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

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

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

Pretty cool!

I found it on Wil Weaton's site.    

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

Wil ROCKS!

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

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

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

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

A special kind of christmas lunch?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, I found out some information -

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

Sounds ok - so I booked an installation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to this study, silver cars are safer.

Good thing I got a silver car.

I feel safer already

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

So Excited!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I love this - go ahead & shake the snowglobe.

Thx to Sean

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

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

FRANK, you're a Great Dane at work

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Mr. Bush,

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

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

I gotta have one of these!

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Tabs versus Spaces: An Eternal Holy War."

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

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

Yes, I'm a geek

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

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

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

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

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