November 2009 Archives   29 November 2009 RUOK Day - To Help Suicide Prevention Make a change - reach out on RUOK? Day to help suicide prevention By Gavin Larkin RUOK THREE words. One question. A life changed. Today is RUOK? Day, a national day of action for suicide prevention. Across Australia, people are asking their families, friends and colleagues a very simple question: "Are you OK?". Why ask? Because research shows there is no harm in taking a real interest in how someone else is feeling - in fact the conversation could change a life or even save one. If you're planning to reach out today to someone who might be struggling to cope, I'd like to thank you. I wish I'd had the chance. In 1995 my father, Barry, took his own life. It was a shock to everyone. My dad was a highly regarded, successful business management consultant. No one realised he was doing it tough; perhaps because no one thought to ask him: "Are you OK, Baz?" Having experienced the devastating impact of that suicide, I felt I had to get people to talk about the subject. That's why I founded the national suicide prevention initiative, RUOK? Day (www. ruokday.com.au). I'm glad I did. The feedback we get is proof that it's an idea whose time has come. Of course, there are pluses and minuses. We recognise that this is a country with a tradition of mateship, of looking after each other in good times and bad. But we also know that many Australians don't like to make a fuss. "She'll be right," we often say. But what if it's not? Today is the day to find out. Continue reading RUOK Day - To Help Suicide Prevention.     28 November 2009 Emissions Trading Scheme and Aussie Politics I don't have political stories on AUSXIP but since Lucy's involvement with Sign On / Greenpeace, it's an on topic post and most people are interested: If it wasn't serious it would be absolutely hysterical. It's serious. it's not funny and it's bordering on the insane. What is it? It's the Australian Liberal and National Parties who are behaving like three year olds (apologies to all three year olds). Normally I would sit back, make some popcorn and enjoy the bloodless infighting (Aussie politics is so much fun to watch). This time round it's not funny or enjoyable. I'm actually barracking for Malcolm Turnball to succeed (I honestly don't believe I just wrote that!). Australia has a chance to pass our ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme). It's nothing to write home about - 5-10% but it's something. I don't like all of it (gives too much to the polluters and has the public pay way too much) BUT it is something. It can be tweaked once it's passed the Senate. It just has to pass. Problem? The Senate is not controlled by the Government (which normally is a very good thing because if it was we would get the elcrappo laws we got with the previous government called WorkChoices (Oxymoron to the max). So this week saw a MEGA implosion of the conservative forces like I've never seen it happen before. The political parties of the Liberals (think Republicans) and the Nationals (farmers) decided to create the biggest bunfight over the ETS. Name calling, chest thumping idiocy abounded. We still haven't got an ETS (the vote comes up on Monday again). The Liberal "Leader" Malcolm Turnball is hanging on by the skin on his fingernails and wanting the ETS to pass, Kevin Rudd (our Prime Minister) wants the ETS to pass...there are 7 senators who can make history and cross the floor and vote with the government. We will see on Monday if they have the strength to defy the nutters in their party. Read more about Australia's ETS     26 November 2009 Mission Accomplished - Andrew & Vicki After months of training they've finally done it. Vikki Maclean and Andrew Young have completed the New York Marathon - and raised thousands of dollars for the Starship Foundation in the process. Although they share the joy of finishing the 42km race, their feelings differ when it comes to getting back into running. "I'm addicted now," says Mrs Maclean, a mother of two. Starship Foundation chief executive Mr Young, on the other hand, says his attitude towards running has changed because of the gruelling nature of the marathon. He says he would prefer a lifestyle verging on the unhealthy side now that the long awaited race is over. Mrs Maclean and Mr Young decided they would do the November 1 race to raise money for the foundation. They have raised close to $70,000. Continue reading Mission Accomplished - Andrew & Vicki.     25 November 2009 The Daily Cheer Welcome to the newest addition to AUSXIP - The Daily Cheer - Stories To Make You Smile And Brighten Your Day.  Why create a site challed The Daily Cheer? This morning I was perusing an online news site I noticed all the headlines were news of people's unfortunate accidents, deaths, conspiracy, murders etc. It was depressing. Whilst chatting to a friend about this, the idea was born to create a site where you can get a daily cheer; something to make you smile and it will brighten your day. The Daily Cheer will be a negative free zone. Positive stories dealing with people, animals, places, inspirational quotes and much more will be posted for you to enjoy! I hope you enjoy this new site and if you want to contribute news, images, video etc please email them to me at maryd@ausxip.com - if you are submitting a story, please include the source URL. Many thanks! MaryD     25 November 2009 We're All Going On a Summer Holiday... No I'm not just yet but that's the song that's stuck in my head for the last 3 days...it's very annoying <g> Can I just mention I DETEST packing and moving. Memo to self: schedule your holidays when you next move offices/buildings. Much easier. Yesterday Greenpeace released a promo for the Planet A Concert on 5 December. For more info about Lucy and the Planet A concert hop on over to the AUSXIP Lucy Planet A page Lucy in the shower singing up a storm preparing for the Planet A Concert on 5 December...the song? G.L.O.R.I.A. <g> That's not to say Lucy will sing this song but she cracks me up! Go Lucy!  Alas after seeing this video, GLORIA has not replaced "Summer Holiday" in my head.     22 November 2009 Giant Haka for Planet A Concert A giant haka is being planned for the Planet A Concert and here is a demonstration of it from the Sign On Blog. I love the haka; it's so imposing and intimidating although I'm not fond of it when Australia play the Kiwis. I would love to be able to do a haka but I suspect the only thing I would intimidate would be a mouse...well okay maybe not a mouse...definitely my cat <g>     22 November 2009 Spartacus Blood and Sand Season 1 Episode 2 Review Spartacus Blood and Sand Season 1 Episode 2 Review Sacramentum Gladiatorum by MaryD "I burn for no cause but my own" ... Spartacus to Batiatus Spartacus gets an introduction to life in the Ludus, we see more of Batatius and Lucretia, introduced to the rest of the Gladiators in the Ludus and away we go. Many thanks to Starz Entertainment for the chance to review this episode. If I spoil this episode, lots and lots of people will be unhappy. I've been playing 'let's see how long I can go without seeing episode 2'. I've lasted two days. Not bad. Having just finished watching this episode I will make this prediction. There will be a great deal of artwork produced by fans from this show (and I'm not talking about naked people). The visuals in this show are incredible. The last time I had this creative reaction to a tv show was Xena. Read My Review     20 November 2009 Spartacus Blood and Sand Season 1, Episode 1 Review Spartacus Blood and Sand: Season 1 Episode 1 The Red Serpent Review by MaryD   I'm writing this review (without spoilers) after watching the first Spartacus: Blood and Sand episode via Starz. Many thanks to Starz for giving me the opportunity. Betrayed by his country. Beaten into slavery. Reborn as a warrior. Spartacus: Blood and Sand is a graphic and visceral account of Rome's most famous gladiator. When he's separated from the love of his life, Spartacus is forced into the gruesome and bloodthirsty arena, where a grisly death is primetime entertainment. Spartacus must fight for survival, befriend his enemies and play politics in this new world of corruption, violence, sex and fame. He'll be seduced by power and tormented by vengeance. But his passion will give him the strength to prevail over every obstacle, in this modern and uninhibited tale of death, honor and endurance. Starring Australian actor, Andy Whitfield (McLeod's Daughters) as Spartacus, Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess) as Lucretia, John Hannah (The Mummy, Four Weddings and A Funeral) as Batiatus and Peter Mensah (300, The Incredible Hulk) as Doctore, this unique mix of live action, graphic novel effects and brutal battle sequences is set to make Spartacus: Blood & Sand an epic television event. Read Review (does not contain SPOILERS)     20 November 2009 Climate Change Is A Myth! It is! We have icebergs floating by the Southern oceans ALL the time! Absolutely and we always fry in Spring - the weather is supposed to be 35oc - 40+ in Spring. Haven't you heard? ...sure we do. Now where is that nice hole I've dug for myself so I can go and stick my head in it. A massive iceberg is likely to pass New Zealand shores now that it has entered the country's waters. Niwa oceanographer Mike Williams said the iceberg was spotted near the sub-Antarctic islands about 500km from New Zealand. Dr Williams has been tracking the iceberg, estimated to be 500m wide and 50m high, since it was spotted in the Southern Ocean.     20 November 2009 Something To Make You Smile... It's been one of those weeks where everything is super mega busy and insane so when Lida posted this link up on FB, I checked it out and it made me smile. Life isn't so hectic that we can't take a few minutes to just enjoy it. Gracie, the gorgeous dog in this video was rescued from the doggie pound and days away from being put down but she was rescued by this family. Click here to read more about Gracie A Soldier's Joyful Reunion     18 November 2009 Not In a Month of Sundays... This made me smile. I expect to see Lucy news in the Entertainment section of the Sydney Morning Herald (if it does appear) but NEVER in the Breaking News section. Go figure. The headline is about Lucy handing over a cheque/check to Prime Minister John Key to get him to Copenhagen.     Click here to read the Greenpeace Press Release     18 November 2009 Inspiration on the Kokoda Trail To many Aussies the words "The Kokoda Trail" is easily recognisable as a place of inspiration, survival against the odds, bravery and mateship. To those that don't know what the Kokoda Trail signifies...here is a brief condensed version: During WW2, Australia was on the verge of being invaded by the Japanese. We had been bombed in Darwin, there were midget subs in Sydney (MIDGET SUBS IN SYDNEY!) and our armies were spread all over the place leaving the Australian mainland pretty much unprotected. The Japanese were making inroads into Papua New Guinea until they came across the Aussies. This story just inspires me and horrifies me at the same time at what those young men had to put up with. The Aussies were outnumbered by the 20,000 Japanese but they fought back through the stinking mud, the rain, the starvation, the ammunition getting low or not enough and much more. Read about it here Those men saved Australia from invasion. They beat the Japanese. The picture that I've posted is a world famous photo of a PNG native nicknamed The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels who put their lives in danger to help the Aussie soldiers. They were truly angels. Australians are making the trek to the Kokoda Trail to test their mettle; it's truly a gruelling trek and many have died attempting it. It's not easy, it's not a track even though it's called that. Our current Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has made the journey as have many others. The reason I'm blogging about this is because of this article in today's paper. Wheelchair athlete Kurt Fearnley completed the trek where many able bodied men and women haven't been able to. It's not a sign of weakness; I'm impressed by anyone who attempts to do it. Kurt's story is inspirational and amazing!   Champion wheelchair athlete Kurt Fearnley has completed his arduous crawl along the 96-kilometre long Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. Fearnley climbed the last steep hill into Owers Corner at the southern end of the Kokoda Track this morning on his hands and knees. Fearnley used specially-made shin pads and padded gloves to help him get across the rugged terrain. A group of family and friends made the trip with him. Continue reading Inspiration on the Kokoda Trail.     15 November 2009 AUSXIP News - New Site Link I'm always looking to make AUSXIP more interesting and give people more info about our Xenaverse actors and their careers beyond Xena. I'm pleased to announce that I will be adding content links from a wonderful Michael Hurst & Jennifer Lealand-Ward fan site called MichaelHurstNow.com. Aerips who runs the site does an absolutely fantastic job in chronicling the careers of both Michael and Jennifer. Wanting to add more Michael and Jennifer content on AUSXIP (because it's woefully lacking) I found this to be the perfect way. Starting from today I will be adding news links to AUSXIP's main page directing people to Aerip's site with the latest Michael and Jennifer news.     14 November 2009 Dollhouse and Spartacus... I'm a HUGE fan of Eliza Dushku. Have been since seeing her in Buffy The Vampire Slayer and then watching Tru Calling and of course in Dollhouse by Josh Whedon. There is also a connection between Dollhouse and Spartacus... Steven DeKnight who used to write for Dollhouse, is now exec producer and writer for Spartacus Blood and Sand Alas the news has come through that Dollhouse is going to end. The final episode will air on 22 January 2010...the same night another show will be born...Spartacus Blood and Sand! I guess that's why PVRs were invented for, right? I'm sorry to see the end of that show. It was an interesting idea that someone's entire personality could be wiped and a new one transplanted with some whizz bang gizmo. Eliza's character Echo was an interesting character and that personality wipe didn't quite work on her. The idea was great but sometimes the show just fizzled (like all shows do I suppose) and ran out of puff. Read More about Dollhouse  Continue reading Dollhouse and Spartacus....     12 November 2009 Torchwood News - 4th Season Hands up everyone who thought the last Torchwood season was the end of the show? Well it's not <g> According to tvguide there will be another season of Torchwood...I guess Gwen would have had her bub and Captain Jack can get over his wandering around the universe other than earth phase. Unfortunately there won't be any Ianto but then you never know. TV Guide says: "The recession has hit British television, but fingers crossed, it will be a go. We expect things to start to move in January. We've got great ideas for the show. I think there's a further lease on life for many years to come, but certainly for a [fourth season]," Davies says. John Barrowman is finishing his run in "La Cage Aux Folles" in London, so there's plenty of time to trade his feather boa for Captain Jack's trench coat. Source     12 November 2009 Scarecrow and Mrs King Season 1 DVD TvShowsondvd.com has announced that one of my all time favourite shows is going to be released on DVD. Scarecrow and Mrs King starring Bruce Boxleitner (before his Babylon 5 days and it reminds me to resurrect my John and Delenn Babyon 5 web page at some point) and all sorts of other great shows) and the amazing Kate Jackson (Charlies Angels). Loved this show and I'm stoked it's going to be out on DVD. PTA...hello, foreign intrigue! Single mom Amanda King leads a quiet suburban life in Washington DC until the day a dashing stranger shoves a package in her hands with instructions to give it to the man in the red hat. In no time, Amanda is dodging bullets, foiling assassination plots - and finding herself drawn to the dashing stranger, agent Lee Stetson, aka Scarecrow. Of course, Scarecrow has no interest in a ditsy amateur spy, no matter how pretty. But she certainly is handy in a crisis! Share the Season One fun with stars Kate Jackson and Bruce Boxleitner in this fast-paced 5-Disc, 21-Episode Set of the lighthearted series that proves laughs and romance are powerful weapons in the battle to protect national security. This morning Warner Home Video made it official, announcing that the Scarecrow and Mrs. King - The Complete 1st Season package is assigned to a mission of infiltrating your personal collection of TV-DVD sets, starting on March 9th. As the studio description says at the top, this release provides 21 hour-long episodes on 5 DVDs: "The First Time," "There Goes The Neighborhood," "If Thoughts Could Kill," "Magic Bus," "The A.C.M. Kid," "Always Look A Gift Horse In The Mouth," "Service Above And Beyond," "Saved By The Bells," "Sudden Death," "The Long Christmas Eve," "Remembrance Of Things Past," "Lost And Found," "I Am Not Now, Nor Have I Ever Been...A Spy," "Dead Ringer," "The Mole," "Savior," "The Artful Dodger," "Filming Raul," "Fearless Dotty," "Weekend" and "Waiting For Godorsky". Running time is 966 minutes, and the cost is $39.98 SRP. Here's a look at the package art:     11 November 2009 The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month Today is Remeberence Day in Australia - 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month. We do not celebrate war but remember the fallen. The following is from the Australian Government website that says it better than I can: Originally called Armistice Day, this day commemorated the end of the hostilities for the Great War (World War I), the signing of the armistice, which occurred on 11 November 1918 - the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Armistice Day was observed by the Allies as a way of remembering those who died, especially soldiers with 'no known grave'. On the first anniversary of the armistice, in 1919, one minute's silence was instituted as part of the main commemorative ceremony. In London, in 1920, the commemoration was given added significance with the return of the remains of an unknown soldier from the battlefields of the Western Front. The Flanders poppy became accepted throughout the allied nations as the flower of remembrance to be worn on Armistice Day. The red poppies were among the first plants that sprouted from the devastation of the battlefields of northern France and Belgium. 'Soldiers' folklore had it that the poppies were vivid red from having been nurtured in ground drenched with the blood of their comrades'. After the end of World War II in 1945, the Australian and British governments changed the name to Remembrance Day as an appropriate title for a day which would commemorate all war dead. In October 1997, then Governor-General of Australia, Sir William Deane, issued a proclamation declaring: 11 November as Remembrance Day and urging Australians to observe one minute's silence at 11.00 am on Remembrance Day each year to remember the sacrifice of those who died or otherwise suffered in Australia's cause in wars and war-like conflicts. Read More     8 November 2009 Hallelujah! What a Voice! As many of you may be aware (I've said this often enough and gushed more than a little when Lucy and Steven have sung this song), one of my favourite songs is the Leonard Cohen classic "Hallelujah" - I collect versions of this song...hey everyone needs a hobby, right? :) Every time I hear it, it sends a shiver down my spine. I don't watch reality tv of any kind and usually my mates who do watch the talent shows alert me to some spectacular gifted singers. A young man of the tender age of 15 has been added to my collection. His name is Mark Vincent (remember than name...this young man has a huge singing career ahead of him if he wants one). Many thanks to George for alerting me.     3 November 2009 Upcoming Adrienne Wilkinson Charity Auction... One of the cool things about organising a charity auction is all the stuff you get to see and go "ooh I wouldn't mind that..." - there's a ton of that going on this week as I organise the auction items to be put up on the charity auction page. I have to say the new software is pretty darn cool and I've been playing with that for the last week or so as well by creating dud auction items and buying them just to make sure everything is running as smoothly as possible. The next auction is Adrienne's official charity auction which will be held from 9-22 November. It's a little early this year - hey just in time for the holiday season and trust me, there is a ton of stuff here that is just amazing. Stuff from Xena, Star Wars, Charmed, Wire in the Blood, Photos, Twilight Film, Hudson's dress (although Hudson is not in it..heh), a dinner with Adrienne and Katherine (now that is worth something because I can guarantee you it won't be boring..not with those two) and so much more. Check out Adrienne's message below and in the coming days there will be more video of some of the items to get you all in the mood! The auction page is located here - http://charity.ausxip.com and if you haven't registered yet please do because the item you want may be snapped up in the Buy It Now feature. Some items will be on auction and some items are Buy it Now. Adrienne Wilkinson Chats About Her Upcoming Official Charity Auction on AUSXIP 9-22 November 2009     2 November 2009 Andrew Finishes the NY Marathon: 4:03:15! As many of you know Andrew Young from Starship has been training for the NY Marathon and today in New York was D Day...and he finished the marathon 4 hours 03 minutes and 15 seconds! Way to go Andrew! Personally I can't see the reason to run anywhere, let alone run 41 km just for the sheer fun of it all...BUT having said that, I know it's the challenge, the thrill and the natural high one gets when you challenge yourself...but seriously running 42 km is just plain painful. That's why taxis were invented. Poor Pheidippides just didn't have a chariot handy to jump on and make the 42 km (well 41.8 km to be exact) trek and thus the madness of running for 42 km began...Loony Greeks (I can say this because I am of Greek descent...my ancestors were a runny lot..heh...that was a typo that I decided to leave in just becuase it's funny! I amuse myself so easily. Now back to our modern Pheidippides who isn't Greek but Chinese..<g> Andrew has raised over $26,000 for the kids at Starship and that's why he was running. Vicki (Andrew's running mate) has also finished the race at: 6 hours :01 minute :27 seconds and one more person who wasn't previously mentioned and that is Paul Grinder..he's from the Spartacus production crew (assistant director) Paul finished at 05 hours :10 minutes :39 seconds! Congratulations to all three and to the other runners who did the grueling 41.8 km trek! All joking aside...it's an inspiration to watch someone (more than one here) putting all their determination in not just talking about raising money for the kids, but doing so actively in such a way.     Read More Archives