In May 1961, soon after the first Project Mercury flight, President John F. Kennedy declared that the United States would put an astronaut on the Moon before the end of the decade. The Space Race with the Soviets had just become a race to the Moon, and the United States was determined to win it.
At the conclusion of Project Mercury, however, the United States had amassed only two days and six hours in space. It soon became evident that an intermediate step was needed before an attempt to go to the Moon could be made. Thus, Project Gemini was conceived. On December 7, 1961, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced a plan to extend the piloted spaceflight program by developing a two-person spacecraft. On January 3, 1962, NASA officially named the program Gemini, for the third constellation of the Zodiac and its twin stars, Castor and Pollux.
Gemini was planned to perfect the techniques needed for a lunar mission. Its primary purpose was to demonstrate space rendezvous and docking techniques that would be used during the later Apollo flights to the Moon, when the lunar lander would separate from the command module in orbit around the Moon, then meet up with it again after the astronauts left the lunar surface. Gemini also sought to extend astronauts' stays in space to two weeks, longer than even the Apollo missions would require.
During Gemini, ten piloted missions lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in less than 20 months. The Manned Spacecraft Center (renamed the Johnson Space Center in 1973) near Houston, Texas, took over the role of Mission Control, and ground operations became smooth and efficient, due in part to the extremely short launch windows. For instance, Gemini XI had only a two-second “window” when it could launch, due to the need to rendezvous with a target already in orbit. Meanwhile, the program introduced 16 new astronauts to the space environment.
The Gemini spacecraft (originally called Mercury Mark II) was an improvement on the Mercury capsule. It was 19 feet long (5.8 meters), 10 feet (three meters) in diameter, and weighed about 8,400 pounds (3,810 kilograms)—twice the weight of Mercury. But it had only 50 percent more cabin space for twice as many people, and was extremely cramped. Ejection seats replaced Mercury's escape rocket, and more storage space was added for the longer Gemini flights. The long-duration missions also used fuel cells instead of batteries for generating electrical power. An adapter module fitted to the rear of the capsule (and jettisoned before reentry) carried on-board oxygen, fuel, and other consumable supplies. Engineering changes, such as systems that could be removed and replaced easily, simplified maintenance. Since spacewalks were an essential part of these missions, the spacesuit became a crucial piece of equipment, providing the only protection for the astronaut from the deadly environment of space.
The Titan II rocket, more powerful than the rockets used for the Mercury missions, placed the larger spacecraft into orbit. The targets for rendezvous operations were uncrewed Agena upper stages, which were launched ahead of the Gemini.
Unlike Mercury, which had been able to change only its orientation while in flight, Gemini needed to the capability to move forward, backward and sideways in its orbital path, and even change orbits to rendezvous with other spacecraft. The complexity of rendezvous demanded two people on board, and more piloting than had been possible with Mercury. It also required the first onboard computers to calculate complicated rendezvous maneuvers.
The first two Gemini flights were unpiloted. Gemini 1 made 64 orbits and confirmed that the Titan II launch vehicle and the spacecraft were compatible. Gemini 2 tested all the spacecraft systems in a suborbital flight.
The first piloted flight was Gemini III—nicknamed Molly Brown. Only the Gemini III was nicknamed; pilot Virgil Grissom named it after the Broadway musical The Unsinkable Molly Brown. His spacecraft during Project Mercury had sunk at the end of his flight. The Molly Brown, piloted by Grissom and John Young, made three orbits in its almost five-hour flight on March 23, 1965, in which the astronauts were able to alter their oval orbit to a more circular one and to execute other orbital changes using the thrusters. Their attempt at a precision landing, however, was unsuccessful, as were several future flights, and the spacecraft splashed down more than 50 miles (80 kilometers) from its target.
Gemini IV, a four-day flight piloted by James McDivvitt and Edward White, was launched on June 3, 1965. The highlight of this flight was the first extravehicular activity (EVA) by an American; White's 22-minute "spacewalk." Using a handheld maneuvering unit, he “swam through space” while attached to his lifeline tether, moving at nearly 18,000 miles per hour (29,000 kilometers per hour). The mission also attempted to rendezvous with the second stage of the Titan launch vehicle but was unsuccessful. They later learned that a spacecraft trying to catch up with another needed to drop to a lower, faster orbit first before rising again.
The Gemini V mission, piloted by L. Gordon Cooper, Jr. and Charles Conrad, Jr., lasted almost eight days and completed 120 orbits in August 1965. It demonstrated the first use of fuel cells for electrical power, although they did not supply enough power and some experiments and a planned rendezvous had to be canceled.
The Gemini VI flight, scheduled for launch on October 25, 1965, was scrubbed when the Agena target spacecraft with which the crew had planned to rendezvous and dock exploded during its launch. Consequently, Gemini VII, piloted by Frank Borman and James Lovell, Jr., was launched first, on December 4, 1965, to become the rendezvous target for Gemini VI. When Gemini VI was launched on December 15, piloted by Walter Schirra, Jr. and Thomas Stafford, the two spacecraft rendezvoused and flew in formation for five hours. Gemini VII remained aloft for 14 days to study the effects of long-duration flight. The 330 hours in space had no long-term harmful effects on the crew, but the flight turned into somewhat of an endurance test for the two pilots, confined in their hot, cramped quarters.
Gemini VIII, launched on March 16, 1966, was piloted by Neil A. Armstrong and David R. Scott, who carried out the first docking and undocking with another spacecraft. The flight lasted only 10 hours, 41 minutes because of a malfunctioning thruster that caused the spacecraft to spin uncontrollably at a rate of about one revolution per second. This caused the crew to execute the first emergency landing of a piloted U.S. spaceflight mission.
Thomas P. Stafford and Eugene A. Cernan became the first backup crew to fly a spaceflight mission after the original crew of Elliott See and Charles Bassett died in a plane crash four months before the flight. Gemini IX was launched on June 3, 1966, and flew almost four days. A docking had been scheduled, but the crew discovered when they rendezvoused with the target that its protective shroud was still attached, making docking impossible. Plans to test an Astronaut Maneuvering Unit as part of a spacewalk was also canceled when Cernan's faceplate became fogged, limiting his visibility.
Gemini X, a three-day flight launched on July 18, 1966 with John Young and Michael Collins as pilots, demonstrated the first double docking, first docking with an Agena target vehicle, and later with another Agena still floating from an earlier mission. Collins “walked” in space for 39 minutes at the end of a tether. This mission accomplished all of Gemini's objectives: rendezvous, docking, maneuvering, and a spacewalk during which work was performed.
On Gemini XI, launched on September 12, 1966, the crew matched orbits with an Agena test vehicle only 85 minutes after launch and docked several times. This three-day flight, piloted by Charles Conrad, Jr. and Richard Gordon, Jr., reached the highest Earth orbit to date—739.2 miles (1,189.3 kilometers). This flight ended with the first totally automatic, computer-controlled reentry, which brought the spacecraft down only about 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) from its recovery ship.
Launched on November 1, 1966, Gemini XII, crewed by Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin and James Lovell, Jr., was the final flight in the series. By the time of this four-day flight, the program still had not demonstrated that an astronaut could work easily and efficiently outside the spacecraft. This flight used new, improved restraints for the astronauts to hook to outside the spacecraft, and underwater training, which became a staple of all future spacewalk simulations, was added as a training technique for working in space. Aldrin totaled a record five-and-a-half hours in space.
By Gemini's end, orbital rendezvous and docking had become routine, and it seemed clear that humans could live, work, and stay healthy in space for days or even weeks at a time. Above all, the program had added nearly 1,000 hours of valuable spaceflight experience in the years between Mercury and Apollo, which by 1966 was nearing flight readiness.
-Judy Rumerman
(Above taken from here).
And, if you're wondering... I was watching a TV show about this not too long ago, so that's why I decided to post about it. It's taken me a bit to get this posted though, because I've got so many other things I want(ed) to get posted.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Movie: Fireflies in the Garden
"The semi-autobiographical story centers on the complexities of love and commitment in a family torn apart when faced by an unexpected tragedy."
(Above taken from this page).
All I can say about this one is... I couldn't get in to it, and after about five or ten minutes got bored and changed the channel.
(Above taken from this page).
All I can say about this one is... I couldn't get in to it, and after about five or ten minutes got bored and changed the channel.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Wise Sayings
Got these in an e-mail, and thought I'd share them.
***
Wise Sayings
~~Author Unknown~~
"The best way to get even is to forget..."
"Standing in the middle of the road is dangerous. You will get knocked down by the traffic from both ways."
"Words are windows to the heart."
"It isn't difficult to make a mountain out of a molehill, just add a little dirt."
"A successful marriage isn't finding the right person-it's being the right person."
"The mighty oak tree was once a little nut that held its ground."
"The tongue must be heavy indeed, because so few people can hold it."
"To forgive is to set the prisoner free, and then discover the prisoner was you."
"You'll notice that a turtle only makes progress when it sticks out its neck..."
***
Wise Sayings
~~Author Unknown~~
"The best way to get even is to forget..."
"Standing in the middle of the road is dangerous. You will get knocked down by the traffic from both ways."
"Words are windows to the heart."
"It isn't difficult to make a mountain out of a molehill, just add a little dirt."
"A successful marriage isn't finding the right person-it's being the right person."
"The mighty oak tree was once a little nut that held its ground."
"The tongue must be heavy indeed, because so few people can hold it."
"To forgive is to set the prisoner free, and then discover the prisoner was you."
"You'll notice that a turtle only makes progress when it sticks out its neck..."
Johnny and the Bomb (TV Series/Movie)
"Based on the book by Terry Pratchett, the adventure begins for thirteen-year-old Johnny Maxwell and his four friends when they come to the aid of eccentric homeless woman, Mrs Tachyon, and are left minding her trolley full of black bags while she is hospitalised. When the children later visit her in hospital, Mrs Tachyon lets them into the secret that her black bags-- or 'Bags of Time-- are special and can be used to create a gateway to the past. The five youngsters end up during the Blitz where fun and games turn serious when they quickly realise the prejudices of the era. But when they return to their own time, the gang discover they have somehow changed history as a result Johnny's grandmother died in a bombing as a teenage girl meaning Johnny's mother and, in turn, himself were never born. The children are now in a race to fix the path in order to save the future but can they succeed before the bombs start falling...?"
(Above taken from this page).
My Dad has this on DVD and brought it down for us to watch. I'm glad he did, since it was absolutely fantastic! I've read the book it's based on - and I'm sure I've reviewed it on here at some point - and that was fantastic too!
(Above taken from this page).
My Dad has this on DVD and brought it down for us to watch. I'm glad he did, since it was absolutely fantastic! I've read the book it's based on - and I'm sure I've reviewed it on here at some point - and that was fantastic too!
Monday, July 04, 2011
Happy 4th of July birthday Wendy
OK, you all - especially those of you in the USA - know what 4th of July is all about, but did you also know that it's Wendy's birthday today? Well, it is! So... Happy birthday Wendy!
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Courses and a clarification
I still haven't done the work for the courses I signed up for a couple of months ago, but - as I said back then - there's no submissions required, so I can do them whenever I want to. I do read through each lesson before transfering it to a word document and filing it away in my "coursework" folder though. Anyway, there are loads I still want to do on there, so I figured I should get myself signed up for another batch. At least then I can gather up all the stuff to do when I'm ready. My plan is to collect up all the courses I want to do, then set a "coursework time" for myself when I work on them for a certain amount of time each day. But, first I want to get all the ones I want to do; while they're all definately still available and free! So, this time I signed up for:
Character Archetypes
Childrens (2 - 8) Picture Book Writing
Childrens Verse
Childrens' Story Writing
Creating Great Fictional Characters
Creating Great Plots
Defamation: Writer Beware
Developing Characters
Dialogue For Writers
I signed up for them early this morning, so I should start getting the lessons through in the next couple of days. Then, as before, when I have all of the lessons for these ones I can sign up for another batch. I could sign up for all the courses I want at once, but it's easier to keep track of them in smaller batches than it is when you have a huge stack of them to sort through at any given time. Yes, it takes longer to get them all this way, but it also takes less time to sort through my e-mails each day this way. Besides, I have to have help with signing up because of word verification, and people tend to get a bit fed up of, "OK, ready for another word verification," after a bit, and I don't want to be annoying if I can avoid it.
***
In case you're wondering - since I have been asked about this by a couple of people - no, I haven't been watching all these movies and reading all these books back to back. The stacks of reviews I've been posting recently (and most of the movie and book reviews still waiting to get published) are the ones I kept mentioning that were stacking up in "draft" on my dashboard. I have added a few new ones to them (both books and movies), but most of them are ones I watched late last year or right at the start of this year. They aren't in any spacific order though, you're just getting them in the order I grabbed them when I decided I needed to get them posted so started scheduling them to go up any day there wasn't a holiday or a birthday happening.
***
Hope you're having a fantastic weekend...
*Sending hugs and positive thoughts to those in need of them; be it because you're not feeling well at the moment, because of something upsetting or difficult to deal with happening in your life, or simply because you just feel like you could use a hug!*
Character Archetypes
Childrens (2 - 8) Picture Book Writing
Childrens Verse
Childrens' Story Writing
Creating Great Fictional Characters
Creating Great Plots
Defamation: Writer Beware
Developing Characters
Dialogue For Writers
I signed up for them early this morning, so I should start getting the lessons through in the next couple of days. Then, as before, when I have all of the lessons for these ones I can sign up for another batch. I could sign up for all the courses I want at once, but it's easier to keep track of them in smaller batches than it is when you have a huge stack of them to sort through at any given time. Yes, it takes longer to get them all this way, but it also takes less time to sort through my e-mails each day this way. Besides, I have to have help with signing up because of word verification, and people tend to get a bit fed up of, "OK, ready for another word verification," after a bit, and I don't want to be annoying if I can avoid it.
***
In case you're wondering - since I have been asked about this by a couple of people - no, I haven't been watching all these movies and reading all these books back to back. The stacks of reviews I've been posting recently (and most of the movie and book reviews still waiting to get published) are the ones I kept mentioning that were stacking up in "draft" on my dashboard. I have added a few new ones to them (both books and movies), but most of them are ones I watched late last year or right at the start of this year. They aren't in any spacific order though, you're just getting them in the order I grabbed them when I decided I needed to get them posted so started scheduling them to go up any day there wasn't a holiday or a birthday happening.
***
Hope you're having a fantastic weekend...
*Sending hugs and positive thoughts to those in need of them; be it because you're not feeling well at the moment, because of something upsetting or difficult to deal with happening in your life, or simply because you just feel like you could use a hug!*
Saturday, July 02, 2011
The Cat Mummy
By Jacqueline Wilson
""I SOMETIMES TALK ABOUT MY MUM TO MABEL, BECAUSE MABEL DOESN'T EVER GET UPSET."
Verity adores her cat, Mabel, and is desperately sad when she dies. Remembering her recent school lessons about the Ancient Egyptians, Verity decides to mummify Mabel and keep her hidden. Verity's dad and grandparents can't bear to talk about death, having lost Verity's mum in childbirth, but when they eventually discover what Verity has done with Mabel, the whole family learns that it's time to talk. A superb handling of bereavement in Wilson's uniquely accessible and enjoyable style."
(Above taken from this page).
I'm a fan of Jacqueline Wilson's books - well, OK, I enjoyed the Tracy Beaker books, which are the only ones I've read until now - but this book didn't disappoint. It was a little more detailed than I expected it to be, but not too much so, and not so that it spoiled the book.
""I SOMETIMES TALK ABOUT MY MUM TO MABEL, BECAUSE MABEL DOESN'T EVER GET UPSET."
Verity adores her cat, Mabel, and is desperately sad when she dies. Remembering her recent school lessons about the Ancient Egyptians, Verity decides to mummify Mabel and keep her hidden. Verity's dad and grandparents can't bear to talk about death, having lost Verity's mum in childbirth, but when they eventually discover what Verity has done with Mabel, the whole family learns that it's time to talk. A superb handling of bereavement in Wilson's uniquely accessible and enjoyable style."
(Above taken from this page).
I'm a fan of Jacqueline Wilson's books - well, OK, I enjoyed the Tracy Beaker books, which are the only ones I've read until now - but this book didn't disappoint. It was a little more detailed than I expected it to be, but not too much so, and not so that it spoiled the book.
Friday, July 01, 2011
Craft kits and supplies
Where possible I like to plan ahead, so within a few days of Litha being over with I started thinking about the next holiday we will be doing something for; Lughnasadh/Lammas (August 1st). It was agreed that we would spend some time doing some kind of craft kit or something together, so I needed to find one that we would both enjoy. If it was just me I'd probably have just spent at least a large part of the day working on my knitting projects and such, but Kelly doesn't knit, so I needed to find something we could do together (or, failing that, something he could do while I work on my knitting projects).
I'd heard about a website called "Craft Kits UK" so I went there to look first. It looks like a pretty good website, but it seems to be focusing more on card making than anything, and I didn't really want to do card making. There's nothing wrong with card making; in fact, I'm thinking I might give it another go again in the future, but card making wasn't what I was looking for.
So, I decided to do a Google search for "craft kits" to see what I could come up with.
I found a website called "Make It Now" where they have a nice selection of craft kits, including sewing kits, candlemaking kits, and some "Timberkits mechanical models" which captured my attention...
The following is from the page linked to above:
"Timberkits are a range of mechanical models supplied in component form. Each kit comprises a selection of precision made wooden parts which are assembled using the supplied glue and sandpaper, to produce a finished model with moving parts.
Timberkits are the perfect introduction to mechanical principles and Automata- one can see the effect of each part on the next and it's simple to understand how gears, cams and drive shafts work!
All the components in Timberkits are made from natural wood which is sustainably sourced and FSC certified. Every Timberkit comes with clear, easy to follow instructions, often including illustrations, and all kits are suitable from 8 or 9 years and above. Once assembled, Timberkits can be painted or left to show the natural beauty of wood."
They sound like they'll be fun to make, and since both Kelly and I have an interest in how things work, and most of Kelly's craft-like hobbies involve putting together models... Well, it seemed like a great idea. And when I saw the "Flatbits: Lion"" I knew we just had to get it; especially with my love of lions!
We ordered it Monday morning, and it arrived on Tuesday morning.
I can't wait for Lughnasadh now, because I'm looking forward to building a lion!
Canada Day 2011
Happy Canada Day everyone!
From Tori, Kero and Gwydion
P.S. Today is Kelly's Grama Sarah's birthday, so happy birthday to her. I doubt she'll read this - in fact, I'd be extremely shocked if she did - but I figured I'd say it anyway. I mean, when has the lack of chances of the person reading it stopped me posting birthday messages before? LOL!
From Tori, Kero and Gwydion
P.S. Today is Kelly's Grama Sarah's birthday, so happy birthday to her. I doubt she'll read this - in fact, I'd be extremely shocked if she did - but I figured I'd say it anyway. I mean, when has the lack of chances of the person reading it stopped me posting birthday messages before? LOL!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sherlock Holmes - The Movie
"Detective Sherlock Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson engage in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis whose plot is a threat to all of England."
"After finally catching serial killer and occult "sorcerer" Lord Blackwood, legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson can close yet another successful case. But when Blackwood mysteriously returns from the grave and resumes his killing spree, Holmes must take up the hunt once again. Contending with his partner's new fiancée and the dimwitted head of Scotland Yard, the dauntless detective must unravel the clues that will lead him into a twisted web of murder, deceit, and black magic - and the deadly embrace of temptress Irene Adler."
(Above taken from here).
I'm a big fan of Sherlock Holmes, so I'd been looking forward to getting to watch this movie. I have to say, I was disappointed. It wasn't that it was a bad movie as such, but I didn't feel it was as good as it could have been. An example of one of the issues I have with the movie is that I never would have thought that a gentleman like Sherlock Holmes would be involved in a bare chested boxing match in an actual ring, nor did I expect to see Dr. Watson punch Sherlock Holmes because of a simple disagreement between the two of them. In fact, I felt there was far too many times where punching and kicking came in to it. I suppose if you haven't read the stories, so haven't formed an opinion of Sherlock Holmes or Dr. Watson, then you could thoroughly enjoy the movie. But if you're familiar with the way Sherlock Holmes generally works, then you - like me - would probably not enjoy the movie as much.
"After finally catching serial killer and occult "sorcerer" Lord Blackwood, legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson can close yet another successful case. But when Blackwood mysteriously returns from the grave and resumes his killing spree, Holmes must take up the hunt once again. Contending with his partner's new fiancée and the dimwitted head of Scotland Yard, the dauntless detective must unravel the clues that will lead him into a twisted web of murder, deceit, and black magic - and the deadly embrace of temptress Irene Adler."
(Above taken from here).
I'm a big fan of Sherlock Holmes, so I'd been looking forward to getting to watch this movie. I have to say, I was disappointed. It wasn't that it was a bad movie as such, but I didn't feel it was as good as it could have been. An example of one of the issues I have with the movie is that I never would have thought that a gentleman like Sherlock Holmes would be involved in a bare chested boxing match in an actual ring, nor did I expect to see Dr. Watson punch Sherlock Holmes because of a simple disagreement between the two of them. In fact, I felt there was far too many times where punching and kicking came in to it. I suppose if you haven't read the stories, so haven't formed an opinion of Sherlock Holmes or Dr. Watson, then you could thoroughly enjoy the movie. But if you're familiar with the way Sherlock Holmes generally works, then you - like me - would probably not enjoy the movie as much.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Free cat
When I took Gwydion to the vet yesterday they told me they had a cat that hangs around the vet that was looking for a home. They offered it to me... For free!
I wanted to take it.
But I didn't.
I know Kelly wouldn't have minded; he's been missing having cats around too.
But we already have Gwydion and Kero.
Kero would have been OK with it... Well, after a few days of chasing the poor thing about, and the two of them attempting to figure out who's in charge (I think the cat would win... Our cats were always in charge, despite Kero being first to come in to the house... But don't tell Kero I said that).
But a cat with an indoor guinea pig? Probably not a good plan.
I still almost took it though.
And after he found out about the cat being in need of a home, Kelly almost went back to fetch it, proving he wouldn't have minded me bringing it home.
I don't think we should get another one while we still have the boys though.
But... I miss having cats!
I wanted to take it.
But I didn't.
I know Kelly wouldn't have minded; he's been missing having cats around too.
But we already have Gwydion and Kero.
Kero would have been OK with it... Well, after a few days of chasing the poor thing about, and the two of them attempting to figure out who's in charge (I think the cat would win... Our cats were always in charge, despite Kero being first to come in to the house... But don't tell Kero I said that).
But a cat with an indoor guinea pig? Probably not a good plan.
I still almost took it though.
And after he found out about the cat being in need of a home, Kelly almost went back to fetch it, proving he wouldn't have minded me bringing it home.
I don't think we should get another one while we still have the boys though.
But... I miss having cats!
Dear John
"While John is on leave in his hometown, he finds Savannah, a college student visiting the town. Although love was unexpected, it doesn't mean they didn't find it. With the knowledge of John having to leave for the army, their love still lives, until his re-signs on due to the 9/11 attack. Troubles invade and their love put on hold. One cannot bear it anymore; can the other?"
(Above taken from here).
An emotional movie, with a lot less action and violence than I expected to see (which I'm pleased about). Definately not one to watch with the kids, but possibly enjoyable to adults. I thought it was pretty good, anyway. One tip though... Those of you who cry in emotional movies will probably want to have some tissues on hand.
(Above taken from here).
An emotional movie, with a lot less action and violence than I expected to see (which I'm pleased about). Definately not one to watch with the kids, but possibly enjoyable to adults. I thought it was pretty good, anyway. One tip though... Those of you who cry in emotional movies will probably want to have some tissues on hand.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Furkid thoughts: Gwydion's outing (FD)
Hi there humans. It's Gwydion here.
I had the most awful start to the day!
Mami dragged me out of my cage before breakfast and shoved me in a plastic box thing (the humans call it a "pet carrier"). Then that got put in one of those noisy machines with seats that the humans ride about in (the ones they call a "car"). After a load of bumping about in that "car" thing the humans picked up the carrier and took me in to a building that smelled of all kinds of animals, and some other stuff I didn't like the smell of, and we went in to a room where Mami pulled me out of my carrier. And that's when I figured out where I was... The vet!
The vet human clipped my claws, and had a look at a sore I have on one of my paws. She thinks I got it from the fact Mami left it a bit longer than she should have before getting my claws clipped, so I've been putting my foot down at a slightly weird angle. The vet human cleaned it up and told Mami it should heal up nicely now my claws have been clipped. Then we were allowed to go home... Thankfully!
I hated it; when they put me back in the pet carrier thing I was trembling so much the whole thing was shaking. And when they got me home they had to take the thing apart to get me out, because I'd buried myself in the hay they'd put in it for me right at the back of the pet carrier, and was not coming out! And, when they put me in my cage I ran right to my bed to hide from them and the scary vet human!
My day wasn't all bad though; when - a little while later - I got up the courage to come back out of my bed, I found a big, juicy fresh strawberry waiting for me in my bowl!
Squeak soon,
Gwydion
I had the most awful start to the day!
Mami dragged me out of my cage before breakfast and shoved me in a plastic box thing (the humans call it a "pet carrier"). Then that got put in one of those noisy machines with seats that the humans ride about in (the ones they call a "car"). After a load of bumping about in that "car" thing the humans picked up the carrier and took me in to a building that smelled of all kinds of animals, and some other stuff I didn't like the smell of, and we went in to a room where Mami pulled me out of my carrier. And that's when I figured out where I was... The vet!
The vet human clipped my claws, and had a look at a sore I have on one of my paws. She thinks I got it from the fact Mami left it a bit longer than she should have before getting my claws clipped, so I've been putting my foot down at a slightly weird angle. The vet human cleaned it up and told Mami it should heal up nicely now my claws have been clipped. Then we were allowed to go home... Thankfully!
I hated it; when they put me back in the pet carrier thing I was trembling so much the whole thing was shaking. And when they got me home they had to take the thing apart to get me out, because I'd buried myself in the hay they'd put in it for me right at the back of the pet carrier, and was not coming out! And, when they put me in my cage I ran right to my bed to hide from them and the scary vet human!
My day wasn't all bad though; when - a little while later - I got up the courage to come back out of my bed, I found a big, juicy fresh strawberry waiting for me in my bowl!
Squeak soon,
Gwydion
Movie: The Greatest
"Teenagers Rose and Bennett Brewer were in love, and then a car crash claimed Bennett's life. He left behind a grieving mother, father and younger brother, and Rose was left all alone. She has no family to turn to for support, so when she finds out she's pregnant, she winds up at the Brewer's door. She needs their help, and although they can't quite admit it, they each need her so they can begin to heal."
(Above taken from here).
Definately a good movie, though perhaps a little too graphic in parts for some people... Very emotional too, so those who cry in emotional movies will probably want to grab some tissues!
(Above taken from here).
Definately a good movie, though perhaps a little too graphic in parts for some people... Very emotional too, so those who cry in emotional movies will probably want to grab some tissues!
Monday, June 27, 2011
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
"In London, the sideshow troupe of Doctor Parnassus promises the audience a journey to the "Imaginarium", an imaginary world commanded by the mind of Doctor Parnassus, where dreams come true. In the stories that Doctor Parnassus tells to his daughter Valentina, the midget Percy, and his assistant Anton, he claims to have lived for more than one thousand years; However, when he fell in love with a mortal woman, he made a deal with the devil (Mr. Nick), trading his immortality for youth. As part of the bargain, he promised his son or daughter to Mr. Nick on their sixteenth birthday. Valentina is now almost to the doomed age and Doctor Parnassus makes a new bet with Mr. Nick, whoever seduces five souls in the Imaginarium will have Valentina as a prize. Meanwhile the troupe rescues Tony, a young man that was hanged on a bridge by the Russians. Tony was chased until he finds and joins the group..."
(Above taken from this page).
I thought this looked like a pretty good movie, but I was disappointed. So much so that I'd lost track of things and gotten bored within about 10 minutes or so, and just changed the channel. I'm not saying it was a bad movie, but it wasn't as good as I'd expected it to be, and - for me at least - was a bit too confusing to fully follow. Perhaps it was a visual thing? *Shrugs*
(Above taken from this page).
I thought this looked like a pretty good movie, but I was disappointed. So much so that I'd lost track of things and gotten bored within about 10 minutes or so, and just changed the channel. I'm not saying it was a bad movie, but it wasn't as good as I'd expected it to be, and - for me at least - was a bit too confusing to fully follow. Perhaps it was a visual thing? *Shrugs*
Random dribble - 27 June 2011 (kinda FD)
The local Tesco - if you don't know what Tesco is, it's a shop similar to Walmart. It isn't our Walmart though, that's Asda - is doing some work on the building to make it bigger, and is also enlarging their carpark/parking lot. In doing so they have done two things: 1. Made their carpark smaller for the time being. 2. Increased the issues with traffic near there because of all the construction work they're doing. Mam helped me take these photos the other day while we were still - after 15 minutes of going absolutely nowhere - waiting to be able to get out of the carpark.
It's not much better elsewhere... In fact, in some places it's worse... Still, it's annoying; and made worse by the fact the work has been "in progress" for a couple of years now, and the Tescos is near one of the main junctions in town. Oh, and... If you're wondering... This was one of the quieter days; some days we've waited longer! This time just felt longer than it was, because we had Emma in the car with us, and she hates being in a mode of transport (buggy/stroller, car, or whatever) when it isn't moving. Good thing she has some toys kept just for car rides to make it a bit easier on her (and us) when waiting in traffic.
***
I had some one on one time with Emma Thursday night, and loved it (of course). Yes; even with having the "pleasure" - OK, not so much - of witnessing her defiant struggle against sleep at bed time. 45 minutes of her crying, calming to a whimper, changing to singing to herself, going quiet, then pulling herself back awake to start the whole thing again... And I still want one of my own (and I was even saying that just after she finally gave up the fight; ask Iggy). The only part I hated? I had to give her back! I always hate that part! I hardly slept Thursday night, but I still didn't want to not be the one looking after her any more. I wish I had one of my own; then I wouldn't have to give it back!
I know, I know... I'm a complete nutter, and I shouldn't be daft enough to wish for my own so badly - and wish time to hand Emma over to my Mam didn't come so quickly - when a good baby like Emma can do something like cry for the best part of 45 minutes. Maybe I just like torture? LOL!
Speaking of Emma though...
She's so smart! She says so many things, helps carry something in from the car (OK, with a lot of, "no, Emma... This way," but still... Come on, she's 15 months old), helps put items in the fridge (she's obviously not given easily broken or squashed things to put in... So no eggs), brushes people's hair (not well, but still...), wipes her face with a cloth (again, not well, but still), brushes her own teeth, no longer has a bottle at all, can use a spoon and fork, and dances and sings when you put music on (be it on the TV, or whatever).
Children are so smart these days!
I think - if her love of music is encouraged - she's going to grow up to do something involving music. Maybe she'll be a famous musician? Or a singer? Possibly - at the very least - a DJ or a dancer of some kind. Like I said, as long as her love of music is encouraged as she grows up.
***
I think they've finally gotten me all caught up with the knitting magazine I subscribed to back in March. I got a big parcel from them with a few issues and a bunch of stuff in it a little over a week ago. At least they sorted it in the end!
Speaking of knitting...
I'm making good progress with the projects on my "to do" list. I've finished a project in this past week, and I've almost finished my next project, so will soon be starting on another. Luckily a lot of them are small projects; stuff to give as presents to children mainly, actually. I'll tell you more about them soon... When I finish - and sort a post for - the item I'm just finishing. And, yes, there will be photos! :)
***
I'm managing to get some nice walks in with Kero, but not as many as I'd like - and definately not as many as he'd like, since he would be happy to be out almost constantly. I'd take him out more, but it keeps raining. I think someone forgot to tell whoever is in charge of the weather that Summer isn't over yet; so much for the scorching hot weather we were meant to have through all of June! Even the nice weather we did have wasn't as hot as it was predicted to be. Ah well... At least we aren't among the people suffering from a lack of rain; I should just be greatful for that. I mean, water is essential for all living things (in small amounts for some creatures, but still; at least some water is essential), and at least I can honestly say we have plenty of it. We usually do in Wales.
Don't get me wrong, we have had some nice weather. I mean, yesterday was a really hot day, and - despite the breeze - I spent the parts of it where I wasn't out with Kero sitting in front of the fan. And today is looking like it might be one of those days too. But we've definately had more rain than sunshine recently!
***
With everything going on - and everything I wanted to post - last week, I didn't end up posting about what weight I lost. So, I guess I'll do both last week and this week's weight loss info today. If you're not interested, feel free to skip this part!
Last week I lost 1lb.
This week I put half a pound (8oz) back on.
Making a total weight loss so far of 1 stone 6 pounds (20lbs).
I'm not really all that bothered about the little bit I put back on; I expected a bit of a weight gain, because I definately didn't eat right last week. Plus, The number is going down slowly, and that's what matters at the end of the day. Sure, I'd have liked to have lost something rather than putting a bit back on this week, but at least it was only a small gain. And, like I said, the number on the scales is going down most weeks, so the odd small weight gain wont hurt. As long as the number goes down most weeks, that's what matters... Right?
***
OK, I think this will do for today... Enjoy whatever's left of your day!
It's not much better elsewhere... In fact, in some places it's worse... Still, it's annoying; and made worse by the fact the work has been "in progress" for a couple of years now, and the Tescos is near one of the main junctions in town. Oh, and... If you're wondering... This was one of the quieter days; some days we've waited longer! This time just felt longer than it was, because we had Emma in the car with us, and she hates being in a mode of transport (buggy/stroller, car, or whatever) when it isn't moving. Good thing she has some toys kept just for car rides to make it a bit easier on her (and us) when waiting in traffic.
***
I had some one on one time with Emma Thursday night, and loved it (of course). Yes; even with having the "pleasure" - OK, not so much - of witnessing her defiant struggle against sleep at bed time. 45 minutes of her crying, calming to a whimper, changing to singing to herself, going quiet, then pulling herself back awake to start the whole thing again... And I still want one of my own (and I was even saying that just after she finally gave up the fight; ask Iggy). The only part I hated? I had to give her back! I always hate that part! I hardly slept Thursday night, but I still didn't want to not be the one looking after her any more. I wish I had one of my own; then I wouldn't have to give it back!
I know, I know... I'm a complete nutter, and I shouldn't be daft enough to wish for my own so badly - and wish time to hand Emma over to my Mam didn't come so quickly - when a good baby like Emma can do something like cry for the best part of 45 minutes. Maybe I just like torture? LOL!
Speaking of Emma though...
She's so smart! She says so many things, helps carry something in from the car (OK, with a lot of, "no, Emma... This way," but still... Come on, she's 15 months old), helps put items in the fridge (she's obviously not given easily broken or squashed things to put in... So no eggs), brushes people's hair (not well, but still...), wipes her face with a cloth (again, not well, but still), brushes her own teeth, no longer has a bottle at all, can use a spoon and fork, and dances and sings when you put music on (be it on the TV, or whatever).
Children are so smart these days!
I think - if her love of music is encouraged - she's going to grow up to do something involving music. Maybe she'll be a famous musician? Or a singer? Possibly - at the very least - a DJ or a dancer of some kind. Like I said, as long as her love of music is encouraged as she grows up.
***
I think they've finally gotten me all caught up with the knitting magazine I subscribed to back in March. I got a big parcel from them with a few issues and a bunch of stuff in it a little over a week ago. At least they sorted it in the end!
Speaking of knitting...
I'm making good progress with the projects on my "to do" list. I've finished a project in this past week, and I've almost finished my next project, so will soon be starting on another. Luckily a lot of them are small projects; stuff to give as presents to children mainly, actually. I'll tell you more about them soon... When I finish - and sort a post for - the item I'm just finishing. And, yes, there will be photos! :)
***
I'm managing to get some nice walks in with Kero, but not as many as I'd like - and definately not as many as he'd like, since he would be happy to be out almost constantly. I'd take him out more, but it keeps raining. I think someone forgot to tell whoever is in charge of the weather that Summer isn't over yet; so much for the scorching hot weather we were meant to have through all of June! Even the nice weather we did have wasn't as hot as it was predicted to be. Ah well... At least we aren't among the people suffering from a lack of rain; I should just be greatful for that. I mean, water is essential for all living things (in small amounts for some creatures, but still; at least some water is essential), and at least I can honestly say we have plenty of it. We usually do in Wales.
Don't get me wrong, we have had some nice weather. I mean, yesterday was a really hot day, and - despite the breeze - I spent the parts of it where I wasn't out with Kero sitting in front of the fan. And today is looking like it might be one of those days too. But we've definately had more rain than sunshine recently!
***
With everything going on - and everything I wanted to post - last week, I didn't end up posting about what weight I lost. So, I guess I'll do both last week and this week's weight loss info today. If you're not interested, feel free to skip this part!
Last week I lost 1lb.
This week I put half a pound (8oz) back on.
Making a total weight loss so far of 1 stone 6 pounds (20lbs).
I'm not really all that bothered about the little bit I put back on; I expected a bit of a weight gain, because I definately didn't eat right last week. Plus, The number is going down slowly, and that's what matters at the end of the day. Sure, I'd have liked to have lost something rather than putting a bit back on this week, but at least it was only a small gain. And, like I said, the number on the scales is going down most weeks, so the odd small weight gain wont hurt. As long as the number goes down most weeks, that's what matters... Right?
***
OK, I think this will do for today... Enjoy whatever's left of your day!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Furkid thoughts: "Litha"
Hi humans,
Yes, that's right, it's Kero again! I wanted to keep this post seporate from the one I did yesterday, hence doing a post two days in a row. Anyway...
My humans have been doing weird things. No, I mean weird for them. They made fire happen on a smelly stick with string sticking out of it (they said it's called a "candle") and said some words that made no sense to me. Then they dug a hole in the garden to bury something, which is so unfair, because I'm never allowed to dig in the garden! I swear the humans are getting stranger by the day!
I have seen these "candle" things used before, but it was strange that they both did it, and that - Mami says because of where it was - I had to be held on to. I wanted to get away, but Mami said I had to stay. I still don't understand why!
Mami says it was for something the humans call "Litha"... I have no idea what - or who - Litha is though. I'm so confused right now! Just when I figure out some of the strange human behaviour, the humans start doing even stranger things!
Just wanted to share my confusion; thanks for listening!
Licks and sniffs,
Kero
Yes, that's right, it's Kero again! I wanted to keep this post seporate from the one I did yesterday, hence doing a post two days in a row. Anyway...
My humans have been doing weird things. No, I mean weird for them. They made fire happen on a smelly stick with string sticking out of it (they said it's called a "candle") and said some words that made no sense to me. Then they dug a hole in the garden to bury something, which is so unfair, because I'm never allowed to dig in the garden! I swear the humans are getting stranger by the day!
I have seen these "candle" things used before, but it was strange that they both did it, and that - Mami says because of where it was - I had to be held on to. I wanted to get away, but Mami said I had to stay. I still don't understand why!
Mami says it was for something the humans call "Litha"... I have no idea what - or who - Litha is though. I'm so confused right now! Just when I figure out some of the strange human behaviour, the humans start doing even stranger things!
Just wanted to share my confusion; thanks for listening!
Licks and sniffs,
Kero
Meet the Robinsons
"Lewis is a brilliant inventor who meets mysterious stranger named Wilbur Robinson, whisking Lewis away in a time machine and together they team up to track down Bowler Hat Guy in a showdown that ends with an unexpected twist of fate."
(Above taken from this page).
This was an entertaining and amusing movie. Not one of my favourites of the ones I've seen recently, but pretty good.
(Above taken from this page).
This was an entertaining and amusing movie. Not one of my favourites of the ones I've seen recently, but pretty good.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Furkid thoughts: that darn cat!
Hi humans, guess who?
That's right, it's me... Kero!
Well, I just wanted to do a post to show you a couple of photos my humans and I managed to get of that darn cat... You know? The one who keeps sneaking in to my garden, and who snuck in to the house to try and get my little brother (Gwydion the guinea pig) not too long ago... Remember? Well, here it is:
I hate that cat! I like cats most of the time, but this cat insists on tormenting me.
Yeah, that's right... Keep on walking, buddy... And don't come back!
Anyway, that's the cat who keeps trying to get inside my territory... Darn cat!
Licks and sniffs,
Kero
That's right, it's me... Kero!
Well, I just wanted to do a post to show you a couple of photos my humans and I managed to get of that darn cat... You know? The one who keeps sneaking in to my garden, and who snuck in to the house to try and get my little brother (Gwydion the guinea pig) not too long ago... Remember? Well, here it is:
I hate that cat! I like cats most of the time, but this cat insists on tormenting me.
Yeah, that's right... Keep on walking, buddy... And don't come back!
Anyway, that's the cat who keeps trying to get inside my territory... Darn cat!
Licks and sniffs,
Kero
Father of the Bride Part II
"In this sequel to "Father of the Bride", George Banks must accept the reality of what his daughter's ascension from daughter to wife, and now, to mother means when placed into perspective against his own stage of life. As the comfortable family unit starts to unravel in his mind, a rapid progression into mid-life crisis is in his future. His journey to regain his youth acts as a catalyst for a kind of "rebirth" of his attitude on life when he and his wife, Nina, find how their lives are about to change as well."
(Above taken from this page).
This was a pretty good, really funny movie. Probably not to everyone's liking, but I thought it was pretty good. I don't think I've seen the first one - at least, I don't remember seeing it - but if it's as good as this one then I'd say it's worth watching.
(Above taken from this page).
This was a pretty good, really funny movie. Probably not to everyone's liking, but I thought it was pretty good. I don't think I've seen the first one - at least, I don't remember seeing it - but if it's as good as this one then I'd say it's worth watching.
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