If you've always wanted to become a Martian...

Source: foxnews.com via Stella on Pinterest

Just as NASA’s latest rover prepares to land on the surface of Mars, one Dutch company is looking to up the ante, with plans to send humans to the distant red planet. But before you sign up for travels to faraway lands, you may want to take note that the trip is a one-way deal, meaning you’ll never be able to return home to Earth.

So, if you're tired of everything here on Earth.. Why not move to Mars? You'll never again have to see friends or relatives - fresh air, blue sky, weather (as you knew it), pets, normal foods, will only be distant memories.. Life will be exciting, waiting to see if your necessary supplies will get there or not.. Bliss!

Once it gets the settlement established, Mars One hopes to send a small crew that would leave Earth in December of 2022, and arrive in April of 2023.


But before a crew can go, Mars One of course need to find willing participants. The company plans to hold a worldwide “lottery”to select 40 people to join the program. This chosen 40 will spend time a specialist training facility, where they will be whittled down to a crew of 10 members.


Lansdrop made it clear that this team will go to Mars and live there for "the rest of their lives."

Fourth anniversary - and a trip to Glencree

My dad died four years ago today, and I did my annual trip to Glencree Grotto, to light some candles for him. (Well, last year it was the German cemetery as the Grotto was closed while they built new railings..)

After taking a few weeks break from driving practice (I had the cold, etc.), it was good to get back to it again. It also went surprisingly well, considering there'd been such a long break! I'm still not a fan of town traffic, and I instantly relaxed when I got out of Bray and to the country roads..

From Bray to Glencree, on Routebuilder.org

I finally learned all the settings for the windscreen wipers as well - I could barely see the mountain road around Kippure, with the heavy rain! But it was awesome =D

I'd meant to return home via Sally Gap, turning to Lough Tay & Roundwood, but then I decided to go to Laragh instead (=Glenmacnass road), get some petrol and have a coke. Couldn't really drive as fast as I would have, with all those potholes.. :o I don't have a spare tyre yet, but I should be getting it soon.

From Glencree to Laragh, on Routebuilder.org

For once, I was lucky, on the way home - I didn't get busted for speeding as the gardaí were only checking the oncoming traffic, near Roundwood! I may have been doing about 90, in an 80km/h zone..

Entering the N11 was horrible.. Loads of cars, we all had to stop just before getting to the tiny entry slip at Kilmacanogue, which is like the last thing you want.. I really didn't need that, and it made me all nervous for town traffic again, but at least Bray was really quiet at that time of a Sunday evening..

From Laragh to Bray, on Routebuilder.org

Direct links to Facebook game request feeds

If you're playing Facebook games, you may have noticed that sometimes the game requests don't show up on the feed, or various settings might affect them, etc.. With so many games relying on friends hitting your request links, or yourself hitting theirs for those rewards, it's handy to know the direct links to game request feeds. These are the request feeds for the games I'm currently playing on daily basis;

SimCity Social - The Sims Social - Hidden Chronicles

You'll see ALL game requests for those particular games, posted by yourself and your friends / game contacts. Nothing else. Extremely handy.. =)

If you're looking for a request feed link for some other Facebook game, all you need to do is to find the application number of that particular game, and replace the red part in the following URL, with it;

https://www.facebook.com/?sk=app_***************

Some garden snaps

 

Pink Pushy

The colours are pinkish in this picture, because I just wanted a quick snap of Pushy's hunt mode, and the original was all yellow, so I had to fix the colours and this was the best I could do.. He was after a moth or something..

Ginga again

Poor Ginga is getting blind.. He can see a little bit during the day, but appears to see nothing at all in the dark.. So, I've started building more trust, in case I need to catch him for a vet visit or anything.. He is loving our cuddle sessions, and I'm even getting headbutts, but I haven't tried picking him up, and I don't think that he'd be ready for that quite yet.. I also don't want to scare him! He knows the back garden well as he's lived there pretty much all his life (and 17-18 years is a respectable age for a semi-feral cat), so with regular feeding and all, he's still doing OK. Being realistic, though, I don't know if he'll see another winter.. I'm watching him, and if it looks like he's not enjoying life anymore, I'm going to have to do the hard decision.. (There's another one of those decisions lurking in the future as Oimo is still with us, but I do hope for more extra time..)

Victoria's Way pics & video from late June

I've finally uploaded some photos and videos which had piled up on the laptop.. These are from late June - my first visit to the Indian Sculpture Park, this year..


This is my shaky pond video, from the same spot with the first photos.. (I didn't really take pictures of the Ganeshas, this time, only taking the camera out at the Bodhisattva pond..) It seems that I'm always carrying loads of stuff, in places like these, so by the time I get to take pics or shoot video, my hands are shaky. Bleh..



 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 
Some shopping..

Impressive and totally hilarious

Fake Languages!

This guy speaks fake versions of several languages, and he's very good! (Well, Finnish didn't really sound so great, but most other languages did!)

Some Co. Wexford roads (mid-June)

My photos and videos have virtually piled up again, so I'm working on them now.. Here's a video from mid-June - country roads somewhere in north Co. Wexford.. That was the day I bought my car =)

This makes me very emotional

View from the ISS at Night from Knate Myers on Vimeo.

A cute dog I saw on Pinterest

Source: imgfave.com via Stella on Pinterest

Awwwwwww.. =)

One of the most beautiful songs in the world

Simon and Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water

When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all

I'm on your side
When times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you

I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on Silver Girl,
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
If you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind

Awesome parachute jump video from Bray air show, yesterday

Stepping onto Bray Beach - from 4000 Feet
The Defense Forces' Parachute team, the Black Knights take us on their journey from a helicopter 4000 feet above Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland to the beach below - by stepping outside!

I didn't go, this year. I was taking a nap in the attic. (Yes, I can take a nap during a noisy air show..)

On the mindPlayer today...

Janelle Monáe - Tightrope (feat. Big Boi)


Janelle Monáe - Cold War

Help these poor animals in Egyptian zoos - sign the petition

Source: occupyforanimals.org via Stella on Pinterest

The photos on this page are horrible, but please have a look, and then sign the petition - ask everyone you know to sign it as well. (via)

Ginga video (in the garden, earlier on..)

Ginga is a 17-18yo feral cat who lives in the back garden. I've been feeding him since 1999 (when I moved here), and sometimes cuddling him, but he still won't let me pick him up - he probably would, if it was necessary, but I haven't forced it. Today, we had three cuddling sessions, and I got my first ever headbutts from Ginga - in fact, I got six or seven headbutts! =D He's getting blind, so I want to build more trust, in case we need a vet visit or something..

This could be me...

(I'm not really sorry, though..)

Here, fishy fishy..

I am impressed.. :o

"Here at the Civil Service..."

"...we don't actually have the time to read your applications and shyte, we're way too busy checking if you live in Ireland.. What? You're saying that we only checked it last week? Well, there ya go! You didn't think we'd have the time to read your reply, did you?!? LOL, how silly of you.."


"Hello.. Who are you again? ... And you're saying that you live in Ireland? Can you prove it? What do you mean you've proved it several times before? We must have been busy not giving a shyte, so why don't you prove it again, go on.. I can't give you any money until you prove that you live here - again.. LOLz.."


"You've sent us this letter we wanted? Well, I can't see any sign of it.. Maybe it's under some other shyte, I dunno.. Maybe you could send us another copy? I can't do anything with your application until I get that letter.. What do you mean, look for it? Here in my office? LOL, you're funny.. Just send me another copy, maybe you'll have better luck with me bothering to read it.. I know, I know.. Very unlikely, but what can you do? Haha.."


"What? You've had no money for seven months now? Well, it's hardly my problem, is it? See, I can't give you anything until I've proof that you live in Ireland.. You've proven it several times now? Ah, well.. Maybe if you do it in a fun way, I might actually remember you? Like, try presenting the documents with a song and a dance? *shrug* Just an idea.. Oh, hold on, it's lunch time, I gotta go.."

"You look vaguely familiar, I might have seen you before? Hold on, I'll have a look at your application here.. Oh, wait - I can't actually do anything about this now as you need to bring me some medical documents.. You've sent them to me already? Brought them in person? No.. Doesn't ring a bell.. Can you prove it? LOL, I didn't think so.. I'll tell you what, just ask the hospital for those documents again, and bring them to me, and I'll see if I can help you.. You need money? Well, don't we all.. You've no food? Don't you have any friends who could feed you maybe? Can't pay the rent? Awww.. Maybe you should have thought about that before losing your job, LOLz.."

"Umm, and these are for..?? Oh, medical documents.. I see, but we don't really need these, we'd actually want the pink ones.. You've sent us pink ones before? No, I don't think so.. Anyway, do you have proof that you live in Ireland?"

- - - - - - - - - -

Yes, this is a bit vague, but it's based on observations, rather than personal dealings.. However, it seems that too many civil servants in Ireland don't really spend any time on doing the work they should be doing - instead, it's like they're toying with people, making people bring the same documents over and over again, permanently losing letters, thinking that people can really survive without any money whatsoever, etc.. I will not go into any more details on this, because I don't want to make things any harder to people who are in the mouse situation to the civil servant cats.

And here's something Orwellian

Source: gizmodo.com via Stella on Pinterest

It's a fucked up world;

Within the next year or two, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will instantly know everything about your body, clothes, and luggage with a new laser-based molecular scanner fired from 164 feet (50 meters) away. From traces of drugs or gun powder on your clothes to what you had for breakfast to the adrenaline level in your body—agents will be able to get any information they want without even touching you.


And without you knowing it.

(Read the full article here)

Their plan is to install this molecular-level scanning in airports and border crossings all across the United States. The official, stated goal of this arrangement is to be able to quickly identify explosives, dangerous chemicals, or bioweapons at a distance.


The machine is ten million times faster—and one million times more sensitive—than any currently available system. That means that it can be used systematically on everyone passing through airport security, not just suspect or randomly sampled people.

The Land of the Free Scans..

So not only can they scan everyone. They would be able to do it everywhere: the subway, a traffic light, sports events... everywhere.

According to the undersecretary for science and technology of the Department of Homeland Security, this scanning technology will be ready within one to two years, which means you might start seeing them in airports as soon as 2013.

Hoping for a sunny Sunday in late August..

Hoping to make it to ARAN's Big Peaceful Day Against Cruelty to Animals in Ireland, on Sunday, 26th August (1pm, Garden Of Remembrance, O'Connell Street entrance).

Above, the promotional video for it - there's no animal abuse footage on this video.

The grinning cunts who murdered an innocent animal

(Source: We Are Their Voice {Stop Animal Cruelty})

Poor Lennox is no more.. Belfast City Council just has the following piece on their website;

Dangerous dog is put to sleep following final court decision
11 July 2012

Belfast City Council confirmed today that the dog Lennox, an illegal pit-bull terrier type, has been humanely put to sleep. This was in accordance with the Order of the County Court which was affirmed by the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal.

Whilst there is an exemption scheme to which dogs of this type (pit-bull terrier type) may be admitted as an alternative to destruction, there were no such measures that could be applied in this case that would address the concerns relating to public safety. The Council`s expert described the dog as one of the most unpredictable and dangerous dogs he had come across.

Over the past two years, Council officials have been subjected to a sustained campaign of abuse including threats of violence and death threats. The Council has been in ongoing contact with the PSNI in relation to that.

The Council regrets that the court action was necessary but would emphasise that the safety of the public remains its key priority.

What a load of crap! For example, this part;

The Council`s expert described the dog as one of the most unpredictable and dangerous dogs he had come across.

Who is their anonymous "expert"? Also, Lennox had no history of aggression, there were no complaints against him. Well known expert animal behaviourists, Sarah Fisher and David Ryan (yes, these people are REAL experts - not some anonymous cunts paid by BCC to give just the kind of "expert" opinions they want..) conducted separate, extensive evaluations of Lennox. Both experts came to the conclusion that Lennox is friendly and posed no danger, and presented these reports to the court. Victoria Stilwell, internationally-renowned dog trainer and star of the hit TV show, "It's Me or the Dog", also supported Lennox, and would have organised Lennox to be placed in a sanctuary in the USA with no cost to BCC - but the evil cunts at BCC weren't having it.

And they claim to have an "expert" who knew better than these three widely known and respected professionals.. I'd really like to know who this wonder expert is, or whether he actually even exists.

With an almost Dickensian twist, the cunts at BCC did not even allow Lennox' family to see their dog for one last time before he was murdered. They weren't allowed to claim his body, either.

What were the evil cunts at BCC hiding???

If you're not familiar with this unfair story, these articles are pretty good;

World makes last desperate plea to the City of Belfast, "Save Lennox!" (9th July)

Mourning the death of Lennox (11th July)

I was kind of hoping that people would never forget this, and that those cunts at BCC would always get nasty looks and bad service, for the rest of their lives, wherever they go.. However, having read THIS particular article;

Belfast city council making animal sounds when people call

I have to say, I've changed my mind. I now feel that if someone was to tell me that those cunts at BCC have been skinned alive and dipped in acid, I wouldn't be too shocked about it. In fact, I might laugh and say "woof! woof!"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Just adding this;

Source: Victoria Stilwell on Facebook

If the screenshot text is too tiny or pale for you, here's what it says;

I am so disgusted and want everyone to know how low Belfast City Council have stooped. The Barnes family heard about the death of their beloved dog through me because I had been told by a source at BBC Radio Ulster. After what the council put the family through they didn't even have the decency to inform the family first before everyone else know. Someone involved in this mess needs to lose their job. If this is the way they represent their citizens then Belfast beware. Belfast City Council should hang their heads for the shameful and insensitive way they have handled this. Heartless doesn't even begin to describe the people surrounding this case. Appalling and I can assure you, this will NEVER be forgotten!

When you think that even the disgusting cunts at BCC can't go any lower, they fuckin' do.


Time to get rid of them.

Kitty animation & summer cold

I hadn't seen any Simon's Cat videos in ages - this one's funny! (Well, they're ALL funny..) =D

My blog's been dead lately as I have a proper summer cold, so I've been mainly sleeping and/or feeling generally miserable. I haven't even had the energy to take Esmeralda out =(

Vote for my beach butterfly photo =)

I've entered my Morriscastle beach butterfly to the HelloCanvasIE summer photo competition on Facebook. Please, follow this link and vote for it =)

(The link goes to the photo page only - to vote for it, you'll need to actually hit the VOTE button on that page.)

I was in 1967 today - and it was fantastic!

Jimi Hendrix was awesome!

(And Elnett Supreme Hold REALLY works.. My beehive still hasn't even tried to move/collapse..)

Most of us will never see these beautiful parts of Ireland in person

Underwater Ireland.. (These two videos may have some of the same footage, I'm not sure..)

Lightning photos (from 2008 and 2012)

As I haven't really been doing anything else than lightly roasting myself in the garden and trying to find some 60's style clothes for Tuesday (groan..), here are some lightning photos from the past..

This first one (above) was taken in August 2008, in Imatra, Finland. I was there to organise my dad's funeral, and I stayed with friends who at the time lived on the 9th floor, with this awesome view all the way to Russia. (The factories you see in the horizon, a bit right from the lightning, are in Svetogorsk, Russia.) Below, two cropped versions of the same shot..






This other one is from April, this year, and the lightning is much less obvious. In fact, I didn't even notice it until I'd transferred the photos to my laptop. (It was snapped about the same time with that Bray tornado / waterspout video, which was in the news and all. Mad weather, that day..)

I don't think I've managed to capture any other lightning photos..