at 152 mm in height, 88 mm across and 77 mm deep, it doesn't take rocket science to foresee the unhealty living condition of the fish in that claustrophobic space. The fish trapped in the iPond sold are Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta Splendens). The minimum tank size for such a breed to live heathily is 3 gallon (11 litres). The iPond's tank water capacity is, however, at an approximate 0.17 gallon once rocks are set in. Imagine you are limited to the space of a tiolet cubicle size to stay, will you be happy and healthy? The fish are not different. In fact, there are more consideration for the fish imprisoned in the iPond.

The Siamese fighting fish is a tropical breed that live in puddles and rice paddies. The iPond is just ridiculousy small for them in every aspect of their survival. The size of iPond is just too small:

• for it to receive adquate oxygen;
• for the fish to move;
• for it to be filled with enough water to prevent rapid temperature change

The spokeperson for the Pets Paradise andPet Goods Direct chains claimed that they consulted the Pet Industry Association of Australia before selling iPond. Apple has no comments on iPond since it is an iPod accessory manufactured by third party.

Bananation condemns iPond as an invention that does not consider the wellbeing of a fish. It is purely a fad to rip commerical interest out of curious consumers especially during this holiday season. If I were to receive an iPond for Christmas gift, I won't be merry. Fish swim. Look at the iPond. The poor fish can barely escape to a quiet corner when music is blasted from the ipod because there is no room! This is the only moment when a fighting fish loses its fighting spirit. I am not joking here.

Due to negative meda attention, Pets Paradise has removed iPond from their shelves on a wait-and-see attitude. Meanwhile, you can join the petition to ban iPond.