Brokeback Mountain

We saw Brokeback Mountain today. One of the better movies I've seen in a while, full of long close ups and a good soundtrack. I think Heath Ledger had fewer lines to learn than an extra who was only on screen for ~60 seconds.

Happy 2006

shark tales

Monkey at Epcot

Looks like an escapee from Animal Kingdom.

splash mountain

epcot

A Disney Christmas

We're spending 6 days over Christmas at Walt Disney World, Florida staying in Andy's Room, i.e. the "Toy Story" themed area of one their kid friendly resorts. It comes complete with giant Woody and Buzz Lightyear figures.

Xmas Lights

The award for most elaborate Christmas lights goes to this house complete with animated window scenes. An honorable mention goes to the house next door with a single posterboard with an arrow directed at their neighbours.

It's Snowing

It's snowing fluffy flakes.

Chicago Weather Forcast

Its -2 degrees outside this morning and its supposed to get up to 16 degrees today - a bit like winter in Sydney only on a different scale.

Squeezing Samples

Sydney Morning Herald

A page 3 girl! Lucky for me it was a slow news day. And little else at this Neutron Scattering conference is fit for public consumption. The reporter did an excellent job of piecing together what I said. As an added bonus, the scientific details are correct too. Probably the best NTE description so far.



Scientists come up with a cure for the atomic jitters

Ben's B'day

The whole family trekked to Sydney to celebrate Ben's birthday with a cake courtesy of PoPo

Wildlife

At the Featherdale wildlife park we got up close and personal with the No.2 and No.4 most recognisable national symbols (the Statue of Liberty and Eiffel tower are No.1 and No.3).

Pete was a little reserved at first, but soon made friends.

Ben's 21 Today

He was most pleased with his lemon tart cake, partcularly since Mum made a double recipe.

Oak Park

On a rare (manufactured) day off we visited Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago and canvas for architect Frank Lloyd Wright a pioneer of the 'prarie' style. He apprenticed Walter Burley Griffin who was named after a lake in Canberra.

Experiment

My experiment is doing a Santa Claus impersonation. Either I've been awake too long or need more sleep.

Autumn Frosts

I know that Chicago gets cold in winter but this is ridiculous.

My Brother. Superhero?

Lurking beneath Ben's mild mannered pianist guise is an alter ego waiting to escape.

Pay Day

My first paycheck from my first real paid job. After years of (modest) PhD stipends my first thought was that I'd been overpaid.