Purple Heart

My Dad: Feb 1924 to Jan 2006

We lost my dad today. He lived through the Great Depression, picking cotton in Singleton, Texas, on a poor farm. He was drafted into the army in WWII, serving in the infantry in Germany. Dad earned his Purple Heart when he sustained an injury in combat which affected the rest of his life. He returned to Texas after the war, earned a Master's Degree, fathered two children and spent his life in cattle and rice agriculture in Texas. He lived to hold his great-granddaughter in his arms.

Outlander Series

The Outlander Series, which is called the CrossStitch Series in the UK market, begins with the story of Clair Randall, an English post-WWII army nurse who is trying to rekindle her war-interrupted marriage when she is pulled through standing stones and finds herself in the middle of a violent skirmish in the Scottish Highlands in 1743. She is rescued by the Scots from the clutches of her husband's ancestor, but only to be held in the castle on the suspicion of spying. That's the first 50 pages of this series which has six books, all 500 pages or more. Luckily, for you the series is complete, so you can start with Outlander (or CrossStitch) and read right through to the end of the story with A Breath of Snow and Ashes. Here's a good link written by a woman whose best friend insisted that she read the books over her objections.

Dress as Art by Armani

How Do We Get Fat?

• Drink anything but water
• Don't walk
• Genetics
• Grow older
• Eat junk food
• Eat more calories
• Eat out regularly
• Excessive alcohol
• Never read food labels
• No exercise
• Pregnancy
• Stress

Read the entire article here

Trust Me...

Five excellent Maurice Micklewhite films you may have missed:
Ipcress File (1965)
Get Carter (1971)
The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
Deathtrap (1982)
Little Voice (1998)

Swimming with the Sharks

Is ten shark attacks around Australia in the last 18 months enough to keep you out of the water? If not, the West Australian has queried the experts and presents these tips for "swimming with the sharks":

• Swimming with a dog attracts sharks.
• Bleeding or urinating in the water attracts sharks.
• Swimming at dawn and dusk is a more dangerous time.
• Sharks attack humans on surfboards probably because surfers look like turtles.
• Sharks attack scuba divers as they look like seals.
• Swimming in murky water is more dangerous.
• Frenzied splashing, usual behaviour when sighting a shark, attracts the shark's attention to the swimmer.
• Punching a shark may be effective, but it may also stimulate it to attack.
• Wearing shiny jewelry in the water looks like the reflection of fish scales to a shark and may lead to an attack.

"City of Falling Angels"

At the center of John Berendt's The City of Falling Angels is the story of the destruction by fire of the Fenice opera house in Venice in 1996 and the subsequent efforts to rebuild it. From this starting point Berendt weaves into the narrative stories of the unique city and its inhabitants. Some of the inhabitants are well-known: Peggy Guggenheim, Olga Rudge, Alistair McAlpine and Archimede Seguso. No less fascinating are the everyday people of Venice's streets and canals whose stories Berendt tells. He takes the reader inside the palaces of the Grand Canal where he manages to solicit candid interviews with the owners. Just as he did in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Berendt brings history, personalities, greed, corruption, self-aggrandizement, and scandal together to tell the story of a great city, seen from the inside out.

Federer Wins Aussie Open

Roger Federer (SUI) won the Australian Open in four sets, dropping the first set 5-7, but winning the next three sets, 7-5, 6-0, 6-2. His opponent, Marcos Baghdatis (CYP), had a fairy tale Open, but fell to the world's Number One in four sets. This is Federer's seventh grand slam title.

Brokeback Mountain Review

After reading numerous reviews of Brokeback Mountain, Aussie says "two men have naughty intent". (apologies to Confucius)

Spider Rifle

We have some serious spiders Down Under and serious spiders need serious solutions. Click here for directions to make a spider rifle. (Actually, it's a catch and release.)

Crowe-Kidman Come to the Kimberley

Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman will shoot their Baz Luhrmann-directed film in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Much of the script is set in the Northern Territory of Australia, but the settings in the Kimberley will substitute. Crowe said of the script, "I was just transported off into this place and time and into the lives of these people. So it will be a magnificent thing working with Baz. It'll be wonderful spending that much time in that particular area of Australia."
Baz Luhrmann who directed Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge! collaborated on the script with Stuart Beattie who wrote Collateral. The yet-to-be-titled script is described as an Australian set, period epic.
Kidman and Crowe were set to make a movie together in Australian in 2004, but because of script problems, the project was shelved.

Men's Final Tonight at Open

Can Marcos continue his run as the "giant killer" at the Australian Open? It's Baghdatis v. Federer tonight in the Men's Finals.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Happy Chinese New Year! It's the Year of the Dog!

People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people's confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders. They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit.

So, if your birthday falls between January 29, 2006 and Feburary 17, 2007 and you were born in 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, it's your year! For a complete discussion of Chinese astrology, click here.

Spycams or Webcams?

Random live webcams from the internet.
See what you think.

And the Pudding Pot Goes To...

Halle Berry and Richard Gere were named recipients of 2006's Hasty Pudding awards which are given each year by the theatrical company at Harvard University "for lasting and impressive contribution to the world of entertainment". Actress Berry will lead the traditional student parade through Havard next month.

Amelie Mauresmo Wins Final at Open

Amelie Mauresmo won the final at the Australian Open as Justine Henin-Hardenne was forced to retire early in the second set. Mauresmo was leading 6-1, 2-0 when Henin-Hardenne called a trainer onto the court, hands on her stomach indicating that she was unwell and could not continue the match. Mauresmo had three opponents retire during the Open.

"The Da Vinci Code" to Open Cannes

The opening selection at this year's Cannes Film Festival will be The Da Vinci Code . The film is directed by Ron Howard and stars Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, and Ian McKellen. Howard got permission to film in the Louvre from French president Jacques Chirac who is a huge fan of the bestselling novel by Dan Brown on which the film is based. Insiders are calling the film "a masterpiece." The film will be released worldwide two days after its premiere at Cannes on May 17.

Lance Denies Break-up

Even though it was reported widely that they ended their engagement at Christmas, Lance Armstrong and Sheryl Crow are still a couple. Armstrong sent an email recently to the Austin American Statesman saying, ""No truth to it at all. Sorry to ruin the story." The two were engaged last August, days after Lance won the yellow jersey at the Tour de France for the seventh time. Check details in this post at http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/other/01/11lance.html or become a Paceline member at http://www.thepaceline.com/ which is Lance's official website.

Women's Final Today at Open

Amelie Mauresmo has been criticized in the past for not being able to win the big match. She'll have to fire on every shot to beat the match savvy veteran Justine Henin-Hardenne.

Federer Moves to Finals

Roger Federer dismissed Nicolas Kiefer last night. After splitting the first two sets 6-3, 7-5 Federer finished off the German through two more sets 6-0, 6-2 leaving no doubt who was in command of the match. Federer's composure on the court was in sharp contrast to the pacing, prowling demeanor of his opponent. Kiefer had several disagreements with calls from the chair and hawkeye confirmed a few of his doubts, but in the end it was Federer's shot-making and cool that ruled the day.

Challenger Disaster 20 Years Ago

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the Challenger disaster. Read an eye-opening article "7 Myths about the Challenger Shuttle Disaster" here.

Punctual No More

Getting that timepiece upon retirement could finally make sense with this clever clock.

At Uncommon Goods

Haute Couture in Paris Spring Show

Giorgio Armani, Karl Lagerfeld, Valentino, and John Galliano were featured designers at the Paris spring/summer show

From the gorgeous to the strange, see fashions from the Paris Spring/Summer show here.
Click on the Photo Gallery.

Happy Birthday Mozart

2006 marks the 250th anniversary of the birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart who was born January 27, 1756, in Salzburg, Austria.

Baghdatis to Finals at Open

Marcos Baghdatis stuck around after being two sets down to take the semi-final against David Nalbandian who seemed completely in control of the match until the start of the third set. "I am just in my own world," Baghdatis said. "It is a dream to play here and win this tournament. I believe in it." Seeing the win against Nalbandian 3-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, most tennis watchers believe in it too.

Final: Mauresmo v. Henin-Hardenne

Kim Clijsters was forced to withdraw from her match with Amelie Mauresmo. Kim injured her ankle halfway through the third set, handing the Frenchwoman a pass into the finals. Justin Henin-Hardenne and Maria Sharapova played a close three sets but Henin-Hardenne pulled out the victory to advance to the finals.

Around the Horn: Astros' Corner Infielders

Morgan Ensberg and Jeff Bagwell cover third and first for the Astros. Read an analysis of their contribution for 2006 here.

Prince Will Join Household Cavalry

Prince Harry is to join the Blues and Royals Regiment of the Household Cavalry as he leaves Sandhurst in April when he has completed his Army office training. The Household Cavalry is expected to return to Iraq and has duty with the UN and NATO in Bosnia and Kosovo. A spokesman of the Ministry of Defense said, "It's fair to say that if his squadon goes to Iraq, he will probably go with it." The Household Cavalry is divided into the armoured division which Harry will join and the mounted division which is tasked with protecting the Queen.

Women's Semis Today at the Open

All-European Semi-Finals

Australia Day at the Swan River

Aussie and I will spend our Australia Day on the banks of the Swan River under the "big tree" at Maylands with friends. Roasts on the Weber, salads, fruit, sweets and lots of Aussie beer and wine. Fireworks on the foreshore of Perth Water are visible from the "big tree". Celebrate Australia Day and be safe.

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!

Federer Wins Through to Semis

Roger Federer (SUI) won his quarterfinal match against Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) in four sets, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6, 7-6. Davydenko lost the third set tiebreak with a double fault, but he remained a spirited competitor through the fourth set which also was decided in a tiebreak. Federer will play Nicolas Kiefer in the semi-finals.

Clijsters Gains Semis and Top Ranking

Kim Clijsters (BEL) ended the dream return to grand slam tennis of Martina Hingis(SUI), outlasting the former world number one, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, in a match which lasted 1 hour and 42 minutes. Clijsters also regained the world number one ranking for herself with this win. Kim never showed a sign of the injuries which have threatened her play in the Open. Clijsters will play Amelie Mauresmo in the semi-final match.

Mauresmo to Semis at Open

Amelie Mauresmo (FRA) thumped Patti Schnyder (SUI) in their quarterfinals match today, winning 6-3, 6-0. Schnyder was never in the match as Mauresmo was clearly dominant from the first serve. Mauresmo will meet the winner of the Martina Hingis (SUI) v. Kim Clijsters (BEL) quarterfinal match which is played tonight. Mauresmo is seeded #3, Clijsters, #2, and Hingis is on the comeback and unseeded.

A Real Rocket Bike

What does a propulsion engineer do when he wants to experience the power of a rocket without going into space? He simply bolts one to a bike. The bike now travels 0 to 60 miles an hour in just five seconds. Read his story here.

Kiefer Advances to Semis at Open

Nicolas Kiefer (GER) beat Sebastien Grosjean (FRA) in five sets, 6-3, 0-6, 6-4, 6-7, 8-6, to advance to the semi-final round. The match lasted over 4 1/2 hours, each player suffering from the heat and time on court as the match ended. Kiefer will play the winner of the Roger Federer v. Nikolay Davydenko quarterfinal match which will be played tonight.

Trust Me...

Rent this DVD. In Pieces of April Katie Holmes is outstanding as April Burns, the wayward child of the Burns family, who has left suburbia for a Lower East Side apartment. She invites her estranged family to New York for Thanksgiving dinner. The family's road trip to New York occurs simultaneously with April's preparations for their arrival. Joy, April's mother played by Patricia Clarkson, is seriously ill, complicating the road trip. April's oven is broken, complicating her dinner plans. As the plot lines work out and weave together, the viewer gets a very clear knowledge of all the issues that drive this family apart and finally together. A compelling story told with humor and insight, Pieces of April is wonderful film.

Homophobes on the Range

According to Brokeback Mountain star Jake Gyllenhaal: "I think as soon as you see that scene in the movie, that first scene, people will either go, "Oh my God, I'm here" or "Oh my God, I'm out of here". Brokeback Mountain opens in Australia on Australia Day. The film won Best Picture at the 17th annual Producers Guild of America awards Sunday night.

Charlize Theron at Sydney Premiere

Charlize Theron brought Sydney traffic to a halt as she arrived at the Australian premiere of North Country. She sparkled in a Collette Dinnigan micro-mini. "I'm sooooooo in love with Sydney," she gushed. "If you were just a little bit closer, I'd live here."

Theron had vacationed on Lizard Island in Queensland prior to her Sydney appearance.

Baghdatis Faces Military Draft

Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis is sailing through the Australian Open, but compulsory military draft could cut short his promising career on the court. As a young Cypriot male, he owes his country 26 months of military service. Coming at this turning point in the 20-year old's career, the detour into the military would derail Baghdatis's tennis future. His father is pleading with the military to put off Marcos's military commitment until he is 35 years of age. As of now, Baghdatis is receiving postponements from the Military of Defense regarding his draft. How long this situation can continue is a worry to Baghdatis.

Cypriot Moves to Semis in Open

Unseeded Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) beat #7 seed Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) in last night's quarterfinal match. Baghdatis won the first two sets, 6-4, 6-2, then lost 4-6, 3-6 to move the match to a fifth set which he won 6-3. Baghdatis's cheering section lent him spirited support, adding to the entertaining match. Baghdatis will play David Nalbandian in the semi-finals.

No. 1 Seed Davenport Out of Open

Justine Henin-Hardenne (BEL) moved past Lindsay Davenport(USA), 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, in a lackluster 3-set quarterfinals match played last night. Henin-Hardenne was able to exploit Davenport's inability to push off on her left foot and put lots of winners to that side. Henin-Hardenne will meet Maria Sharapova in the semi-final round.

Astros' Bagwell in Limbo

How this story ends is up to the lawyers. It's a complicated situation. Jeff Bagwell wants to play this season. The Houston Astros want him to play. The unresolved issue is whether or not Bagwell's injured shoulder will allow him to play. He says he won't know until he tries it out at Spring Training, but the Astros need an answer before that because the insurance policy taken out against Bagwell's healthy player status is enforcable two months before Spring Training begins. So will Bagwell play and who will pay him if he doesn't? There's $17million at stake on the answer to that question. Stay tuned. For a complete explanation of the Bagwell situation, click here.

A380 Too Fat to Fly?

Delivery of the Airbus A380 is late to airlines which ordered it - Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Qantas - because early models of the plane are so overweight that they exceeded the plane's million- pound original design. The airlines had been compensated by Airbus for the delivery delays. Boeing's 787 Dreamliner is the hottest-selling plane in the world, meaning Airbus cannot afford any more turbulence.

Sharapova Through to Semis at Open

Maria Sharapova(RUS) battled through the first set and withstood a threat from countrywoman Nadia Petrova late in the second set to win the match 7-6, 6-4. Sharapova will face the winner of the quarterfinals match between Lindsay Davenport and Justin Henin-Hardenne.

Nalbandian to Semis at Open

David Nalbandian of Argentina soundly beat Fabrice Santoro of France to advance to the semi-final round at the Australian Open today. Nalbandian won in straight sets, 7-5, 6-0, 6-0. Santoro had no fight left after losing a close first set. Nalbandian will meet the winner of the Baghdatis v. Ljubicic match which will be played tonight on center court.

Nalbandian has been to the semi-finals at all four Slam events.

WOW! Twins?

It is being widely reported today that Angelina Jolie is carrying Brad Pitts' babies - twins! Knowing this couple's ability to manage their own publicity through well-timed leaks, it could be true. According to reports, Jolie was having fertility treatments and the result - a double bundle of joy.

Time and the pubility spokespeople will tell!

Joaquin Phoenix

If you are interested in anything concerning Joaquin, here is where to find it. Joaquin (WAA-keen) will be front and center at the Oscars, sure of a nomination after taking Best Actor in a Motion Picture-Musical at the Golden Globes recently. His movie, the Johnny and June Cash biopic Walk the Line will open in Australia on February 2nd.

Men to Quarterfinals in Aussie Open

Eight men remain to play quarterfinal matches at the Open.

• Roger Federer v. Nikolay Davydenko
• Nicolas Kiefer v. Sebastien Grosjean
• Fabrice Santoro v. David Nalbaldian
• Ivan Ljubicic v. Marcos Baghdatis

Aussie's Orchids

Trust Me...

David Attenborough's Life of Birds is a wonderful series which celebrates the variety of nature's most fascinating and best loved creatures. The series is divided into eight parts:

• To Fly or Not to Fly
• The Mastery of Flight
• The Insatible Appetite
• Finding Partners
• The Demands of the Egg
• The Problems of Parenthood
• The Limits of Endurance
• Meat-eaters
• Fishing for a Living
• Signals and Songs