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

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

Offtopic, but high level of geekness....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No, this person isnt related to me

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was a good day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, I found out some information -

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

Sounds ok - so I booked an installation.

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

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

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

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

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

Nice flowers and balloon. Who sent you those ;) 

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

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

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

A quick search found this reference

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday sis!

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

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

The holidays have begun and so have the chores.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome home little man.

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

Another day with Brice in hospital.

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

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

Last note I posted about Bricey's Woes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Voila!

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

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

Well, it's what I do.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maybe I should click through and read the article.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cool! Now I'm happy!!!!

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

I got the Audi A4.

Picked it up this afternoon.

In the pouring rain.

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

My wife is happy now

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

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

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

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

It is a whopping 6,320,430 digits long

Cool!

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

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

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

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

Here's Antony.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It doesn't look too bad.

The class photo & gift 2004 calendar is next!

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

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

Yummy!

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

Ah, summer is officially here. December 1st.

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

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

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

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