Galoob Giant Command

This is it - the big one! After a lot of effort we managed to track down a mint condition Giant Command - the flagship rough terrain monster truck from Galoob's 1980s Power Machines range. It is the sixteen wheel version called Leader 16 (a thirty two wheel version is out there somewhere!).  Ridiculously rare and hard to come by, probably because so many were put through their paces in the great outdoors, but that won't stop us doing the same! We are off into the wilds for some serious off road action, so watch this space for footage and images of the same. Sixteen wheel drive, and I mean sixteen wheel drive. Poor Flex was dragged all over the floor in a tug of war the other day but Giant Command was certainly not built for speed. It trundles along, but has amazing strength. 

First stop is Great Gran's house (aka Granna's house) and her garden. Fresh air, wildlife and the coolest boys' toys known to man - it doesn't get better than that. 

Edit (30/10/13): I have, after an exhaustive search, managed to locate Giant Command 32. Comprised of 3 Power Machines - Grip Iron, Turbo Jet and Leader 16 (which we already own). It is huge when fully constructed and I have never seen a toy truck like it. It was a global search but finally we located the rarest of them all!

Nature's Endless Cycle - Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep

One of the saddest things about the natural world is that living creatures only have a finite time here on earth. Childhood often brings with it one of the first experiences of this harsh reality, usually through the loss of a beloved pet. I certainly lost a few animals while I was growing up and that feeling of loss is something most humans find hard to bear. You swiftly move on but it is an important reminder that our time on earth is limited and life is precious. 

                                       Nature's Cycle by Virginia Lee

I have never shied away from discussing life and death with the children, but it is certainly a milestone when they suddenly realise the finality of it all. At that point the first little slice of childhood innocence evaporates, but it is ok and not to be mourned; this is how it is meant to be. Cycles are an essential part of nature - whether we are referring to the water table, the rising and setting of the sun or recycling of elements when a creature shuffles off its mortal coil. 

My best friend has to put his beloved Neopolitan Mastiff to sleep tomorrow. He is the same age as me, but deep inside we are still the same children losing pets twenty five years ago. I remember well when my young family lost one of our pet dogs Kaia (see pic below) to a heart attack on Christmas Day back in 2006. She was only 3.5 years old and my first son too young to grasp the significance of what happened - though he still marvels at pictures of her and asks for another dog the same. It didn't really hit me until I returned from my mum's house (where we went for Christmas dinner and tried to put a brave face on). At home, later that night, the reality of not having her with us hit home. It is that sense of loss that all humans (possibly with the exception of sociopaths!) have evolved to feel. I would like to think it serves some purpose. 

It was only a few months back that my eldest son visited uncle Jim's for a tour of his reticulated python collection. His two huge mastiffs were patrolling the premises as usual but, having been introduced as guests, we were then treated with kindness and my son was covered in slobber from enthusiastic attention. Jim's young son, when he is older, will marvel at pics of Titan in the same way my son is in awe of Kaia. Too young to remember, but knowing the huge canine was there for his family once.

The natural world and the universe are part of a vast cycle. Titan will soon be out of pain and onto the next stage of his journey. I love this poem, which captures the wonder of that cycle and the poignancy of loss. It reminds us that nothing ever truly dies and that nature is wondrous and beautiful:

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight. 
I am the soft stars that shine at night. 
Do not stand at my grave and cry, 
I am not there; I did not die.

Safe journey big fella.

Walking with Dinosaurs at the O2 Arena London

My brother rang me a couple of weeks back and offered to take his nephews to the Walking with Dinosaurs show at the O2 Arena. I insisted on coming too - it has received rave reviews and is currently completing the final world tour. There wouldn't be another chance and this was a fantastic opportunity to give the kids an impression of what dinosaurs were really like. 

Extinct they may be, but fossil evidence remains to excite the imagination and allow shows like this to attempt a demonstration of their majesty. The arena features several scattered mountain segments, which shift into different positions as required. There are people inside and they cunningly release various props, which are used as part of the show. It is all very clever and appropriately begins with a small clutch of dinosaur eggs hatching, before mum comes trundling into the arena and  species discussion begins.  

We are treated to several species including essentials such as Stegosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Torosaurus (a Triceratops lookalike with every child assuming it was a Triceratops!) and of course Tyrannosaurus Rex. The producers got this right, because any child interested in dinosaurs will instantly recognise the classic examples. Lesser known species such as the giant winged Pteranodon Ornithocheirus were included in their vision - this particular species soaring through an astounding flight scene, which was truly beautiful to behold. 

The show takes us chronologically through the three main dinosaur eras - the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous. Amazing visual effects are employed to demonstrate the rapid growth of vegetation and the appearance of flowers. 

There are some comedy elements, such as the appearance of an enormous mound of dino dung, which is of particular interest to the presenting palaeontologist. It is all very educational and teaches children how dung heaps can assist in understanding the diet of dinosaurs (something which is, of course, no different with modern animals). 

The finale features the T-Rex, as you could probably guess, and everyone laughs as a baby T-Rex trundles into the arena first and makes a feeble attempt at  roaring. Soon after he finds himself in a spot of bother with two enormous herbivores but you can guess who comes to save the day - that is right, mum makes an appearance!

The adult T-Rex model is truly amazing and the dramatic music, coupled with the earth shattering roars, create an incredible and immersive experience. 

The models are operated by varying means. Smaller species or babies are often detailed rubber suits with people standing inside. You can see the human legs alongside the dino ones, but it is cleverly done and doesn't detract from the spectacle. The most amazing are without doubt the huge animatronic  giants, however, and the effort and expense that went into creating this type must have been immense. They have stone coloured bases, which ensure they remain upright, and the walking action is created by metal rods discretely attached to the base. Watching T-Rex stomp around the arena was mesmerising and worth the entry fee alone. 

Educational, well scripted, amazing special effects - this show is essential viewing for anyone interested in the natural world of yesterday. The kids loved it.