Millions Prepare to Ring in New Year (AP). AP - Millions of revelers from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur prepared Wednesday to ring in 2004 with fireworks and parties as authorities tightened security against possible terrorist attacks. [Yahoo! News - Top Stories]

[listening to: La Isla Bonita - Madonna ]
10:31:04 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

I've added a new element to my nav bar - the current terror alert level. It looks something like this:

Pretty cool!

I found it on Wil Weaton's site.    

Who's Wil Weaton you ask -- why he was Wesley Crusher from Star Trek: The Next Generation. His site is pretty cool. I spent a while exploring it.

Wil ROCKS!

[listening to: Kiss Off - Violent Femmes ]
10:16:58 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

For some reason, Sydney likes throwing a big party for new years eve. This year, it's no different. The SMH tells us all about it.   Each year, we talk about heading into the city to be part of the fun, but we never seem to do it. I guess having 4 kids acts as part of the deterrant. I guess we will watch it on the telly

[listening to: It's a Hard Life - Queen ]
10:11:29 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • TV

Cricinfo has posted the current list of top wicket takers for 2003

Based on all matches up to and including
Test # 1678: Australia v India at Melbourne, 3rd Test, 26/12/2003

[listening to: Another One Bites The Dust - Queen ]
10:31:38 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

Cricinfo has posted the current list of top runscorers for 2003

Based on all matches up to and including
Test # 1678: Australia v India at Melbourne, 3rd Test, 26/12/2003

[listening to: It Wasn't Me - Shaggy ]
10:09:46 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

Offtopic, but high level of geekness....

Early on Saturday, Melbourne time, mankind will attempt to catch its first pocketful of comet dust. Almost 390 million kilometres away, a NASA space probe, Stardust, will dive deep inside a cloud of dust and gas spewing from a comet called Wild 2. Travelling at 21,000 km/h, it will use a tennis racquet-shaped collector to snare more than 1000 dust particles from the cloud, possibly providing clues to the birth of life on Earth. Canberra's Tidbinbilla tracking station will stay in touch as Stardust zooms 300 kilometres above the comet. [more]

This is cool. Even cooler, the names of all my family are on a microchip embedded on the probe. Over 1 million names were collected and placed on the STARDUST spacecraft. If you look closely, you will see many Arrigo's listed!! (Sorry Bricey you aren't on the chip - but then again, you weren't born when this was launched!).

[listening to: Planet Earth - Duran Duran ]
5:46:07 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • My Interests

My kids have been asking me why I never write or post anything about their mum. Good question.

Moira is a shy private person who doesn't like the limelight. Time to change all that!

She's my dear sweet wife, and mother of 4 fantastic kids. She puts up with a lot of stuff (mainly from me), but she is always smiling. Good on ya Moi!

[listening to: Imagination Is a Powerful Deceiver - Elvis Costello ]
4:12:34 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

"Big-hitting Matthew Hayden powered Australia to a crushing nine-wicket win against India on the final day of the third Test at the MCG this morning. Hayden clubbed nine boundaries for his unbeaten 53 from 63 balls as Australia, chasing 95 runs to win, raced to 1 for 97 after 100 minutes of batting. Man of the match Ricky Ponting brought up the winning runs when he swept Anil Kumble to the boundary. The win levelled the four-Test series at 1-1, and set up a thrilling final Test when Steve Waugh farewells the international arena in his 168th and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 2." [more]

[listening to: I'm Looking Through You - The Wallflowers ]
2:33:54 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

"Australia was poised to level the series with India after day four here today of the third cricket Test at the MCG. India lost 6-33, including the vital wickets of Rahul Dravid and captain Sourav Ganguly, to be all out for 286 in its second innings at stumps. Parthiv Patel finished 27 not out and Australia will have a victory target of 95 for the last day." [more]

[listening to: Frank's 2000" TV - Weird Al Yankovic ]
6:52:48 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

Fantastic day of cricket!

"Australia have mimicked their effort in the first innings and destroyed India with the second new ball, bowling them out for 286 as early stumps were pulled on day four of the third Test at the MCG. After cruising at 5 for 253, the tourists lost 6 for 33 in 16 overs, with fast bowler Brad Williams taking career-best figures of 4 for 53 from 22 overs. Australia now has the last day to compile the 95 runs they need to draw level in the four-Test series and force a decider in Sydney." [more]

[listening to: Flash - Queen ]
6:27:46 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

"A Ricky Ponting double ton and two late wickets have allowed Australia to take a stranglehold on the third Test against India with two days to play at the MCG. Vice-captain Ponting posted a Test-best 257 on day three to lead his side to 558 all out before the tourists slumped to 2 for 27 at the close of play, still 165 runs behind. Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly (6 not out) shielded the out-of-form Sachin Tendulkar from a rampant home attack by elevating himself to fourth in the batting line-up, and he and Rahul Dravid (6) saw the team through to stumps." [more]

[listening to: Alimony - Weird Al Yankovic ]
6:27:53 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

No, this person isnt related to me

Sicily Man Arranges Shooting to Woo Woman (Reuters). Reuters - A man in Sicily asked a friend to shoot him in the groin in the hope of making his ex-girlfriend feel sorry for him, police said on Friday. [Yahoo! News - Oddly Enough]

[listening to: Alternative, Baby - Reel Big Fish ]
3:55:15 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

"Australia's captain in waiting Ricky Ponting racked up his second double century in as many matches as his team reached 5 for 461 against India on day three of the third Test at the MCG. Ponting followed his 242 in Adelaide with 200 not out after 122 overs of Australia's first innings in Melbourne, his third double ton this year." [more]

[listening to: Brand New Hero - Reel Big Fish ]
3:42:06 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

They're back. They are not banned. And they are sure to take plenty of attention away from our cricketers during the Test and one-dayers in Sydney.

Sounds like a pretty good idea to me - I need one of these at home.

[listening to: I'm Her Man - Reel Big Fish ]
9:28:11 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

Kramer Cracks in "Seinfeld" Feud (E! Online). E! Online - Michael Richards, the beloved, wacky star of the much-Emmyd comedy series has broken ranks with costars Jason Alexander and Julia Louis-Dreyfus and decided to participate in an upcoming DVD about the show. [Yahoo! News - Most Viewed]

Fantastic - Seinfeld DVD coming soon!

[listening to: I'm Cool - Reel Big Fish ]
10:31:48 PM    comment []  trackback []     • TV

A much better day for the Aussies.

"In-form batsmen Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting both hammered centuries as Australia raced to 3 for 317 at stumps, 49 runs behind India's first innings total after two days of the third Test at the MCG. Needing to win to have any chance of snaffling the Border-Gavaskar trophy from the tourists' grasp, Australia bowled India out for 366 earlier in the day in a fightback of admirable proportions. The bowlers stepped up with 6 for 16 as India collapsed from their lofty overnight perch of 4 for 329, and then Hayden (136) and Ponting (125 not out) rammed home the advantage. Damien Martyn (7 not out) will resume on day three with Ponting. Hayden and Ponting shared in a 234-run stand for the second wicket, after the early dismissal of Justin Langer (14) had the world champions on the back foot." [more]

[listening to: Cheer Up - Reel Big Fish ]
9:51:40 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

Nice article in the SMH about the top 20 movies for the year. I've got most of them on DVD!

Movie and Box office during 2003

1. Finding Nemo ($37 million) *
2. The Matrix Reloaded ($33.5m) *
3. The Two Towers ($30m) *
4. Pirates of the Caribbean ($25m)
5. Bruce Almighty ($20.5m) *
6. Chicago ($19m) *
7. Terminator 3 ($19m) *
8. Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle ($19m) *
9. The Matrix Revolutions ($18m)
10. X-Men 2 ($16.5m)
11. 8 Mile ($16.5m)
12. The Return of the King ($16m est.)
13. Catch Me If You Can ($15m) *
14. Daddy Day Care ($15m) *
15. Two Weeks Notice ($15m) *
16. 2 Fast 2 Furious ($14m)
17. American Pie: The Wedding ($13m)
18. Johnny English ($12.5m) *
19. The Italian Job ($11m)
20. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days ($11m) *

These were the top 5 Aussie movies. Pretty disappointing really.

1. Ned Kelly ($8.5m)
2. Japanese Story ($4m)
3. Fat Pizza ($3.5m)
4. Bad Eggs ($2.5m)
5. Gettin' Square ($2m)

[listening to: Under 21 - Save Ferris ]
2:26:25 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

Australia needed only an hour and ten minutes on the second day to complete their recovery in the third Test. They took six wickets for just 37 runs as India, resuming at 329 for 4, were bowled out for 366. [more]

[listening to: Nobody But Me - Save Ferris ]
1:43:28 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

"INDIA has been dismissed for 366 in its first innings on day two of the third cricket Test against Australia at the MCG."

A bit of a collapse really - from 329/4 overnight, they lost 6 wickets for 37 runs.

[listening to: Come On Eileen - Save Ferris ]
12:37:27 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

A special kind of christmas lunch?

"POLICE have arrested a mother for allegedly baking her five-month-old baby in an oven, seriously burning the infant, media and officials said today. The child received second-degree burns all over his body during the incident last weekend, and was in stable condition in a Gothenburg hospital, a clinic spokeswoman said."

[listening to: Sell Out - Reel Big Fish ]
11:56:18 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

Sehwag scores 195 on poor day for Aussies [Sydney Morning Herald]

it was a poor day indeed. I didnt find it fun to watch on the telly either

[listening to: (Everybody's Waitin' For) The Man With the Bag - Kay Starr ]
8:43:00 PM    comment []  trackback []     • My Interests

Not a good start for the Aussies on the 3rd Test - :(

"Three late wickets restored some confidence for Australia after India went on the rampage on the opening day of the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The tourists reached 4 for 329 at stumps with skipper Sourav Ganguly on 20 and VVS Laxman on 6, in a match Australia must win to have any chance of snaring the Border-Gavaskar trophy. Opener Virender Sehwag (195) smashed the highest score on an opening day at the MCG as he punished a luckless Australian attack. But he missed his chance to become the first man to score 200 in a day at the historic ground when he fell to a very good Nathan Bracken catch off a full toss from part-time seamer Simon Katich." [more]

[listening to: The Spirit of Christmas - Scott Garrison ]
8:34:18 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

In the tradition of fun with macros, I have made a page that lists all the stories that mention my family. It's pretty cool!

And check out the excellent table of contents, which I found here, as well as the most excellent archive of posts which I found here.

[listening to: Christmas Day Australia Way - Angry Anderson ]
8:09:45 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • My Interests • Random

Santa was kind to the Arrigo kids - they all got what they wanted, plus more. Billy wanted lego mindstorms, Antony scored a digital music player, Emma got a giant teddy bear, and Brice got his metal detector.

The kids had an orgy of gift opening that started at 7am. By 9am we were in the pool having a splash - as one does in Australia at Christmas time.

Some friends came over to spend the day with us - which was nice. We also called family members across Australia, to wish them all a Merry Christmas!.

We got the BBQ fired up to cook our Christmas lunch - and finally sat down to great meal.

The rest of the day is a blurr - we played in the pool, we ate, we had some beverages, we ate some more. 

It was a good day.

[listening to: Mamma Mia - ABBA ]
10:18:25 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

The kids are so excited! A few more jobs before we can rest.

My favourite task is a trip to the Sydney Fish Markets. This place was really buzzing. The shops will trade 36 hours straight from 5:00 am Tuesday, 23rd December right through until 5:00 pm Christmas Eve. And they will sell alot of fish, prawns, lobsters, oysters, and other stuff. I went with Billy and we got some sushi together.

The other important job, apart from Moira filling the gas cyclinder for the bbq, is getting the house ready for the evening. Cookies are being baked, stockings are being hung, Kids are resting. It's just like that old poem.

[listening to: The Night before Christmas - Amy Grant ]
4:05:49 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

Too funny (The only problem is a lot of the links dont work anymore, as this piece was written in 1999.)

On the first day I was blogging, my true love mailed to me: a link about Mahir Cagri.

On my second day of blogging, a Deja search revealed: two dancing hamsters and a link about Mahir Cagri.

By the third day I was blogging, there for all to see, were three quick Epinions, two dancing hamsters and a link about Mahir Cagri.

On my fourth day of blogging, a reader sent to me: four Pitas pages, three quick Epinions, two dancing hamsters and a link about Mahir Cagri.

After five days of blogging, I began to need: FIVE MOUNTAIN DEWS!!! (ba-dum-bum-bum), four Pitas pages, three quick Epinions, two dancing hamsters and a link about Mahir Cagri.

On my sixth day of blogging, I studied PHP, with six Manila zealots, FIVE MOUNTAIN DEWS!!! (ba-dum-bum-bum), four Pitas pages, three quick Epinions, two dancing hamsters and a link about Mahir Cagri.

On my seventh day of blogging, Robot Wisdom linked to me, with seven mini-banners, six Manila zealots, FIVE MOUNTAIN DEWS!!! (ba-dum-bum-bum), four Pitas pages, three quick Epinions, two dancing hamsters and a link about Mahir Cagri.

On my eighth day of blogging, I stole from PeterMe eight Webpardy queries, seven mini-banners, six Manila zealots, FIVE MOUNTAIN DEWS!!! (ba-dum-bum-bum), four Pitas pages, three quick Epinions, two dancing hamsters and a link about Mahir Cagri.

On my ninth day of blogging, I started my first meme, jumping nine Beebo ratings, eight Webpardy queries, seven mini-banners, six Manila zealots, FIVE MOUNTAIN DEWS!!! (ba-dum-bum-bum), four Pitas pages, three quick Epinions, two dancing hamsters and a link about Mahir Cagri.

On my tenth day of blogging, I began to see ten profit models, nine Beebo ratings, eight Webpardy queries, seven mini-banners, six Manila zealots, FIVE MOUNTAIN DEWS!!! (ba-dum-bum-bum), four Pitas pages, three quick Epinions, two dancing hamsters and a link about Mahir Cagri.

On my eleventh day of blogging, at CamCon in N-Y-C, I saw eleven fellow bloggers, ten profit models, nine Beebo ratings, eight Webpardy queries, seven mini-banners, six Manila zealots, FIVE MOUNTAIN DEWS!!! (ba-dum-bum-bum), four Pitas pages, three quick Epinions, two dancing hamsters and a link about Mahir Cagri.

On my twelfth day of blogging, the LinkWatcher decreed, I'd made twelve "suspect" updates, eleven fellow bloggers, ten profit models, nine Beebo ratings, eight Webpardy queries, seven mini-banners, six Manila zealots, FIVE MOUNTAIN DEWS!!! (ba-dum-bum-bum), four Pitas pages, three quick Epinions, two dancing hamsters and a link about Mahir Cagri.

[listening to: Al I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth) - King Cole Trio ]
4:50:26 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

When I was arranging the insurance for my new car, my insurance company recommended I install QuikTrak. They would discount my policy if I had this service.

So, I found out some information -

QuikTrak Networks Limited is a telecommunications company that specialises in providing solutions for locating and tracking vehicles, people, and mobile assets. Specific product solutions include: Motor vehicle security, Fleet management and security, Plant & Equipment security, and Personal security. 

Sounds ok - so I booked an installation.

Finally, it is now installed, so I should feel safe now. This system has saved lots of cars so far.

So, now I have my bases covered - silver car with quiktrak.

[listening to: The Merriest - June Christy ]
4:31:02 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • Random

Nice shot of my sister Rita and her 2 gorgeous girls Allegra and Luisa (and Rita's friend Becky).

This photo was taken on Rita's birthday, when she turned 37!

Nice flowers and balloon. Who sent you those ;) 

Must be some considerate, thoughtful, kind, generous person. 

[listening to: Little Saint Nick - The Beach Boys ]
2:28:50 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

Antony sent me a message today. He said that he was 1337.

A quick search found this reference

So, my little fella thinks he's an elite hax0rz, huh. Actually, he's a lamer but with potential.

[listening to: Cool - Martin Denny ]
9:06:21 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

I got a Nigerian Banker Letter today. I've lost track of how many of these I have received.

Maybe I shld do what the guy at 419 Eater did.

[listening to: Unsent Letter - MGF ]
9:02:04 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

we were going to go to hornsby to do some shopping, but we changed our plans. if we had gone down there, we would have been in the middle of this. yikes!

"Police have cordoned off a number of streets around a house at St Clair in western Sydney to try and catch two gunmen involved in a bank robbery at Hornsby in the city's north this afternoon." [more]

[listening to: Peter Gunn Theme - Ray Anthony ]
8:26:54 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

I noticed that Jingle All The Way was on the telly tonight. It made me think of other cheezy christmas movies. It's a long list:

[listening to: Jingle Bell Rock - Hollyridge Strings ]
11:03:52 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests • Random • TV

We were treated to the first tantrum of the holidays on Sunday while we were out shopping. Brice Arrigo really outdid himself. Moira was even chastised by an elderly passer-by.

Let's hope this is a one off occurrence (not the chastising, the tantrum) On the plus side, Brice is felling better.

[listening to: Trouble - Elvis Presley ]
8:56:43 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

According to this study, silver cars are safer.

Good thing I got a silver car.

I feel safer already

[listening to: Silver Bells - Olivia Newton-John ]
8:53:00 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

Today is Rita Arrigo's birthday.  She is 37 today!

Let's see who else shares your birthday. And here's another list

Happy Birthday sis!

PS. Good to see you enjoyed the evening on the boat!

[listening to: Happy Birthday to You - Weird Al Yankovic ]
5:35:30 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

The holidays have begun and so have the chores.

Job #1 was to clean the trusty old bbq. The grill and hotplate were looking pretty horrible, so we replaced those with a stainless steel hotplate & grill. Then we did  did some grungy cleaning work and applied some good old fashioned elbow grease.

It looks as good as new now! Can't wait to try out some new recipes.

[listening to: The 12 Days of Christmas - Australian Girls Choir ]
5:27:46 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

Here's the list for the top 10 TV programs for 2003. It's so Aussie - sport, sport and more sport! As Roy & HG say - "When too much sport is barely enough".

1. 2003 Rugby World Cup: Final - Australia v England Ch 7
2. Australian Idol - The Final Verdict Ch 10
3. The Block - The Auction Ch 9
4. TEN's AFL Finals: 2003 Grand Final - Collingwood v Brisbane Ch 10
5. 2003 Rugby World Cup: Closing Ceremony Ch 7
6. 2003 Rugby World Cup: Final - Presentation Ch 7
7. Australian Idol - Live from the Opera House Ch 10
8. 2003 Rugby World Cup: Australia v Argentina Ch 7
9. 2003 Rugby World Cup: Opening Ceremony Ch 7
10. Cricket World Cup 2003 - Final Ch 9

source: OzTAM

Of these, I only watched #4 and #10. We had the TV on for #1 but I didn't watch. I don't like rugby.

Ch 7 must be happy. Ch 9 must be spewing. And thank goodness, Big Brother doesn't rate anymore!

[listening to: Dinki Di Christmas - Barry Crocker ]
11:32:58 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • TV

The bricey saga had me start my summer vacation a few days earlier than planned.

Yes, I'm on holidays. What this means is that I don't go into the office for a few weeks, or travel on business. I will probably still answer my phone and I will certainly check email regularily. What it means to my wife however is a totally different thing entirely. I guess I need to work on something that means to same to both of us. Maybe

What do we have planned for the holidays? A bunch of stuff.  Christmas celebrations of course with the family.

Then a road trip to Narooma for a few weeks on the beach. I just hope I can find a broadband connection nearby.

I'll be back to work in the last week of January, just after Australia Day. That's a long break! Last year I went back to work 2 weeks earlier than planned. I wonder how long will I last this time.

[listening to: Six White Boomers - Rolf Harris ]
10:39:05 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

So the saga ends. Brice was discharged from hospital this morning and we took him home!

He's back to his old self. I constantly wonder where he gets the energy from. It's as if he is extracting the energy from his mother and I to fuel his non-stop action.

Welcome home little man.

[listening to: Millenium prayer - Cliff Richard ]
10:20:01 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

Another day with Brice in hospital.

Emma and I went to visit him after running a few errands. I read him a few books and we had a play. The drip was out of his arm today. His cheeky smile was back and he seemed in really good spirits.  Moira was pretty certain that they would be discharged later in the day. I checked in each hour to see if there was any update! Nothing! I did succeed in annoying my wife.  Finally, I got a call at 8pm from Moira. No one was leaving the hospital tonight. But it's looking promising for a early morning discharge on Friday. I'll get the kids some breakfast, and then we're off to collect the little fella.  Our hope is that I can get Antony, Billy & Emma to the family day at the office.  And If I’m really lucky, I can even bring Brice along!

[listening to: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Bachelor Girl ]
10:28:36 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

So Excited!!!

Wristwatches embedded with Microsoft's smart technology are expected to appear in retail stores next month, a move that comes after a delay of several months, a company spokesman said Tuesday. Microsoft's Smart Personal Objects Technology (SPOT) and its subscription-based MSN Direct service will power the wristwatches, along with other devices to be released in the future. The much-hyped technology and watches were initially set to launch in the fall. The delay will lead to Microsoft and retailers missing the lucrative holiday shopping season. more

[listening to: Don't Fence Me In - David Byrne ]
11:19:11 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests • My Organization • Random

Last note I posted about Bricey's Woes

He spent the night in the Sydney Children's Hospital. The gave him antibiotics and oxygen. Finally he settled around 2am and had a bit of a sleep. Moira was by his side.

I went in to visit him today and found him sitting up in bed. I couldn't resist and took this photo.

I played with him for an hour, while Moira had a break and spent some time with the other kids.

Brice was funny. He said he was hungry. He asked me for a meat pie (his favourite). Then he asked for some cheese and crackers (his other favourite). These are all good signs. I left him and went home with the kids feeling that he would be home tomorrow (Thursday 18).

Tonight I got an update from Moira. He's moved to another room. His fever has gone up again. He has diarrhea. The diagnosis isn't certain - is this a reaction to the antibiotics or another symptom of the pneumonia? Dunno!

What appears certain, he's not coming home soon.

[listening to: Baby Don't Cry - INXS ]
10:08:34 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

In an earlier post entitled My Princess?? I wrote about Emma and crowns.  Well, I said I was going to get her one. Today was the day.

Voila!

Yup, this is what I do when I am at home alone with my daughter - I shower her with trinkets!

That's what all doting dads do - isn't it??

Well, it's what I do.

[listening to: Lady Marmalade - Christina Aguilera ]
9:49:39 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

My little Bricey has been having a number of health problems recently.

Today he ended up in hospital with his mum, and is currently at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick. He’s been diagnosed with pneumonia – which sounds horrible, but I have been reassured (and google backs this up) it’s all ok.  Moira is staying in the hospital with him at the moment, so mr. mom will be stepping in.

My 2 big boys -  Antony & Billy - are still going to school this week, but Emma is already on holidays, so I’ve got the household duties for the time being.

Fingers crossed, Bricey will be back home by the weekend, just in time for Christmas!

[listening to: Can We Fix It - Bob The Builder ]
9:38:40 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

Double Ouch!

Batsman Rahul Dravid fittingly hit the winning runs as India achieved a four-wicket win over Australia in the second Test at Adelaide Oval today.  Chasing 230 in the final innings to win, India made it comfortably, finishing on 6-233, with Dravid finishing unbeaten on 72 after he hit Stuart MacGill to the cover boundary to win the match.  India never looked in serious trouble today, with openers Akash Chopra (20) and Virender Sehwag (47) making a solid start, and Sachin Tendulkar (37) also making a valuable contribution. [more]

[listening to: Start Me Up - Rolling Stones ]
8:04:53 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

Australia have handed India a tantalising opportunity to win their first Test on Australian soil in almost 23 years and were last night chastised by coach John Buchanan for their "immature" batting in the second Test. While the tourists will stride jauntily onto the Adelaide Oval this morning, knowing they are only 193 runs from a famous away victory, Australia have not looked so shaky in their own realm for a decade. [more]

[listening to: So Like Candy - Elvis Costello ]
9:34:16 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

CNN: "The arrest came with little or no resistance, a U.S. military official in Washington said Sunday. He was with a small group of aides who also were taken into custody, the official said."

[listening to: Jailbreak - AC/DC ]
11:40:52 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

SMH - Saddam captured, says Iraqi Kurd leader
Iran's state news agency IRNA said today that Saddam Hussein has been captured in his northern Iraqi hometown of Tikrit, citing Iraqi Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani. more

MSNBC - Saddam Hussein reportedly arrested in Tikrit
"TEHRAN, Iran - Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein has been detained in Iraq, Iran's official news agency reported Sunday." more

CNN - Saddam possibly caught - U.S. - Dec. 14, 2003
(CNN) -- Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has possibly been captured in a raid near his hometown of Tikrit, U.S. officials say.

However, the officials told CNN on Sunday that the identity of the individual, who was one of a number of suspected insurgents caught, was still being confirmed. more

[listening to: Veronica - Elvis Costello ]
9:38:15 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

Watching a tribute to Spike on the comedy channel. Antony & Moira are killing themselves laughing!

"A recording of a tribute to Spike Milligan, staged at the Guildhall, London, on 15 September 2002, six months after his death. John Sergeant was the MC and Harry Enfield the linking 'BBC announcer' for an entertaining re-enactment of some of Spike's best work: monologues, Goon Show and Q sketches, poems and readings from his novels. The John Dankworth Quintet with Dame Cleo Laine performed some music and Eric Sykes delivered a particularly moving and funny closing tribute; there were also selected archive clips reflecting Spike's TV career"

[listening to: Pump It Up - Elvis Costello ]
8:55:07 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • TV

Rahul Dravid is poised to scored the second double century of the match as India reached 7 for 477 at stumps on day three of the second Test against Australia at the the Adelaide Oval. Dravid (199 not out) and VVS Laxman (148) put on a 303-run partnership to put India right back in contention after they had slumped to 4 for 85 on day two. more

[listening to: Video Killed the Radio Star - Presidents of the United States of America ]
7:59:39 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman combined for a triple-century stand to give India hope of overhauling Australia's massive first innings total on day three of the second cricket Test at Adelaide Oval today. India was 7-477 in its first innings at stumps, trailing Australia's first innings of 556 by 79 runs.  Dravid was unbeaten on 199, closing in on the second double-century of the match after Ricky Ponting made 242 in Australia's first innings. Anil Kumble was not out on one MORE

[listening to: Blue Monday - New Order ]
7:45:03 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

Tickets booked. we're taking the little ones to Santa's Kingdom.

I've been looking for info about this online. I found out that last year in Ireland, part of the grotto collapsed and a worker was hurt.

What awaits us this week??? Let's hope just lots of fun for the kids!

[listening to: Wonderful Christmas Time - Paul McCartney ]
11:10:33 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

Queenslander Andy Bichel rewarded the selectors' faith in him with three Indian wickets, including the prized scalp of Sachin Tendulkar for 1, on day two of the second Test at the Adelaide Oval. India are 4 for 180 at stumps, still trailing by 376 runs. Australia's mammoth total of 556 was set up by Ricky Ponting, who compiled a career-best 242. In reply, the tourists slumped to 4 for 85 before Rahul Dravid (43 not out) and VVS Laxman (55 not out) put their side back on track. more

[listening to: The Nutcracker Suite - Les Brown & His Band of Renown ]
9:11:49 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

A jealous wife reportedly cut off her sleeping husband's penis in Manila after finding a text message from another woman on his mobile phone.

Antonio Llanesiras, 30, was being treated at the Pasay City General Hospital in the Philippines.

But surgeons hold little hope of reattaching the plumber's severed organ, which was brought in by his wife carefully wrapped in a piece of cloth, the Manila Standard reported.

It was not immediately clear if charges would be filed against the woman

[listening to: For Crying Out Loud - Meat Loaf ]
10:49:33 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

A magnificent unbeaten innings of 176 by Ricky Ponting helped Australia amass a record first-day total of 5-400 in the second Test against India at Adelaide Oval today.

Ponting's innings included 24 boundaries from 245 balls in 364 minutes.

Adam Gilchrist brought up the 400 on the final ball of the day, pushing leg-spinner Anil Kumble to mid-off for a single, and was unbeaten on nine at the close.

Australia's total was the highest any side has scored on a single day of a Test match at Adelaide Oval and came at a scoring rate of 4.44 runs per over.

[listening to: Sell Out - REEL BIG FISH ]
9:44:25 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

I love this - go ahead & shake the snowglobe.

Thx to Sean

[listening to: Take On Me - REEL BIG FISH ]
9:33:07 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

Now, here's a good deal.

Join the Longhorn Readiness Program for ISVs to get tools, training, and support for the next version of the Microsoft® Windows® operating system, code-named "Longhorn."

Exclusive ISV benefits include:

• Limited offer: A free copy of the official Microsoft PDC 2003 Conference DVD*, a US$499 value.
• A free copy of the "Developer Guide to Migration & Interoperability in 'Longhorn'.

Awesome!

[listening to: Merry Christmas Baby - Bruce Springsteen ]
12:24:12 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Organization • My Profession

I did one of those online personality tests - this is the result:

FRANK, you're a Great Dane at work

As a Great Dane, you are natural leader and a vision of nobility. With your dignified manner, you command respect from those around you, and that's because you strike an even balance with the most valued of work ethics.

You have an uncanny ability to mask your leadership qualities until the time is ripe. You're not one to blurt out your design until you've had enough time to fully form your grand plans.

The "What Breed of Dog Are You at WORK?" test is based on classic personality research from more than 8 PhDs and MDs.

[listening to: Who Let The Dogs Out - The Baha Men ]
8:56:51 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

Christmas party coming up this week.

It's being held in the "The Famous Spiegeltent", which is described as 'A European Mirror Tent - the ultimate cabaret and music salon'.

Sounds like something out of Moulin Rouge!

[listening to: El Tango de Roxanne - Ewan McGregor ]
7:45:17 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Organization

I saw this photo on the msn today and thought to myself that Emma Arrigo would love that crown! She would really really like that.

Maybe I should click through and read the article.

Then again, maybe I will get her a crown! Yes, that's what I will do.

[listening to: I'm Just A Girl - Bachelor Girl ]
6:45:58 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

Michael Moore's latest missive to George Bush has been sent.

Turkeys on the Moon... from Michael Moore
Monday, December 8th, 2003

Dear Mr. Bush,

Well, it's going on two weeks now since your surprise visit to one of the two countries you now run and, I have to say, I'm still warmed by the gesture. Man, take me along next time! I understand only 13 members of the media went with you -- and it turns out only ONE of them was an actual reporter for a newspaper. But you did take along FIVE photographers (hey, I get it, screw the words, it's all about the pictures!), a couple wire service guys, and a crew from the Fox News Channel (fair and balanced!). more

[listening to: Powerhouse - Spike Jones ]
6:02:12 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests • Random

I gotta have one of these!

Sonic Alert Sonic Boom Alarm Clock with Super Shaker Bed Vibrator
[RETAIL: $70]
This alarm clock is meant to wake the hearing impaired with its triple-pronged attack on z's, but it also works on the terminally lazy. The 113-dB (think, rock concert) siren, 12-volt under-the-mattress shaker attachment, and ability to make the bedside light flash incessantly may even be enough get me to the church on time after a night of drunken debauchery. As a test, I set the alarm for 8 am and slumbered off to Snoresville -- I just about wet the bed when the Sonic Alert assaulted me with a banshee wail, earthquake rumble, and lightning storm. I suppose the next version of this sleep-slayer will pull your blankets off and dump ice water on your crotch. -- Brian Lam
[RATING: 9/10] [ sonicalert.com]

[listening to: It's All About the Pentiums - Weird Al Yankovic ]
6:26:15 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

"Australian Test cricket captain Steve Waugh has defended his bowlers after the first Test against India at the Gabba in Brisbane ended in a draw. India finished on 2 for 73 in its second innings, far adrift of the 199 runs it needed for the outright win. A surprise declaration from Waugh at 3 for 284 in Australia's second innings had set the Indians the target with 23 overs left to play. The Indians needed to score at 8.67 runs an over, and suffered two early setbacks when Test debutant Nathan Bracken claimed two wickets from two balls in the second over."

It was a draw, but at least it was exciting to the end.

[listening to: Santa Claus Is Back in Town - Elvis Presley ]
12:01:13 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

India had a lead of 86 runs over Australia after being dismissed for 409 in its first innings on the fifth morning of the first cricket Test at the Gabba.

It's the first time in 23 Tests that Australia has conceded a first innings deficit going back to the third Test against New Zealand in Perth two years ago. [more]

[listening to: Christmas Day Australia Way - Angry Anderson ]
1:21:10 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

A search for the phrase "miserable failure" on the search engine Google brings up the biography of the US President, George Bush, on the White House website. It is one of the more prominent examples of search-engine manipulation.

The phrase does not appear in the biography. But computer users rigged the results from the popular search engine by posting the phrase on web pages that linked straight to the biography - a technique called Google bombing.

[listening to: The Golden Kangaroo - John Williamson ]
10:23:16 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

A masterful century by captain Sourav Ganguly gave India a first innings lead over Australia in the first cricket Test at the Gabba.

Ganguly's 144 - his 11th Test century but his first against Australia - lifted India to 6-362 at the close of the fourth day - a lead of 39 after Australia made 323.

When bad light stopped play, wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel was on 37 and Ajit Agarkar was on 12, with India having added 351 in a day of total domination. [more]

[listening to: Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!/Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - Eddie Dunstedter ]
7:30:08 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

My brother Danny got a new car a few weeks back. So, the two Arrigo boys have new cars now!

Finally he sent me some photos of the little car. It a cute little Alfa.

Good one Dan! Hope you remember to put petrol into it regularily and dont forget to get it serviced too. Oh, and give it a clean every now and then :)

[listening to: Jingle Bell Rock - Wayne Newton ]
7:25:11 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

This afternoon, I took the 3 little ones (Billy Arrigo , Emma Arrigo, Brice Arrigo) for a drive in the new car. We ended up at Darling Harbour. Since I was feeling quite festive, I took them to the IMAX to see Santa vs. the Snowman (3D). The kids really loved it! I didn't expect Brice to get the 3D effect, but he was really into it!

[listening to: Holiday on Skis - Al Caiola ]
7:15:36 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

JWZ really knows how to get to the heart of an issue

"Tabs versus Spaces: An Eternal Holy War."

[listening to: Ricky - Weird Al Yankovic ]
2:25:36 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

India wrapped up Australia's first innings with just one ball and Australia managed to bowl just six overs before rain again stopped play at the Gabba in Brisbane today.

Australia was all out for 323 after Stuart MacGill (1) carved a catch straight up in the air off the bowling of Ajit Agarkar and was caught by Akash Chopra.

Nathan Bracken was not out on six.

Play was delayed by more than two sessions because of rain and India had 35 overs to face this afternoon.

When India came on to bat Australia's fast bowlers Bracken and Jason Gillespie got plenty of bounce from the fresh Gabba pitch.

Akash Chopra and Virender Sehwag scored 11 from the 6.1 overs bowled before rain ended play for the day.

[listening to: Get the party started - Pink! ]
5:17:46 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

oldish news, but still pretty good

"Microsoft has started testing an international news search service in competition with Google's, upping the ante in the hotly contested Web search market. " [more]

[listening to: I Left My Heart in San Francisco - Tony Bennett ]
9:59:00 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Organization

"Indians stage stunning fight-back Australia is 9 for 323 at stumps on day two of the rain-interrupted first Test against India at the Gabba in Brisbane." [more]

[listening to: Black Girls - Violent Femmes ]
7:42:23 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

I really like the ABC. They are the only ones who really support local programming. 

They are looking for participants in some new program concepts.

New Inventors
 looking for inventors and designers
The Einstein Factor
 Are you an expert? Be a contestant.

[listening to: Hallowed Ground - Violent Femmes ]
7:38:13 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • TV

So, I'm checking out the website for my new car and it's an ASP.NET site

Cool! Now I'm happy!!!!

[listening to: Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me) - Elvis Presley ]
10:12:21 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • My Organization

I got the Audi A4.

Picked it up this afternoon.

In the pouring rain.

Haven't had much of a drive yet, but I will.

My wife is happy now

[listening to: Al I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth) - King Cole Trio ]
8:25:28 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

Antony Arrigo was so excited this morning. He even cracked a few smiles.

He read in New Scientist that a new prime number was found.

He sent me a link to the Mersenne Prime Search site.

It is a whopping 6,320,430 digits long

Cool!

[listening to: These are the Special Times - Celine Dion ]
8:34:30 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

I've just started a new blog hosted on weblogs.asp.net.

I will leave my personal stuff here and work stuff there - but time will tell how it all pans out!

[listening to: If Every Day Was Like Christmas - Elvis Presley ]
4:04:10 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • My Interests

This is an interesting article, and a pretty cool map. Pity they got the location of the Microsoft office wrong! We moved 2 and a half years ago from 65 Epping Rd to 1 Epping Rd, which is part of Riverside Corporate Park.

Come on SMH - update your graphics!

[listening to: Merry Christmas, Baby - Lou Rawls ]
10:32:28 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Organization

Malaysia's brazen software pirates are hawking the next version of Microsoft's operating system years before it is supposed to be on sale.  [wired]

[listening to: Home for Christmas - N SYNCH ]
9:50:54 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Organization

I scored 210 on the test. This guy scored 193.

Yes, I'm a geek

[listening to: The Night Santa Went Crazy - Weird Al Yankovic ]
9:13:20 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests • Random

NEW YORK (AP)—Technology geeks, unite. There are more of you than you might have realized. A study released Sunday found that 31 percent of Americans are "highly tech-savvy" people for whom the Internet, cell phones and handheld organizers are more indispensable than TVs and old-fashioned wired phones. [eweek]

I wonder what's the deal here in Australia?  I would like to think it is higher than 31%, but what is the reality?

[listening to: Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid ]
8:16:45 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

Here's Antony.

I can't believe he isn't blinking, or has his tongue sticking out.

Normally he tried really hard to wreck photos, so this is a bit of an amazing photo.

He has asked me not to post the other photos, so I wont. Dont need to upset him today.

[listening to: Sleigh Ride/Santa Claus' Party - Ferrante & Teicher ]
4:29:35 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

The official school photos came home today for my big boys.

Here's Billy. Doesn't he look handsome.

Billy asked me to post the photo on my blog, so I had him scan the photos, and we cropped it a bit.

It doesn't look too bad.

The class photo & gift 2004 calendar is next!

[listening to: Christmas at Ground Zero - Weird Al Yankovic ]
3:57:50 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

I've been talking to a few folks about development of Mobile solutions on the Microsoft platform. Lot's of questions, so here's a bunch of resources:

Sample Mobile apps

• http://www.windowsforms.com/TaskVision
• http://msdn.microsoft.com/mobility/downloads/samples/default.aspx

Mobile Developer community

• http://msdn.microsoft.com/mobility/
• http://smartdevices.microsoftdev.com/
• http://microsoft.com/windowsmobile/information/devprograms/
• http://microsoft.com/windowsmobile/resources/communities/developer/

Application Certification

• http://microsoft.com/windowsmobile/information/devprograms/mobile2market/

And we are running the Smart Client Seminar for ISVs which includes Mobile Development.

[listening to: Memories of Xmas - Toni Lamond / Peggy Mortimer ]
3:07:30 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Organization • My Profession

So, tonight is the finale of Six Feet Under, Series 3.

I've been rewatching season 1 on DVD. So much isn't shown on TV. I can't believe the series has been brutalised by Channel 9.

Anyways, I can't wait to see what happens tonight. I'm sensing a cliff hanger....

[listening to: Amazing - Alex Lloyd ]
8:09:55 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • TV

"RadioExpress is a nicely written bookmarklet that performs the same function for Radio that the BlogThis bookmarklet does for Blogger. However, most of the links to it are broken, as Mike Krus (its author) moved from Radio to Movable Type. For anyone who needs it, it now lives here."

[listening to: You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night) - Meat Loaf ]
7:12:21 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

Most articles/reviews are really good : NRMA,  The Australian

Yummy!

[listening to: Bat Out Of Hell - Meat Loaf ]
4:19:20 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • My Interests

Ah, summer is officially here. December 1st.

What else happens today - we have world aids day, and it's my sister in law's birthday --  Happy Birthday Cathie Brice.

And on a sad note, my car refused to start this morning. It reached 50,000km and now refuses to move.

As my wife keeps reminding me, time to get a new car - i need to decide which one!

[listening to: All the Way to Reno (You're Gonna Be a Star) - R.E.M. ]
9:59:52 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • Random