Hellas' Birthday

Today is my baby's birthday. Yesterday, friends and work people gathered at our gracious hosts' (Peter and Marita) house in St. Clair. In true Greek style, we had mountains of food left over, which will feed the families of all who attended for the next few weeks.

I was in charge of the birthday cake purchase which is a pretty big responsibility, if you know what I mean. Thankfully, everyone loved it and ate it up quickly.


That's me with the cheesy grin, getting a kiss for my troubles.

From left to right: Thomas, Hellas, Michael, Annabelle, Monika and Rebecca.

From left to right: Nevine, Hellas, Jemima, Helen and Lisa.

Scenes from a servo

This morning on the way to the MARCS labs, I stopped at the BP to fill up. I try to fill up on Tuesdays because petrol prices usually go up on Wednesdays. So I parked next to the pump and filled up. The total was just under $55. I reached into my jacket pocket but couldn't feel any wallet. I tried my other jacket pocket, jeans, front, back. Nothing. I opened the car door and bent down. The floor was clean. There was nothing under the seat either. I started to panic. I went through my pockets again. Still nothing. What's the time? 9:03. Shit. I started sweating. Hellas must already be at work. What am I going to do? I tried to think clearly. It would take me over an hour to walk home and over an hour to come back.

I started the car and rolled away from the petrol pump. I stopped just outside of the service station store doors. I took a step towards them. What should I do? Tell the service station attendant that I don't have my wallet? The service station was packed. I'd look like the biggest dickhead in front of all of the people. I took a step back towards my car. I grabbed my mobile. Who can I call? 9:05. No one. Everyone is at work. They say that you should have a mobile in case of emergencies. Well here's an emergency. What good is the mobile? Maybe I could sell it? No. I thought about calling Con. Maybe he's not working today? Yeah, Con will save me! Phonebook>C>scroll>there he is! SEND. Switched off or unavailable. Shit. Try again. Before the phone had a chance to ring (or not ring), I looked back at the pumps, and on the floor I saw a black rectangle. I snapped the phone shut and paced over to the pumps. It was my wallet!



I picked it up. It had tyre marks across it. I put it in my pocket. I brushed my hair back. I composed myself, went inside and paid for my petrol... with style.

Italy "win" FIFA World Cup

Yes it's true (unfortunately). Italy have been declared champions of the 2006 FIFA World Cup after defeating France 1-1 (5-3 on penalties). French player Zinedine Zidane was sent off with about 10 minutes left on the clock in the second half of extra time. After having his shirt pulled, Zidane (the head- butter) exchanged words with Materazzi (the headbuttee). I'm sure that Materazzi must have said something extremely offensive for Zidane to react the way he did. Zidane struck Materazzi in the chest with his bald head, and Materazzi fell to the floor clutching his sternum as though he had been shot.

Totalbet have Materazzi as a strong favourite to win the 2007 Oscar in the category of Best Performance by a Μαλακισμένο Ζώον. However, Materazzi's acting was only the latest in a string of great performances by the Italians in their World Cup campaign, which was filled with brilliant dramatic performances by players feigning injury. While Materazzi is receiving all the attention and numerous plaudits, other Italian players are also worthy of having their acting abilities recognised including: Grosso for his wonderful impersonation of a sniper victim vs Australia, Totti for falling whenever an opposing defender was in the same half, and Camoranesi for being the first player to dive in the team bus before it had arrived at the stadium.

Despite the Italian players' constant diving and unfair play throughout the tournament, they are champions. However, you have to wonder if they really feel that they deserved to win. Do they feel that they are worthy champions? It's an important question. Take Greece, for example. All Greek people were are proud of the Greek national team for winning Euro 2004. Along the way, the Greeks were rolemodels for everbody watching, in terms of teamwork, sportsmanship, and fairness. Each win was a clear win, leaving no doubt or stale taste in the mouths of those watching. In contrast, the Italian World Cup win was more like a silent fart - it started off slowly and quietly, but by the end it stunk - or similarly, the US presidential election of 2000 where the victory was handed to one of the two contenders.

Forza Italia!