- A daily blog about what we're working on, chatting about and looking out for as we put together the next Sunrise.

Check back every day after 4pm.

 

++ UPDATED 4.18pm Mar 18

• In Brekky Central tomorrow, we'll be hearing and seeing a celebrity medium who hears and sees dead people.
• Kings of Leon are one of the biggest bands in the world right now - watch for our interview.
• And you'll see more on the lioness that escaped from a NSW zoo. The story's tragic end is heart-breaking.

 

++ UPDATED 4.34pm Mar 17

• Kinglake residents have been allowed to return home. 
• Mozzies bite some of us and not others. Answers tomorrow!
• There are signs shift work can lead to disease. Is it bad for your health? 

++ UPDATED 5.14pm Mar 10

Craig McLachlan! He's headed for the stage again - rmember him in Rocky Horror Show? He'll also be on a Seven show soon. We'll be having him on to discuss his career. (And the hosts might sneak in a request to hear a bit of Mona!)

Money is on the front of many people's minds right now. Sunrise has always kept you up to date with what bonuses you can expect in the bank, which will continue tomorrow, but it's also the reason for many arguments.

Look out for our tips on how to recession-proof your relationship. 

++ UPDATED 4.33pm Mar 9

Our production meeting was spooked by photos a wild pig the size of a small horse that was caught in QLD. We're always getting weird photos from viewers but this one is particularly concerning!

Trucking magnate Lindsay Fox is a good Australian who has helped Australians find and keep jobs in hard times. He'll be on tomorrow to explain what he thinks the government can do to help workers.

And a question for you all - Do you think you’ve been treated unfairly because of your medical history? There are signs that medicos are using genetic testing to limit insurance. Great, more reasons to be spooked.

Lastly, music is in our DNA so we'll be chatting to The Wiggles about their new singing partner Kylie Minogue, and you'll see Chris Isaak singing live at Brekky Central.

 

++ UPDATED 4.25pm Mar 6

Welcome to a new, quicker production blog. It's a fun-size take home package just before you leave the office in the arvo.

We've stationed Fifi in the Cyclone's path. Fi and Shannon, her trusty producer, survived the floods so will reactivate poncho-cam, if needed.

Malcolm Turnbull is on. Will he use the r word? Will Peter Costello do something to overshadow his appearance?

Get the recipe for a perfect cup of tea from a man who doesn't hide his secrets under a bushel.

 

++ UPDATED 6.25pm Mar 5

Well, is there someone in your office that you just don’t trust? Perhaps somebody who always tries to go one better than you, undermines workmates, or manipulates situations to make themselves look better? Chances are, they could be a corporate psychopath. An ominous thought, isn’t it? We’re going to look into this type of colleague – what makes them tick, and how you can make sure you’re not the one who gets caught in their snare.

 

Our big guns of politics are dropping by tomorrow to battle out the big issues of the week, and Joe Hockey will share a family moment.

 

Speaking of moments, Kochie’s reunion with Seth Rogen almost brought us to tears this morning. Tonight the NBFs (New Best Friends) will be rubbing shoulders again as they walk the red carpet at the premiere of their new film, Monsters Vs Aliens. We’ll bring you the highlights.

 

And we’re also going to catch up with Oprah’s NBF, Curtis Stone. He’ll be cooking us up a storm.

 

See you then….

 

++ UPDATED 4.44pm Mar 4

Well, I think we’re all still shocked by yesterday’s brutal ambush on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan. The deadly attack has forced team members to flee home and cast serious doubts over whether the game will ever be able to properly recover in Pakistan. We’re going to cross live to Lahore for the latest and look at just how the cricketing world has reacted.

For the first time in eight years, the Australian economy has gone backwards. We’re going to find out tomorrow whether we’re headed for a recession and what that actually means. 

Are your partner’s sleeping habits forcing you out of a good night’s rest? It could be more common that you think, but there are things you can do about it.

And would you want to know if you were at risk of developing a serious disease? Tomorrow we’re going to meet a remarkable woman who chose to have radical surgery to reduce her risk of cancer.

On a lighter note, the Easter Bunny seems to have come early to the Sunrise office. Chocolate eggs are starting to appear, and we’re still over five weeks away from the big day! I don’t know whether I have that much chocolate eating capacity in me. Do you think it’s too early for Easter Eggs?


Catch you tomorrow…

++ UPDATED 5.27pm Mar 3
 

Well, many of us were hoping, but alas.. The Reserve Bank kept interest rates where they were today. I guess it would have been too much to ask for another 0.5% cut so soon. And while we are sitting at a comfortable 3.25%, a lot of us are still feeling the pinch during these rough economic times.Tomorrow, we’ll get some advice on how to find a good financial adviser to get us through.

Well, the Pauline Hanson v Warwick Capper clash didn’t quite turn out the way we were expecting. Many of you emailed the Soapbox to say how surprised you were about Pauline’s no-show on Sunrise today, and disgust at her being unable to face tough questions. Then we find out Mr Capper isn’t even running for a Queensland seat at all! We knew it was going to be interesting, but not like this. We’ll be chasing the latest on the election tomorrow.

We’ll also speak with the author we told you about who thinks women should quit their jobs to help their husband’s advance their career - a good one for the feminists.

And, show us your doodle! We want to see what you draw when you’re bored, and we’ll tell you why doodling actually improves your memory.

Catch you again tomorrow… Producer Sally.

 

++ UPDATED 5.09pm Mar 2 

It feels like banks find all kinds of ways to drain our money and it seems they’re about to impose yet another penalty on us.

We’re going to look at just what we’re about to be slugged for using ATMs. Also whether private health insurance is becoming too costly, especially since we’re in the middle of a financial crisis.

Neither Pauline Hanson nor Warwick Capper can be accused of shying away from the limelight, and don’t expect them to be in the background of things anytime soon. In fact, we’re really looking forward to the battle that’s heating up in the Queensland election as both identities prepare to go head-to-head. We’ll get a taste of what’s to come when both of them chat to us tomorrow.

Actress Magda Szubanski is going to drop by to talk about her new look as she takes on her latest role.

And meet the teenager who became so fed up with swearing – he’s declared the first week of March “No Cussing Week”!

Catch you tomorrow…

 

++ UPDATED 4.14pm Mar 1

Well if you're reading this, you know Sunrise has a website.. but have you found us on Twitter?
 
It's a new place you can find out what's happening online or on the show - run by our web guy, Luke - and we're always happy to get your feedback via Twitter.
 
We've received two Twitter messages regarding this morning's shark attack..
 
"What were the surfers doing in the water at shark feeding time?"
 
We'll be following up the attack in the morning.
 
Also tomorrow: actor Deborra-Lee Furness and rising star Tahyna Tozzi (from X-men: Origins) will tell us about their new movie drama "Beautiful"..
 
And Sam Neill is also on the show: he's in a new comedy/drama with fellow legends Bryan Brown and Peter O'Toole, called "Dean Spanley".
 
Catch you tomorrow..
 
PS Political figure (and occasional dancer) Pauline Hanson will be our guest on Tuesday, and we'd like you to send in questions for her..
 
You can do that here

  ---------------------

++ UPDATED 4.09pm Feb 26

Well maybe we've taken Aussie manufacturing of clothes and footwear for granted.
 
But this week that's changed - the layoffs at Pacific Brands mean icons like Bonds, King Gee and Berlei will soon come from overseas.
 
So tomorrow we're showing our patriotic streak.
 
We've asked Simon to find a complete men's outfit, that's made in Australia - right down to the socks and jocks.
 
Will it be hard to buy local - how will it compare to the cheap overseas clothing? And what about Simon's taste in clothes?
 
Find out in the morning.
 
Also tomorrow: legendary Aussie group Dragon will be performing in the studio, to celebrate 30 years in the music game
 
And something that might be music to the ears of new Mums..
 
We'll be getting some new advice, on how to encourage babies to sleep.
 
Catch you tomorrow..

++ UPDATED   4.55pm Feb 25

Well Eric Bana loves his Beast - and so do you..
 
We had over 600 photos sent in, showing ordinary Aussies and their extraordinary wheels.

 

(Well, not all extraordinary - there was a Datsun or two in there *joke*)
 
It's opened our eyes to the car-loving public.. And the fact that people like putting babies on top of motors, for a Kodak moment.
 
Others sent in photos.. showing them standing next to racing cars, which might not have exactly been "in" their ownership.
 
But they can dream of owning one.
 
Tomorrow we'll announce the winner of our photo comp - so be watching.
 
And here's the question gripping two on the production team - is white chocolate, really chocolate?
 
It doesn't have a lot of cocoa (if any) - that'll wipe the smile off the Milky Bar Kid's face.
 
This is because Luke bought a Top Deck to share around - but in my book it's a pale imitation of "the food of the gods".
 
Tomorrow on the show.. Kochie's 7 tips for cutting expenses, this year.
 
Plus we'll follow the return to Australia of the world's biggest cruise ship, the Queen Mary 2.
 
And Natalie Bassingthwaighte will perform her new single "Someday Soon".
 
Catch you (and your beast) tomorrow..
 

++ UPDATED  4.28pm Feb 24

 

 Well here's something we've been thinking about, at arvo snack time - for some people a simple chocolate bar could give them a severe reaction...
 
They've got peanut allergy, which is on the rise in Australia.
 
We'll be talking to the author of a new report, about why kids develop it - and what's being done about it.
 
Also tomorrow: what's happening to 241 ABC Learning Centres..
 
Wednesday is the deadline for offers for the "unviable" centres - and we'll get an update on that for parents.
 
On the showbiz front, Eric Bana is joining us in the morning.
 
We love having him on the show, he's a great chat..
 
Tomorrow he's talking about his unusual new film project - about his car.
 
The movie's called "Love the Beast".. and it even features celebrity rev-heads Jay Leno and Jeremy Clarkson.
 
Plus we'll find out about the performers in the bushfire and flood relief concerts.
 
And Fifi managed to make it into the office this morning, after weeks of travel around the country, for the weather..
 
Tomorrow she's leaving behind the floodwaters, to be knee deep in animals instead!
 
Catch you tomorrow.

 ------------------

 ++ UPDATED 4.33pm Feb 23

 
Well the leaked Oscars list we mentioned this morning.. wasn't leaked after all.
 
We've been watching the Oscars, and a couple of the winners have surprised us.
 
Penny thought Kate Winslet's speech was the best we've heard from her in ages.
 
Tomorrow we'll be discussing the best and worst of the red carpet fashions.. and getting reaction to Hugh Jackman's hosting role.
 
Also on the show - the spray-on contraceptive being developed in Australia, and how to say "no" without feeling guilty.
 
Plus Barbara Northwood is in to make pancakes for Shrove Tuesday - both the sweet and savoury types.
 
You can't say no to them.
 
And before I go, we're on a search for babies!
 
Come on Sunrise this Friday if your baby (0-2yrs) is having trouble sleeping. (read more)
 
Catch you tomorrow.

 ----------------

++ UPDATED 4.06pm Feb 22

Memories of Halley's Comet in 1986 have come flooding back for some people on the team.
 
That's because on Monday night/Tuesday morning we'll have a green visitor in the skies above.
 
A comet called Lulin will be passing within 60 million kilometres of Earth.
 
Tomorrow we'll be finding out why it's green, and why the visit is so unusual.
 
Also tomorrow.. Rahni will be on the red carpet with the latest on the Oscars and Hugh Jackman, who'll be hosting them.
 
Plus.. we'll have two songs from Welsh singer-songwriter Duffy..
 
For some, the office has been feeling like Wales in winter. Even the Elmo doll in the boss' office has been feeling the cold - and he's furry.
 
The air-con has been sending an icy cold draught over quite a few desks, and Kazzie has had enough.
 
Tomorrow morning, a technician will be climbing up into the roof, above us.
 
He'll track down the source of our temperature troubles, so we don't have to wear jackets in summer.
 
Maybe there's a comet up there.
 
 

++ UPDATED 4.15pm Feb 19

Well Fifi is no doubt looking forward to some "down" time at home this
weekend.

For weeks now she's been travelling to troublespots, to bring us the
weather..

As she said this morning, she's learning how to live out of a suitcase,
and has a new appreciation for laundromats!

Here's proof that she's a real trooper - she drove the crew and
equipment back from Bellingen, to give everyone else a rest.

Tomorrow we've got Joe and Anthony in for our Big Guns of Politics.

There's no shortage of things to talk about there!

As well, Tom Williams will be dropping by for a chat..

And for Sunrise in Focus we'll find out the truth about men's
relationships with their mums.

Not an easy thing to explain - but a lot easier than revealing why a 7
foot cardboard cutout has taken up residence at Katie's desk.

Catch you later..

 ++ UPDATED 4.07pm Feb 18

 

 --------------

++ UPDATED 12.54pm 18 Feb

Seeing I missed you yesterday, here's a quick note on what we're discussing... 

This came into the soapbox regarding the Citizen's Arrest story covered on today's show;

Another reason for not bothering to make citizens arrest
Some years ago I worked with a friend who told me of an incident that
happened to him one night. Whilst returning to his house he and his wife
saw that their front door was partially open and some internal lights
were on. As he walked up his garden path the house-breaker ran out the
open door but my gung-ho friend ran and tackled him on the front lawn.
He held the chap down (actually sitting on him) while his wife called
the police. When the police arrived he handed the man over to them for
charging. Some weeks later the chap’s trial was held and my friend
was called to testify against him. The defendant’s lawyer however
asked my friend about the level of light that was present in his front
yard where he caught and restrained his client. The lawyer successfully
argued that the light level was too low for my friend to have been able
to identify his client. As result his client’s charges were
dismissed. I rest my bewildered case!!!

And a viewer Becky sent this on the touchy subject of wedding expenses.

My name is Becky - I am 27 years old & got married at nineteen. My entire wedding cost less than $2000.00 (in 2001) - including my dress and the reception, and my husband wore a suit that he already had....
There are so many more world issues out there - not even just the ones that have hit home closely - like the floods up north and the bush fires down south - but people that are really struggling - you know - for essentials like food and clothes. Quite honestly, it makes me sick to think that people spend this much on weddings - and portray that is what [we all] should be doing.

 

++ UPDATED 4.01pm 16 Feb

Well health and hospitals are two things we've been following on Sunrise for years now.

You might remember the time Kochie broadcast the show from an emergency ward..

Now a report has been released by the government's health reform body.

It called for a federal takeover of care outside hospitals.. but it stopped short of recommending the same for hospitals.

So should the feds take over hospitals? They've been threatening to do it for long enough..

We did a quick straw poll around the office, and the results were split - although a poll on Yahoo7 is more clear-cut.

Tomorrow we'll be explaining what these reforms mean, and ask whether they might improve things.

Also in the morning, we'll meet two Aussie blokes who want to take Victoria Bitter to the Americans.

I think they need it - "It's Miller Time" just doesn't stack up against "Matter of fact, I've got it now".

Catch you tomorrow.

 ---------------

++ UPDATED 4.37pm 15 Feb

Well things are a little less hectic around the office today.. after the events of last week.

But that doesn't mean we've forgotten about the Victorian bushfires..

Tomorrow we'll be set up in two spots, checking on the assistance for victims, and the appeal tally.

Also tomorrow: the bizarre case in the UK, where a 13-year-old boy has become a dad..

But is he really the father?

Lately we've had time to get our office whiteboard planner back in use.

It's been blank for a little while.. but it's covered in lots of very neat writing now - perhaps by the office calligrapher?.

Speaking of whiteboards, we've been thinking about updating the ROSwall..

Someone on the team saw a fancy whiteboard on CNN the other day - with a touch-sensitive screen.

But I do like the current one - a little rough around the edges, and no power source needed!

Let us know whether the ROSwall needs an update.

And there's one more thing to mention - our Nelson is now a New Yorker!

He's posted a blog about how he'll have a Manhattan base, as well as a place in L-A..

That way he can keep up with those fickle celebs, on either side of the U-S..

Catch you tomorrow

 

 -----------------------

++ UPDATED 12 Feb 5.22pm

We have thousands of emails on the Soapbox at any given time, but since the bushfires last weekend, the messages have increased.

 

Lots of people just want to express their shock at the situation, or offer help.

 

But plenty have been asking about an idea that's been floated many times this week - bushfire bunkers.

 

One couple escaped the flames by staying in their underground cellar, and that's prompted calls for homes in bushfires areas to have these "bunkers" installed.

 

Tomorrow we'll be asking the experts at Archicentre about that, plus other ways to fire-proof your home.

 

Our Big Guns of Politics are back in the morning.

 

As you can imagine, there's plenty for Joe and Anthony to talk about.. including the fate of the stimulus package (another hot topic on the Soapbox this week)..

 

And did you see volunteer firefighter David Tree talking about Sam the koala this morning?

 

He seems to be a genuine nature lover, and also very modest.. He says while he gave a thirsty koala a drink, other people took Sam to get some medical attention.

 

Catch you later..

 

PS we've been looking through some of the creative entries for our Coldplay competition, where YOU GET TO MEET THE BAND! Check out how to enter here

 

 

++ UPDATED 11 Feb 4.30pm

Well the bushfires have raised so many issues, which we've been discussing..

Everything from fire warnings, to building codes, arson penalties.. and the "stay or go" debate..

That's the question some Victorians had to face on Saturday - do they stay to fight the flames, or leave their house?

For some, the decision to stay was a fatal move..

Although it must be said, some people were simply caught by surprise on Saturday, and had no time to leave..

Tomorrow we'll be covering three separate areas in the bushfire zone..

Simon will bring us a special report - his trip into the devastated town of Kinglake.

We'll also find out more about the firefighter, who was kind enough to give a thirsty koala a drink.

There's more on that here.

And in other news from the team: Kochie returns tomorrow.. and Fifi is back on deck, after injuring her foot earlier this week..

Shannon has been keeping us up-to-date on her mobility, and like the good friend he is (?) he's been sharing some photos from her mishap too.

Catch you tomorrow

 -------------------

++ UPDATED 10 Feb  5.02pm

Well we've been planning another extended Sunrise show tomorrow..

This is still such a big story - three days after the fires there are so many people in need, and much work to be done..

Simon Reeve is joining our coverage tomorrow - he'll be giving us a closer look at how homes were turned into rubble.

Mel has been phoning in to tell us how she's been running into roadblocks, while travelling to the new spot for tomorrow's show..

Many locals have found the same problem, as they try to get back into damaged areas.

But we understand why authorities can't re-open all the roads, just yet.

And we've been keeping an eye on the Soapbox.

Many of us have shared comments from people who've been traumatised by the tragedy, even if they were nowhere near it.

And there are also offers of help on the emails too.

Tomorrow we'll explain how to volunteer your services for the victims.

See you then.

  ------------------------

++ UPDATED 9 Feb  7.47pm

By Shannon, Fifi's producer - on location in flood-stricken Ingham, Queensland.

We're heading out of the floods today.
Well, we were going to hang around - the floods are certainly still here -  but Fifi has had a bit of a mishap.

She's just so full of energy that when we were packing up to go to our next location, Fifi ran into a case of equipment.

And this wasn't just like when you stub your toe.

She's broken the top of her foot  - a toe and a ligament have separated where the toe joins the foot.

Agh!

You'd think it would have hurt but when about 20 firies came running to help her, she was in heaven, just lapping it up!

In fact, she's laughing about it in a radio interview right now.

I think maybe she just wanted a chopper ride out!

So tonight, we are staying in Townsville.

For the first time in six days, we have a bathroom, clean clothes and can put our feet up. (No offence, Fi.)

Luckily, for those in Ingham, the floods are subsiding, again. Who knows what will happen. Some think they may rise again on Thursday.

The residents aren't starving but they're pretty hungry, surviving on food drops by the army in a Hercules.

The local pub owner told us he's almost out of food. As for Fifi, she may need surgery but she will have to have scans first.
There's lots of swelling.

But true to form, Fifi doesn't want to miss a day.

We're flying back tomorrow and she will have tomorrow off. At least.  
We'll see how she goes.

I got some great photos of the foot - and the firies taking care of her. Will try to get to a computer tomorrow.

Shannon

 

 -----------------

++ UPDATED 8 Feb 4.14pm

We're tying to come to terms with the scale of loss and devastation from Victoria's bushfires.

How have so many lives been lost? How will towns that have practically been destroyed, re-build?

The whole country is in shock, at this developing story..

So we've been organising to have Kochie and Mel reporting live from the region in the morning.

Rachel and Brooke are with them, helping to set up in two separate locations, where we'll hear from the locals and firefighters.

And if you have bushfire photos or video you can send it to us.

Meantime Fifi will bring us more details on the flooding in Ingham, North Queensland.

Over the weekend the waters rose once again.

Fifi, Shannon and Leigh did manage to make it to Townsville to get some fresh clothes.

That's about it - join us tomorrow for a special edition of Sunrise.

 

++ UPDATED 5 Feb 4.39pm

Well our Big Guns of Politics segment makes a return to the show tomorrow..

 

++ UPDATED 4 Feb 4.12pm

When you're "on the road" in the T-V game, it often pays to travel light.

But Shannon on our team is paying the price for cutting back too much.

He's travelling with Fifi, in the Queensland flood zone - and he's run out of fresh clothes!

Tune in tomorrow to find out whether he's managed to find some new clobber around Ingham.

Fifi isn't in quite such dire straits - but she is trying to stay dry, as they wade through the flooded areas.

Also in the morning, meet the Aussie who's won her third race up the Empire State Building.

What a remarkable feat!

We'll get her to take the elevator, when she's heading into our New York studio.

And you'll get to hear about the Hollywood stars who are nasty behind the scenes..

Did you catch that outburst from Dark Knight star Christian Bale? A crew member on his latest movie copped it, big time.

It might have been justified, I suppose. Maybe Christian was stressed and short on clothes?

Catch you tomorrow

 

------------------------

++ 3 Feb 4.34pm

Plenty of us saw the interest rate cut coming, but the scale of the government's new economic stimulus package has surprised some..  

It's worth $42 billion, and will see some more money going to Aussies - this time middle income workers and families.  

Tomorrow Kochie will break it down into bite-size pieces, and answer some of your queries about what's going on.  

Paul has been out on the Plaza with a camera this afternoon, getting direct questions to our finance guru.  

Also in the morning, we'll meet the personal trainer who's putting on weight, to help his clients.   He wants to get an idea of what they're going through - but how hard will be it for him to eventually lose the kilos?  

And Grant Denyer will be dropping by, with an update on his recovery from that back injury.   It'll be great to see him again.  

Gotta go now - there's a Superbowl made of chocolate in the kitchen, but I reckon Beretts had a go at it this morning (there are quite a few teeth marks!)   

++ 2 Feb 4.26pm

The Sea Shepherd captain mentioned during our live cross today that dangerous sound transmitters had been aimed at his boat and his passengers as they pursue the Japanese whalers. Is it only a matter of time until someone is seriously hurt?

We'll find out more tomorrow... By the way, do you support the pursuit of the whalers in this way? Tell the soapbox.

Paul Richards, one of our producers, has put together a story on a Brisbane plan to make restaurants display hygiene ratings on their doors.

This one could send some chefs running for the broom - and the ratsak!

Paul says that he thinks the plan is a great idea, "if the major outcome of it is they all lift their game, that means higher standards in kitchens and more safety for diners."

Paul says he would even look for the ratings every time he dined out. "I would have to! If the info was available I would be looking for it first thing after the menu."

And if his favourite restaurant turned out to have bad ratings? "Well, if I had eaten there and survived I would probably keep going!"

Find out tomorrow what happens to restaurant owners who don't comply.

Interest rates may again fall tomorrow (How low can they go!) but that won't help the government find the missing $115b. We'll tell you tomorrow how they missed out on such a massive amount of revenue.

If you've been missing Simon Reeve lately, he has just returned from Bali where he visited an orphanage he supports. Look out for his photos and a blog in the coming days.

See you at 6am! 

 

++ 1 Feb 5.02pm

We get a few photos every day from viewers via the soapbox but a set of shots received today really blew our mind. (Check them out here)

No one expects a national icon to be swimming in an Adelaide beach, in full view of other swimmers and entirely starkers!

Today in the office we were treated to a fleeting visit by Beretts and one of his littlies. His adorable daughter appeared to have inherited his sporting interest as she followed Beretts around asking "What's this?", "What's that for?" ("That's an AFL player figurine", "That's a football I got from the Socceroos"). Ahhh, so much to see and do in dad's office.

News has just come through that the government is offering an assistance package to victims of the bushfires. With 31 people now dead, Sunrise will be examining the response to the fires and how the heatwave is continuing to affect residents in our southern states.

Finances are never far from the news are they? Watch the Dow Jones is enough to get Kochie up every morning - but tomorrow we may hear his thoughts on how the predicted deficit will affect the economy. And the word 'recession' is being thrown around a lot more. Finally, we can stop calling it the 'R' word and say what it is!

Speaking of strange words, working at Sunrise exposes you to many bizarre pieces of jargon. Imagine, when on my first day, people started saying 'move that slug would you' or when you get told to 'add a snappier strap to your story". Well, here comes another one - tomorrow, on Sunrise, watch closely for when our Entertainment Reporter James Tobin will be doing a 'live donut'. Explanation tomorrow!

Watch tomorrow for more on the cyclone facing Queensland, plus a bushfire hero we've found who's risking his life in the enormous heat, and for the new evidence that a common cancer in women is not a silent killer.

Tomorrow will also see the return of the Cash Cow. You need to be watching for your chance to win a share of $100,000!

Catch you soon.

++ 29 Jan 4.14pm

Douggie's daughter was exploring the office today with wide-eyed wonder and lots of giggles. She discovered there's no shortage of clucky women here!

But it turns out that more and more men are staying home, many because they have lost their jobs. We'll talk to one of them tomorrow about why they made the decision to stay out of the workforce.

We've got more proof that Beretts has balls - tennis balls - and he's loving the tournament so much he's feeling confident enough to make his call for who will win the Australian Open. Even before the semi finals are played he's declaring Federrer will be the male victor and Serena Williams has the hunger to win the womens' Open.

(What should he have to him do if he gets both wrong? That's in your hands...)

Kochie, meanwhile, has a new book hitting the stands - Kochie's 101 Ways to Survive 2009. It's a timely little paperback that he has been handing out to all the Gen Y staffers in the office, probably with a snigger!

Kochie's tip #64 Ditch the beer fridge.
You will have to buy the book to work out why... (It has to do with bills)

Our very own Cash Cow is back again next week. She started wondering the office today mooing about having $100,000 and wanting to spend it on her friends at a major nightclub's pool parties over the weekend.

So on Monday, we'll either have a cow looking sour and full of curdled milk or we'll have the full $100,000 to give away!

Also tomorrow, look out for more on the virus that can be spread on your mobile phone. It may make you think twice about holding that dirty phone up to your ear!

 

++ 28 Jan 4.50pm

It appears Home and Away viewers are at least as passionate as Sunrise viewers.
Today we were all amazed at the hundreds who gathered outside Brekky Central to meet four stars of the 7 show.

Since that time this morning, much has happened.

The Queen was nearly derailed 40 years ago - in Australia! There's an unsolved mystery Kochie will investigate...

Weekend Sunrise has announced it will be starting at 7am from this weekend.

Adam Boland, formerly our Executive Producer, has been emailing photos of the set under construction for the new show Sunday Night.

And at 3.30pm comes news that Adelaide's hot hot day - while they are very used to heatwaves - is, in fact, their hottest day in 70 years! Fires are raging, horse races are being cancelled ..

At 45 degrees celcius, we can't be far from kids being sent home - just days after returning to school!

More on some of these stories tomorrow.

++ 27 Jan 4.54pm

Today in the Sunrise office we watched the weather with suspicion.

With a cyclone at one end, scorchers all week in Adelaide and Melbourne plus some sudden rains on the east coast, we all want to know what's going on.

 

We even considered sending our new weather presenter, Fifi Box, to the hottest part of the country to figure it out. But we let her off - she'll be LIVE tomorrow in Hamilton Island, which sounds pretty good to me, sitting here in jeans and noisy air-conditioning.

 

Melbourne didn't get the 40 degrees expected today, which won't impress all the Adelaide viewers who wrote in to tell us ‘Huh! 40 degrees? Toughen up Victorians!'

 

Kochie's idea for us all to Yell for Jelena worked with Beretts taking the tennis star no less than 635 messages of support from Sunrisers.

 

Tomorrow we will look back at Jelena's match - fingers crossed she'll be victorious but Safina is the firm favourite.

 

It's back to school for kids this week and parents are feeling the emotion. Mel will tell a first hand what feelings go through a parent's mind, then we'll go to an expert to share what you can do to cope.

 

Tomorrow is a major anniversary - one of special interest to Kochie and many of you.

It's 21 years of Home and Away. And is there a secret involving an ex-cast member?

 

Come down to Brekky Central to meet some Home & Away stars or watch from home - it's always a hoot when Kochie gets talking about Alf.

++ 26 Jan  3.30pm

Despite being a public holiday, Brekky Central is no quiet place today with many families in the city for the festivities and pressing their faces against the studio glass.

Our new weather presenter Fifi is gaining more than a little attention in the papers. And don't they love a good weather pun. In the last week we've seen Fifi's weathering the storm, her sun is rising and it's all fine times for Fifi.

As Fifi has been whistling across the country like a southerly, she has come across some other explorers. One explorer's name was Ezra Cooley - http://www.ezrasexpedition.com/- this 29 year old cowboy from California, began his expedition back in 2006. Since then he has continued riding his horses right around the world to help raise money for children's charities.

Fifi promises to tell us more about meeting Ezra and other personalities in a weekly blog she'll be posting from on the road. Tomorrow, Fifi will be in Brisbane's Chinatown!

Just after 7am look out for more on the Jobs crisis meeting where we'll be asking you the viewer, should the dole be increased? You can answer the question in a poll on our homepage right now.

Plus, a look at who won the SAG awards. So far, the results make our Showbiz Reporter (and new clairvoyant) Nelson Aspen look right on the money...

 

 See you early!

 

++ 25 Jan 5.24pm

    If you want to see Melbourne's sights, watch Sunrise tomorrow - we're broadcasting LIVE from Federation Square.

And if you want to hear Melbourne's sound, The Cat Empire will perform twice. Immediately after their performance, come to the Sunrise website during the show to get a free music download of no less than 25minutes! (That's nearly half an album!)

There's cooking in true Australian style as it's a day where we'll be celebrating what it means to be Aussie - and we'll meet some everyday heroes including the new Young Australian of the Year.

Indigenous Leader Michael Dodson has just been announced Australian of the Year. You'll hear more about his achievements too.

So if you're nearby, head down to Melbourne's CBD and say hi to all of us in federation Square between 6am and 9am.

While we're getting our 15minutes of Vitamin D, you can drop by and quite possibly get your 15seconds of fame!

++ 19 January

You know how it is when you travel somewhere, and you leave something behind?

Some leave their battery charger in the hotel cupboard - we've left Beretts in Melbourne, after our live broadcast from the Australian Open this morning.

But it's all been planned that way, with Beretts to bring us more stories and stars from the event in the morning.

Also staying "on the road" in Melbourne is our newest member, Fifi.

She's getting used to spending days at a time away from home - Fifi's been working on a list of places to visit this year. More on that soon.

And another member of our team is away from home - Nat is preparing to bring us the Obama inauguration from Washington on Wednesday morning.

Our live coverage starts in the wee small hours, and there'll be plenty of action right through the show, once the formalities are over.

So in the lead-up to that, tomorrow we're getting some background on the inauguration, and how it works.

And we'll catch up with some of the Aussies in Washington for the ceremony, and the celebrations.

Also on Tuesday, our back-to-school series continues, with a look at how to take the burden out of backpacks.

I hope Fifi's watching....!

++ 15 January

Well just as we were settling back into the hushed tones of busy work this afternoon, Michael Pell arrived. For those of you not familiar with Michael, he's the Morning Show's office gossip. He's also the boss of Weekend Sunrise.

And boy is he energetic! Today we were treated to his renditions of Lady Gaga and Ellen dancing. Hilarious. It's great to have a bit of entertainment in the office.

Kind of like Dame Edna Everage. Mel's just arrived back from interviewing her with a grin from ear to ear. And we can't say too much.. but she did pick up some of the Dame's beauty tips. Just wait til you see Mel's new look tomorrow!

Also tomorrow.. the man they call the shark cowboy.

Get this, he lasoos sharks by the tail, tackles them and then rides on their backs - all in the name of research.

Our producer Ben reckons he'd be great to have a beer with. He'd have a few stories to tell, that's for sure.

Don't miss his interview with Larry and Mel tomorrow.

Catch you later.

 

++ 14 January

Well we're all breathing a sigh of relief. Thankfully the firefighters seems to have contained most of the blazes that were burning in SA and Sydney yesterday. But still.. it's only January.. the fire season is far from over.

So what can we expect for the rest of summer? Well that's what we're trying to figure out on the production desk this afternoon. We'll speak to the experts tomorrow on the show.

And have you heard about the big cat on the prowl in Queensland?

Apparently it's the size of a panther and is causing havoc with the local wildlife.
It could be an urban myth, but there's a growing number of locals who reckon they've spotted the cat. Let us know if you've spotted him yourself!

And hands up if you never have time for exercise? Yep, we thought as much.
Well apparently there's a new workout that only takes 15 minutes and it promises to get you toned and fit. So does it actually work? We'll find out and let you know in the morning.

Anyway we'd better get back to it.

Have a good afternoon.

++ 13 January

Wow, what a day.

More of Queensland's underwater, Sydney's heading for a heatwave and there are bushfires in South Australia. What's going on? We'll tackle the wild weather on the show tomorrow.

And something close to every Aussie's heart - Matthew Hayden's retirement. What an incredible bloke, 15 years he's been on the international circuit. Beretts reckons he's one of the best openers we've ever had. But Matthew's not slowing down, we'll find out about his plans for the future tomorrow on the show.

Oh and in case you hadn't heard, Jamie Durie's on the show tomorrow. There's no chance of any of us on the production desk forgetting. The girls have been preparing for his visit all day!

Unfortunately he won't be getting his gear off, but he's got some pretty nifty tips about gardening in the Australian climate, including how to pick a drought resistant plant and what you can do now to prepare your garden for winter.

And one last thing we just have to share with you, our boss Dougie reckons he's come up with the new word of the year.

P-C. As in 'Pre-crisis."

And after watching our segment this morning about job security he's just reminded us that getting a pay rise is definitely P.C.

On that note, we'd better get back to it.

Over and out.

++ UPDATED 12 January

Well it's been a pretty busy day here on the production desk, our producers are slowly trickling back into the office after their summer holidays. And we sure do need them.

We've been on the case of Cyclone Charlotte all day. It's been bucketing down in Cairns and it's not over yet. We'll bring you all the pictures tomorrow morning plus the forecast for the days ahead.

One thing we didn't forecast was Mickey Rourke's Golden Globe win. What a comeback! We're not so sure about those sparkly accessories though - what was he thinking?! We'll bring you all the red carpet hits and misses tomorrow on the show.

Also tomorrow the questions plenty of Aussies are pondering right now - with the current climate, is it possible to ask for a raise? Is anyone secure in their job? Should you take a pay cut to keep your job? We'll get the answers tomorrow on the show.

And we're taking a look at the growing trend of couples who live and work together.
Plenty of people run businesses with their partner or work from home these days.
But is it possible to still have a normal relationship without "talking shop" all the time? Let us know how you keep the romance alive in your relationship.

Perhaps we'll send some of your tips to Kochie - as you know he's celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary - surely he's running out of ideas!

Catch you tomorrow.

++ UPDATED 8 January 4.

Well have you noticed "unit pricing" appearing on the shelves at your local supermarket? Some chains have already started showing how much products cost per 100g/100ml etc.

I've been using the info on my shopping trips, to make price comparisons.. Although I wish they'd go "per sheet" on toilet rolls, instead of "per roll".. Have you noticed how skinny some rolls are? Maybe it's just me.

Now the government says ALL the big stores will have to introduce unit pricing, and if you still don't quite understand the fuss, we'll be explaining how it works in the morning.

Also tomorrow, another issue straight out of the shopping trolley - should Vegemite continue to be sold, despite its salt content?

We ran a poll on that this morning, and we'll reveal the results tomorrow.

If you can't do without your Vegemite fix, what else do you need for a complete life?

There are apparently five simple things you need to stay on the level, and we'll tell you what they are.

Ben would probably say chocolate has to be one of them - he keeps sharing his stash around the office.

And I've got two bits of news:

Sunrise will be broadcasting LIVE from the Australian Open in Melbourne, on Monday January 19th. Mark that one in your diaries.

And Luke says Sunrise is now sharing its secrets minute-by-minute, on twitter. Track us while we sleep!

Catch you tomorrow.

++ UPDATED 7 January 4.40pm

Remember last week we talked about the New York guy who was writing love letters to strangers?

He decided people could use a pick-me-up.. and if you send him your address, he'll send you back a (short) love letter for free!

Well we decided to contact him, and he jumped at the chance to appear on the show (and there's a secret reason for that, which will be revealed tomorrow)..

Jake Bronstein has done quite a few things to spread love, luck or just happiness - so he fits right in with our view of the world.

In fact, on his website he's just listed 10 words he thinks are fun:

kerfuffle, whippersnapper, nipple, discombobulated, grommet, condiments, spork, floozy, boa, and dogapult ...

Also in the morning... how to raise an assertive child.

We don't mean a child who speaks back to you - but one who is confident, and stands up for him/her self.

Is it giving them skills they'll need in later life?

And Geoff Huegill will be dropping by, with some fitness tips. Online, he'll also explain how he got off the greasy fast food train.

He's helping out with part four of our Doing Fine in '09 series.

Catch you tomorrow!

++ UPDATED 6 January 3.55pm

Well chronic fatigue syndrome has been an issue for some years now - with some high-profile sufferers..

Now there's new research, which shows certain incidents children experience, can predispose them to CFS as adults.

Does this mean it's all in the head - or is there an infection linked to the condition as well?

We'll get the latest thinking on that, in the morning.

Also tomorrow.. part three in our Doing Fine in '09 series - with love and relationships.

What strains are likely to hit your relationship this year - and how do you strengthen your bond?

Plus if you're not currently in a relationship, there's also advice on how to meet new people.. in unlikely places.

And have you heard about the public falling-out.. between former Melbourne underworld wife Roberta Williams, and her lawyer?

It's become quite personal, with Roberta criticising new mum Zarah Garde-Wilson for returning to work so soon after having her baby.

So tomorrow we'll be asking when it's appropriate for new mums to return to work.

Finally.. producer Ben's been looking for unusual festivals and happenings around the nation. In the past we've visited SA's Tunarama Festival, and even Mary Poppins Week in Qld.

As you've seen on the show, Fifi Box will be joining us in the next couple of weeks.. and we want her to travel the country, experiencing events like these.

Send us your suggestions, for our new recruit Fifi.

Catch you tomorrow