The orympics, football-comebacks and seagulls - it's complicated...

by Allan McKelvie

It's 8.10pm in Beijing, 1.10pm in London, but more importantly it's ten ten here in Melbourne, leading us all into the future. In Beijing, the closing ceremony is just starting and I for one can't fathom out what it's all about. Admittedly, Ive only been watching the 29th Olympiad sporadically, but from what I hear its been a success. Not sure if they were talking about the events or keeping Tibetan protestors mute. I did see Usain Bolt, and thought he was special.

We've had a busy weekend. On Friday, we went to Bendigo to see Jo's sister Lisa and her family, little Zac was playing football (soccer), and we went to watch him play, score and celebrate in fine style... He could be a star...


On Saturday night we had some friends round to watch the Aberdeen v Rangers game, a mediocre affair but a reasonable outcome. Good to see the seagulls were taught a lesson before the game. We've been into town today to the Taste of Melbourne exhibition, and that was great. A lot of the town's best restaurants were represented, and we got some decent food and wine tastings and had a few choice dishes. The baccala was a highlight, as was the look on Jo's face when some pseudo-German bloke kept following her with his baldy heid...

I've been pretty busy of late, started an internship two days a week as well as getting a shedload of other uni stuff. Looks like a tough few months ahead, but all in a good cause. My hope of rekindling my football career is still alive, laziness is a wee hurdle, but if Charlie Miller can do it... Jo on the other hand, well she's not the lazy type, in fact she's just added another publication onto her burgeoning list such is her zeal and passion for hard work. Heh heh. She's keeping pretty busy at work, in fact I wouldnt be surprised if she were to land a gig at NASA, she's a real asset. Although, at the moment, wrapped in her tv blanket watching 'Denise Richards, It's Complicated', you'd probably recommend that NASA carry out thorough psychometric testing on the wee thing.

Well I better sign off, I'm sure there is more news but it has escaped me for the moment. I will be back in touch, dear diary....

Take it easy

Al and sleepy Jo

On the mend

by Jo Spong

Hello blog readers

Some of you will know that Al and I both fell sick with a cold shortly after arriving back from our overseas holiday. Well, its been a slow recovery but I am almost back to 100% health and Al is back to about 85% health....getting there. Combined with jet-lag and being sick it only feels like now that we are back to a regular sleeping pattern which is a relief to be honest. It is very difficult being a genius at work when you have only had four hours sleep :) So we haven't been very productive of late, just having some nights in trying to get well again.

On the work front, it is busy for me with many many papers to write and try to get published, along with preparing to go to a conference in Adelaide in October where I have two presentations to make. I am also busy trying to get funding to run a small but important research project. Al starts back at university tomorrow for his last semester which is exciting. He has an internship this semester too which is a great opportunity for him to see how it all works in industry and also for him to make some contacts.

So we should have some more interesting things to report about soon, now that we are getting better.

We hope you are all well

x Jo and Al

Europe Photos

by Allan McKelvie and Jo Spong

You can flick through the pictures or click anywhere on the slideshow to visit all of our online Photo Albums