Using Wikipedia

Hiya wonderful daughters

I'm gonna set you guys a some fun tasks to perform today. I want to see if you can find some answers to some questions I'm gonna ask you - the answers are in the Wikipedia Encyclodedia

Ok here goes

1. What does the name 'Aardvark' mean in English?
2. How long, on average, was a 'Stegosaurus' dinosaur?
3. How many muscles has a 'Cat' got in it's ear?
4. What are a group of 'Dolphins' called?
5. Where was 'Cheerleading' first started?

Now you're wondering "how do I do that dad?"

First look at the word inbetween the '------' comma's, then go to Wikipedia
Type in the word to the search box and press the GO button (watch your spelling!)
Then look down the page and find the answers - they are there I've checked!
Then write down your answers, and post them in a comment.

I'm a very strict marker!!!! :o)

Love, Dad x

Monster Facts

Hiya lovelies, I had a quick scoot around for monsterfacts.co.uk and couldn't find it.

I did find factmonster - click the title above

It seems to be a good encyclopedia site for kids, I also put the Wikipedia encyclopedia on the links to the right, which is a really cool place where people enter the facts, anyone can add an entry and keep them upto-date, so it's like a living encyclopedia - it is full of facts and links to other sites with more information on each subject entry - quite amazing really, and what the internet is all about - that is sharing information for free to make everyone a stronger.

Love, dad x

Lazy 'Big Pizz-aaahhh' Boy Lloyd!!!

Hiya me Beauties,

Yesss another assignment finished, aaaahhhhh, this one was on writing a report for the vineyard row I was looking after over the last few months. I had to prune it, sounds easy doesn't it, but I had to justify why and how I did what I did using scientists findings why, how etc. etc. etc. - you get the picture, 3000 words with diagrams and tables and references etc. etc. etc. - what you're bored already, I've been writing it for the last 3 days!!!!!!

Look who's in the picture, yep it's lazy lazy boy Lloyd just back from Asia (Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam etc. etc. etc.) and they were GAGGING for a pizza western style, just look at that expression, is he enjoyin' that slice or what?

Cheers Dad, x

Handstands!!

Wow, look at Jess doing her thing - this must really get the blood rushing to the head. Do you have to do handstands for cheerleading? Can you drink upside down, or does it fall back out? I remember that you were doing loads of handstands in the pool in NZ, did you do them the other day with Page?

I can't tell you how bloney busy I am at the moment, every waking minute I'm doing something for Uni, or stressing over assignments - really interesting stuff like "Critically analyse and discuss major strengths and weaknesses in traditional, new generation and hybrid co-operatives within NZ primary industry?" - any help would be appreciated ;o)

Lot's of love, dad x

Dana & Alanna

Hiya Paps,

I got some photo's from Opa, I think they are from a visit this Saturday - wow Dana you're really hugging Alana here - you two bunnies look very brown after the summer holidays - how is your yoga going, is it fun and can you bend into some animal positions?

Thanks for the photo's they are great - also you said something about Aunties/Uncles coming to NZ - do you know when?

I'm on a rollercoaster ride to the end of Uni now - 8 more days of lectures, then study for the exams - still 4 assignments to go - which reminds me to get on with them NOW!!

Cheers, dad/stew x

p.s. am I spelling Alana right? or is it Alanna?? I suddenly had a spelling moment ;o)

PowerPuff Girls Web Comic!!

Hiya Girls,

I had a quick look around for a good example of a web-comic, most of them are for teenagers and adults.

Here's one that might get you interested, it's seems a bit better than the cartoon version.

To use the site click on the title above, then click on 'next comic' to go to the next page!! You'll get the hang of it ;o)

Cheers, Dad x

Cat Town!!!

Hiya beautiful girls,

well I thought we'd have some fun today and look at just how silly the internet can be - and yes it can get mighty silly ;o)

Cat Town is a place where only cats live - click on the title above to be transported to the cattiest place on the planet, a town run by cats, meow!!

There are loads of web cartoons out there, I will try and find some that are fun and not too too silly!!

See ya lata alligator, in a while crocodile, cheerie-bye cherry pie, xxx

Dogville!!!

So here's the doggy version - click on the title above me pretties

Love Dad, x

Vegan Power!!! - Triathlon

Hellooooo Girls, I came across this story in the press today and thought it was really good that a young girl was standing up for herself Ella Soryl is a vegan, she doesn't eat meat, fish, eggs, or milk products (wot even cheese!!!!!), which is even more extreme than being a vegetarian - but she's fit an healthy.

Oh, oh! I've come back to this post 1 day later and the story has been removed from the press, that's why the links don't work!! Bit off - so I tell you the story.

Ella is a very fit young girl, 11 years old, and enjoys doing the Triathlon at school, she's also into athletics and gymnastics. A professor was going around NZ telling people that they should eat more meat, and that you can't have a balanced diet without eating some. Ella was upset by the story because she has been a vegan for many years (and probably her parents too). She challenged the proffesor to a triathlon round (swimming, running and cycling) to see who would win!!

Who do you think would win? Quite a good story, and I'm suprised that they've removed it, maybe the press didn't want to upset too many 'rugby playing' bully boy farmers who all work for the meat industry selling lambs.

I'm just printing off a big pack of revision stuff, and test papers for the 11+ for Jess, they'll be in the post this week.

Lots of love, Dad, x

Yoga! for kids!!

Hiya Girls, hope you are well, and thankyou for your messages.

Jess I think there must be a million x's - as many as I will give you the next time that I see you - and they will be this big!!!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hey, I heard that you are going to yoga classes with Alana - here's a yogakids site to look at, and maybe even give the poses a go.

Love Dad, x

Cheerleaders Away!!

Hiya Jess n Dana

I thought you'd like something about cheerleading - I found this site that has got a load of stuff on American cheerleading - based on basketball team cheerleaders. Also found the New Zealand Allstars site - have fun ;o)

Lloyd and Michelle have just come back from Asia, they are well and say hello, expect some photo's of them soon.

See you honeez, love Dad, x

11+ Exams

Hello Jess, it was lovely talking with you on the phone today, I hope your cheerleading goes well, and also the yoga - that sounds like fun, lots of streching and peaceful exercises, that'll be good for your hips if your getting growing pains.

Wow, you're taller than your mum now, that's amazing.

I thought I'd send you this link to a 11+ website "Eleven Plus" click on the link or on the title above, and open the FREE DOWNLOADS and FREE PRACTICE PAPERS for some free questions and help sheets on maths and verbal reasoning - download the PDF files onto your computer and print them out and give them a go - they have also got the answers on the back of some of them, maybe mum could hold them back until you've given them a go - at least you can see what the questions are like so they won't be so much of a shock when you sit the exam.

I also found this "11+ game" done by the BBC for Northern Ireland, it has a Science section which I'm not sure if Guernsey tests have got, but it's still a good fun, click on the link and have a go.

Love, Dad - p.s. if you have trouble printing out tell me and I'll do it here and send the sheets to you OK, x

Hiya Folks, just a quick 'How to Use the Blog'

Yep, little Lambs - there's bloney millions of them 'round yer eh!!

Now that you know this blog exists, and is going to be used regularly, you guys might want to 'bookmark' or add to your 'favourites'.

The 'Links' to the right have been added by myself to let you know about news events in NZ and Christchurch, they are live and are updated every hour or so. There's also some places for the girls to go to have a bit of fun on the web, and also to help them with their homework.

The 'Previuous Posts' will only show 10 last posts, but clicking on them is useful because they open the page I've made, and all the posted 'comments' that have been added in one go - easy to see.

The 'Archives' are automatically made, and incude all the posts for one week starting from the date shown on the link - so when your looking for my first pages look in the archives, like the Queen Dana one or Don't Look at My Master.

You can keep adding comments to any of the pages, as they will always be there on the website (pages and comments), and I'll know that you've added something because I will also get a normal e-mail.

Please learn how to use the system, and encourage Jess and Dana to go on-line to look at this site when they are at your houses, they can add posts on anyones computer - that is what makes this system so flexible and fun for them.

Cheers, Stew

The Australia Zoo - Steve Irwin

Hello gorgeous scrummy Girls, 'crikey' its your Dad here thinkin' you might be interested in the Australia Zoo, the one Steve Irwin and his Dad worked on. Checkout the wombat Steve's holding, isn't she a beaut!!

Click on the title above to take you to the zoo, and find out what sort of tributes they have got for Steve - there are some great pictures of him, and the animals.

Love, Dad, x

Otters for Dana

Hiya Dana, ahhh look at this cute otter photo I found, so so lovely and cuddly aye.

I've finally finished my assignment on Hotel room rates, we even had the revenue and marketing managers of the Crowne Plaza come to give lectures - they are one of the top hotels in Christchurch, they have got 3 restaurants, wow and 300 rooms, click on the name if your interested.

Spring is well on the way now - the leaves are coming out, and theres loads of lovely blossoms on the trees. The feilds are full of lambs (it is New Zealand!!).

Alexia is at work at the moment, but she'll be back in an hour or so - she sends her love

Hope you get a chance to post a couple of comments this weekend, I'm looking forward to them already, love dad, x

HELP with you homework!!

Hiya girls - here a great website to find somewhere to help with your homework.

Click on "HELP with your homework!!" or the tiltle above or the link and have a look around for a decent site.

Remenber you can always ask me a question with e-mail too, I'll always have time to help you answer your questions.

Love Dad,x

Rick and Kids

Hello Jesse and Dana - Rick and Gwen,

Thanks for the photos of Herm, they were nice to see and they came over OK. I thought this photo was great, Dana's missing a load of teath, I take it that these photo's were from last year 2005. Have you got any from this year? Maybe of Jersey at the Living Legend - we've all heard the story of Dana pooin' her pants at the dragon, he was pretty scary aye, was he still scary this tiime??

Cheers Stew/Dad, xx

Meteor near Christchurch!

Hiya girls, been busy doing stuff at Uni again!! - there was alot of chat around Uni about a meteorite that had come down from space at around 3pm yesterday, and some people said they heard it, I was on my way home at the time, but yep sure enough it did happen - click on the title above as it links to the news story.

Love Dad, xx

Tash in the bag!!

Hiya Jess & Dana, thank you for yor comments - you can put a comment anywhere on any of the messages, I will know which ones you've added to as I get an e-mail of them too.

Alexia took this photo of Tash the other day, for some reason she took a real liking to this bag and curled up in it.

We've been watching a few tribute programmes to the 'Crocodile Hunter' on the Animal Planet, bit sad that he'd been killed, but he did used to tease and play around with the animals lots, they are wild and will defend themselves if threatened.

I'm still working hard on vineyard and hotel assignments!!!

Have you guys gone back to school yet? Who are your new teachers?

Love Dad & Alexia, xx

My wisdom tooth is out!

Finally after 18 months of pain, my wisdom tooth is out. No wonder I was in soooo much pain, look at the hole in it. My tooth had rotted under the gum line and my nerve endings were exposed to everything - I especially found temperature changes, like eating ice-cream, or hot tea, and even sugar sweets really really painful.

Well the monster is out now - bloody marvellous, no more pain. This is a lesson in brushing your teath - although the reason this tooth rotted was that is was so far back in my mouth it was difficult to clean - yes a pathetic excuse - brush your teath!!!!!!!!

Well here's another fat cat!!!

Hiya Jess and Dana - I've been studying about pruning vineyards, and how to price rooms for hotels over the last few days. I've also been fiddling like crazy to get my old computer working, and it's finally fixed, yey!! Alexia says hello, she's working Friday all night, and Saturday all night - she works at a centre for children with special needs who can't look after themselves very well.

Wow, I've checked out your blog, it'll great to have one to show me, and everyone else whats been going on, and to have somewhere to post some photo's up - with lot's of cheeky comments too aye. Keep up the good work, love dad, x

And I thought Tash was fat!!

Been working out in the vineyard today, nasty old vines - all tough and difficult to prune. How many days to go before school now??

Alexia is my parrot on shoulder today, blowing kisses at the computer for you two bunnies - hope all is well, you guys obviously haven'y discovered this site yet - i will send you some postcards this weekend, you'll have a suprise when you do open this site!!

Love, dad and Alexia, xx

Dana's Recorder Class

Hiya girls, hope you're enjoying the last few days of the summer holidays - when do you go back to school?

How do you feel about going into a new year, and who's your teachers going to be?

I liked this photo of Dana's recorder class, are you gonna do some recorder this year?

I've been busy as usual, I grafted some grapevines today, learning how to do it. It also feels like spring, warm, the blossoms are out, and the birds are twittering away. There are also lots of lambs in the fields, which is really cute. Love you loads, dad and Alexia, xx

Lazy Boy 'Girl' Tashie

Oh my, Tashy sometimes looks so at home!!

Sad news today Steve Irwin 'Crockodile Hunter' was killed today by a stingray spike!! It's big news for the 0zzies and kiwi folk, he's a bit of an icon and went well before his time, and his prime.

Thank's for the e-mail Jess, I loved your photo's an your toy cats were cute - what were they called again, Dana's got a set of them, but I can't remember their names, love yo, dad x

Hello Jacqui - I,ve seen your message on the 'big cat', yey welcome to the blog party!!

Dad has been lying on our bed studying for a test his has 2morrow...he has just come out to say hello and write you two sweetie-pie's a message. I sent a photo of you two and me plus some other photo's of our time in Guersney to my dad for father's day...which for us was sunday 3rd of September...well me had better pass this message back to dad, cause he wants to send off to you then back to his study.....love.....Alexia

Princess Eating Ice Cream

Well it was lovely hot day so we all had an icecream, including a special 'small dog' sized one, Princess loved it, she obviously has had one before - she can stand on 2 legs for ages like a circus dog.

Great!! It looks as tho' Opa has learned how to write a comment - ask him how to do it so that you can send some comments too - I will know that you've put a comment on any of the postings, because the comment gets sent to my e-mail as well.

Write down the Blog URL (web address) and give it to Gwen & Rick, I'm sure they would like to see it - and you can add comments from Rick's computer too, if he'll let you!!

Princess On Sumner Beach

Alexia has some family living in Christchurch, a brother called Sydney and his wife Barbara, and kids Daniel 13 and Sarah 15, and also Pricess the jack russel. We went to sumner the other weekend, it was a lovely day and i was far too over dressed, but it was supposed to be winter!

Kids Jokes

Click on the title Kids Jokes (above, and wait 10 seconds - it's a bit slow!) - some of them are really quite good!!

What did the dinosaur say when it saw the volcano erupt?
- "What a lava-ly day"!

Why did Tashie put the letter 'M' in the deep freeze?
- Because it turned 'ice' into 'Mice'!

What do cats eat for breakfast?
- Mice-Krispies!

Whats green and hangs off trees?
- Giraffe snot!

Well it's your turn to find some to tell me, I love the gross jokes!!!!

Hey, Leave a Comment!!

I just discovered that you can leave a message to me for each message posted, you don't even need an e-mail program/account - wow how great is that!!!! - I'll be expecting lots of cheeky replies now, go on be a devil and write something.

Just remember to stick your name on, so others can comment too, and know whos talking, love Dad, x

Mmmm Dana, this is agruably the BEST Sausage I've ever tasted!

I'm trying to fix my old computer for Alexia today - she wants to learn about computers

I'm also working on Branding for a vineyard, but keep getting distracted

This blog is starting to get a bit vibey aye, what do you guys think!, remember that you can view this on the school computers too if you're connected to the web - keep checking regularly, cos it's gonna keep growing

Luv Dad, and Alexia, xx

Don't you dare look at my master!!!

Hiya beautiful girls - yes I'm gonna keep putting phots's in this blog

I'll try and put something here nearly everyday!!! Now theres a challenge

I'm very very very busy at Uni at the moment, thats why I haven't phoned lately - on Wed night I only had 3 hours sleep working on an assignment on a vineyard - took me all night (and 3-4 days)

Alexia sends her love too - she baked me a lovely peach and ginger cake a couple of days ago!!

Did you know that it's farthers day here on Sunday!! (wot again) it's on a different day in NZ

Love you Dad, x