Snow twist

In a small spot of shopping this morning I picked up a double layer ski jacket for the chilly Northern winters. Orange might not normally be my first choice but the deal was too good to resist.

Australia Day

An extra serving of vegemite on my morning toast to celebrate Australia Day.

Social Security

An hour in a queue and a week later... my social security card and key to life in the land of the free.

Snowfall

Last night we got the second decent dumping of snow this season - a perfect opportunity to break in my new waterproof, polarfleece lined, jumbo grip soled merrell boots by taking an early morning walk around downtown Naperville.

My snowball making was accelerated by the sno-baller which produced perfect snowspheres ideal for mini snowmen and snowball fights.

A Real Job

The boss' boss shared this info on what real jobs are all about. The definition of overtime feels particularly true - every month I sign a time sheet to say I worked 9-5 Monday-Friday.

Rollerblading@Fox River

We went rollerblading along the Fox River trail today enjoying a crisp winter day.

Green (Eggs &) Ham

Have all the important questions in science already been answered??? Scientists in Taiwan have resorted to reproducing work by Dr Seuss - synthesising a green fluorescent pig.

Lincoln Park Leopard

The leopard just wouldn't stand still for a photo.

Facing Australia

This is a very cool project where they digitally merge the image of 100 people with the same age/racial profile as a city etc. to give "The face of ...". More info at http://www.facingaustralia.com

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