Jenno’s Ool

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Science: The Musical

Well, not really a musical but there are a LOT of different science topics covered and set to jaunty little tunes. Singing Science Records are described as "science-themed folk songs" and cover many of the topics in the current school curriculum.

These were originally recorded in the late 50s and early 60s for kids. One of my favourite and admittedly quirky bands, They Might Be Giants (TMBG), did a cover of one of these songs: "Why Does The Sun Shine?" on one of their children's albums "No!".

On a somewhat tangential note, John Hodgman issued a challenge to TMBG thus upping the already high cool factor of the band by pure association!

Posted by Jennifer at 7:39 PM | Comments (0)

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Goober and Doofus

Doofus is getting bigger all the time. Goober still tolerates Doofus literally walking all over him and bouncing off his head. The vet has warned us that he'll be about as big as Goober once he reaches full size. I can just imagine what waking up to two of these beasts on my stomach'll be like then!

Posted by Jennifer at 12:37 PM | Comments (0)

Telescopic Goodness

With a rare combination of not-too-cold temperatures and not-too-cloudy skies last night we decided to pull the telescope out and do some observing. Saturn was in opposition last night so it was our main target; though by no means our ONLY target. Our summer observing spot isn't available in the winter as it turns into a snow mobile route so we set up off our back steps.

Jon was able to do a fairly quick alignment once we got the 'scope levelled out and Saturn jumped into view. It was small but the rings were clearly visible as were at least two of its moons. The longer I looked at Saturn the more definition I could see in the rings to the point I could see the space between the rings and the planet's surface (but not the Cassini Division). I got so excited about Saturn that, without checking the time first, I knocked on our neighbour's door so they could also see . Fortunately everyone was up (it was after 10 pm, but not by much) and they were eager to come out and sky watch with us.

After Saturn, Jon pointed the telescope at various different points: the moon, the Pleiades, Mars and the Orion Nebula. We tried for the Rosette Nebula but couldn't find it. I always love looking at the Pleiades but last night the real winner for me was the Orion Nebula! We tried out one of the nebula filters I got Jon for Christmas and the view was magnificent: I'm still in awe this morning. My first thought was: "It looks like an angel with up-stretched wings." The second thought was: "I can't wait till it's warm enough for me to sit out here with my sketch pad and drawing materials!"

I thought I wanted to draw mainly the moon and other large bodies, but after last night, nebulae are now on my list too! So much stuff, too cold to sit out for hours yet! Fortunately our telescope is a good "jack of all trades" tool and can lend itself fairly easily to all sorts of observing. This is good and I can foresee a lot of late nights in the summer!

Jon's post on last night's observing can be found here.

Labels: astronomy, nebulae, Saturn, telescope

Posted by Jennifer at 10:55 AM | Comments (0)

Saturday, February 09, 2008

Chinese New Year

Last Thursday was the start of the Chinese New Year: the year of the Rat. The rat is the first in the Chinese zodiac and is generally, among other things, thought to bring good luck and wealth (prosperity) to households.

To celebrate the new year, Jon and I decided to throw a dim sum party. Hey, any excuse is as good as another to get people together in February isn't it? Not as many people came as we had expected, but there were a lot of last minute cancellations due to sickness; it is that time of year after all! However, I think those who did make it out enjoyed themselves.

I went to Chinatown (in Ottawa) last week to pick up some decorations, red envelopes as parting gifts and dishes so the place would be festive. I also very nearly came out of the store with a plush Totoro complete with soot sprites! If he's still there the next time I'm in Chinatown, I'll pick him up for sure!

Jon made a variety of dim sum for our bamboo steamers; although, we did cheat a bit and got some frozen dim sum too. Because not as many people showed up, some items were cut from the menu and there are a few leftovers in the fridge. Ah well, if the urge to have dim sum strikes again, we've got lots!

Next year is the year of the Ox which is my zodiac sign - not sure if we'll do another party or not though... time will tell!

Labels: chinese new year, dim sum, rat

Posted by Jennifer at 9:11 PM | Comments (0)