It was wet and horrid and cold this morning, and I was a total grouch...that is, until I saw my buddy. 😊

Good morning from Wollongong, everybody.

My book club at work couldn't decide on this month's book, so someone came up with the idea of each of us choosing one book for ourselves that we find nostalgic. For me, nostalgia begins at university because everything that occurred before then was dark and horrible, so I picked one of the books that changed my life during that period when my personality really began to develop: Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five.

What would you choose?

As per your advice, I'm going to try to install Linux Mint on my ancient Macbook. Please chant in Latin into a candle for me.

Happy Monday, everybody!

I have to go to bed, but before I go, I'd like to share with you this random cute dog I met over the weekend.

Speaking of bed, I haven't woken myself up with my own laughter in a while. Do you guys do that? Happens to me once every couple of months or so, and I reckon it's pretty terrific. I remember I woke up laughing hysterically once from a dream where Donald Rumsfeld was eating chicken wings and singing the blues. Anyway, goodnight from Wollongong!

I think it's time for a dark, edgy Gilligan's Island reboot. There can be cannibals, human sacrifice, and gorillas. Mary Ann will be ripped and an expert at knives. Skipper will be an ex-Seal. The Professor can be a brooding genius/expert in fission. I'd at least watch the pilot episode.

Tucked under my weighted blanket eating matzo ball soup and watching The Lord of the Rings on a clear wintery Sunday evening.

Sometimes perfect evenings aren't planned. They just sort of happen.

I had a nice sleep-in so missed the sunrise, but I got to meet a new beach dog!

Good morning from Wollongong, everybody, and Happy June!

I want to upgrade my laptop (MacBook Pro) because it's a dinosaur. I'm thinking I might go with Windows rather than another Mac, though.

I don't do a lot on my personal laptop. I'm no gamer, and I honestly don't use a laptop much at all outside work (and I have a work laptop already). Any personal recs for a decent Windows machine that isn't overkill for my purposes?

Just learned there's a sport where people chase after cheese wheels rolling down steep hills.

Thought I had the beach to myself this morning until I spotted an elderly naked man doing his tai chi. Now I require a grapefruit spoon for my eyes.

Good morning from Wollongong, everybody.

I love my new role. I can sit and hyperfocus on research and the investigation to my heart's content.

And now, without further ado, a birb.

Happy morning, Friday!
Good from Wollongong
[Coffee reboot]

Highlight of my day: Paul Grainger's talk about Operation Keppel

Lowlight of my day: Having my lunch stolen by a ruthless gang of delinquent bin chickens

Got some cool merch at the symposium today, but I actually think this stress football is my favourite.

I'm super excited because I'm heading off to Sydney shortly to attend National Investigations Symposium.

When did I get so old?

YouTube thinks I want to watch Don Rickles.

Had a hankering for one of my favourite comfort foods.

By the way, have any of you tried to eat 50 eggs in an hour?

Sometimes my Russian ancestry likes to express itself in the kitchen. I usually stand aside and just let it do what it wants.

This really hits the spot after cycling 200km over some steep terrain this weekend.

@TheBreadmonkey BENSWEAR BOOSTING SPREE