For six consecutive days, the maximum temperature in Adelaide topped 40°C. That’s the longest stretch since 1908. And the maximum temperature topped 100°F for seven consecutive days.

Services on Adelaide’s new tramline were cancelled as the intense heat warped the tracks. Our railways experienced similar problems. Two days of the 2009 Australian Open were cancelled. Thousands have been treated for heat stroke. But mostly it was just uncomfortable.

At least we weren’t affected by the rolling blackouts. Our underpowered air conditioner has been running 24 hours a day, only contributing further to global warming while providing little relief. But finally the mercury has dropped below both 40°C and 100°F for the first time in a week:

What better way to commemorate Australia’s historic victory and to welcome the cool change than by starting a blog dedicated to my inchoate, upside-down perspective?

Welcome to Orzeszek Blog. I hope that someone will find at least one post on this blog helpful or interesting.