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'The Prime Minister, John Howard, today pledged $1 billion over five years to the Indonesia's tsunami reconstruction, the largest donation made so far for the relief effort.
On the eve of today's international summit in Jakarta, Mr Howard announced a historic package which includes $500 million in direct aid and $500 million in concessional loans. He said the Indonesian President, Susilo Yudhoyono, had been “overwhelmed” by the offer and “would never forget it”.'
It seems that Australia's Prime Minister, John Howard, really wants to get close to the people of this country in the lead up to the federal election this Saturday. A few weeks ago we reported he engaged in SPAMMING the Australian public - today reports are surfacing of him using phone spam - recorded messages to tens of thousands of Aussie homes with messages endorsing Liberal candidates.
"The Liberal Party today defended its use of pre-recorded phone messages from Prime Minister John Howard, with which it is bombarding households across Australia in the lead-up to polling day.
The Liberals are expected to contact tens of thousands of households between now and Saturday, with messages from Mr Howard declaring his support for local candidates in electorates across the country.
A Liberal Party spokesman, who referred to them as advocacy calls, said the party had been contacting voters in this way since 1996.
The only difference was that in the past, campaign workers had read from a prepared script, he said."
The Libs are calling them 'advocacy calls' - I call them plain annoying and a waste of money. I think we should start a campaign of bombarding the PM's office with prerecorded messages and emails and see how it goes over.
1. Makybe Diva
2. Vinnie Roe
3. Zazzman
4. Elvstroem
5. Hugs Dancer
6. Distinction
7. Mamool
8. Catchmeifyoucan
9. Razkalla
10. Strasbourg
11. On A Jeune
12. Media Puzzle
13. Grey Song
14. Roman Arch
15. Upsetthym
16. Another Warrior
17. Winning Belle
18. Lashed
19. Mummify
20. Don Raphael
21. Pacific Dancer
22. Hard To Get
23. Delzao
24. She's Archie.
The Melbourne Cup is being run at 3.10pm on Tuesday 2nd November in 2004. It's the 'race that stops the nation'. Who will the winner of the Melbourne Cup be in 2004?
Following is a list of Melbourne Cup information, articles, tips and llinks to help you prepare for your Melbourne cup day.
- Melbourne Cup - Official Site - 'The Melbourne Cup, it is the race that defines Australian horse racing, it's the race that stops a nation, people from all around Australia stop for the spring carnival. They engage in betting on the Australia spring carnival and it is also a huge part in the Australian racing history. Held at the Flemington race track in Melbourne and organised by the VRC the Melbourne Cup is definately a horse racing bookies dream.'
- Field for Melbourne Cup - all the horses listed with odds. Barrier draw will be added as it comes to hand.
- Melbourne Cup Jockeys - A list of the 2004 Melbourne Cup Jockeys - with their previous records.
- The Age - Horse Racing Page - with all the latest Melbourne Cup news, information on horses, jockeys, lead up races, tips etc.
- Ozeform - Melbourne Cup. 'The Melbourne Cup is Australia's most famous horse race, and is truly the "race, which stops a nation".
All over Australia, millions of people tune in to watch or listen to the famous race - even proceedings in Parliament cease so that Members can hear it.
In Melbourne it is the reason for a Public Holiday and is considered the biggest tourist attraction in its home state of Victoria.
In many ways the Melbourne Cup is an anachronism - being a handicap and run over the unfashionable distance of 3200m - when in other countries the feature events are more likely to be run at weight-for-age and over 2000m to 2400m....'
- Racenet - Melbourne Cup - Melbourne Cup Stats including past winners, jockeys, horses, colors, barriers etc.
It looks like the Australian Embassy in Jakarta may have been the target of a bomb in the last few hours. Will follow the story here on this post - more to come.
update - Australian news reports are now reporting 7 now dead with over 50 wounded. Pictures of the buildings around the blast show evidence of a massive explosion. It is being called a terrorist attack.
Eye witnesses say that it was a car bomb.
'I am now a couple of hundred metres back from the bomb site.
It really is a chaotic scene.
There are sirens going off in the background - fire engines, ambulances and police are everywhere.
A huge crowd has gathered here to try to find out what happened.
There is a massive crater outside the Australian embassy. There is a green security fence and the crater is the other side of that....
There are mangled remains of cars and motorbikes that were thrown up into the air by the force of the blast.
Eyewitnesses saw two bodies being carried away. I have seen body parts on the ground.' Read more at Eyewitness: Jakarta blast
"A powerful blast has hit Jakarta's central business district near the Australian Embassy, killing at least three people and wounding many more.
Several bodies" were seen just outside the Australian Embassy's 6- meter (20-foot) high steel gate, which was mangled in the blast, CNN's Maria Ressa reported.
The blast -- which Ressa said was "far larger" than a blast which killed 12 in the JW Marriot Hotel in the same district last year -- shattered nearly all the windows in seven surrounding buildings, including several high-rises.
A powerful bomb exploded near the Australian Embassy in Jakarta on Thursday, killing at least three people and wounding 50, witnesses and officials said.
No one inside the heavily fortified embassy was wounded in the blast, though windows were shattered, said Lyndall "Sachs, a spokeswoman for the Australian foreign ministry in Canberra. Local security officials said that an Indonesian security guard manning a post outside the gate was among the three dead.
In the same neighborhood last year, a suicide attack at the JW Marriott hotel killed 12 people. Australia, the United States and several other countries have recently warned that Muslim militants may be planning new attacks in Indonesia.
'Six people are believed to have died in a massive blast outside the Australian embassy in Jakarta, the Australian prime minister has said.
John Howard said it was thought the explosion was a car bomb.
The BBC's Rachel Harvey in Jakarta says the blast left a large crater in the ground and damaged nearby buildings and motor vehicles.
Helicopters, ambulances and police units are at the site, in Kuningen, a district to the south of the city.'
Read more at Massive blast at Jakarta embassy
What the results of the Australian Federal Election in 2004 be? Will Latham's ALP win or will John Howard retain the job as Prime Minister?
John Howard has set the date for the federal election for 9 October. While we wait for the results of the Australian Federal Election the following resources might be helpful for readers.
2004 Federal Election timetable of key dates
Announcement of Election - Sunday 29 August 2004
Issue of Writs - Tuesday 31 August 2004
Close of Rolls - 8pm, Tuesday 7 September 2004
Close of Nominations- 12noon, Thursday 16 September 2004
Declaration of Nominations - 12noon, Friday 17 September 2004
Election Day - Saturday 9 October 2004
Return of Writs - Latest date for: Wednesday 8 December 2004
2004 AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION KEY FACTS AND FIGURES
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTIONENROLMENT FACTS AND FIGURES
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) introduced a new ‘online enrolment verification' service for electors to confirm their enrolment over the internet on 5 July 2004 . Electors simply access the AEC website - provide the exact name they are enrolled for and the town or suburb they're enrolled at, and the web service will confirm the enrolment.
Enrolment forms have to be received by the AEC by 8.00pm sharp on Tuesday September 7.
AEC enrolment surveys and an independent ANAO report show that 95% of the overall eligible population is correctly enrolled.
At the issue of the writs for the 2004 election (Tuesday 31 August 2004 ) there were 12,871,780 Australians on the Commonwealth Electoral Roll.
It is expected by the close of rolls for the 2004 election that the number of Australians on the electoral roll will exceed 13 million.
During the 2001 federal election
The AEC processed 369,966 enrolment forms and 19,866 deletions from the rolls during close of rolls week in 2001. 83,027 were new enrolments including approximately 70% of the new enrolments from 18 and 19 year olds.
At the close of rolls for the 2001 election, 12,636,631 Australian electors were enrolled.
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION NOMINATIONS FACTS AND FIGURES
The nomination deposit per candidate for the House of Representatives is $350 at the 2004 election (the same as at the 2001 and 1998 election). The deposit increased from $250 following legislative changes after the 1996 election.
The nomination deposit per candidate for the Senate is $700 at the 2004 election (the same as at the 2001 and 1998 election). The deposit increased from $500 following legislative changes after the 1996 election.
At the 2004 election, the deposit will be refunded if the candidate receives 4% or more of the formal first preference vote (same as at 2001 election), or is in a Senate group which receives 4% or more
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION COST OF ELECTION FIGURES
The cost of the 2004 election is estimated to be about $75 million - GST exclusive .
Public funding for the 2004 election is $1.94 (194.397 cents) per vote for candidates who achieve at least 4% of the formal first preference vote.
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION POLLING LOGISTICS
For the 2004 federal election it is expected that:
there will be 7,732 polling places in Australia
there will be 300 pre-poll voting centres
100 overseas posts will provide voting facilities
there will be 510 mobile teams:
445 mobile teams visiting 2090 special hospitals
48 remote mobile teams visiting 128 remote locations
17 mobile teams visiting 22 prisons
ballot boxes produced:* 45,500
voting screens produced:* 155,800
recycling bins produced:* 13,900
(*these figures include items recovered for re-use after the 2001 election and weigh 140 tonnes overall)
elector leaflets to be delivered to over 7.5 million households
approximately 67,000 temporary staff to be employed
approximately 400 call centre operators trained, with approximately 250 working at peak times.
OTHER KEY AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION FACTS
A redeveloped Virtual Tally Room will provide an enhanced service in distributing the results for the 2004 election via the internet.
Trials to reduce informal voting in the divisions of Western Sydney and the Division of Port Adelaide are being undertaken. In Port Adelaide translated information will be mailed to over 10,000 electors, and in the NSW divisions NESB community intermediaries will be used to spread the voting message.
Ballot paper production will use a mix of the newer security screen paper (cheaper) and the traditional ‘crown' watermarked paper.
AEC voting information and advertising will be translated into 18 NESB languages and up to 30 indigenous languages.
Voting information will be produced and distributed in Braille, large print, audio cassette and audio file formats, and candidate information will be available in audio file and large print. This is to meet the needs of electors who cannot read standard print.
Recycling of ‘how to vote cards will be encouraged with large recycling bins placed outside polling places at all metropolitan and major regional centres.
The AEC's election call centre is being hosted by Centrelink's established call centre network in 7 sites. Operating hours are 8am to 8pm , 7 days a week, and on election day 7am to 9pm . Over 500 different scripts of election information have been produced to answer elector enquiries.
The AEC will be again conducting its popular International Visitors Program. In 2001, 61 electoral officials from 19 countries participated. For the 2004 election, there will be 60 places, and already 29 countries have expressed interest in participating.
Who will win the Australian Federal Election in 2004? John Howard has set the date for the federal election for 9 October. While we wait for the results of the Australian Federal Election the following resources might be helpful for readers.
2004 Federal Election timetable of key dates
Announcement of Election - Sunday 29 August 2004
Issue of Writs - Tuesday 31 August 2004
Close of Rolls - 8pm, Tuesday 7 September 2004
Close of Nominations- 12noon, Thursday 16 September 2004
Declaration of Nominations - 12noon, Friday 17 September 2004
Election Day - Saturday 9 October 2004
Return of Writs - Latest date for: Wednesday 8 December 2004
2004 AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION KEY FACTS AND FIGURES
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTIONENROLMENT FACTS AND FIGURES
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) introduced a new ‘online enrolment verification' service for electors to confirm their enrolment over the internet on 5 July 2004 . Electors simply access the AEC website - provide the exact name they are enrolled for and the town or suburb they're enrolled at, and the web service will confirm the enrolment.
Enrolment forms have to be received by the AEC by 8.00pm sharp on Tuesday September 7.
AEC enrolment surveys and an independent ANAO report show that 95% of the overall eligible population is correctly enrolled.
At the issue of the writs for the 2004 election (Tuesday 31 August 2004 ) there were 12,871,780 Australians on the Commonwealth Electoral Roll.
It is expected by the close of rolls for the 2004 election that the number of Australians on the electoral roll will exceed 13 million.
During the 2001 federal election
The AEC processed 369,966 enrolment forms and 19,866 deletions from the rolls during close of rolls week in 2001. 83,027 were new enrolments including approximately 70% of the new enrolments from 18 and 19 year olds.
At the close of rolls for the 2001 election, 12,636,631 Australian electors were enrolled.
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION NOMINATIONS FACTS AND FIGURES
The nomination deposit per candidate for the House of Representatives is $350 at the 2004 election (the same as at the 2001 and 1998 election). The deposit increased from $250 following legislative changes after the 1996 election.
The nomination deposit per candidate for the Senate is $700 at the 2004 election (the same as at the 2001 and 1998 election). The deposit increased from $500 following legislative changes after the 1996 election.
At the 2004 election, the deposit will be refunded if the candidate receives 4% or more of the formal first preference vote (same as at 2001 election), or is in a Senate group which receives 4% or more
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION COST OF ELECTION FIGURES
The cost of the 2004 election is estimated to be about $75 million - GST exclusive .
Public funding for the 2004 election is $1.94 (194.397 cents) per vote for candidates who achieve at least 4% of the formal first preference vote.
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION POLLING LOGISTICS
For the 2004 federal election it is expected that:
there will be 7,732 polling places in Australia
there will be 300 pre-poll voting centres
100 overseas posts will provide voting facilities
there will be 510 mobile teams:
445 mobile teams visiting 2090 special hospitals
48 remote mobile teams visiting 128 remote locations
17 mobile teams visiting 22 prisons
ballot boxes produced:* 45,500
voting screens produced:* 155,800
recycling bins produced:* 13,900
(*these figures include items recovered for re-use after the 2001 election and weigh 140 tonnes overall)
elector leaflets to be delivered to over 7.5 million households
approximately 67,000 temporary staff to be employed
approximately 400 call centre operators trained, with approximately 250 working at peak times.
OTHER KEY AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION FACTS
A redeveloped Virtual Tally Room will provide an enhanced service in distributing the results for the 2004 election via the internet.
Trials to reduce informal voting in the divisions of Western Sydney and the Division of Port Adelaide are being undertaken. In Port Adelaide translated information will be mailed to over 10,000 electors, and in the NSW divisions NESB community intermediaries will be used to spread the voting message.
Ballot paper production will use a mix of the newer security screen paper (cheaper) and the traditional ‘crown' watermarked paper.
AEC voting information and advertising will be translated into 18 NESB languages and up to 30 indigenous languages.
Voting information will be produced and distributed in Braille, large print, audio cassette and audio file formats, and candidate information will be available in audio file and large print. This is to meet the needs of electors who cannot read standard print.
Recycling of ‘how to vote cards will be encouraged with large recycling bins placed outside polling places at all metropolitan and major regional centres.
The AEC's election call centre is being hosted by Centrelink's established call centre network in 7 sites. Operating hours are 8am to 8pm , 7 days a week, and on election day 7am to 9pm . Over 500 different scripts of election information have been produced to answer elector enquiries.
The AEC will be again conducting its popular International Visitors Program. In 2001, 61 electoral officials from 19 countries participated. For the 2004 election, there will be 60 places, and already 29 countries have expressed interest in participating.
What the results of the Australian Federal Election in 2004 be? Will Latham's ALP win or will John Howard retain the job as Prime Minister?
John Howard has set the date for the federal election for 9 October. While we wait for the results of the Australian Federal Election the following resources might be helpful for readers.
2004 Federal Election timetable of key dates
Announcement of Election - Sunday 29 August 2004
Issue of Writs - Tuesday 31 August 2004
Close of Rolls - 8pm, Tuesday 7 September 2004
Close of Nominations- 12noon, Thursday 16 September 2004
Declaration of Nominations - 12noon, Friday 17 September 2004
Election Day - Saturday 9 October 2004
Return of Writs - Latest date for: Wednesday 8 December 2004
2004 AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION KEY FACTS AND FIGURES
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTIONENROLMENT FACTS AND FIGURES
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) introduced a new ‘online enrolment verification' service for electors to confirm their enrolment over the internet on 5 July 2004 . Electors simply access the AEC website - provide the exact name they are enrolled for and the town or suburb they're enrolled at, and the web service will confirm the enrolment.
Enrolment forms have to be received by the AEC by 8.00pm sharp on Tuesday September 7.
AEC enrolment surveys and an independent ANAO report show that 95% of the overall eligible population is correctly enrolled.
At the issue of the writs for the 2004 election (Tuesday 31 August 2004 ) there were 12,871,780 Australians on the Commonwealth Electoral Roll.
It is expected by the close of rolls for the 2004 election that the number of Australians on the electoral roll will exceed 13 million.
During the 2001 federal election
The AEC processed 369,966 enrolment forms and 19,866 deletions from the rolls during close of rolls week in 2001. 83,027 were new enrolments including approximately 70% of the new enrolments from 18 and 19 year olds.
At the close of rolls for the 2001 election, 12,636,631 Australian electors were enrolled.
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION NOMINATIONS FACTS AND FIGURES
The nomination deposit per candidate for the House of Representatives is $350 at the 2004 election (the same as at the 2001 and 1998 election). The deposit increased from $250 following legislative changes after the 1996 election.
The nomination deposit per candidate for the Senate is $700 at the 2004 election (the same as at the 2001 and 1998 election). The deposit increased from $500 following legislative changes after the 1996 election.
At the 2004 election, the deposit will be refunded if the candidate receives 4% or more of the formal first preference vote (same as at 2001 election), or is in a Senate group which receives 4% or more
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION COST OF ELECTION FIGURES
The cost of the 2004 election is estimated to be about $75 million - GST exclusive .
Public funding for the 2004 election is $1.94 (194.397 cents) per vote for candidates who achieve at least 4% of the formal first preference vote.
AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION POLLING LOGISTICS
For the 2004 federal election it is expected that:
there will be 7,732 polling places in Australia
there will be 300 pre-poll voting centres
100 overseas posts will provide voting facilities
there will be 510 mobile teams:
445 mobile teams visiting 2090 special hospitals
48 remote mobile teams visiting 128 remote locations
17 mobile teams visiting 22 prisons
ballot boxes produced:* 45,500
voting screens produced:* 155,800
recycling bins produced:* 13,900
(*these figures include items recovered for re-use after the 2001 election and weigh 140 tonnes overall)
elector leaflets to be delivered to over 7.5 million households
approximately 67,000 temporary staff to be employed
approximately 400 call centre operators trained, with approximately 250 working at peak times.
OTHER KEY AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION FACTS
A redeveloped Virtual Tally Room will provide an enhanced service in distributing the results for the 2004 election via the internet.
Trials to reduce informal voting in the divisions of Western Sydney and the Division of Port Adelaide are being undertaken. In Port Adelaide translated information will be mailed to over 10,000 electors, and in the NSW divisions NESB community intermediaries will be used to spread the voting message.
Ballot paper production will use a mix of the newer security screen paper (cheaper) and the traditional ‘crown' watermarked paper.
AEC voting information and advertising will be translated into 18 NESB languages and up to 30 indigenous languages.
Voting information will be produced and distributed in Braille, large print, audio cassette and audio file formats, and candidate information will be available in audio file and large print. This is to meet the needs of electors who cannot read standard print.
Recycling of ‘how to vote cards will be encouraged with large recycling bins placed outside polling places at all metropolitan and major regional centres.
The AEC's election call centre is being hosted by Centrelink's established call centre network in 7 sites. Operating hours are 8am to 8pm , 7 days a week, and on election day 7am to 9pm . Over 500 different scripts of election information have been produced to answer elector enquiries.
The AEC will be again conducting its popular International Visitors Program. In 2001, 61 electoral officials from 19 countries participated. For the 2004 election, there will be 60 places, and already 29 countries have expressed interest in participating.
Just spent the afternoon at one of Melbourne's more spiritual centres - the MCG (pictured) where I watch the mighty Blues run over the top of our arch rivals the Magpies.
Ok that sentence probably didn't make much sense to non Aussies - I'm talking about Australian Rules Football - Footy as we call it. My team is 'Carlton' and adjoining suburb to where we live and their logo/nickname is 'the Blues'. The other team is 'Collingwood' (who Phil over at Signposts goes for (not that I'm rubbing it in) and their logo is a 'Magpie'.
Anyway, all this to say I had a good afternoon doing something almost as Aussie as it gets.
Well it is Australia Day (public holiday - yay!) and I probably should write something deep and meaningful on what it means to be an Aussie - but I'm afraid inspiration has not come knocking on my door. So I thought I'd link up to those that have written on the topic.
Jan decides to take a positive spin on Australia this year and writes - 'There is much I would like to change about government policy, but I am glad I am an Australian. I am glad I live in this ancient land of sometimes harsh beauty. I am thankful for our relative free way of life. I find it hard to envisage living permanently anywhere else. '
Tim Blair links up to a column written in a Jerusalem paper about Australia. Go figure! :-)
A number of visitors to this site that have visited through our Virtually Melbourne Tour page have asked for recommendations and suggestions for Hotels and Accommodation in Melbourne. As a result I have put together this Melbourne Hotel Guide with information on individual Melbourne Hotels as well as useful Melbourne Hotel and Accommodation Online Resources. I hope those of you searching for a Melbourne Hotel find what you are looking for here - feel free to leave your comments and Melbourne Hotel recommendations below in comments.
Melbourne Hotel Resources and Guides
Melbourne Hotels (Red Flag) - A Melbourne hotel guide, with everything from luxury hotels through to cheap hotels.
Discount Melbourne Hotels - With Discounted rates on Melbourne Hotels ranging from 3 star through to 5 star accommodation
Cheaper Than Hotels - Discounted 2 star to 5 star hotels in Melbourne and Sydney
Where to Stay in Melbourne - They provide a wide selection of properties - budget, business, tourist, luxury, bed and breakfasts and apartments accommodation. HolidayCity Melbourne hotels offer comfort, quality and great value for the money, ideal for leisure and business travellers.
Melbourne-Stay - A professional online bookings service for a number of Melbourne Hotels
Melbourne City Life - With plenty of suggestions on Good Melbourne Hotels by location - but also a lot of other quality Melbourne tourist information.
Melbourne Hotels
Melbourne Grand Hyatt - Grand Hyatt Melbourne located at the top end of prestigious Collins Street in the heart of Melbourne's central business, shopping, theatre and restaurant district and is within walking distance of many of Melbourne's tourist attractions including Federation Square, National Gallery of Victoria, Victorian Arts Centre, Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Museum and Melbourne Cricket Ground. Grand Hyatt Melbourne is the ideal Melbourne hotel for both business and leisure traveller and it is just 30 minutes drive from Melbourne Airport.
The Windsor Hotel - The elegant Windsor, Australia’s only remaining Grand hotel, combines the
classic beauty and culture of Victorian architecture with the comforts and facilities of a modern five-star hotel, including broadband internet access, 24 hour room service, the Towers Fitness Centre and signature restaurant 111 Spring Street.
Le Meridien at Rialto - uilt at the end of the 19th century, Le Meridien at Rialto is one of Australia's finest examples of 'fin de sičcle' architecture. Located in the heart of Melbourne, it is only a short stroll from Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, Telstra Dome, theatres and well-known shopping areas. The European style of each bedroom makes for elegant and intimate accommodation.
Eden on the Park - Overlooking picturesque Port Phillip Bay and the Albert Park Lake, home of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix and Aquatic Swim Centre, Eden on the Park is an award-winning Deluxe Boutique Hotel offering 4 ˝ star accommodation and Conference and Function facilities suitable for functions from 10 to 800 guests.
Bayview on the Park - Bayview On The Park is an award-winning four-star hotel situated on Queens Road opposite Albert Park Lake and Golf course and only minutes from the St Kilda Road Business District.
Melbourne Short Stay Apartments - Melbourne Short Stay Apartments offer a range of one, two and three bedroom quality executive apartments for the corporate and leisure traveller in a residential tower giving you a feeling of home.
Park Hyatt - Conveniently situated in one of Melbourne's most historic areas, at the top of Collins Street and opposite St Patrick's Cathedral, Park Hyatt Melbourne overlooks a district of Victorian architecture and is bordered by Melbourne's delightful Fitzroy Gardens. Just 13 miles from Melbourne Airport and convenient to the city's attractions, this boutique-style Hyatt hotel provides a warm ambience and exceptional levels of personalised service to its guests.
Feel free to leave your own recommendations and suggestions for quality Melbourne Hotels and Accommodation.
I'm blogging from my parents house. They live on the eastern outskirts of Melbourne and we've just had a lovely afternoon of food, presents and laughs.
Last night we had a quiet evening at home watching Christmas Carols on TV, sipping champagne and eating cheese while wrapping presents.
V's Dad and brother came for a Christmas brunch of french toast and fruit this morning. Then it was out here for lunch of roast pork, vegetables and icecream Christmas pudding for lunch.
This afternoon we're calling in on a couple of friends and tonight are dining with V's mother and her family. I think we're having prawns and chicken.
Today is around 30 degrees celcius so we're all in our shorts and Tshirts - probably a little warmer than some of your Christmas days.
Tomorrow we head down the Western coast of our state to visit one of the Livingroomers who is down in Warnambool working on her family farm over the summer. A couple of other livingroomers join us the day after for some fun on the beach. Its beautiful down there so it should be a relaxing and fun weekend.
Anyway - that is Christmas Aussie style - hope your day is as full of good times as ours has been so far. Peace to your and your family.
The last few days we've had a bit of rain here in Melbourne.
The worst of it was in the northern suburbs close to where we live.
Luckily we live one floor up from street level and the worst damage we had was from leaving our bathroom window open a little bit and getting a wet floor.
I'm watching the AFI (Australian Film Industry) Awards on TV as I write this. Its no academy awards thats for sure - but interesting. Japanese Story won best film.
'Filmmakers say their worst fears were borne out yesterday at a meeting with Federal Government officials, where it was confirmed that local content regulations for TV and new media will be traded-off and used to extract concessions in the free trade agreement.
"Australia has handed over its cultural policies to the United States, which effectively means our cultural policies will now be determined by the major US studios," said the executive director of the Australian Screen Directors' Association, Richard Harris.'
It was hot again today. Last I heard it hit 35.5 which is rather warm for November here - we don't usually heat up until January/February.
Of course to me it felt a little hotter than that because I was unloading electrical appliances in a warehouse (tin shed) where one of my colleagues measured the temperature at 44.6 at one point this afternoon.
I think I might go pass out in the bath (cold) for a while.
Well we are getting to the business end of the Rugby World Cup and the long awaited semi-final showdown between the Australian Wallabies (having beaten Scotland) and New Zealand All Blacks (having beaten South Africais set for next Saturday night.
On form the All Blacks should win it, but it is one of those match ups where anything could happen in what should be a great atmosphere in Sydney between these two great rivals.
A boat load of asylum seekers were seen approaching Melville Island (a small island North of Darwin Australia) earlier today.
How does our government respond? The following is an excerpt from The Age newspaper.
Thousands of islands in Australia's north have been cut off the map for migration purposes in a dramatic response to the arrival of boat people on an island near Darwin.
The federal government called an urgent executive council meeting this afternoon to pass the regulations to remove the islands from the migration zone, which retrospectively came into affect from midnight.
Last year they did a similar thing with 3000 islands off the northern coast of Australia also.
I'm ashamed of my country tonight. We boast about being one of the 'most livable countries' in the world - the 'lucky country' - a multicultural nation. And yet when a group of desperate people attempt to find sanctuary here we move our borders so that they can be turned around and rejected on a technicality.
V and I went to a Melbourne Cup BBQ this afternoon. Was a beautiful day.
As happens at virtually every such gathering we had a sweep where each person pulled a horse or two out of a hat (cost $2). There is a prize for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and last place.
How did our 3 horses go? One came 1st, another came 2nd and the other came last. Embarrassing times....the minister and his wife clean up!
If you're thinking of visiting Melbourne this weekend you'd better have booked some accommodation a month or two back because the news reported tonight that there is not a spare room in any hotel in the city. Actually there isn't even a spare room in Geelong or Ballarat (two cities 45 minutes and 1.5 hours out of Melbourne). You see the Irish have invaded for one of the biggest sporting weekends of the year.
Tonight Australia is playing Ireland in International Rules Football. (Ireland won the game, but not by enough to stop us winning the series). Tomorrow night Australia and Ireland are playing in the Rugby World Cup.
On top of that Melbourne is in the middle of the Spring Horse Racing Carnival which draws huge crowds of hundreds of thousands on Saturday with Derby Day and then climaxes on Tuesday with the Melbourne Cup (we even get a public holiday for it...woohooo). Irish stayer 'Holy Orders' is running in the cup to complete the weekend for the Irish.
George W. Bush waltzed into Australia last night and has been received with a very mixed response.
The protests in most capital cities around the country started last night and continued throughout the day with around 5000 people booing him as he entered Parliament in Canberra.
His speech to our parliament was disrupted by two of our Senators who were then asked to leave. Other MPs protested a little more subtly by wearing armbands, badges and not standing to applaud him (radical hey!?!).
Just spent the afternoon at one of Melbourne's more spiritual centres - the 
Australia 22 - New Zealand 10
