Just got my [AFL-Review] newsletter. The author is a tiger's man. He doesn't seem too happy.

At the MCG:

St. Kilda  5.5   14.6   23.6   27.12.174
Richmond   2.2    6.7    8.9    10.11.71 

And the stinkers kept on comin’. The Tiges have been Sinkilda’s ‘biatches’ for several years now. The Stain’s poor recent form and a feeling Richmun were about to rebound from a couple of bad performances proved very misleading as the Saints thumped the Tiggers from pillar to post. Fraser ‘Bourbon Train’ Gehrig booted 10 goals to cap a dominant performance, which delivered a healthy chunk of percentage too. The Tiges, weakened by injury, lacked confidence, intensity and decent disposal skills. Pat Bowden and Greg Tivendale may as well have worn Sinkilda guernseys.  Sinkilda made one tactical change in selection, ruckman Michael Rix dropped for midfielder Andrew Thompson. The Tiges’ cause wasn’t helped by a host of late withdrawals, key defenders Darren Gaspar (knee), Andrew Kellaway (injured hamstring while surfing - jeez) and forward Andrew Krakouer (er, finger) joined Kel Moore (groin strain) on the sidelines. Joel Bowden returned from suspension, Mark Chaffey was called up for his first game of the season along with Greg Stafford and Ray Hall.

The ball spent the opening 5 minutes in the Stains’ attacking half. Running half-back Jason Gram enjoyed the first term (and the rest of the game too), he booted the opening goal by starting and completing a move involving Rob Harvey and Nick Riewoldt. The Tiges’ belated first thrust saw Tivendale run a long way without a bounce before his shot hit the post. Tiger Mark Chaffey was busy early, his smart kick found Jay Schulz alone for the Tiges’ first goal. Despite dominating possession the Saints struggled to kick goals for a while, Gram was their most effective attacker. In sequence Gram missed a shot, blasted a 50m goal following a slow build-up, then sliced another running shot on-the-full. Riewoldt missed awfully after marking right in front. The Tiges clung on until Shane Tuck’s good kick found Schulz again, he booted his and the Toigs’ second goal and they trailed by 3 points. The Saints won the ball away from the restart and Gram booted his third, long goal. Tige Richard Tambling came on to tag Gram. The Stainers got a move-on now, Andrew Thompson floated a kick for Gehrig to run onto, mark and boot his first. Soon G-Train had his second, a free-kick against grappling opponent Hall. Stafford missed woefully for the Tiges late in the stanza and the Saints went to the first break 21 points ahead. Goals rained through in the second term. The Tiges scored one straight from the opening bounce, Nathan Brown passing for leading Matty Richardson to mark and kick his first major for a few weeks. Only 15 points ahead, the Saints. They cleared the next centre-bounce and Riewoldt snapped a goal, then Brendon Goddard kicked a very easy one under no pressure. Harvey and Riewoldt combined to create a comfortable goal-square mark for Gehrig, he converted and the Saints jumped 33 points ahead. Tivendale broke the run with a goal following some very good roving, but the Saints were doing it in third gear. A sharp Stinkilda move from a kick-in saw Sam Fisher run afield under no pressure and pass to Riewoldt, on to leading Gehrig for his fourth goal. The Tiges suffered a further blow as Brown damaged a hamstring, his day ended. Tigger Tambling booted a goal after marking Richo’s wobbly punt, the Tiges were still clinging on 25 points behind. Gehrig added two goals to the tally in rapid succession, one an off-ball free-kick against battling Ray Hall, the other a mark of Gram’s pass. Tiger Richo benefited from the umps’ vigilance in punishing off-ball holding, Saints 30 points ahead. Saint man Goddard was flattened by Stafford with a decent shirt-front, the game was held up for a while as Goddard was stretchered off. But he wasn’t hurt badly and returned later. The Saints bagged three late goals, a pair of mysterious 50m penalties allowed Brett Voss to kick the first. Busy Leigh Montagna cleared the restart and Gehrig out-marked Joel Bowden to boot another, a poor turnover by Tigger David Rodan led Montagna to punt a major of his own. After Richo missed a late shot the Saints led by 47 points at half-time, G-Train with 7 goals already.

Sinkilda ruckman Cain Ackland kicked a goal straight from the opening bounce of the third term, a soft free-kick and 50m penalty the causes. Richmun ruckman Troy Simmonds won just about every hit-out on the day but the Saints took the ball away almost every time. As Ackland and his sidekick Jason Blake are largely useless as tap-ruckmen, the Saints bank on that happening. Nick Dal Santo free-kicked a goal after being ploughed into the ground by Patrick Bowden and the Saints were 59 points ahead. Richardson’s third goal, a good lead to Brett Deledio’s pass, affected a dead cat bounce before the margin expanded rapidly. Great length-of-the-ground running by Stephen Milne set up Gehrig’s eighth goal, Gram roosted another long sausage and soon Riewoldt’s pass set up Gehrig’s ninth. Goddard returned to cheers from Stainer fans, prior to Milne taking a good mark in traffic and playing-on to snap it through. Pat Bowden’s appalling turnover allowed Montagna to kick a goal and a second later Montagna had another, snapping truly from a throw-in. The Stainers 87 points ahead before Tige skipper Kane Johnson marked and converted. Once again Johnson had been good, winning his battle with Dal Santo. The Saints had won everywhere else, though. Ex-Tiger Aaron Fiora restored the 87-point lead before the final change. Mercifully, the Saints missed a few shots in the last korter. The Saint players must’ve wagered on Gehrig winning the Coleman medal as they looked for him at every opportunity, but G-Train ignored the plan by passing off for Harvey to kick the first goal of the ultimate Mario. But a minute later Gehrig marked Milne’s lobbed kick and booted no. 10, they led by 99 points. Gehrig’s first miss of the day brought up the triple-digit margin. Majors alternated to the end, Richardson and Tivendale goaled for the Toigs, Goddard and Riewoldt majored for the Stains. Frustrated Tige ruckman Simmonds biffed Riewoldt, which might cost him a game or two.

Plenty of good players for the Stains, headed by Fraser Gehrig with 10.1 from 12 marks and 15 kicks (2 handballs). Jason Gram (29 disposals, 4 goals) helped build the early momentum and Leigh Montagna (34 touches, 3 goals) cashed in after half-time. Nick Riewoldt (11 marks, 14 kicks, 2 goals) was happy to play the traditional CHF and set up others to kick goals - G-Train particularly - while Luke Ball (28 possies, 10 tackles), Stephen Powell (24 disposals), Robert Harvey (23 handlings, a goal) and Brendon Goddard (22 touches, 2 goals) all saw plenty of it. Sam Fisher (25 touches, 8 marks) ran downfield to get a kick. Brett Voss was alright too. Only two Tigers really worth mentioning, Kane Johnson (15 disposals, a goal) did his job again on Dal Santo and Andrew Raines (22 disposals) played well. Matty Richardson (9 marks, 13 touches, 4 goals) did alright when the Tiges could get the ball to him. Brett Deledio (24 possies) was best of a beaten midfield. Jay Schulz and Greg Tivendale kicked 2 goals each. Plough sighed though the press conference. "I could tell after about five minutes the game was heading that way . . . It was disappointing to lose Gaspar and Kellaway late in the week but they (the rest of the team) should still be going in with the right attitude and the right psychological approach. It's in those circumstances that mental strength arises and they have just got to handle those situations better." Grant Thomas said "I think the consistency of the four-quarter effort where we continued to attack and probably the most pleasing thing from a coaching perspective, we all agreed, was the fact that we stuck to our plans and worked together as a team. We stuck to our structures and we didn't collapse those sorts of things when the game was no longer in the balance which I think we've been guilty of in the past. You get a bit greedy and a bit selfish which teams can do, but we were really pleased with our selflessness and our team effort."      

                      ----------------------
The AFL Review is sent via an automatic email list.   To join / leave
the list is easy.

Either visit our website at http://www.footy.com.au/fts/newsletters.htm

OR

To JOIN mailto:review-afl-request@footy.com.au?subject=JOIN&;body=JOIN

[listening to: Gimme the Car [UK Single] [*] - Violent Femmes ]
8:41:50 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

We heard about Mozart and the Whale a while back and have been waiting for the movie.

It is the story of two people with Asperger's syndrome whose emotional dysfunction impacts their relationship.

Sounds good, and as parents of a child with Asperger's syndrome, we''ve been keen to see it

It didn't make it to the cinemas here in Australia and I had been watching Amazon for it's release.

Moira tracked it down to JB Hi-Fi today and we finally got it today.

We'll be watching it later this week.

And don't forget the program on SBS INSIGHT : Understanding Autism next week. Big week for autism awareness.

[listening to: Confessions - Violent Femmes ]
8:19:51 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • TV

Big win to the Saints v Richmond has given the team a sniff of 2nd place on the ladder. To get there we need to win on Friday against the West Coast Eagles. This is another crunch game!

Our record hasn't been good againts the Eagles, but the last time we played at the Telstra Dome, we slammed them by 101 points

Since 1987	All Games	Last 5 Games	Highest Score	Lowest Score	Biggest Win
St Kilda	12	2	169	29	101
West Coast	18	3	175	29	92

Since the game is on Friday night, it's a bit delayed (again). Can I resist until 9.30pm to watch the game 'live'?

Friday 04/08/2006

• 3.00a  Round 17 St Kilda v Richmond
• 3.30p  Last Time They Met 2006 Rnd 1 West Coast Eagles v St Kilda
• 9.30p  Round 18 St Kilda v West Coast Eagles

Saturday 05/08/2006

• 12.30a  Round 18 St Kilda v West Coast Eagles
• 9.30a  Round 18 St Kilda v West Coast Eagles

Monday 07/08/2006

• 8.30a  Round 18 St Kilda v West Coast Eagles
  

[listening to: Gimme the Car [UK Single] [*] - Violent Femmes ]
5:22:42 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

I've been playing with the ladder predictor.

I really like this particular scenario (Note the # reflects the team's current position on the ladder)

Predicted Ladder

#	Team	Pl	W	L	D	PF	PA	Pt	Perc
1	Adelaide	22	17	5	0	2347	1712	68	137.0
4	St Kilda	22	16	6	0	2192	1725	64	127.0
3	Melbourne	22	16	6	0	2205	1939	64	113.7
2	West Coast	22	16	6	0	2191	1992	64	109.9
6	Sydney	22	13	9	0	2094	1817	52	115.2
5	Collingwood	22	13	9	0	2343	2066	52	113.4
7	W Bulldogs	22	12	10	0	2261	2140	48	105.6
8	Fremantle	22	11	11	0	1982	2088	44	94.9
9	Geelong	22	10	12	0	2039	2025	40	100.6
12	Port Adel	22	10	12	0	2008	2134	40	94.0
11	Bris Lions	22	10	12	0	2014	2208	40	91.2
14	Hawthorn	22	9	13	0	1864	2223	36	83.8
10	Richmond	22	8	14	0	1845	2219	32	83.1
13	Kangaroos	22	6	16	0	1885	2181	24	86.4
15	Essendon	22	5	16	1	2033	2389	22	85.0
16	Carlton	22	3	18	1	1861	2306	14	80.7

[listening to: Always - Bon Jovi ]
9:54:51 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek • My Hobbies

The exhibition opened and it was a full house.

Christopher Beaumont Cartesian Painting with Cabbage 2000 Oil on linen 152 x 183cm AUD$8,000

Eva Breuer Art Dealer - 83 Moncur Street, Woollahra NSW 2025

[listening to: Money For Nothing - Dire Straights ]
7:45:51 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

We had an unexpected visitor today.  It was the dude delivering the census forms.

Tuesday August 8st is Census night.  woohoo!!!! And this year, it can be completed online, thanks to eCensus. w00t++ . I wonder how many Jedis live in Australia?

The 2006 Census is coming...

The Census aims to take a "snapshot" of Australia every five years - collecting vital information on the social, economic and housing characteristics of Australian society.

A successful Census provides benefits to all Australians and the communities they live in.

To find out more about the 2006 Census; why we have one, what you have to do and how the information is used - start here with What you need to know

There are links to Census Data from 2001 and 1996, Census Products, or Census Reference and Information.

If you have a question about the Census, check out the Available Assistance

Hope those Russian hackers stay away from the ABS

[listening to: It's Gonna Rain - Violent Femmes ]
7:33:08 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • Geek

Average result with my tips this week. Only got 4 right. A few unexpected results

Week 17
Home		Draw		Away
Magpies (16.17 113)				Hawks (11.2 68)
Saints (27.12 174)				Tigers (10.11 71)
Eagles (26.9 165)				Crows (12.11 83)
Bombers (25.10 160)				Lions (18.15 123)
Power (7.8 50)				Swans (10.17 77)
Kangaroos (13.12 90)				Cats (8.12 60)
Blues (13.11 89)				Dockers (15.17 107)
Demons (18.11 119)				Bulldogs (9.14 68)

I've now had 89 correct tips and I've lost even more ground in my tipping comp.

6:32:51 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

National Tree Day is Australia's biggest community tree-planting event.

Did you plant a tree today?

5:05:41 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

July 30: Independence Day in Vanuatu (1980)

• 1419 - Hussite Wars: Jan Žižka and others threw several town councillors out the window at the First Defenestrations of Prague.
• 1619 - The first representative assembly in the Americas, Virginia's House of Burgesses, convened for the first time.
• 1756 - Bartolomeo Rastrelli presented the Catherine Palace, a Baroque palace in Tsarskoye Selo, to Empress Elizabeth of Russia.
• 1825 - Malden Island (pictured), now one of Kiribati's Line Islands, was discovered in the Pacific Ocean.
• 1930 - Uruguay won the first Football World Cup in front of their home crowd at Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, beating Argentina 4 to 2.

5:01:33 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

The Age St Kilda's planning starts a late-season surge RealFooty, Australia - 16 hours ago WHEN St Kilda coach Grant Thomas spoke at length to The Age this week about his team's prospects for the rest of this season, he made much of the Saints' bigger scope for improvement than its top-eight rivals. St Kilda in 103-point win over Richmond The Age St Kilda ends Tigers' finals hopes SportsAustralia.com Gehrig kicks bagful as Saints run riot The Age ABC Online - FOX SPORTS - all 19 related »

sportal.com.au

Kosi's season may be over RealFooty, Australia - 16 hours ago ST KILDA coach Grant Thomas has conceded Justin Koschitzke may not play again this season, despite speculation earlier this week that the valuable big man might have returned to the Saints' line-up for yesterday's game against Richmond at the MCG. Kosi indefinite again sportal.com.au Koschitzke conjecture set to continue The Age Saints pin faith in defence The Australian Sydney Morning Herald - Courier Mail - all 23 related »

4:54:31 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

I found this email in my inbox. it's funny

The Chaser’s War on Everything – now available everywhere

 
ABC New Media & Digital Services have made The Chaser team’s dubious Friday night comedy show, The Chaser’s War on Everything, available for download each week via a video podcast (vodcast).

Combined with a portable video player (mp4 player), the new service, available from abc.net.au/chaser, allows viewers to watch and complain about the show anywhere.

“All year long, people have been telling us that they’d love to watch our show, really they would, but that their social life just doesn’t allow them to be watch TV on a Friday night,” Chaser Executive Producer Julian Morrow said.

“So we’ve come up with a way that they can watch it anytime they like. Now the only excuse is that they just don’t like it.”

Many rugby league fans have recently clarified for the team that it’s the latter.

One of the show’s stars, the Crazy Warehouse Clearance Guy, was typically excited by the new service.

“The Chaser team’s gone completely insane and they’re giving away content that other shows only flog off on DVD,” he said. “That’s right, this new video podcast is free, absolutely free. This price is never to be repeated. It’s free.”

“Bring your truck, bring your trailer, bring your mp4 player or just watch it on your computer,” he said.

But the Guy warned fans that they absolutely must download the video podcast “by midnight tonight”. However he later admitted that if they didn’t, they could also download the podcast by midnight on any subsequent night.

 

The Chaser’s War on Everything vodcast will be available at

abc.net.au/chaser from 10pm on Friday 28 July.

=====================================================

Catch the latest Chaser episode by clicking here: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/chaser/war/vodcast/
 
=====================================================

11:07:01 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests • TV

For Tweenies, Disney's High School Musical is the new hotness.

As the parent of a Tween, High School Musical is on high rotation at our place. And the High School Musical Soundtrack is the only CD in the family car when we all head out together.

Haven't heard of High School Musical? Well this thing is big and it's going to get bigger.

Moira reckons it's going to be like Grease, and the story has parallels with that Travolta/Newton John classic - boy meets girl while on holodays, they then meet up at school but are from different gangs. There's songs and a happy ending. 

High School Musical - it's the next big thing.

7:31:25 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • TV

Great result in the footy today.

The Saints thumped the Tigers by 17+ goals. (Not bad for Round 17). Fraser Gehrig kicked 10 goals for the game. The Saints kick 9 goals in the second and third quarters. Jason Gram played his best game. I could go on

AND I missed the game on the telly, because of Chris' exhibition. So, I relied on the coverage from ABC radio and a little known Scoreboard page from Sportsdata

ST KILDA: 5.5, 14.6, 23.6, 27.12 (174)
RICHMOND: 2.2, 6.7, 8.9, 10.11 (71)
GOALS - St Kilda: Gehrig 10, Gram 4, Montagna 3, Goddard 2, Riewoldt 2, Dal Santo, Ackland, Milne, Voss, Fiora, Harvey
Richmond: Richardson 4, Schulz 2, Tivendale 2, Johnson, Tambling
BEST - St Kilda: Gehrig, Gram, Montagna, Ball, Powell, Goddard, S Fisher, Harvey, Voss
Richmond: Raines, Johnson, Chaffey, Richardson, Deledio,
INJURIES - St Kilda: Hudghton (knee strain)
Richmond: Brown (hamstring)
CHANGES - Richmond: Gaspar (knee) replaced in selected side by Hall, Kellaway (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Stafford, Krakouer (finger) replaced in selected side by Chaffey
REPORTS - Nil
UMPIRES - Vozzo, Rosebury, Allen
CROWD - 43,250 at the MCG

RealFooty

St Kilda in 103-point win over Richmond The Age, Australia - 1 hour ago ... haul to Fraser Gehrig has helped St Kilda thump Richmond ... The Saints cruised to a 27.12 (174) to 10.11 (71) victory, effectively ending Richmond's hopes of ... Tigers' finals hopes take a dive ABC Online Gehrig kicks bag as Saints run riot The Age Gehrig stars, Saints run riot FOX SPORTS all 10 related »

7:00:36 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

Today's the day!!!

See his other paintings @ Eva Breuer Art Dealer - 83 Moncur Street, Woollahra NSW 2025

Christopher Beaumont Still Life with Potatoes 2005 Oil on linen 41 x 51cm AUD$3,800

2:23:31 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

Gotta Love the boys from The Chaser

Now they are vodcasting.

Their latest episode is online and available to be downloaded

If you intend watching it only on your computer, the Windows Media WMV version might be the way to go. Copy-and-paste this link into your podcast software... http://abc.net.au/tv/chaser/war/vodcast/chaser_wmv.xml Otherwise, your new portable video player will love the MP4 version. Copy-and-paste this link into your podcast software... http://abc.net.au/tv/chaser/war/vodcast/chaser_mp4.xml

OR

Download the WMV video directly   [WMV, 76MB]
(Right click, then 'Save As')

Download the MP4 video directly   [MP4, 76MB]
(Right click, then 'Save As')

Go ABC!!! You guys get it!

BTW - if you watch this, pay attention towards to end of the program. It has something to do with my recent Brush with Fame.

[listening to: chaserep22 - mark ]
11:38:51 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek • TV

I gotta get this book

9:32:27 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

I saw this news doing the rounds today. I just cant get over the news than MSN has licensed the rights to broadcast Arrested Development. It was such a sad day for me when Arrested Development was canceled.

Anyways, let's hope this terrific show will find a new audience and we may see some new episodes.

Cinema Blend "Arrested Development" Lives! E! Online - 14 hours ago The syndication rights of the critically acclaimed yet criminally unwatched Arrested Development have been simultaneously licensed by Microsoft's MSN.com and ... Arrested Development in internet syndication deal CBC News The Return of 'Arrested Development' ... Sort of andPOP "Arrested Development" Licensed To Three Companies All Headline News Deadbolt - Contactmusic.com - all 120 related

[listening to: chaserep22 - mark ]
9:10:23 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • TV

Some more info about the upcoming program on SBS, which is to broadcast on TUESDAY 8st August  at 7.30pm

INSIGHT – Understanding Autism

A staggering 100,000 Australian children are directly affected by autism and an even greater number of adults. The incidence has dramatically increased in the last decade and affects boys in three out of four cases.  The traits include a lack of social skills, communication difficulties, and obsessive behaviour.

Often a diagnosis of autism is not given until the child is around two.  Up until then families believe their child is normal – they reach all milestones like crawling, walking and first words. But then the child changes, leaving families shattered.

Many questions surround what has been dubbed the ‘silent epidemic’. Why is it on the increase? What causes autism? And is there a cure?  Research is still in preliminary stages, and although a series of therapies have been tried – all of them are costly and controversial.   Some families have been forced to shell out their life savings, sell their family home and dig into their superannuation, to fund these treatments.

And what happens to these children when they become adults? What sort of life can they expect to lead?

INSIGHT brings together desperate families searching for answers, autistic adults who can reflect on their struggle as well as leading experts and researchers.

“Understanding Autism” will be broadcast on TUESDAY 8st August  at 7.30pm on SBS.

8:33:58 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • TV

I am a big fan AFL Preview mailing list . It continues to be an entertaining read, as it's written by fans for fans.

I had to share this weeks preview, since the author is a tiger fan. I love his last sentence.

St Kilda V Richmond  – MCG Saturday

Yes you can say the Tigers were woeful against the Swans last week but then so were the Saints against the Power in Tassie. Richmond have done it all year, that is, follow up a poor performance with an unexpected win due to a change in form. I believe they can do it this week in a game where you expect them to hold sway in the ruck with Symonds on a roll but it will be how the teams play the game above their shoulders in this match. Richmond would need to win nearly every game to make the finals while the Saints have notched 4 wins in a row to put themselves 5th on the ladder and with a bit of momentum. I’ll kick myself if Richmond gets up but the sensible selection will be St Kilda.

St Kilda by 21

8:30:05 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

Another featured painting from the Chris Beaumont exhibition opening on Saturday.

Have a look at his other paintings @ Eva Breuer Art Dealer - 83 Moncur Street, Woollahra NSW 2025

Christopher Beaumont Still Life with Grapes and Skull 2005 Oil on linen 41 x 51cm AUD$3,800

[listening to: Fall at Your Feet - Crowded House ]
2:24:34 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

SBS has an interesting show coming up next week. As a parent of 2 children diagnosed with Autism, I'm going to be watching.  

INSIGHT – Understanding Autism

A staggering 100,000 Australian children are directly affected by autism and an even greater number of adults. It has been dubbed the ‘silent epidemic’. Why is it on the increase? What causes autism? Is there a cure? 
And why are some families pushed over the edge in trying to deal with it?
Jenny Brockie speaks to Daniela Dawes about what drove her to suffocate her ten year old son two years ago. Former Deputy Prime Minster Tim Fischer reflects on his life with his autistic son Harrison.

“Understanding Autism” will be broadcast on TUESDAY 1st August  at 7.30pm on SBS.

BTW Moria reckons I am an undiagnosed one too.

[listening to: Self Control - Laura Branigan ]
9:25:43 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • TV

A featured painting from the Chris Beaumont exhibition opening this week.

Christopher Beaumont Still Life with Chicken Stock 2006 Oil on linen 76 x 84cm AUD$5,600

[listening to: Breakin' Up [#][*][Demo Version] - Violent Femmes ]
9:07:21 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

My favorite AFL site FinalSiren has had a makeover.

Looks slick!

10:54:49 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

Today I took Moira's car to the local dealer to get it serviced.

This evening, while I was waiting to pick it up, George Negus sat down next to me.

He nodded, I smiled, and then he started talking on the phone to someone.

I would never have picked George as a Volvo Driver

[listening to: Never Tell - Violent Femmes ]
6:48:28 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!  

Todays featured painting from the Chris Beaumont exhibition opening this week.

Christopher Beaumont Pandora's Cabinet 2005 Oil on linen 76 x 84cm AUD$5,600

His exhibition of his work opens in Sydney on Saturday 29th July 2006

Have a look at his other paintings @ Eva Breuer Art Dealer - 83 Moncur Street, Woollahra NSW 2025

[listening to: Not The Girl You Think You Are - Crowded House ]
3:17:23 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

Senator Ted Stevens made a speech where he said the Internet is a series of tubes.

AlterNet has a DJ remix of the speech.

The Daily Show had Jon Stewart deconstruct the speech.

Amazingly. this had had no coverage that I have seen in the local media.

10:30:18 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek • Random • TV

July 26: Independence Day in Liberia (1847) and Maldives (1965)

• 811 - Bulgarian forces led by Krum defeated a Byzantine invasion in the Battle of Pliska, killed Byzantine Emperor Nikephoros I and severely wounded his son and co-emperor Staurakios.
• 1139 - After a victory over the Almoravid Moors in the Battle of Ourique, Afonso the Conqueror (pictured) was proclaimed the first king of an independent Portugal.
• 1822 - José de San Martín met with Simón Bolívar in Guayaquil to plan for the future of South America.
• 1887 - L. L. Zamenhof published Unua Libro, the first publication to describe Esperanto, a constructed international language.
• 1953 - Fidel Castro led an unsuccessful attack on the Moncada Barracks, thus beginning the Cuban Revolution.
• 1939 - John Winston Howard, the Prime Minister of Australia, born today.

[listening to: Good Feeling - Violent Femmes ]
3:32:03 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

Another painting from the Chris Beaumont exhibition opening this week.

Christopher Beaumont Still Life with Quince, Artichoke and Ivy 2006 Oil on linen 76 x 84cm AUD$5,600

[listening to: Jump - Van Halen ]
12:04:09 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

Koschitzke to take on Tigers
FOX SPORTS, Australia - 22 hours ago
KEEP your fingers crossed, but St Kilda's walking headline, Justin Koschitzke, seems likely to make his long-waited AFL return on Saturday.
Thomas wants intensity to return Melbourne Herald Sun
Thomas keen to play star Melbourne Herald Sun
Thomas wants intensity to return FOX SPORTS
sportal.com.au - all 8 related »

[listening to: Church Of The Poisoned Mind - Culture Club ]
10:51:48 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

I'm loving The Daily Show on TheComedyChannel.

Finally we get to see this superb program on the telly "hot" off the wire.

What's odd is that it is only on 4 nights a week - Monday to Thursday, which causes a weird timewarp on the commentary.

For example

• Last night (Monday) the show was from the previous Thursday, July 20, which featured the hilarious War on Terrorble Diseases
• This evening (Tuesday) the show was from Monday July 25.

Anyways, it's good to see this downunder in almost realtime.

FWIW, there's a good summary of recents guests in Wikipedia

[listening to: Jenny Was a Friend of Mine - The Killers ]
10:44:36 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek • TV

In the lead up to the Chris Beaumont exhibition opening this week, I thought I would feature a painting or two from the collection each day.

Christopher Beaumont Still Life with Chillies and Eggplants 2005 Oil on linen 41 x 51cm AUD$3,800

[listening to: To the Kill - Violent Femmes ]
1:21:47 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

The Saints got out of jail last round. The game this week is against the Tigers, who are fighting for a place in the final 8 and who will be keen to atone for their loss on the weekend. A real danger game.

The Saints have had a good run against the Tigers recently, which makes it such a danger game.

Since it's on Saturday afternoon, this will be live on the telly on Channel 10.

Tuesday 25/07/2006

• 11.00a  Round 16 St Kilda v Port Adelaide

Wednesday 26/07/2006

• 2.00a  Round 16 St Kilda v Port Adelaide

Thursday 27/07/2006

• 8.00a  Last Time They Met 2006 Rnd 2 Richmond v St Kilda

Sunday 30/07/2006

• 1.00a  Round 17 St Kilda v Richmond
• 11.30a  Round 17 St Kilda v Richmond

Monday 31/07/2006

• 11.00a  Round 17 St Kilda v Richmond
  

[listening to: Ugly - Violent Femmes ]
5:28:51 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies • TV

July 24: Pioneer Day in Utah, Simón Bolívar Day in Ecuador and Venezuela.

• 1847 - Brigham Young led the first group of Mormon pioneers into Salt Lake Valley, then part of Mexico.
• 1911 - In the Peruvian Andes, Hiram Bingham re-discovered Machu Picchu (pictured), "the Lost City of the Incas".
• 1927 - The Menin Gate war memorial in Ypres, Belgium was unveiled.
• 1943 - World War II: RAF Bomber Command started Operation Gomorrah, the strategic bombing of Hamburg, Germany.
• 2001 - Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, the last Tsar of Bulgaria when he was a child, was sworn in as Prime Minister of Bulgaria, becaming the only monarch in history to regain political power through democratic election to a different office.

[listening to: Add It Up - Violent Femmes ]
5:05:56 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek • Random

July 23: Parents' Day in the United States (2006), Revolution Day in Egypt.

• 1881 - The International Federation of Gymnastics, the world's oldest international sport federation, was founded in Liège, Belgium.
• 1952 - King Farouk of Egypt was forced to abdicate by army officers in the Free Officers Movement.
• 1967 - The 12th Street Riot began in the predominantly black inner-city area of Detroit, Michigan, United States.
• 1970 - Qaboos (pictured) overthrew his father Said bin Taimur to become Sultan of Oman.
• 1986 - Sarah Ferguson married Prince Andrew at Westminster Abbey, joining the British Royal Family as the Duchess of York.
• 2001 - Megawati Sukarnoputri became the first female president of Indonesia.

[listening to: I Hear the Rain - Violent Femmes ]
8:48:11 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek • Random

Average results this week, just 5 winners. The draw would have stuffed most tipping comps.

Week 16
Home		Draw		Away
Crows (19.10 124)				Kangaroos (7.10 52)
Bombers (16.9 105)				Blues (15.15 105)
Magpies (19.13 127)				Eagles (13.12 90)
Swans (14.17 101)				Tigers (7.11 53)
Lions (11.18 84)				Hawks (11.8 74)
Saints (8.16 64)				Power (8.12 60)
Cats (13.12 90)				Bulldogs (13.11 89)
Dockers (15.6 96)				Demons (9.13 67)

So, I've got 85 correct tips and am sitting 4th in the tipping comp. I lost some ground overall - grrrrr

[listening to: The Longest Time - Billy Joel ]
8:10:09 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

What a terrible game. The Saints had it in the bag by half time, and somehowalmost lost the game.

Poor kicking at goal.  Poor Disposal.   Poor decision making.

But they won. The team has now won 10 games, including the last 4.

News.....

Motlop miss gives St Kilda a narrow win The Age, Australia - 15 minutes ago Port Adelaide's Daniel Motlop missed a simple set shot after the siren to allow St Kilda to escape ... The Saints won 8.16 (64) to 8.12 (60) and while it was ...

Saints get out of jail FOX SPORTS, Australia - 20 minutes ago PORT Adelaide's Daniel Motlop missed a simple set shot after the siren to allow St Kilda to escape ... it was an important victory for the Saints, the style ...

Saints sneak home sportal.com.au, Australia - 22 minutes ago St Kilda has broken its nine-game losing streak against Port ... had a chance to snatch victory for Port after the ... right for a behind to give the Saints an 8.16 (64 ...

Motlop chokes, Saints hold on SportsAustralia.com, Australia - 24 minutes ago ... a four point victory after Port Adelaide's Daniel Motlop ... away Essendon last week, the Saints looked sluggish ... players for the clash - perhaps St Kilda's last in ...

[listening to: Sister Christian - Night Ranger ]
4:23:12 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

7:30:01 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

XBOX365 Microsoft confirms 'Zune' device to compete with Ipod TG Daily - 2 hours ago "Today we confirmed a new music and entertainment project called Zune," Stephenson said later in a statement released by request to reporters. ... Microsoft confirms existence of Zune Ars Technica Microsoft's Zune Announcement Gizmodo.com Microsoft's Zune: Its Answer to iPod/iTunes PC World CIO - Seattle Post Intelligencer - all 217 related » BULLETIN: Microsoft confirms Zune music player: will be iPod rival ZDNet - 3 hours ago ... Chris Stephenson, who is Microsoft's company's new general manager of marketing for MSN Entertainment Business,said the company sees the Zune-branded portable ... Microsoft Confirms Zune's Existence BetaNews Here comes Zune HardwareGeeks.com (press release) all 3 related »

10:07:20 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek • My Organization

So So cool !!!

As listed on http://tvshowsondvd.com, the first 25 episodes are:

1. De-Zanitized, The Monkey Song, Nighty Night Toon
2. Yakko's World, Cookies For Einstein, Win Big
3. HMS Yakko, Slappy Goes Walnuts, Yakko's Universe Song
4. Hooked on a Ceiling, Good Feathers (pilot episode)
5. Taming of the Screwy
6. Flipper Parody, Temporary Insanity, Operation Lollipop, What are We?
7. Piano Rag, When Rita Met Runt
8. The Warner's Lot Song, The Big Candy Store, Bumbie's Mom
9. Wally Llama, Where Rodents Dare
10. King Yakko
11. No Pain, No Painting, Les Miseranimals
12. Garage Sale of the Century, West Side Pigeons
13. Hello Nice Warners, La Behemoth, Little Old Slappy From Pasadena
14. La La Law, Cat On a Hot Steel Beam
15. Space Probed, Battle For the Planet
16. Chalkboard Bungle, Hooray for Slappy, The Great Wakkoroti: The Master & His Music
17. Roll over Beethoven, The Cat and the Fiddle
18. Pavlov's Mice, Chicken Boo-Rhyshnikov, Nothing But the Tooth
19. Meatballs or Consequences, A Moving Experience
20. Hitchcock Opening, Hearts of Twilight; The Boids
21. The Flame, Wakko's America Song, Davey Omelette, Four Score and Seven Migraines Ago
22. Guardin' the Garden, Plane Pals
23. Be Careful What You Eat, Up the Crazy River, Ta Da Dump
24. Yakko's World of Baldness, Oppurtunity Knox, Wings Take Heart
25. Disasterpiece Theatre, Hercule Yakko, Home On The Nile, A Midsummer Night's Dream

Pre-ordered!

11:38:23 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests • TV

The kids got together and bought their mum a Nintendo DS Lite and the Brain Age game

     +  

Haven't heard of Brain Age? Where have you been? Living under a rock??? 

Nintendo sent President Bush a DS Lite with Brain Age for his birthday! LOL

So, what are the kids telling their mother??

BTW -- This now takes the number of Nintendo DSs in our house to 5

5:15:37 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • Geek

Sydney Morning Herald

Former Yahoo chief takes ninemsn reins Australian IT, Australia - 4 hours ago NINEMSN has appointed former Yahoo Australia and New Zealand boss Tony Faure as its chief executive officer. Ninemsn said Mr Faure ... ninemsn appoints new CEO ZDNet.com.au Ninemsn appoints Tony Faure as new CEO The Age Online veteran to run ninemsn Sydney Morning Herald all 17 related »

5:05:12 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Organization

On the weekend, Moira and I wanted to go to see the movie, "Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story"  which we had heard about. It had a nice review in The SMH, and the gang from "At The Movies" said nice things about it too.

A rollicking adaptation of the classic 18th Century comic novel THE LIFE AND OPINIONS OF TRISTRAM SHANDY, GENTLEMAN, by Laurence Sterne. Set on a modern film set complete with insecure actors, scandal-hunting reporters and balky investors, the story folows the fortunes of one blood and one professional family, revealing the calamities, crises and flirtations that transcend the centuries...

Margaret: David:

But when we were checking movies times, it was no longer playing in the cinemas. What The??

So, I did what any self respecting geek consumer would do, I went over to Amazon and ordered it on DVD. It arrived yesterday.

The Long Tail Rules!

Oh, while I was at Amazon, I got a bunch of other DVDS, as one does.

My order consisted of:

• Tristram Shandy - A Cock and Bull Story
• Syriana 
• Monk - Season Four
• Carnivale - The Complete Second Season
• The First $20 Million Is Always the Hardest

[listening to: Weapon of Choice - Bootsy Collins ]
9:10:48 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • Geek • TV

I saw this headline on a newspaper recently and had to take a photo

11:17:28 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

Here's something I missed last week.

It was Dr Nikola Telsa's 150th Birthday last week.

How did I miss that!

Lucky for me, I spotted this sign at Questacon at the Tesla coil in the exhibition Awesome Earth

[listening to: They Got Lost - They Might Be Giants ]
4:51:05 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

I was driving out of the garage this morning and 'Rigo noticed my rear left tyre was a little flat. So I went to the local servo and filled it with air. We drove off and the car wobbled and shook at bit. What The? Maybe I had over-inflated one tyre? I stopped at another servo and check the air pressure in all the tyres. Off we went again. Now it was shaking and rattling even more.

Panic sets in and I drive to the nearest tyre place I can find.

Luckily for me, they had no customers when I drove in and they looked at the car immediately.

Turns out there was a HUGE bubble on the tyre (which I couldn't see since it was on the underside of the car). This was a tyre blowout waiting to happen.

So, I waited for them to replace the tyre. $300 later, we're back on the road. Shakes have gone

And the good news, I got 'Rigo to school on time.

BTW - This isn't the first time

[listening to: Song for Shelter - Fatboy Slim ]
11:00:05 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

My brother in law, the oh so talented Christopher Beaumont, has an exhibition of his work opening in Sydney on Saturday 29th July 2006

Have a look at his paintings @ Eva Breuer Art Dealer - 83 Moncur Street, Woollahra NSW 2025

Head over to www.chrisbeaumont.com for more details.

[listening to: Lasagna - Weird Al Yankovic ]
10:45:55 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

July 19: President's Day in Botswana

• 711 – Roderic and the Visigoths in Iberia were defeated in the Battle of Guadalete by Moorish Umayyad invaders led by Tariq ibn-Ziyad.
• 1553 – Lady Jane Grey was replaced by Mary I of England (pictured) as Queen of England after holding that title for just nine days.
• 1848 – The two-day Women's Rights Convention opened in Seneca Falls, New York, United States.
• 1870 – France declared war on Prussia, starting the Franco-Prussian War.
• 1947 – Burmese nationalist Aung San was assassinated.
• 1979 – Sandinista rebels overthrew the US-backed government of the Somoza family in Nicaragua.

[listening to: I Was Only Kidding - Weird Al Yankovic ]
9:23:59 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek • Random

Over my little holiday, I spotted the following book - Everything Bad Is Good for You: How Today's Popular Culture Is Actually Making Us Smarter"

As I am a big fan of popular culture, I just had to get it.

So, what is it about :

Drawing from fields as diverse as neuroscience, economics, and literary theory, Johnson argues that the junk culture we're so eager to dismiss is in fact making us more intelligent. A video game will never be a book, Johnson acknowledges, nor should it aspire to be -- and, in fact, video games, from Tetris to The Sims to Grand Theft Auto, have been shown to raise IQ scores and develop cognitive abilities that can't be learned from books. Likewise, successful television, when examined closely and taken seriously, reveals surprising narrative sophistication and intellectual demands.

I found it a quck, easy to read, well argued little book.

But not everyone agrees

Oh, I've started reading the author's blog too - http://stevenberlinjohnson.com/. An interesting character

[listening to: I Lost on Jeopardy - Weird Al Yankovic ]
7:45:54 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests

Moira called me at work this morning to tell me that there were lots of police cars in our local street, with news helicopters circling above.

Oh No! Has my use of µTorrent drawn some interest from the powers that be??

Not this time. My secret is safe

Turns out a local resident got raided and been arrested. I drive pass this house every day.

More news here .......

Pot bust a family affair
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - 5 hours ago
... charged over a $2 million hydroponic marijuana setup across ... the drug squad and local police raided four ... in Cowan Road and Killeaton Street, St Ives, about 6.30 ...
Four arrested over hydro crop NEWS.com.au
all 27 related »

[listening to: City of Blinding Lights - U2 ]
10:34:04 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • Random

I sent an email to the FinalSiren webmaster, asking if he could add an RSS feed of the latest AFL results.

A few days later I got an email back with good news for me

The feed  includes the last 16 games results

Chris - love your work!

Subscribed!

[listening to: One of Those Days - Weird Al Yankovic ]
8:16:41 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

There is an article in The Age following Round 15, predicting the final standings of the teams at the end of the season.

Rohan's ladder looks like this:

1. Adelaide
2. West Coast
3. Melbourne
4. St Kilda
5. Western Bulldogs
6. Collingwood
7. Sydney Swans
8. Fremantle
9. Richmond
10. Geelong
11. Brisbane Lions
12. Hawthorn
13. Port Adelaide
14. Kangaroos
15. Carlton
16. Essendon

Looks like a good call.

Let's see what it looks like in another 7 weeks.

[listening to: XTC Vs. Adam Ant - They Might Be Giants ]
4:36:00 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

I put the idea in their head and they went for it

Watch the movie that Brice and Antony made

[listening to: Till My Head Falls Off - They Might Be Giants ]
4:05:08 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • Geek

The Saints meet Port Adelaide in Tassie this weekend. It's live on Channel 9 on Sunday at 1pm.  I believe they have fixed the siren there too.

Will the Saints beat Port for the first time since 2000??. These guys have become our Hoodoo team recently.

Since 1997		All Games		Last 5 Games		Highest Score		Lowest Score		Biggest Win
St Kilda		5		0		126		47		65
Port Adelaide		9		5		139		45		83

Friday 21/07/2006

• 3.00a  Round 15 Essendon v St Kilda
• 8.00a  Last Time They Met 2006 Rnd 4 Port Adelaide v St Kilda

Sunday 23/07/2006

• 11.00p  Round 16 St Kilda v Port Adelaide

Monday 24/07/2006

• 5.00a  Round 16 St Kilda v Port Adelaide
  

[listening to: About Me - They Might Be Giants ]
2:54:53 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies • TV

I am a big fan of the folks from The Chaser. Their TV show on the ABC is an absolute pisser, full of parady, pranks and general shenangans. Their logies stunt was a classic.

Last week, one of their pranks backfired. Chas got arrested

The Age

Readers' Comments Chaser knife prank backfires Sunday Times.au, Australia - 23 hours ago A COMEDIAN with ABC TV's The Chaser's War on Everything has been charged with ... Chas Licciardello was filming a prank at Friday night's NRL clash in Sydney ... TV prank results in charges Melbourne Herald Sun Cops make war on TV comedian Melbourne Herald Sun TV prank backfires NEWS.com.au Queensland Sunday Mail - all 24 related »

I can't wait to see what gets said on their show.

** Update ** Chas has his own section on Wikipedia, with news of this event!

[listening to: XTC Vs. Adam Ant - They Might Be Giants ]
2:12:06 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • TV

Two major pieces of news about the Saints this weekend - one was the result against the Bombers, and the other the continuing saga of Justin Koschitzke

The Age

Bombers lead, and lead, and lead, and then... The Age, Australia - 20 hours ago Goals: St Kilda: F Gehrig 3 S Milne 3 N Riewoldt 2 B Voss J Gram C Ackland. Essendon: A Lovett 3 S Lucas 2 J Reynolds 2 J Watson D Peverill J Johnson. Close win has major significance for Saints coach The Age St Kilda scrapes a win over Essendon FOX SPORTS Saints shine on Dons' dirty day FOX SPORTS RealFooty - SportsAustralia.com - all 20 related »

RealFooty

Thomas concedes Kosi delay sportal.com.au, Australia - 6 hours ago St Kilda coach Grant Thomas has conceded that Justin Koschitzke's latest injury setback could delay his much-anticipated AFL return. Koschitzke to return when 'fit and ready' ABC Online Koschitzke collision a cruel blow Melbourne Herald Sun Kosi runs into trouble again RealFooty Daily Telegraph - RealFooty - all 37 related »

8:33:08 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

A really interesting round this week. A few close games. The Saints stole the game from the Bombers. Sorry Sheeds.

I scored 7 correct tips - aaarrggg

Week 15
Home		Draw		Away
Tigers (7.10 52)				Demons (9.16 70)
Bombers (10.11 71)				Saints (11.8 74)
Crows (16.13 109)				Hawks (11.7 73)
Kangaroos (11.18 84)				Lions (12.13 85)
Eagles (9.13 67)				Swans (9.11 65)
Cats (9.14 68)				Power (8.10 58)
Magpies (15.14 104)				Dockers (18.11 119)
Blues (11.14 80)				Bulldogs (16.14 110)

80 correct tips for the season now. I am now equal 2nd in the tipping comp!

8:27:24 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

I got my tips in before I went away. 

When we were down in Melbourne, we went along to the Telstra Dome to see the Saints meet the Magpies. It was wonderful to see the Saints beat the Magpies by almost 10 goals!.

I got 6 right again.

Week 14
Home		Draw		Away
Dockers (19.11 125)				Bombers (12.16 88)
Hawks (16.8 104)				Eagles (17.12 114)
Blues (11.11 77)				Cats (23.4 142)
Demons (14.14 98)				Lions (13.12 90)
Power (6.15 51)				Tigers (13.7 85)
Swans (8.14 62)				Crows (15.11 101)
Bulldogs (12.10 82)				Kangaroos (13.16 94)
Saints (19.8 122)				Magpies (9.9 63)

73 Correct tips for season now. I am coming equal 3rd in the tipping comp!.

8:15:25 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

We're back home, following our latest family road trip. I joined Moira and the kids in Melbourne last Saturday, after they had spent the week in Narooma.

We had a fun time in Melbourne - even getting to go to the footy to see the Saints thrash the Magpies.

The kids go back to school this week, and Moira has some chores planned for me -- oh joy

7:47:06 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

I'm taking a week off.

It's school holiday's here in NSW, so it's time for me to spend some time with the kids.

No email.

No blogs.

No computer

A return to more simple things.

We've got a bunch of board games, a deck of cards and lots of lego. If the weather is fine, we may even go outside for a walk.

See you in a week or so

11:22:08 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

Excellent news this week Oh, did I mention I'll be at the game on Sunday

Melbourne Herald Sun

AFL round-up The Age, Australia - 20 hours ago ST KILDA Saints utility Justin Koschitzke could return to action as soon as this weekend, it was revealed yesterday. Teammate Nick Riewoldt suggested that Koschitzke was likely to take the field for Springvale ... Kosi's return imminent sportal.com.au Koschitzke raring to go for Saints Melbourne Herald Sun all 10 related »

8:48:59 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

July 5: Independence Day in Venezuela (1811), Algeria (1962) and Cape Verde (1975); Saints Cyril and Methodius Day in the Czech Republic and Slovakia; Tynwald Day on the Isle of Man.

• 1687 - Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica by Isaac Newton (pictured) was first published.
• 1935 - The National Labor Relations Act, which governs labor relations in the United States, was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
• 1951 - William Shockley invented the junction transistor.
• 1954 - Elvis Presley recorded the song That's All Right.
• 1989 - Oliver North was sentenced for his part in the Iran-Contra Affair.

11:10:41 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

A few weeks ago we watched a show on MTV featuring the lesser known sport of Competitive Eating.

The program featured the superstars of the sport, such as Crazy Legs Conti and Takeru Kobayashi who holds the world record for eating hotdogs.

Well, I spotted a news story about Takeru Kobayashi today:

53 hot dogs in 12 minutes
JAPAN'S pint-sized dynamo Takeru Kobayashi
has smashed his own world record at the
hot dog eating titles - but he really prefers tofu.
More

[listening to: Ana Ng - They Might Be Giants ]
10:32:37 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

July 4: Independence Day in the United States, Filipino-American Friendship Day in the Philippines

• 1187 – Saladin defeated Guy of Lusignan, King of Jerusalem, at the Battle of Hattin and captured the True Cross.
• 1776 – The Continental Congress of the Thirteen Colonies in British North America approved a Declaration of Independence. (Grand Union Flag pictured)
• 1865 – Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll was first published.
• 1894 – The Republic of Hawai'i was proclaimed at Ali'iolani Hale in Honolulu, with Sanford B. Dole as the first president.
• 1976 – Operation Yonatan: Israeli commandos raided Uganda's Entebbe International Airport to free hostages taken by PLO and RAF hijackers.

[listening to: Doctor Worm - They Might Be Giants ]
5:30:13 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

Way back in November, I called it - My Name Is Earl rocks!

The show is finally on the telly in Australia and guess what, it rated well. Made it into to the top 10 for the week

I told you it was good! If only those in Willougby had listened to me back then

10:56:43 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • TV

Wonderful singing by Molly, as payback to our recent bet.

Classic!!!

AFL Podcast - Molly's Monday Machinations - Special Edition - Paying out my Bet with Frank Arrigo

Hi Guys,

In this Special Episode, I come through on payment for my bet with Frank Arrigo, a St. Kilda Saints support. Sorry about the sound quality, recorded it on my iRiver (been rushed the last week or so) and the quality was back to its poor level. Last time I record one like this (well actually I have last weeks in the can and will listen to it before releasing it).

Okay, with out any more time wasting, here it is Frank:

DOWNLOAD SHOW HERE

8:59:34 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Friends • My Hobbies • My Interests

The upcoming round sees the Saints meet the Magpies on Sunday 9th at the Dome

I'm going to be in Melbourne that weekend, and we're going to the footy again.

I've got crappy seats up on Level 3 at Telstra Dome, but I don't care. The game will have over 50,000 people in attendance.

The recent record between the two has been interesting

Since 1980		All Games		Last 5 Games		Highest Score		Lowest Score		Biggest Win
St Kilda		14		3		148		28		73
Collingwood		30		2		211		51		104

It would great to score 148 and have the pies score 51. That would be a nice result

Wednesday 05/07/2006

• 11.30p Round 13 St Kilda v Hawthorn

Friday 07/07/2006

• 10.30a Last Time They Met 2005 Rnd 17 St Kilda v Collingwood

Sunday 09/07/2006

• 8.30p Round 14 St Kilda v Collingwood

Monday 10/07/2006

• 6.30p  Classic Quarters 1993 Rd 4 Collingwood v St Kilda

Tuesday 11/07/2006

• 12.30  Round 14 St Kilda v Collingwood
  

8:29:56 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies • My Interests

Round about 3pm today I was feel pretty confident. I was on track for 6 winners and felt that the other two games would go as expected.

Boy, was I wrong.

6 tips for the weekend, I missed out on the last 2 results, which were the 'upsets' of the round.

Week 13
Home		Draw		Away
Kangaroos (14.12 96)				Bombers (13.11 89)
Saints (18.17 125)				Hawks (8.7 55)
Demons (18.12 120)				Power (12.10 82)
Swans (12.19 91)				Dockers (9.4 58)
Lions (8.23 71)				Blues (7.14 56)
Crows (21.21 147)				Cats (8.7 55)
Tigers (13.14 92)				Magpies (6.9 45)
Eagles (8.16 64)				Bulldogs (10.13 73)

67 Correct tips for season. The good news, I am coming 4th in the tipping comp, trailing by 3.

7:36:42 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies • My Interests

My kids have a new sweet treat. 

It's the cream puffs from Beard Papa

These little choux pastries filled with cream have become their new addiction and the store in Chatswood Westfield is like a scene from a Miyazaki movie.

3:50:26 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

July 1:

• 251 - The Goths under Cniva defeat the Roman Empire at the Battle of Abrittus and kill both Roman Emperors, Decius and his son and co-emperor Herennius Etruscus.
• 1867 - Canada Day: The Province of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia united in Confederation. (Flag of Canada pictured)
• 1904 - The first Olympic Games in North America opened in St. Louis, Missouri.
• 1916 - The first day on the Somme, the bloodiest day in the history of the British Army.
• 1991 - The Warsaw Pact was officially dissolved.
• 1997 - The sovereignty of the British crown colony of Hong Kong was transferred to the People's Republic of China, to be governed as a special administrative region under the policy of "One country, two systems".

11:37:38 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

The Saints thumped the Hawks at the Telstra Dome today.

ST KILDA: 5.7, 10.9, 16.13, 18.17 (125)
HAWTHORN: 0.1, 3.3, 3.6, 8.7 (55)
GOALS - St Kilda: Gehrig 5, Riewoldt 4, Harvey 3, Voss 2, Milne 2, Baker, Fiora
Hawthorn: Dixon 2, Barker, Bateman, Franklin, Croad, Vandenberg, Brennan
BEST - St Kilda: Harvey, Dal Santo, Hudghton, Voss, Maguire, Riewoldt, Gehrig, Milne Hawthorn: Mitchell, Roughead, Hodge, Brown, Birchall, Hodge, Vandenberg
INJURIES - St Kilda: Schwarze (hamstring)
Hawthorn: Guerra (gashed head)
CHANGES: Nil
REPORTS - Guerra (Hawthorn) reported by umpire Ryan for unduly rough play against Dal Santo (St Kilda) in the first quarter
UMPIRES - Margetts, Donlon, Ryan
CROWD - 33,869 at Telstra Dome

A 100+ point thrashing was on the cards, but the Saints took their foot off the pedal in the last 5 minutes which allowed the Hawks to score a few easy goals.

Still a 70 point win is a nice result.

This post on Saintsational sums it all up

Fiora was good. made one blue but played his role well and ran and created.
Harvey a freak.
Riewoldt brilliant
Goddard just keeps on getting better.
Gram, both Fishers, Max and Goose gave us great drive from defence.
Ackers and Rix won the hit outs.
Milne was lively, Voss back in form.
A good day at the office

Molly, I look forward to your rendition of the Saints Theme Song

sportal.com.au

Riewoldt stars in St Kilda AFL win The Age, Australia - 38 minutes ago ... Hawthorn's lack of a dangerous target up forward made it look directionless, with Saints key defenders ... and defensive pressure applied by St Kilda, which Thomas ... Saints annihilate hapless Hawks ABC Online Saints scorch Hawks sportal.com.au Riewoldt dominates against Hawthorn FOX SPORTS Border Mail - all 14 related ?

6:37:17 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies • My Interests

Saints commit to future sportal.com.au, Australia - 19 hours ago With St Kilda perched on six wins, six losses and inside the eight by percentage only, coach Grant Thomas is wary of his club's predicament.

3:21:52 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies • My Interests