I got the following comment on my Vegemite Banned post 

"Stop vegemite from being banned in the US. It is bad news for Aussies living there and those in the states who love the yeasty taste of the breakfast spread that is vegemite... check out this site http://vegemiteisok.com/ and sign the petition to save vegemite!"

So, sign the petition.

Testing 1 2 3

How cool is this! I am able to use Windows Live Writer against my Radio Userland blog.

sweeeeeet

Unbelievable - THE US has banned Vegemite!!!!!

There's no accounting for taste

October 21, 2006 12:00am

THE US has banned Vegemite, even to the point of searching Australians for jars of the spread when they enter the country.

The bizarre crackdown was prompted because Vegemite has been deemed illegal under US food laws.

The great Aussie icon - faithfully carried around the world by travellers from downunder - contains folate, which under a technicality, America allows to be added only to breads and cereals.

Australian expatriates in the US said enforcement of the ban had been gradually stepped up and was now ruining lifelong traditions of Vegemite on toast for breakfast.

Kraft spokeswoman Joanna Scott said: "The (US) Food and Drug Administration doesn't allow the import of Vegemite simply because the recipe does have the addition of folic acid.''

The US was "a minor market'' for Vegemite, she said.

[listening to: Sunset Borderline - Sandi Thom ]
11:55:36 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

October 22: International Stuttering Awareness Day

• 1383 - In Portugal, a period of civil war and anarchy began when King Ferdinand I died without a male heir to the Portuguese throne.
• 1844 - Millerites and members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church were greatly disappointed that Jesus did not return as predicted by preacher William Miller (pictured).
• 1924 - Toastmasters International was founded.
• 1962 - Cuban Missile Crisis: U.S. President John F. Kennedy announced on television that Soviet nuclear weapons had been discovered in Cuba and that he had ordered a naval "quarantine" of the island nation.
• 1999 - Vichy France official Maurice Papon was jailed for crimes against humanity committed during World War II.

[listening to: The Boogie Monster - Gnarls Barkley ]
11:31:59 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Random

The new shows and who will be showing them in Australia

Ugly Betty (7) Comedy. 16.1 million US viewers. In the superficial world of high fashion, image is everything. So how can an ordinary, slightly plump plain-Jane with braces fit in? Features Aussie Alan Dale (ex-Neighbours).

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (9) Drama. 13 million US viewers. Matthew Perry stars in this take on the drama behind producing a popular late-night comedy sketch show.

Six Degrees (7) Drama. 10.8 million US viewers. From the creators of Lost. Borrows from the old adage that anyone can be connected through a chain of six people.

Smith (9) Drama. 11 million US viewers. Ray Liotta stars as the chief of a criminal gang of sophisticated thieves (think Ocean's 11) after a final pay day. Aussie Simon Baker (The Guardian) also stars.

Brothers & Sisters (7) Drama. Debuted in the US with 15.6 million viewers. Ensemble cast of complicated siblings starring Calista Flockhart, Aussie Rachel Griffiths (Six Feet Under) and veterans Tom Skerrit and Sally Field.

Shark (7) Drama. 14.7 million US viewers. James Woods is a super-confident defence attorney who switches to LA's High Profile Crimes Unit as head prosecutor.

Heroes (7) Drama. 14.1 million US viewers. Sci-fi drama chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities.

[listening to: Colossal - Wolfmother ]
10:56:12 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • TV

All I can say this show is hilarous.

The word is that Channel 7 has the rights to the show for Australia.

Will they stuff it up like they did Arrested Development?

[listening to: Hammy Time - Original Soundtrack ]
10:46:22 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • TV

I got a few Orkut related emails the past few days. I last checked my stats back in May

The invite only requirement has gone which may mean more people are using it.

I am now connected to 30,388,834 people through 109 friends with 16 fans and 35 scraps.

No new friends, but over 12,000,000 additional connections since I last checked.

My profile views: Since Feb '06: 188, Last week: 4, Yesterday: 2

[listening to: Leva's Polka - Loituma ]
8:13:19 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

Grab your leek and give it a spin

Or if you prefer live action

[listening to: Dimension - Wolfmother ]
12:28:08 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek • Random

Do'h!

I found my missing passport today.

Relive my journey

• Gotta Get A New Passport
• The Saga of My Passport
• Relief
• OMG - It Arrived Today

[listening to: Dimension - Wolfmother ]
12:12:22 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!  

October 16: World Food Day

• 456 - Magister militum Ricimer defeated Emperor Avitus at Piacenza and became master of the Western Roman Empire.
• 1813 - The Sixth Coalition attacked Napoleon and the First French Empire in the Battle of Leipzig, the largest conflict in the Napoleonic Wars.
• 1843 - William Rowan Hamilton first wrote down the fundamental formula for quaternions on Broom Bridge in Dublin, Ireland.
• 1940 - World War II: Hans Frank established the Warsaw Ghetto, the largest Jewish ghetto in occupied Poland.
• 1978 - Karol Józef Wojty³a, a cardinal from Kraków, Poland, became Pope John Paul II (pictured), the first non-Italian pope since the 16th century and the first ever from a Slavic country.

8:31:34 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

The Saga now ends

I took the little ones to see Barnyard this weekend - I am a sucker for talking animal movies.

What amused me was seeing the male 'cows' with udders.

Now, when I went to school, cows were female cattle, and Bulls or Steers were male - but this movie takes us into a relm of an alternate reality where cows can be male and female and the males have udders too. (which, since the animals talk it must be an alternate reality, so I guess boy cows can have udders)

Despite that, the movie was amusing and some of the music was terrific, especially the track Wild and Free by a Swedish band called Rednex

See and hear the song on YouTube

[listening to: Wild And Free - Rednex ]
7:11:03 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • Geek

Saints Score A Ruckman - the troubled Michael Gardiner. Heres hoping he responds and plays well.

Bring on 2007!

sportal.com.au

Gardiner off to St Kilda sportal.com.au, Australia - 12 Oct 2006 The Eagles have sent the one-time All-Australian ruckman and a fourth round draft pick (no.59) to the Saints and will receive St Kilda's third round selection (no.43) in exchange.

The Australian

Gardiner’s woes are in the past Border Mail, Australia - 23 hours ago ST Kilda regards recruit Michael Gardiner as a quality ruckman who can boost the club’s premiership chances, not as an injury prone player with a penchant for getting into trouble. Scott Spits at AFL trade day The Age Gardiner fit to ruck: Saints The Age Sinner close to being Saint Sunday Times.au all 14 news articles »

11:08:07 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

We ventured to the city to see The Ant Bully IMAX 3D Experience. 

We're all fans of 3D movies, and when you combine it with talking animated insects, well it's a winning combination!

10:57:11 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

I got this email today

-----Original Message-----
From: passports.online.service
Sent: Friday, 13 October 2006 11:16 AM
To: Frank Arrigo
Subject: YOUR PASSPORT IS COMPLETED.

 

THIS EMAIL IS AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED.

PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL.

 

FRANCESCO DANIELE ARRIGO

Application Form No: xxxxxxxxx

 

This email is to advise you that your passport application has been processed and your passport has been produced.

 

Applications lodged in Australia

 

If you lodged your passport application in Australia and asked for it to be mailed to you, it is now being despatched by registered post and you should receive it within 4-5 working days from the date of this message.  If you are unable to receive your passport in person when it is delivered by Australia Post, a card will be left in your letterbox letting you know from which post office it should be collected.

 

If you nominated to collect your passport, it is now ready for collection.

 

Applications lodged in the United Kingdom or Washington DC.

 

If you lodged your passport application in the United Kingdom or Washington DC and asked for it to be mailed to you, it is now being despatched and you should receive it within 2-5 working days from the date of this message.

 

If you nominated to collect your passport, it is now ready for collection.

 

Applications lodged at all other Australian missions overseas

 

If you nominated to collect your passport you should allow 4-5 working days before collecting it from the Australian diplomatic or consular mission where you lodged your application.  If you have arranged for the overseas mission to mail or courier your passport to you, please allow a few extra days for delivery.

 

 

Passports Online Service

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

www.passports.gov.au

6:22:25 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

New coach announced for the Saints. Finally the saga ends. Looks like a good dude.

Bring on 2007!

Lyon tips Silvagni for assistant job
ABC Online, Australia - 50 minutes ago
New St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has indicated former Carlton star Stephen Silvagni could join the club as an assistant coach. Lyon's appointment as coach was made official today.

sportal.com.au Lyon straight to work at St Kilda Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - 8 hours ago New St Kilda coach Ross Lyon says he will be meeting immediately with recruiting manager John Beveridge to assess the Saints' list during trade week. St Kilda endorses Swan Lyon as its new senior coach The Age Lyon outlines future sportal.com.au Lyon marches in for Saints The Age Melbourne Herald Sun - The Australian all 33 news articles » sportal.com.au Birss moves to Saints sportal.com.au, Australia - 2 hours ago St Kilda has claimed Western Bulldogs midfielder Shane Birss in a trade that will see the Saints give up their fourth round selection (No.59) in the NAB AFL Draft to the Dogs. Koschitzke on edge The West Australian all 2 news articles » Geelong Advertiser Lyon exits Swans to take reins at Saints The Australian, Australia - 21 hours ago SYDNEY assistant coach Ross Lyon is today expected to be announced as the new senior coach of St Kilda, replacing the recently sacked Grant Thomas. Lions retain Bradshaw on three-year deal The Age Swan Lyon set for Saints Townsville Bulletin Brisbane re-signs Bradshaw Townsville Bulletin all 10 news articles » Saints revamp footy department AFL, Australia - 4 hours ago St Kilda's football department will take on a different look in terms of both personnel and structure with the arrival of new coach Ross Lyon and the departures of assistants Matt Rendell and Mick McGuane, club president Rod Butterss confirmed on Wednesday ...

[listening to: Pancreas - Weird Al Yankovic ]
10:11:02 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies

I went for my Passport interview at the post office last week.

Turns out I used the wrong color ink on the form (I used BLUE), so she didnt accept it.

Plus, I needed a full birth certificate.

Back home.

I jump online at the Victorian Birth Deaths & Marriages site, thinking it should be easy.

Wrong!

I need to send original documents for the proof of identity via mail or photos copies signed by police. too hard, and I dont have time.

So, what do I do? I fly down to Melbourne and go visit the Birth Deaths and Marriages office in Collins St.

I was in the queue for an hour, but now I have a full birth certificate.

Back to the Passport site, find my application, print it out againa and this time I complete it in BLACK.

So, today I rock up to the post office for my second interview.

Still no joy. The lady wont accept it.

Back home, make the changes. off to another post office which doesnt need bookings, but I need to turn up at a certain time

I get there at 11:25am, which was 5 minutes too late. I need to come back at 2:30pm

I return at 2:30pm, feeling confident.

The lady behind the counter isn't happy. Apparently the name on the back of the photo needs to match the name on my birth certificate.

Now, my parents registered me as Francesco Daniele Arrigo. However all the things I have for my identify (driving license, medicare card) has me as Frank Arrigo.

I need to get another photo signed in BLACK with my full name.

Arrrrrhhhhhh

4th time a charm??

Will I ever get my passport sorted?

[listening to: Get What You Need - Jet ]
5:07:29 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

I took 3 of the kids to Luna Park to see the World Festival of Magic" show presented by the Bondi Lions (are they like the Brisbane Lions?)

There were 3 performers - JETON, SHIMADA and the Master of Ceremonies TONY LAFFAN

The kids all love a magic show - illusions, tricks, music, smoke and assorted sorcery. Not to mention juggling.

Me? Well, I liked the assistants. 

It was good to get seats up the front.

[listening to: Jenny Was a Friend of Mine - The Killers ]
11:36:27 AM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

I've been jumping through hoops this week to get a new passport.

I went to the website, filled in my details, printed the form, found a person to vouch for me, got new photos printed.

Now I need to have an interview at the local post office.

10 business day guarantee to get it done.

let's hope so. i travel soon

[listening to: Canadian Idiot - Weird Al Yankovic ]
8:53:18 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • Random

October 5: Republic Day in Portugal (1910)

• 1877 - After battling U.S. armed forces for more than three months, retreating over 1,000 miles across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana, and enduring a five-day siege, Chief Joseph (pictured) and his Nez Percé band finally surrendered.
• 1908 - Prince Ferdinand became the first Tsar of Bulgaria since the Ottoman invasion in the 14th century.
• 1930 - The British airship R101 crashed in France en route to India on its maiden voyage, killing 48 passengers and crew.
• 1969 - The first episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus was broadcast on BBC1.
• 1970 - Members of the Front de Libération du Québec kidnapped a British diplomat, sparking the October Crisis in Montréal, Canada.

[listening to: Trapped in the Drive-Thru - Weird Al Yankovic ]
8:13:22 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

I got my latest batch of tshirts from thinkgeek,

meh	ROFLcopter	binary joke :)

Some are for me and some are for Rigo. Can you guess who gets what?

[listening to: Virus Alert - Weird Al Yankovic ]
5:14:19 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family • Geek

This is the first week of a two week break.

Today (Wednesday), I took Billy to see Nacho Libre (after his failed attempt a few weeks back).

It was the Cinebuzz Club movie of the week, so we got a discount too!  Funny movie. The trailers for upcoming movies looked interesting too, especially Flushed Away, the next movie from Aardman.

Once we got home, Moira had a couple of IKEA purchases which we need to build. I think I am going to outsource to Billy

[listening to: Polkarama!: The Chicken Dance/Let's Get It Started/Take Me Out/Beverly - Weird Al Yankovic ]
5:03:49 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

Today is a public holiday in NSW - Labour Day. This holiday varies across the country.

Labour Day in Australia

In Australia, the Labour Day public holiday is fixed by the various states and territories' governments, and so varies considerably. It is the first Monday in October in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and South Australia. In both Victoria and Tasmania, it is the second Monday in March (though the latter calls it Eight Hours Day). In Western Australia, Labour Day is the first Monday in March. In both Queensland and the Northern Territory, it is the first Monday in May.

I've let Moira celebrate her labour day and I have made her many cups of tea.

[listening to: Andy, You're a Star - The Killers ]
3:30:20 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family

October 1: Yom Kippur in Judaism (begins at sunset, 2006); National Day in the People's Republic of China (1949); Independence Day in Cyprus and Nigeria (both 1960), Tuvalu (1978) and Palau (1994).

• 331 BC - Alexander the Great of Macedon defeated Darius III of Persia in the Battle of Gaugamela, and was subsequently crowned "King of Asia" in a ceremony in Arbela.
• 1936 - Francisco Franco was declared General¨ªsimo and head of state during the Spanish Civil War.
• 1958 - NASA began operations, replacing the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA).
• 1964 - T¨­kaid¨­ Shinkansen, the first Shinkansen line of high-speed railways in Japan, opened. (0 Series Shinkansen train pictured)
• 1977 - Brazilian football star Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pel¨¦, played his last professional football game.

[listening to: Exitlude - The Killers ]
9:26:30 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Geek

Rocket Scientists - that's all I can say

AFL looked at its own pay TV outlet Ninemsn - 2 hours ago The AFL considered setting up its own pay television channel to take over once Fox Footy closed. Fox Footy ended its five-year life on Saturday night after the grand final. AFL kicks around starting own footy channel The Australian Free Footy Campaign Is Fiction egoli.com.au all 5 news articles

[listening to: Colossal - Wolfmother ]
7:41:50 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Hobbies • TV

Got my latest Amazon order just in time for the holidays

• Straight Outta Lynwood
• The Weird Al Show - The Complete Series
• The Wild

Yup. we're big fans of Weird Al

[listening to: Stand Up - Jet ]
5:19:55 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • My Interests • TV

I took Brice to the movies this afternoon.

He has been wanting to see Stormbreaker for weeks, especially after I got him the Stormbreaker graphic novel

None of the other kids wanted to see the movie, so it turned out to be a cheap afternoon out.

So, how was the movie?

Bricey liked it. His favourite scene was when a security guard got "kicked in the goolies" (his words).

[listening to: Vagabond - Wolfmother ]
5:06:18 PM    comment []  trackback []  G!   • Family