We've finally found a good place for Canolli in Sydney - Pasticceria Papa

Pasticceria Papa

145 Ramsay Street Haberfield

www.pasticceriapapa.com.au

Open:
Sun-Thur 7am-10pm,
Fri & Sat 7am-12 Midnight

There is a common thread that runs through the local businesses of Haberfield, a timeless formula of quality, hard work, tradition and community. Each business, be it coffee or cake, has its own story, and remains faithful to its roots.

Pasticceria Papa is perhaps Haberfield’s greatest example of this. Its Sicilian born owner Salvatore Papa migrated to Australia 17 years ago and for the last 13 years has been sharing with us his homemade recipes.

Pasticceria Papa is a patisserie, bakery and a café. Its display cabinet is longer than the eye can see and filled with fresh cannoli, profiteroles, biscotti and more. It also sells savoury food like pizza, as well as gelato and large cakes.

A world unto itself, Pasticceria Papa offers something genuinely unique. The atmosphere is always lively and bustling, and the quality of the food, consistently excellent. Perhaps this is why there is no better place for indulgences, however big or small.

Yummm

[listening to: Wine Red [Tommie Sunshine's Brooklyn Fire Retouch] [Mix] - The Hush Sound ]
4:08:13 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • My Interests

I went to see Emma perform in a play today. Isn't she cute!

[listening to: Wine Red [Tommie Sunshine's Brooklyn Fire Retouch] [Mix] - The Hush Sound ]
3:55:16 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

Yesterday, while I was visiting Brice's classroom, I spotted the following on the class room notice board.

I so wanted to grab an eraser......

[listening to: Hey Now Now - Michael Franti ]
3:42:40 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • Random

Some news in the lead up to the big game.

Hamill to face Lions, and more game time The Age, Australia - 14 hours ago ST KILDA forward Aaron Hamill trained solidly yesterday alongside fellow forwards Fraser Gehrig, Nick Riewoldt and Justin Koschitzke and looks certain to line up against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday night. Hamill set to tackle Lions AFL Saints star in doubt Courier Mail Hamill set to play, despite injury worry The Age AFL - Border Mail all 10 news articles » Voss keeps retirement decision quiet The Age, Australia - 20 hours ago Brisbane Lions skipper Michael Voss may play his last AFL game against St Kilda at the Gabba on Saturday but he won't make it official until after the grand final. It's all in the timing AFL, Australia - 22 hours ago Although St Kilda is yet to get on any great run this season, coach Grant Thomas is well aware it's all about timing your run heading into finals. Crackers' Rant sportal.com.au all 2 news articles »

[listening to: Hey Now Now - Michael Franti ]
3:32:30 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

Those guys from Bunnings Warehouse have a bunch of great ideas for Father's Day (which happens this Sunday, Sep 3)

Dad and Kids Night
Join in the fun and build a tool box together with dad at all Bunnings Warehouses on August 31^st from 6pm – 8pm.
Download an invite for dad

Colouring-in Competition
Colour in the picture and if your entry is drawn you will be our winner.
Colouring in Competition

Colouring in Card
Print off our father's day card, colour it in and give it to dad
Colouring in Card

My Dad is the Best Certificate
My dad is the best because......
Certificate

I'll be at our local Bunnings with Bricey on Thursday. We have a ToolBox to build!!

[listening to: Brown Sugar - The Rolling Stones ]
9:28:48 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Friends

August 30: St. Rose of Lima's Day in Peru; Victory Day in Turkey.

• 1800 - Gabriel Prosser attempted a slave rebellion in Virginia, United States.
• 1813 - Napoleonic Wars: French General Dominique Vandamme and thousands of his soldiers were captured in the Battle of Kulm by forces of the Sixth Coalition under Field Marshal Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly (pictured).
• 1862 - American Civil War: James Longstreet and Stonewall Jackson led their Confederate troops to a decisive victory in the Second Battle of Bull Run.
• 1992 - Michael Schumacher won his first Formula One race at the Belgian Grand Prix.
• 1999 - The people of East Timor voted for independence from Indonesia in a referendum.

8:24:25 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

Today was one of those days that really brings me joy.

I got to go to Brice's new school and be part of their Father's Day Breakfast. All the kids where there with their dads.

Brice was happy to have me there with him too.

I bought a ticket in the raffle and I won 3rd prize - a bottle of Irish Whiskey. Too Funny.

[listening to: Snakes on a Plane (Bring It) - Cobra Starship ]
11:58:17 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

The last round of the season is here. It's getting close. The Saints meet the Wounded Lions at the Gabba, which has not been a happy hunting ground for the team. They have only won there once.

Overall, the Saints record againts the Lions hasn't been that good either, but we have won the last 2 games againts them!

Since 1997	All Games	Last 5 Games	Highest Score	Lowest Score	Biggest Win
Brisbane Lions	12	3	154	44	97
St Kilda	6	2	186	52	139

Wednesday 30/08/2006

• 1.00p  Round 21 Western Bulldogs v St Kilda

Thursday 31/08/2006

• 1.00p  Last Time They Met 2006 Rnd 3 St Kilda v Brisbane Lions

Friday 01/09/2006

• 12.30a  Round 21 Western Bulldogs v St Kilda

Saturday 02/09/2006

• 10.30p  Round 22 Brisbane Lions v St Kilda

Sunday 03/09/2006

• 11.30a  Round 22 Brisbane Lions v St Kilda

Monday 04/09/2006

• 4.00p  Round 22 Brisbane Lions v St Kilda

[listening to: The Boogie Monster - Gnarls Barkley ]
9:56:50 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

August 28:

• 475 - Flavius Orestes took control of Ravenna, the capital of the Western Roman Empire, forcing Emperor Julius Nepos to flee.
• 1565 - Pedro Menéndez de Avilés (pictured) founded St. Augustine in Spanish Florida, the oldest continually occupied European settlement in the continental United States.
• 1845 - The first issue of Scientific American was published.
• 1850 - The romantic opera Lohengrin by Richard Wagner was first performed in Weimar, Germany.
• 1963 - Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech.

[listening to: When Horsepower Meant What It Said - Sandi Thom ]
4:21:30 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

What a round! Another draw and a few unexpected results.

Week 21
Home		Draw		Away
Bulldogs (13.14 92)				Saints (22.10 142)
Hawks (7.16 58)				Kangaroos (4.12 36)
Cats (14.10 94)				Demons (14.10 94)
Swans (14.13 97)				Lions (6.4 40)
Tigers (20.9 129)				Bombers (16.17 113)
Power (14.11 95)				Crows (11.15 81)
Magpies (24.12 156)				Blues (17.10 112)
Eagles (8.13 61)				Dockers (18.10 118)

5 correct tips this week gives me 104 correct tips for the season.

Unfortunately the result didn't benefit the Saints, as we are still in 7th spot. The cats didn't do us any favours this week. Grrrrr.

	Club		P		W		L		D		Home Wins		Away Wins		Points For		Points Against		Points
	Eagles		21		16		5		0		9		7		2084		1789		64
	Crows		21		15		6		0		8		7		2179		1546		60
	Dockers		21		14		7		0		8		6		1928		1821		56
	Demons		21		13		7		1		8		5		2052		1805		54
	Swans		21		13		8		0		5		8		1962		1586		52
	Magpies		21		13		8		0		8		5		2206		1894		52
	Saints		21		13		8		0		7		6		1966		1695		52
	Bulldogs		21		12		9		0		6		6		2164		2048		48
	Tigers		21		11		10		0		6		5		1842		2069		44
	Cats		21		10		10		1		6		4		1910		1869		42
	Power		21		8		13		0		4		4		1836		1993		32
	Hawks		21		8		13		0		5		3		1701		2068		32
	Lions		21		7		14		0		4		3		1787		2131		28
	Kangaroos		21		7		14		0		5		2		1683		2028		28
	Bombers		21		3		17		1		3		0		1896		2322		14
	Blues		21		3		17		1		2		1		1747		2279		14

[listening to: Believe Me Natalie - The Killers ]
7:46:50 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

I took my two big boys - Antony & Billy - to see Snakes on a Plane. We went to Macquarie's Gold Class, as a belated birthday present for both of them.

Samual L. Jackson has some great lines

Overall, It was a hoot!

[listening to: Mr. Brightside - The Killers ]
7:19:20 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • My Interests

This bit of news coming out of Melbourne has been quite sad for me, as an AFL fan based in Sydney.

Kevin Taylor over at Footystats Diary says it all ;

AFL is out of touch, and out of step

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou is quoted in an AAP report today in The Age and confirms just how out of touch he is with reality – "Everyone has got a free-to-air television set, and for us to be going into NSW and Queensland on a Friday night will be fantastic and we're looking forward to it."

Demetriou and his team may have gathered $780 million from the Seven-Ten consortium for a new TV broadcasting deal but are guilty of overseeing the death of the most important innovation for football – the Fox Footy channel.

The impact from the disappearance of the Fox Footy channel is incalculable and people in the south are simply not aware of what Fox has meant to the game and those who live north of the River Murray.

We were able to turn on at any time of any 24 hours and see our game being telecast, talked about, its history retold from vintage clips, but most of all it was its presence – which was not on the local radio, not in the local newspaper and not in the local TV newscast.

The AFL are guilty of lacking commercial savvy to have been party to all of this going under their noses.

And, to now come along with a proclamation befitting the great messiah of how wonderful it will be to see all eight games on free-to-air – WHEN ...

When will the shift workers in the early hours of the morning, or those in the rural areas – when will we see the replay of the Hawks-Kangaroo match?

Not bloody likely Mr Demetriou, ever again.

Farewell to Fox Footy and the dream that our game will ever be more than a curiosity piece outside of Melbourne.

More news on this story...

Border Mail Fox Footy's demise is irrelevant: Ten The Age, Australia - 4 hours ago ... all eight AFL games next year in a deal with Seven, but Ten was continuing to negotiate with Foxtel despite the imminent demise of the Fox Footy channel. ... Footy channel axing piles pressure on broadcasters ABC Online Fans left howling after Foxtel pulls plug The Age Footy fans furious at Foxtel The Age Sydney Morning Herald - The Australian all 35 news articles » Fox Footy channel set to be switched off Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - 22 Aug 2006 While Foxtel is still trying to secure subscription rights beyond this year, it announced the Fox Footy channel would cease to exist. ... Siren blows for Foxtel Footy The Age, Australia - 23 Aug 2006 ... Oh yeah, and go EAGLES for the '06 Flag!! We should not forget why Foxtel is closing the Fox footy channel. ... We need a channel like Fox Footy. ... Ten and Seven shut Foxtel out of footy Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - 23 Aug 2006 ... new rights partners Seven and Ten and its pay TV provider reached a new low yesterday when Foxtel announced the closure of the Fox Footy Channel and partially ... No more Fox Footy sportal.com.au, Australia - 23 Aug 2006 Foxtel will close the its AFL-only Fox Footy Channel at the end of the season because of the uncertainty over pay-TV rights to televise AFL football from next ... Our man at headquarters RealFooty, Australia - 20 hours ago Settled in for a quality night of television, with Channel Seven showing all these ... exasperated, then asked: "Do you realise the whole future of Fox Footy is at ... Broadcasters brawl as Foxtel axes AFL The Age, Australia - 23 Aug 2006 ... The big initial losers were about 50 staff at the Fox Footy channel, whose working futures are now uncertain, and AFL fans, who will lose their 24-hour service ... Coaches concerned over Fox demise AFL, Australia - 23 Aug 2006 Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade and St Kilda coach Grant Thomas have both expressed their disappointment over the demise of Fox Footy Channel – Eade going ...

[listening to: Zombie - The Cranberries ]
8:52:50 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies • TV

August 26:

• 1071 - Seljuk Turks led by Alp Arslan captured Byzantine Emperor Romanus IV in the Battle of Manzikert.
• 1346 - Hundred Years' War: The military supremacy of the English longbow over the French combination of crossbow and armoured knights was established in the Battle of Crécy.
• 1789 - French Revolution: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was approved by the National Constituent Assembly at Versailles.
• 1839 - The slave-held Amistad landed off Long Island in the U.S. state of New York.
• 1883 - The volcanic eruption of Krakatoa (pictured) generated disastrous tsunamis, destroying many settlements on Java and Sumatra in Indonesia and killing 36,000 people.

[listening to: Zombie - The Cranberries ]
8:46:17 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

Found a link to fd's FlickrToys

I like the profile widget

[listening to: Mike Teavee - Original Soundtrack ]
2:23:34 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

Outstanding win by the Saints on Friday night. They dominated the dogs. It was the most complete team effort for the season. And it was great to see Hamill, and Kosi up front with Reiwoldt and Gehrig.

Are the boys peaking at the right time of the year? A top 4 spot is looming.

	Qtr Time	Half Time	3 Qtr Time	Final
St Kilda	3. 4 (22)	13. 5 (83)	18.08 (116)	22.10.   142
Western Bulldogs	6. 3 (39)	9. 5 (59)	12.10   (82)	13.14.   092
St Kilda: Goals: - F.Gehrig 8, N.Riewoldt 5, B.Voss 2, S.Milne 2, R.Harvey 2, N.Dal Santo, J.Koschitzke, C.Ackland. Best: - F.Gehrig, N.Dal Santo, N.Riewoldt, L.Ball, R.Harvey, L.Montagna. Western Bulldogs: Goals: - B.Johnson 6, C.Grant, B.Montgomery, S.West, P.Street, M.Robbins, L.Gilbee, W.Minson. Best: - B.Johnson, D.Cross, S.West, C.Grant, M.Boyd. Injuries - St Kilda: nil. Western Bulldogs: L.Gilbee (knee). Reports - St Kilda: nil. Western Bulldogs: nil. Umpires - H.Kennedy, B.Allen, S.Jeffery. @ the Telstra Dome, Melbourne. Crowd: 47,120.

Advertiser Adelaide St Kilda flogs Western Bulldogs 142-92 The Age, Australia - 15 hours ago St Kilda key forwards Fraser Gehrig and Nick Riewoldt kicked 13 goals between them as the Saints roared back into form with a 22.10 (142) to 13.14 (92) AFL win over the Western Bulldogs to keep their top four hopes alive. Twin peaks dominate Dogs The Age Saints burn Dogs at Dome sportal.com.au Saints confirm finals spot ABC Regional Online SportsAustralia.com - ABC Online all 44 news articles » Umpires cop Eade rocket The Australian, Australia - 12 hours ago WESTERN Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade will approach AFL umpires' coach Rowan Sawers about the lack of protection star centreman Scott West received in the 50-point loss to St Kilda last night.

[listening to: Better the Devil You Know - Kylie Minogue ]
2:03:26 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies • My Interests

The past week has been hectic and personal took a back seat to work, due to TechEd.

Normal programming returns now.

1:58:29 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

Following the Merit Card, Brice came home with another award - The Star Student of the Week

As part of the award, he got to bring the class room mascot - Cuddles the Bear - home for the weekend

Cuddles went on a number of adventures. I wanted to start a Blog for Cuddles, but the family said "NO!"

[listening to: The Changeling - The Doors ]
9:41:58 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • Geek

Another big week in footy coming up. The Saints meet the Bulldogs. The game is on Friday night, which means *another* delayed telecast. Oh, how I miss the footy on a Saturday afternoon!

The Saints have had a good recent record against the Doggies recently.

Since 1980	All Games	Last 5 Games	Highest Score	Lowest Score	Biggest Win
Western Bulldogs	24	1	154	30	79
St Kilda	20	4	157	34	65

However the Saints have had a crap record this season with night games. They have only won 3 of the past 9 night games - not a good record.

Tuesday 22/08/2006

• 8.30a  Round 20 Fremantle v St Kilda
• 11.30p  Round 20 Fremantle v St Kilda

Friday 25/08/2006

• 3.30p  Last Time They Met 2006 Rnd 6 St Kilda v Western Bulldogs
• 9.30p  Round 21 Western Bulldogs v St Kilda

Saturday 26/08/2006

• 12.30a  Round 21 Western Bulldogs v St Kilda
• 6.30a  Round 21 Western Bulldogs v St Kilda
• 9.30a  Round 21 Western Bulldogs v St Kilda

Monday 28/08/2006

• 8.30a  Round 21 Western Bulldogs v St Kilda

[listening to: Soul Kitchen - The Doors ]
9:28:23 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

August 21: Independence Day in Latvia (1991), Ninoy Aquino Day in the Philippines.

• 1772 - A bloodless coup led by Gustav III was completed with the adoption of a new Instrument of Government.
• 1831 - Nat Turner led a slave revolt in Southampton County, Virginia.
• 1911 - Mona Lisa (pictured), an oil painting by Leonardo da Vinci, was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris.
• 1976 - Operation Paul Bunyan was carried out in response to the Axe Murder Incident in the Korean Demilitarized Zone, almost triggering a second Korean War.
• 1986 - A limnic eruption from Lake Nyos in Cameroon killed up to 1,800 people and 3,500 livestock in nearby villages.

8:47:40 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

Another crappy round for tipping. Just 3 correct tips this week. I am in a slump

Week 20
Home		Draw		Away
(12.15 87)				Magpies (12.17 89)
Bulldogs (16.9 105)				Crows (14.14 98)
Cats (14.6 90)				Swans (9.9 63)
Bombers (15.16 106)				Hawks (19.10 124)
Dockers (17.12 114)				Saints (7.14 56)
Lions (7.10 52)				Eagles (16.18 114)
Kangaroos (12.10 82)				Demons (20.12 132)
Blues (14.11 95)				Tigers (21.14 140)

99 correct tips for the season. There is no way I am going to win the tipping comp now, as I trail the leaders by 9.

[listening to: Rock & Roll Music [Live] - Mental as Anything ]
6:26:34 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

Do your own at http://www.speedtest.net/

How crappy is my uplink. I need to investigate that one

[listening to: Rock & Roll Music [Live] - Mental as Anything ]
5:43:49 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

August 20: St. Stephen's Day in Hungary.

• 636 - Arab forces led by Khalid ibn al-Walid took control of Syria and Palestine in the Battle of Yarmouk, marking the first great wave of Muslim conquests and the rapid advance of Islam outside Arabia.
• 917 - Bulgarians led by Tsar Simeon I drove the Byzantines out of Thrace with a decisive victory in the Battle of Anchialus.
• 1882 - The "1812 Overture", an orchestral work by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (pictured), was first performed at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow.
• 1968 - At least 200,000 Warsaw Pact troops and 5,000 tanks invaded Czechoslovakia, abruptly ending a period of political liberalization known as "Prague Spring".
• 1991 - Estonia regained its independence in the Singing Revolution, breaking away from the Soviet Union.

3:54:14 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

What a shocker of a game. It was a belting. I can't even watch the replay, it's so painful.

The Saints are now out of the top 4, and facing 2 more tough games ahead.

	Qtr Time	Half Time	3 Qtr Time	Final
Fremantle	6. 4 (40)	9. 5 (59)	14.10 (94)	17.12.   114
St Kilda	2. 1 (13)	2. 4 (16)	5.08 (38)	7.14.   056
Fremantle: Goals: - J.Farmer 4, M.Pavlich 3, S.McManus 3, J.Longmuir 2, D.Headland 2, B.Schammer 2, M.Carr. Best: - A.Sandilands, P.Bell, L.McPharlin, H.Black, M.Pavlich, S.McManus, B.Dodd, B.Peake. St Kilda: Goals: - F.Gehrig 2, J.Koschitzke, N.Riewoldt, R.Harvey, N.Dal Santo, B.Goddard. Best: - R.Harvey, N.Riewoldt, B.Goddard, L.Montagna. Injuries - Fremantle: J.Farmer (hamstring), R.Hayden (hamstring). St Kilda: nil. Reports - Fremantle: nil. St Kilda: nil. Umpires - D.Woodcock, S.McInerney, D.Goldspink. @ Subiaco Oval, Perth. Crowd: 39,069.

Freo dreaming of September The Age, Australia - 22 minutes ago Fremantle's surge towards September continued in impressive style tonight, the Dockers beating St Kilda 17.12 (114) to 7.14 (56) to burst into the AFL's top four and genuine premiership contention. Freo smashes sorry Saints 114-56 The Age, Australia - 23 minutes ago Fremantle's surge towards September continued in impressive style, the Dockers beating St Kilda 17.12 (114) to 7.14 (56) to burst into the AFL's top four and genuine premiership contention. Freo in seven heaven sportal.com.au, Australia - 35 minutes ago Fremantle has secured its second finals berth and a chance of a top-four finish after it thrashed an unimaginative St Kilda by 58 points at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.

[listening to: Gimme the Car [UK Single] [*] - Violent Femmes ]
11:13:14 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

Today my eldest turns 15.

It feels like only yesterday he was a little guy sitting on my lap staring at my computer

Happy 15th 'Rigo. Have fun making movies

[listening to: Add It Up - Violent Femmes ]
11:43:53 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

Go Sainters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fly That Flag

sportal.com.au

St Kilda ready to fly flag for Victoria The Age, Australia - 2 hours ago St Kilda coach Grant Thomas says the Saints are building towards their best form as September approaches and are ready to "fly the flag for Victoria" in the AFL finals series. Dockers looking for seven-straight ABC Online Never a dull moment when Saints play Freo The Australian New aim for Dockers is to keep it simple The Australian The Age - AFL - all 15 related »

sportal.com.au

Saints fly Vic flag sportal.com.au, Australia - 4 hours ago With St Kilda poised for another finals assault, Grant Thomas has urged his players to dig deep and take their game to the next level - even drawing up battlelines along state borders

[listening to: Andy, You're a Star - The Killers ]
9:39:02 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

The viral marketing campaign should have been a warning.

David Tench - More like David Stench (sorry couldn't resist the terrible pun)

The show was a big disappointment, despite the talk of a world first. It wasn't funny. It was banal.

Too much like what has come before. A poor copy of orignal shows such as Max Headroom and Space Ghost.

And I reckon the man behind the voice of David Tench is infact Tim Ferguson - former member of Doug Anthony AllStars.

[listening to: Andy, You're a Star - The Killers ]
9:03:25 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • TV

August 18:

• 293 BC - The oldest known Roman temple to Venus was founded, starting the institution of Vinalia Rustica.
• 1572 - French Wars of Religion: Marguerite de Valois (pictured) was married to Huguenot King Henry of Navarre, in a supposed attempt to reconcile Protestants and Catholics in France.
• 1868 - Pierre Janssen discovered helium while analyzing the chromosphere during a total eclipse of the sun. This was the first element detected in space before being found on Earth.
• 1941 - The T-4 Euthanasia Program in Nazi Germany was temporarily halted due to public resistance.
• 1966 - Vietnam War: A company of the Royal Australian Regiment fought a much larger North Vietnamese unit in the Battle of Long Tan.

4:51:07 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

Those Chaser Boys are at it again.

Another week and another prank. This time on airport security.

The Chaser’s War on Everything is on tonight.

4:48:09 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • TV

August 17: Independence Day in Indonesia (1945), Gabon (1960)

• 1807 - Robert Fulton started the first commercial steamboat service in the world.
• 1896 - Bridget Driscoll became the first person to be killed in a petrol-driven car accident.
• 1914 - World War I: Ignoring orders to retreat, Hermann von François (pictured) led a successful counterattack defending East Prussia in the Battle of Stalluponen and scored the first German victory in the Eastern Front.
• 1962 - East German border guards shot and killed Peter Fechter as he attempted to cross the Berlin Wall into West Berlin.
• 1980 - A dingo took a baby
• 1988 - President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq of Pakistan was killed in a plane crash.

[listening to: Blow Out - Radiohead ]
11:47:40 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

So, it's been 10 days since we dragged Brice out of one school and dropped him into another

He seems to have coped with it really well.

He scored a merit card.

What a champ!

[listening to: Vogue - Madonna ]
11:43:27 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

A really really big round of footy coming up this weekend. The Saints and Dockers have played a few tight games recently. The one on Saturday night will be a beauty.

The Age

What next for Saints v Freo? AFL, Australia - 22 hours ago Is it any wonder St Kilda coach Grant Thomas' number one ... for this weekend's blockbuster clash against Fremantle is for ... As the Saints and Dockers prepare to do ... St Kilda carries Big V flag Melbourne Herald Sun Saints jump into top four ABC Online Freo aim anchor at the four Sydney Morning Herald Sydney Morning Herald - SportsAustralia.com - all 24 related »

RealFooty

The run home AFL, Australia - 13 Aug 2006 ... And if the Saints get over the Dockers, they will fancy their chances ... with their two biggest rivals for fourth spot in Fremantle and St Kilda squaring off ... Fremantle lurking as wild-card The Australian all 31 related »

[listening to: In This Life - Madonna ]
12:08:10 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

48 Today!

[listening to: Crazy - Gnarls Barkley ]
9:18:08 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests • Random

Saw a link to this article over at Nick Hodge's blog. I think it was the title that got me - Anti-antidisestablishmentarianism

Why Do You Work So Hard?
Is it maybe time to quit your safe job and follow your path and infuriate the establishment?

Food for thought............

[listening to: Still Take You Home - Arctic Monkeys ]
3:30:31 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Friends

August 15: Victory over Japan Day (1945); Independence Day in North Korea & South Korea (1945), India (1947), and Congo (1960); Flooding of the Nile in Egypt.

• 778 - A Frankish army led by Roland was defeated in the Battle of Roncevaux Pass, a tale retold in the Old French epic poem The Song of Roland.
• 1534 - Ignatius of Loyola (pictured) and six others at Montmartre near Paris took the vows that led to the establishment of the Society of Jesus.
• 1914 - The Panama Canal opened to traffic, providing a short-cut from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.
• 1945 - World War II: The Gyokuon-hôsô was broadcast in Japan, announcing the unconditional surrender of the Japanese military.
• 1969 - The Woodstock Music and Art Festival in Bethel, New York began.

11:50:08 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

Saints prevailed on the weekend. They are now back in 4th place on the ladder.

Tough game next week, againts the rampaging Dockers. The game is on the telly, but it will delayed on Fox Footy. I don't think Channel 10 will show it live into Sydney.

Our record against them has been interesting and the last 3 games controvertial!

Since 1995	All Games	Last 5 Games	Highest Score	Lowest Score	Biggest Win
Fremantle	9	2	131	58	71
St Kilda	7	3	118	56	39

Tuesday 15/08/2006

• 1.30p  Round 19 Geelong v St Kilda

Wednesday 16/08/2006

• 6.00p  Classic Quarters 2001 Rd 1 Western Bulldogs v St Kilda

Thursday 17/08/2006

• 3.30p  Last Time They Met 2006 Rnd 5 St Kilda v Fremantle
• 9.30p  Classic Quarters 2001 Rd 1 Western Bulldogs v St Kilda

Friday 18/08/2006

• 7.30a  Classic Quarters 2001 Rd 1 Western Bulldogs v St Kilda

Saturday 19/08/2006

• 10.30p  Round 20 Fremantle v St Kilda

Sunday 20/08/2006

• 3.30a  Classic Quarters 2001 Rd 1 Western Bulldogs v St Kilda
• 11.30a  Round 20 Fremantle v St Kilda

5:26:57 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies • TV

August 13: Independence Day for the Central African Republic (1960)

• 1521 - Tlatoani Cuauhtémoc was captured and the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán fell to forces led by Conquistador Hernán Cortés after an extended siege.
• 1704 - The Battle of Blenheim, a pivotal event of the War of the Spanish Succession, took place. England and Austria claim victory over France and Bavaria.
• 1913 - Harry Brearley developed stainless steel.
• 1961 - Construction of the Berlin Wall, a long barrier separating West Berlin from East Berlin and the surrounding territory of East Germany, began.

[listening to: Fab I Pursuit - Barry Gray ]
6:32:29 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek • Random

My dreadful tipping run continues. This week I just got 4 right. But, the Saints won, so that's all that matters,

Week 19
Home		Draw		Away
Bombers (10.14 74)				Magpies (9.7 61)
Demons (10.3 63)				Swans (14.11 95)
Eagles (14.23 107)				Kangaroos (12.9 81)
Tigers (21.16 142)				Lions (8.12 60)
Bulldogs (13.13 91)				Power (14.21 105)
Crows (10.20 80)				Dockers (13.17 95)
Cats (11.14 80)				Saints (15.13 103)
Hawks (17.11 113)				Blues (13.12 90)

Overall I got 96 tips correct this season. Still 6 tips from the lead.

[listening to: Major Disaster - Original Soundtrack ]
6:28:18 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

Go the Saints! A triumph over their recent nemesis the Cats.

I haven't seen the game yet. It's on the telly later tonight. Time to savour the victory.

Townsville Bulletin Saints jump into top four ABC Online, Australia - 3 hours ago St Kilda moved into the top four on the AFL ladder following a 23-point victory over Geelong at Docklands this afternoon. The Saints won the round 19 clash 15.13 (103) to 11.14 (80), the result effectively ... Saints down Cats to reach top four The Age Saints end Cats' season SportsAustralia.com Saints end Cats' hopes with 103-80 win The Age The Age - The Australian - all 19 related »

[listening to: Thunderbirds Are Go! (Original TV Series Theme) - Original Soundtrack ]
6:13:26 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

Low in General Geekiness - LOL

Your Geek Profile:

Academic Geekiness: Highest Geekiness in Love: Highest Movie Geekiness: Highest Internet Geekiness: High Music Geekiness: High Fashion Geekiness: Moderate Gamer Geekiness: Moderate SciFi Geekiness: Moderate General Geekiness: Low

9:16:25 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

Finally a reason to visit Adelaide again

Good to see Mike Harbison deliver on a dream he has had for a number of years.
And nice to see Internode still making waves too

9:08:59 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

How good is the current Dr Who.?

We're loving it. It's actually better than the last one, which is hard to believe.

And this series just keeps getting better. However, I can't wait to see the next one with the new assistant.

[listening to: Creep - Radiohead ]
7:17:18 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek • TV

How exciting - Kosi is going to play on Sunday

The Australian

St Kilda abuzz as Koschitzke given green light The Australian, Australia - 20 hours ago JUSTIN KOSCHITZKE is no certainty to play against Geelong despite being named in an expanded St Kilda squad of 25 for Sunday's game at Telstra Dome. Koschitzke may be shock inclusion for Saints The Age Kosi back in Saints line-up Border Mail all 8 related »

[listening to: Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani ]
9:57:25 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

August 11: Independence Day in Chad (1960)

• 3114 BC - Epoch of the current era in the Maya Long Count Calendar began.
• 480 BC - Spartan hoplites under Leonidas I, along with Thespians under Demophilus, fought to the last man in the Battle of Thermopylae, losing to a large Persian invasion force led by Xerxes I.
• 1919 - The Weimar Republic adopted its constitution.
• 1970 - A trademark application for the word "spork" was published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• 1987 - Alan Greenspan (pictured) became Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve.
• 1993 - Billy Arrigo Born

7:56:37 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • Geek

While on the subject of Billy.

He won an award for his inaugural Knox Rugby Union season.

He scored the "Most Improved Player" for all of the U13 teams. That's so cool!

A momentous occassion.

The first Arrigo to win a sports award that wasn't just for turning up and playing each week.

[listening to: Thunderball - Tom Jones ]
11:30:25 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

My Big Boy Billy turns 13 today.

Happy Birthday and welcome to the teenage years

[listening to: Sax and Violins - Talking Heads ]
11:11:48 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

I would like this to be my slogan. I have no idea what I need to do to make this improvement

a quickr pickr post

8:26:28 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

August 10: Independence Day in Ecuador, International Biodiesel Day

• 1792 - French Revolution: Insurrectionists in Paris stormed the Tuileries Palace (pictured), effectively ending the French monarchy until it was restored in 1814.
• 1809 - History of Ecuador: After nearly three centuries of Spanish rule, the first cry for independence was heard in Quito.
• 1846 - Smithsonian Institution was chartered by the Congress of the United States.
• 1920 - Representatives of Sultan Mehmed VI signed the Treaty of Sèvres, recognizing the partitioning of the Ottoman Empire in the aftermath of World War I.
• 1990 - The Magellan space probe reached Venus.

8:16:01 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

I had to take a photo of the car in front

a quickr pickr post

8:53:52 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

Ho hum - it's obviously a slow news week, as the pundits speculate on injured players returning

sportal.com.au

Thomas sweats on Kosi clearance The Australian, Australia - 19 hours ago LUCKLESS St Kilda big man Justin Koschitzke faces another barrage of tests this week to determine his immediate playing future. Saints coach Grant Thomas said yesterday the club awaited ... Hamill 'struggling' says coach sportal.com.au Is Kosi's season over? Courier Mail all 5 related »

RealFooty

Cats to punt on Ablett against Saints Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - 41 minutes ago ... the Cats' finals hopes still alive provided they can win their last four games, Geelong is considering taking the risk on its match-winner to play the Saints. ... King warns rivals not to get too cosy FOX SPORTS all 15 related »

8:05:23 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

August 8: Ghost Festival in the Chinese calendar (2006); Father's Day in Taiwan.

• 1876 - Thomas Edison received a patent for his mimeograph machine.
• 1938 - Holocaust: Construction of the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp, one of the largest labour camp complexes in German-occupied Europe, began.
• 1946 - The first prototype of the B-36 Peacemaker, the first nuclear weapon delivery vehicle to be mass-produced, flew for the first time.
• 1967 - Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand founded the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
• 1991 - The Warsaw radio mast (pictured), the tallest structure ever built, collapsed.

[listening to: Everyday I Write the Book - Elvis Costello & the Attractions ]
9:11:34 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

Tonight is Census Night! 

I wanted to complete the eCensus, but I was over-ruled by my wife who likes it 'old school'.

We sat around the table and filled in the form.

Most of the questions were fine and I tried really hard to not muck about with my answers.

However, I couldn't resist the following.

• Q38 - Evangelism Manager
• Q39 - Manage a Team of Evangelists

LOL - I wonder if ABS has a taxonomy for that!

8:50:59 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • Geek

This is the letter we sent to Brice's old school

8th August 2006

Mr Fulcher 
Principle
St Ives North Primary School 
Memorial Ave
St Ives, NSW 2075

Dear Mr Fulcher:

We wish to advise you that we have withdrawn Brice Arrigo from St Ives North Primary School. Brice was not coping with the playground life at the school and we felt that he was not suited to such a large school.  We have moved him to Wahroonga Preparatory School which is a much smaller school with only 150 children attending. 

We would like to thank Miss Munro for her support and help throughout this year, we have appreciated her commitment to Brice’s education and he will miss her deeply.

Brice’s last day at St Ives North was Friday, 4 August 2006.

Yours sincerely,

Frank & Moira Arrigo

What we are saying without saying it, was that Brice was bullied at school. He was picked on because he was different. He stuck out and the kids picked on him and the school let it happen.  This happened to Rigo as well, and we put up with it. Well, this time, we did something.

It is a sad end to a 10 year association at the school, but bullying is rife in primary schools and no amount of rhetoric by principals and teachers are going to stop it. It starts at home. If there is intolerance at home, it comes to the school - simple as that.

[listening to: To Her Door - Coloured Girls ]
9:39:25 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

Disappointing Round 18, and it's not going to get any easier. The pundits are starting to write the team off

Next weekend we meet our nemesis, Geelong. They had a big win on the weekend and will be feeling pumped.

Our recent record has been average. Geelong has the upper hand. Plus, we lost to the Cats earlier this year for Robert Harvey's milestone game. Maybe this is what the team needs to lift them a grand win.

Since 1980	All Games	Last 5 Games	Highest Score	Lowest Score	Biggest Win
Geelong	33	3	228	55	122
St Kilda	14	2	177	27	71

Wednesday 09/08/2006

• 1.00p  Round 18 St Kilda v West Coast Eagles

Friday 11/08/2006

• 12.30a  Round 18 St Kilda v West Coast Eagles
• 10.30a  Last Time They Met 2006 Rnd 7 St Kilda v Geelong

Sunday 13/08/2006

• 8.30p  Round 19 Geelong v St Kilda

Monday 14/08/2006

• 5.00a  Round 19 Geelong v St Kilda
• 6.30p  Classic Quarters 2001 Rd 1 Western Bulldogs v St Kilda

Tuesday 15/08/2006

• 12.30a  Round 19 Geelong v St Kilda

5:50:20 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies • My Interests • TV

Moira and I took Brice to his new school - Wahroonga Prep School  - today.

I think he was happy

3:35:28 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

There's was a bit of an incident at our local shops this weekend.

What's going on in my sleepy suburb?

First we had the drug bust and now we have this ram raid!

What's next??

Police investigate Ram Raid - St Ives
NSW Police Online, Australia - 4 Aug 2006
Police are investigating a ram raid incident at St Ives in Sydney’s north this morning. About 4.50am today (Saturday 5 August ...
Ram-raiders target mall Melbourne Herald Sun
all 8 related »

[listening to: The Ballad of Michael Valentine [#] [#] - The Killers ]
9:02:49 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

What a shocker! 3 correct tips this week. I think this has been my worse round of the season. I was picking based on results that would favour the Saints.

Week 18
Home		Draw		Away
Saints (8.11 59)				Eagles (14.14 98)
Tigers (10.18 78)				Bulldogs (15.10 100)
Blues (12.8 80)				Demons (10.13 73)
Swans (17.14 116)				Bombers (11.7 73)
Crows (7.16 58)				Magpies (7.12 54)
Lions (13.9 87)				Cats (14.20 104)
Kangaroos (12.12 84)				Power (9.11 65)
Dockers (14.20 104)				Hawks (7.9 51)

I've now got 92 correct tips for the season. I have fallen to the middle of the pack of my tipping competition. How embarrasing.

7:46:09 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies • My Interests

Bricey starts a new school this week.

He wont be going to St Ives North Primary School anymore. This ends our 10 year association with the school.

He starts at Wahroonga Prep School on Monday, and he is really excited. We are too. It's nice to see him enthusiastic about going to school.

[listening to: Nobody Knows Me - Madonna ]
6:10:17 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

I woke up this morning feeling congested and generally pretty poor,

Moira let me stay in bed.

I got up at about 4pm.

I'm still feeling average. I'm in need of some pseudoephedrine

[listening to: Fever - Madonna ]
5:04:51 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Health

Rigo convinced us to get Æon Flux on DVD.

You know, it's not a bad movie.

Kinda like a cross between Dr Who and Star Trek TNG -  a cerebral science fiction action film.

Or maybe we're just suckers for Charlize Theron in spandex.

[listening to: How High - Madonna ]
8:54:05 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • TV

Disappointing result tonight for the Saints. It was close up to three quarter time.

Poor kicking in the 3rd quarter by the Saints (5 points in a row) kept the door open for the the Eagles who got 2 goals in the last 90 seconds of the 3rd qtr and then powered away in the last quarter.

	Qtr Time	Half Time	3 Qtr Time	Final
West Coast	2. 5 (17)	4. 9 (33)	7.11 (53)	14.14.    98
St Kilda	1. 2   (8)	3. 4 (22)	5.10 (40)	8.11.    59
West Coast: Goals: - C.Judd 3, A.Sampi 2, D.Kerr 2, Q.Lynch, S.Armstrong, B.Staker, A.Hansen, C.Fletcher, T.Stenglein. Best: - D.Kerr, B.Cousins, C.Judd, B.Waters, D.Wirrpanda, T.Stenglein, A.Selwood. St Kilda: Goals: - N.Riewoldt 4, F.Gehrig, A.Fiora, J.Gram, L.Montagna. Best: - J.Gram, N.Riewoldt, N.Dal Santo, S.Powell, L.Fisher. Injuries - West Coast: nil. St Kilda: M.Maguire (broken leg). Reports - West Coast: nil. St Kilda: nil. Umpires - B.Rosebury, B.Allen, S.Ryan. @ the Telstra Dome, Melbourne. Crowd: 40,177.

And another player out for the rest of the season

RealFooty Eagles power away from Saints ABC Online, Australia - 1 hour ago ... and Chris Judd were outstanding for the Eagles, who backed up last week's thrashing of the Crows with a 14.14 (98) to 8.11 (59) triumph over the Saints. ... Eagles halt Saints' streak sportal.com.au West Coast eyes top-two finish after win The Age The Age - SportsAustralia.com - all 26 related »

12:07:51 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

I was on the phone talking to a journalist today and while we were chatting, I decided to google myself (as one does)

First I searched on Frank

Not Bad - #5

Then I Searched on Arrigo

Wow - I'm the number one Arrigo on Google

Finally, a search on Frank Arrigo

Double WOW. 

a quickr pickr post

[listening to: Won't Give In - Sara Storer ]
11:17:24 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek • Random

Oh Crap!

The Australian

St Kilda's Baker loses striking appeal Ninemsn, Australia - 2 hours ago St Kilda midfielder Steven Baker has lost his appeal against a two-game AFL suspension for attempting to strike an opponent. Baker was suspended for two games for attempting to strike Richmond's Greg Stafford at the MCG last Saturday. Saints' Baker denied 'fair hearing' The Age Define jumper punching, Thomas tells AFL The Age Baker appeal dismissed ABC Online RealFooty - all 46 related »

[listening to: Midnight Show - The Killers ]
10:03:46 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

I got my latest batch of Amazon Goodies.

Books

• "The Miocene Arrow (Greatwinter Trilogy)" - Sean McMullen
• "The Halo Graphic Novel" - Lee Hammock

DVD

• "Animaniacs, Vol. 1"
• "Pinky and the Brain, Vol. 1"
• "Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Complete Fifth Season"
• "V for Vendetta (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition)"

[listening to: Smile Like You Mean It - The Killers ]
10:02:12 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests • TV

While watching my regualr wednesday night shows on the ABC,

8:00	The New Inventors
8:30	Spicks & Specks
9:00	Absolute Power
9:35	The Glass House
10:05	At The Movies

there was an ad for Extras, which is 'coming soon'.

Finally.

Haven't heard about Extras? It's great. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about it

Extras is a sitcom about extras working on movie sets and in theatre. It is written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. The series is filmed in a more traditional sitcom style than the mockumentary style used by Gervais and Merchant's previous award-winning series The Office. The series is a BBC/HBO co-production which first aired on July 21, 2005 on BBC Two in the UK and premiered on September 25, 2005 on HBO in the U.S.. The first series DVD was released in the UK on October 31, 2005.There were 6 episodes in the first series, all containing a different celebrity in each.

[listening to: One Step Closer - U2 ]
9:51:31 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • TV

August 2:

• 216 BC - Second Punic War: Carthaginian forces led by Hannibal (bust pictured) destroyed a Roman army at the Battle of Cannae.
• 1870 - Tower Subway, the world's first underground tube railway, opened in London.
• 1903 - The Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization and Bulgarians in the Ottoman Empire carried out the Ilinden Uprising.
• 1934 - Adolf Hitler became Führer of Nazi Germany.
• 1990 - Iraq invaded Kuwait, triggering the Gulf War.

8:51:06 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

The Saints gambled. Rather than take the one week suspension from the match review board, they went to the tribunal

They gambled and lost. Baker is now out for two

Saints lose Baker for two ABC Online, Australia - 1 hour ago St Kilda midfielder Steven Baker will miss the club's next two matches after his striking charge was upheld by the AFL tribunal on Tuesday night. ... Tigers risk Raines sportal.com.au Baker outed for two sportal.com.au Stafford, Raines, Baker to fight charges The Age FOX SPORTS - The Age - all 32 related »

[listening to: Promise - Violent Femmes ]
8:38:52 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

So I was watching Boston Legal on the telly last night (don't ask) and the particular episode had a story line with a lawyer who has been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome.

Turns out it's a recurring character with an ongoing story line.

Jerry 'Hands' Espenson (Christian Clemenson) - a brilliant lawyer with Asperger's syndrome who earned his nickname by constantly placing his hands on his thighs. He was so irate over missing out on partner status that he pulled a knife on Shirley Schmidt, only backing down when Alan Shore agreed to be his lawyer. Shore convinced Schmidt to drop any charges against Jerry when his condition became known. He is currently working on his own, having left the firm after the incident.

Autism continues to move into the mainstream

BTW Boston Legal is a pretty good show. Anything with William Shantner is just pure gold.

[listening to: Don't Stand Too Close to Me '86 - The Police ]
8:23:29 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • TV

I spotted a really cool service called QuickrPickr, which is "a quickr way to pick Flickr pictures, generate HTML code, and post them to blogs, web pages, and forums."

Cool!

a quickr pickr post

[listening to: Hello - Lionel Richie ]
3:41:58 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek