Friday, wonderful Friday. - 12th August 2011

Week two of TOWIB.

Wow, what a busy and stressful week it has been!  I have a University assignment due in next week, but since I will be on holiday then, I’ve had to get it done a week early.  This has been no mean feat, with critical analysis reports to write, some complex mathematics, and a truck load of reading.  However, it is all done now.  I just need to work out how to save my Star Office 9 document into a .doc format that will be accepted by both the Uni system and my tutor.  I’ve got tonight and all weekend for that though so I won’t stress too much. 

It feels nice to have it all done.  Now I can concentrate on getting into holiday mode and getting everything ready.  I will admit that I am taking some materials to do a little bit of research for the final assignment of this course.  It is due about 3 weeks after we get back, and looks pretty intensive.  I’m sure I will be able to fit a bit of reading in between sessions in the pool with my family.

I’m intending to hit the gym a few times while we’re away.  Anything that’ll boost my fitness for the HACK is an advantage.  We are all inclusive on holiday, so I’ve got to be careful that I don’t pig out too much.  I’ve been pretty good over the last couple of weeks and have noticed a slight reduction in my weight. 

My daughter had her 2 year check this week, and was scored at either being right on track or achieving over where she should be.  I felt oh so proud when my wife called on Monday to let me know the results!  She and my wife have been taken for their 2^nd visit to Peppa Pig World today by my Wife’s parents.  We took our daughter there for her 2^nd birthday and she loved it.  To say she is a bit obsessed with Peppa would be the understatement of the century! 

I’m sure everyone has seen the televised footage of the atrocities that have taken place across our country this week, and I will get to that a little later.  First, I want to talk about the amazing documentary that we watched on Monday about the dissection of a Sperm Whale.  Inside Nature’s Giants is the programme’s name, and they have dissected some incredible creatures, from a giraffe to the dual dissection of a Lion and a Tiger.  Anyway, the Sperm Whale was spectacular!  The poor creature had starved and subsequently become dehydrated (whales only take on water from their food, they do not drink the sea) and ended up on the beach on Kent.  Not wanting to let a rare scientific opportunity escape, the ING team swooped in and spent just over 24 hours really getting to grips with the creature and showing us how it functions.  Did you know that the Sperm Whale got its name from the Spermaceti that is contained in its head?  No, neither did I.  It is a waxy material that solidifies when the whale wishes to dive and then melts again when it wishes to resurface.  This is the stuff that is found in cosmetics and lubricant, and it really does look like sperm.  When the scientist on the show cut the whale’s head open, I thought maybe she was operating at the wrong end!

Right, now back to London and the riots.  My cousin lives in Clapham Junction with his girlfriend and I was very relieved to get a reply text from him on Tuesday to say that they were fine; even though the rioting was right outside their door. 

This all seems to have come about after a man (with a gun), was shot by police in London on Thursday 04^th August.  There was a protest outside of the local police station on Saturday, and then somehow it turned into mindless rioting, looting and murder. 

My hearts goes out to all of the innocent victims of the riots and looting.  In particular to the families of those who have lost their lives.  Things appear to be improving now, so lets hope the recovery is fast and London can soon return the great capital that it was.

I am taking part in the Hampshire HACK (Hike Against Cruelty to Kids) on 11^th September 2011 for the NSPCC.  If you would like to sponsor me please visit www.justgiving.com/rick-keates1