Now, the important bit: Krispy Kreme will be giving away 10,000 donuts, starting at 10.30am on Thursday (and, in all likelihood, ending at 10.35am). An event not to be missed.

Update 07/March: as commenters pointed out, Thursday was not the grand opening, just a “stunt” with the donut give-away. Not only that, the store will not be in the QV but in the Westfield Fountain Gate, in Narre Warren. The store will open in June.

When the cool change arrived early, around 11am, you could almost hear the whole city breathing a sigh of relief. But when the wind changed again around 3pm, and the temperature jumped up 10 degrees in less than one hour… we knew we were in for an interesting night. We were not mistaken.

I went out at 6:30pm for some last minute shopping and, let me tell you: 42 degrees is hot. When you’re out of the wind it’s not so bad; for example, in the protected area behind the massive Melbourne Central tower it was almost comfortable. But the moment you stepped into the wind gusts blowing down Elizabeth St., it was like standing in front of an open oven.

It became better just in time for the 9:15 fireworks (which I saw from afar). However, when I was walking home after the “official” midnight fireworks, surprise: the hot wind was back! It was 34 degrees at half past midnight, and 32 still at 3:00!

It is now 28 degrees at 10am in the first year of 2006, and it looks like today (and the next few days) will be much more bearable. But, then, there’s always the traditional Australian Open heat wave to look forward to…

It’s a great chance for people who want to see the results of all those million dollars our government spent. Plus, you have a chance of winning tickets for the opening ceremony. More details at the State government’s Major Projects website.

It will be the Birth Suit Shoot, and the pictures taken will be part of a 2006 calendar; all proceeds from the sale of the calendar go to Anti-Slavery International. This was already done last year, and the organisers intend to make this a regular event.

Only some 100 people turned up last year; the aim is to get up to 1,000 this year. You can still register to be part of it (or to buy the calendars) at www.birthsuitshoot.com.

Did anyone go to the rally? Any experiences to be shared?

Collins St., between Russel and Swanston: a bride, her groom and a photographer play chicken with the trams to try to take pictures on the tracks while their car partially blocks traffic.

Collins St., between William and King: a veeery long white stretch limo is parked close to the middle of the block, while the bride, the groom, the maids-of-honour and (apparently) a few guests have a late lunch in the tables in front of a McDonald’s. Yes, they’re eating McDonald’s food.

Port Melbourne, by the beach: a bride desperatly tries to hold to all of her accessories against the wind while being pulled by the photographer ever closer to the water.

Yes, it was one of those “I wish I had my camera with me” days.

Well, if you are one of these people, tomorrow is a good day to get to know your local library. The City Library is promoting a book sale: all items are $1, plus free coffee and tea (and if you buy 10 books, you get a library bag for free). It’s tomorrow (12 October) from 10 am until 2 pm.

The City Library is at 253 Flinders Lane, right in the heart of the CBD.

Last weekend I took part on the Spring Planting Day, at Manninghan Reserve in Royal Park. This annual event congregates volunteers who plant trees and smaller plants (provided by the organisation) around the park, in pre-selected areas. The organisation also provides tools, gloves and water (for the plants, not for you), and a barbecue follows the event.

This year there were some 60 or 70 people there, including several children (and quite a few dogs); it was a beautiful day, sunny and warm without being unconfortably hot. Liberal application of sunscreen was necessary, of course. Apart from the flies and other annoying insects, it was a very nice experience, and I will certainly return next year. Note to self: remember to bring drinking water next year.

I also plan on writing here about the event next year in time for people to join…

I must admit that I don’t follow any of these sports too closely, though. I don’t even have a preferred AFL team, but I was hoping St. Kilda would go to the final, so that we would at least have a local team to barrack for. As for NRL, I mostly ignore it, as (it seems) most other Melburnians do. And soccer, well, it’s too new and isn’t on free-to-air TV, so that limits my chances of watching it. It’s my favourite, though, and I hope that the league will work and that Melbourne will get better.

But, it’s Grand Final week, and I’m told I have to pick a side. So… go Eagles!