The LuLac Edition #5, 626, April 12th, 2026

 

 

 

 

FOOD-TASTIC NEWS

ICE & RICE

VERY NICE!!!!

 

GELATO 

AND 

ITALIAN ICE

 

Italian ice is a semi-frozen sweetened treat compose d of finely granulated ice and fruit concentrates, juices, or purées, or other natural or artificial food flavorings. Italian ice is derived from Italian granita and is in many ways similar to sorbet and snow cones, but differs from American-style sherbet in that it does not contain dairy or egg ingredients. The ingredients in Italian ice are mixed, then whipped during the freezing process similar to the process for making ice cream. As a group, Italian ice comes in a variety of consistencies from crunchy, to smooth, to slushy.  In Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley, Italian ice is known as water ice. In Boston and other places in New England, it is known as slush — not to be confused with a slushie, which is a drink.

Italian ice was introduced to the United States by Italian immigrants and is derived from the Sicilian granita, a similar and related Italian dessert, with Italian immigrants often selling it in the streets of cities such as New York City and Philadelphia. Traditionally lemon-flavored, popular modern choices include cherry, strawberry, and other fruits and confections.

The Italian word sorbetto and English sherbet come from fruit syrups sweetened with honey or palm sugar and diluted with water that were once drunk by Arabs.

In Italy, Italian ice or granita seems to have appeared at the same time as ice cream in the second half of the 17th century. Both products use the same technology. Italian ice can be used as a stand-alone refreshment, dessert, or as a palate restorer in a multi-course meal.

Locally we have two franchises of water ice, Rita’s as well as Josies. You can get all flavors with any combination of toppings. Expect to pay over $10.00 for 2 large but they are delicious and you an store them in the fudge if you, like me, eat ice cream, incrementally.

My favorite flavor is Blacxk Cherry followed closely by lime. Lime, however, is a scarce commodity in both so when they do make it, grab it.

Finely granulated flavored ice of Italian immigrant origin is instead commonly referred to and sold as water ice by residents and natives of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia metropolitan area, including South Jersey.

Although largely synonymous with Italian ice, water ice has also been described as a specific type of Italian ice originating in Philadelphia, or a "variation on the more broadly-accepted Italian ice".

One summer I worked at a place in Moosic overnight that made Luigi’s Italian Ice. I had to take the finished product which was boxed and stack it into this huge freezer. It was the summer of ’95 and blazing hot outside. The contrast of the cold and the heat is most likely one of the reasons why I have arthritic hands. My favorite Luigi’s…..grape and cherry.

 

FRIED RICE RECIPE

With the high cost of dining out, even a Chinese box of fried rice might  be off your checklist. But I found a great recipe to make it on your own. This restaurant-style Chinese Fried Rice recipe is the best ever! It tastes even better than takeout and is ready to eat in just 15 minutes. This is one of the most popular recipes on Everyday Easy Eats, for good reason. Learn how to make homemade fried rice with this easy recipe that is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Use cold, cooked rice: The key to making perfect Chinese fried rice is using leftover, refrigerated rice. This is because chilled (preferably day-old) rice will separate nicely and won’t clump together in the pan. A freshly-cooked batch of warm rice will not fry well when it hits the hot pan, and will result in mushy clumps.

Use long-grain, white rice: It cooks up fluffy and not sticky, with individual grains remaining distinct and firm. I find that Jasmine or Basmati rice gives the best consistency, fragrance, and flavor.

Use butter: Japanese steakhouses use a big pat of butter when they’re making fried rice for good reason. Using butter (rather than oil) makes the rice brown up perfectly and just makes everything taste so much better.

Use a wok or large skillet: You want to use a pan that seems large for the amount of rice and other ingredients you are using. This allows the ingredients in the pan to heat up quickly and evenly. It also gives you plenty of room to toss everything together without anything falling out of the pan.

Be sure to use the tips above to make sure your fried rice turns out perfect, every single time!

Okay, let’s talk ingredients. To make this homemade fried rice recipe, you will need:

Cooked, chilled rice: Make sure your rice has been cooked in advance and thoroughly chilled in the fridge in a sealed container. As I said before, freshly-cooked rice will not work well in this recipe.

Onions, carrots, peas, and green onions: This is the base mix of vegetables that I always use for fried rice, but feel free to substitute any other stir-fry vegetables you have on hand.

Garlic and ginger: These two ingredients add a zesty kick and depth of flavor. Always use freshly minced garlic and grated ginger for the best flavor.

Eggs: These add a good dose of protein, as well as flavor and texture. If possible, you should use organic, pasture-raised eggs for maximum health benefits.

Soy sauce: This savory condiment forms the base of the rice’s flavor. You could also use tamari, which is essentially gluten-free soy sauce. I recommend always purchasing high-quality organic tamari and soy sauce. Soybeans are one of the top GMO and pesticide-laden crops, so it’s worth spending the extra money on organic.

Sriracha: This spicy sauce adds a good amount of heat without overpowering the rest of the flavors in the dish.

Butter: Again, butter just makes everything better. I recommend using grass-fed butter if you can.

Saute the veggies: Start by cooking the vegetables and aromatics in a bit of butter until tender.

Cook the eggs: Push the veggies to one side of the pan. On the cleared side, scramble up the eggs in the last bit of butter. Then, stir to combine everything together.

Stir-fry the rice and sauces: Next, add the rice, soy sauce, and Sriracha. Stir-fry the mixture for a couple of minutes to pull all the flavors together.

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with some sliced green onions over top the fried rice, then serve it up nice and warm.

Here are other variations.

Pineapple Fried Rice: Canned or fresh pineapple can be traditional in Chinese or Thai fried rice. Just dice and stir it in to combine.

Kimchi Fried Rice: Kimchi adds an incredible flavor boost to fried rice. Just chop and mix it in your fried rice.

Chicken Fried Rice: Cook a couple of chicken breasts in a pan. Then shred or dice and add it to your fried rice. For a shortcut, use leftover or rotisserie chicken.

Shrimp Fried Rice: Pan-fry a pound of peeled, raw shrimp and then stir it into your fried rice.

Pork Fried Rice: Cook a boneless pork chop in a pan, then dice and add to your rice.

Beef Fried Rice: Sauté steak or brown ground beef in a pan, then crumble or dice and add to your fried rice.

Or you can make your own House Fried Rice and add beef, chicken, pork, anything you want. Except pizza, or tomato sauce. That would be so wrong.

 

The LuLac Edition #5, 625, April 11th, 2026

 

 

JOHN PAUL JONES

A COMPLICATED LIFE

AND POST LIFE

 

John Paul Jones (born John Paul, was a British-American naval officer who served in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War. Often referred to as the "Father of the American Navy", Jones is regarded by several commentators as one of the greatest naval commanders in the military history of the United States.

Born in Arbigland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Jones became a sailor at age 13 and served onboard several different merchantmen, including slave ships. After killing a mutinous subordinate, he fled to the British colony of Virginia to avoid being arrested and in c. 1775 joined the newly established Continental Navy. During the ensuing war with Great Britain, Jones participated in several naval engagements with the Royal Navy. He led a naval campaign in the Irish and North Seas, attacking British naval and merchant shipping, and other civilian targets. As part of the campaign, he raided the English town of Whitehaven, won the North Channel Naval Duel and fought the Battle of Flamborough Head, gaining him an international reputation.

Left without a command in 1787, Jones joined the Imperial Russian Navy and rose to the rank of rear admiral. However, after Jones was accused of raping a young girl, he was forced out of the Russian navy. A Freemason, Jones made many friends among U.S. political elites, including John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin.

Jones sailed from the Delaware River in February 1776 aboard Alfred on the Continental Navy's maiden cruise. It was aboard this vessel that Jones took the honour of hoisting the first U.S. ensign, the Continental Union Flag, over a naval vessel. On February 6, 1778, France signed the Treaty of Alliance with America, formally recognizing the independence of the new American republic. Eight days later, Captain Jones's Ranger became the first American naval vessel to be formally saluted by the French, with a nine-gun salute fired from Captain La Motte-Piquet's flagship. Jones writes of the event: "I accepted his offer all the more for after all it was a recognition of our independence and in the nation". On April 10, Jones set sail from Brest, France, for the western coasts of Great Britain. 

In 1780 King Louis XVI of France honored Jones with the title "Chevalier". Jones accepted the honor and desired the title to be used thereafter: when the Continental Congress in 1787 resolved that a medal of gold be struck in commemoration of his "valor and brilliant services" it was to be presented to "Chevalier John Paul Jones".  He also received from Louis XVI a decoration of "l'Institution du Mérite Militaire" and a sword. By contrast, in Britain at this time, he was usually denigrated as a pirate. Jones was admitted as an original member of The Society of the Cincinnati in Pennsylvania when it was established in 1783.

In June 1782, Jones was appointed to command the 74-gun USS America, but his command fell through when Congress decided to give America to the French as a replacement for the wrecked Le Magnifique. As a result, he was given an assignment in Europe in 1783 to collect prize money due his former hands. At length, this too expired and Jones was left without prospects for active employment, leading him on April 23, 1787, to enter into the service of the Empress Catherine II of Russia, who placed great confidence in Jones, saying: "He will get to Constantinople". He was granted the name as a French subject Павел де Жонес (Pavel de Zhones, Paul de Jones).

As a rear admiral aboard the 24-gun flagship Vladimir, he took part in the naval campaign in the Dnieper-Bug Liman, an arm of the Black Sea, into which the Southern Bug and Dnieper rivers flow, against the Turks, in concert with the Dnieper Flotilla commanded by Prince Charles of Nassau-Siegen. Jones faced a considerably larger Turkish fleet, comprising over 100 vessels, including 18 ships of the line and 40 frigates. Jones' ships were poorly built, manned by impressed serfs, and were not fully armed. Additionally, he had to communicate with his fleet through a translator.

On March 31, 1789, Jones was accused of raping a 10-year-old Russian girl named Katerina Stepanova, a "daughter of German immigrants living in St. Petersburg."  She lived with her mother, who took care of her and began the legal proceedings.

he rape had been reported slightly over a day after it was said to have occurred, which meant the case would ordinarily not have continued due to Russian statutory codes considering any such delay evidence of consent, but Catherine intervened directly to allow the legal proceedings to continue (she was known to intercede in "cases where women faced insurmountable odds"   without Russian support against the judgment of the Russian sovereign." However, the international pressure applied by American and French connections via the Comte de Ségur persuaded Catherine to grant Jones two years' leave abroad, a de facto exile, rather than the usual punishment for rape by an officer of decapitation or a lifetime of penal labor.

In May 1790, Jones arrived in Paris. He retained his position as Russian rear admiral, with a corresponding pension which allowed him to remain in retirement, but he was no longer able to find a foothold in Paris society.  During this time he made several attempts to re-enter the service in the Russian Navy. However, Catherine did not respond to his letters, explaining to their go-between Baron von Grimm that Jones' service record was not exceptional, and that as a result of the rape suit against Jones, Russian seamen refused to serve under him. Catherine also used her influence to block attempts by Jones to join the Danish and Swedish navies.

In June 1792, Jones was appointed U.S. Consul to treat with the Dey of Algiers for the release of American captives. Before Jones was able to fulfill his appointment, he was found dead lying face-down on his bed in his third-floor Paris apartment, No. 19 Rue de Tournon, in the 6th arrondissement, on July 18, 1792. He was 45 years old. The cause of death was interstitial nephritis. He was buried in Paris at the Saint-Louis Cemetery, which belonged to the French royal family. In their obituaries, the American press had partially forgotten his achievements, and some describe him as a French war hero.

Upon his death, Jones was owed significant money and land by others. He was never directly paid for his service on the Bonhomme Richard and had instead been forced to purloin part of the sum paid to the vessel's officers.

Jones's grave was either unmarked, or the marker was stolen at an unknown point. By the time Americans began searching for his coffin in 1899, the record of his burial plot had also been lost, burned by the Paris Commune during the semaine sanglante.   Meanwhile, his personal papers had been transferred among several people and finally were displayed in the shop window of a New York bakery, where in 1824 a customer noticed them and purchased them. A New York newspaper describes the papers as documents belonging to "Franklin, Hancock, La Fayette and John Adams," failing to mention Jones.

In 1905, Jones' remains were identified by U.S. Ambassador to France General Horace Porter, who had searched for six years to track down the body using a poor 1851 copy of the missing burial record. . With the aid of an old map of Paris, Porter's team, which included anthropologist Louis Capitan, identified the site of the former St. Louis Cemetery for Alien Protestants. Sounding probes were used to search for lead coffins, and five coffins were ultimately exhumed. The third, unearthed on April 7, 1905, was immediately recognized as Jones' by the excavators.

Jones's body was brought to the United States aboard the USS Brooklyn (CA-3), escorted by three other cruisers, one being the USS Tacoma (CL-20). On approaching the American coastline, seven United States Navy battleships joined the procession escorting Jones's body back to America. On April 24, 1906, Jones's coffin was installed in Bancroft Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, following a ceremony in Dahlgren Hall, presided by President Theodore Roosevelt who gave a speech paying tribute to Jones and holding him up as an example to the officers of the Navy. 

On January 26, 1913, the captain's remains were finally re-interred in a bronze and marble sarcophagus, designed by Sylvain Salières, at the Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis.  (wikipedia, LuLac) 

 

 

 

 

The LuLac Edition #5, 624, April 9th, 2026

 

TRUMP  BACKS DOWN,

EVERYBODY GETS A

PARTICIPATION TROPHY

 

US, ISRAEL AND IRAN AGREE TO A 2-WEEK CEASEFIRE BUT MUCH REMAINS UNCLEAR AND SOME ATTACKS CONTINUE

Iran, the United States and Israel agreed to a two-week ceasefire in an 11th-hour deal that headed off U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to unleash a bombing campaign to destroy Iranian civilization. But hours after the announcement, Iran and Gulf Arab countries reported new attacks Wednesday.

It was not clear if the strikes would scuttle the deal, which U.S. Vice President JD Vance called “fragile.”

Even before the new attacks, much about the agreement was unclear as the sides presented vastly different visions of the terms.

— Iran said the deal would allow it to formalize its new practice of charging ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial transit lane for oil. But the details were not clear, nor was it known whether vessels would feel safe using the channel or whether ship traffic had resumed. It also was unclear whether any other country agreed to this condition.

— Pakistan, which helped to mediate the deal, and others said fighting would pause in Lebanon, where Israel has launched a ground invasion against the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group. Israel said it would not, and strikes hit Beirut on Wednesday.

— The fate of Iran’s missile and nuclear programs — the elimination of which were major objectives for the U.S. and Israel in going to war — also remained unclear. Trump said the U.S. would work with Iran to remove buried enriched uranium, though Iran did not confirm that.

In the streets of Tehran, pro-government demonstrators screamed: “Death to America, death to Israel, death to compromisers!” after the ceasefire announcement and burned American and Israeli flags.

The chants underscored the anger animating hard-liners, who have been preparing for what many assumed would be an apocalyptic battle with the United States. Trump warned Tuesday that “a whole civilization will die tonight,” if a deal wasn’t reached.

While Iran could not match the sophistication of U.S. and Israeli weaponry or their dominance in the air, its ability to control the Strait of Hormuz proved a tremendous strategic advantage. Iranian attacks and threats deterred many commercial ships from passing through the waterway, through which 20% of all traded oil and natural gas passes in peacetime.

That roiled the world economy and raised the pressure on Trump both at home and abroad to find a way out of the standoff.

The ceasefire may formalize a system of charging fees in the strait that Iran instituted — and give it a new source of revenue.

So Trump says the troops will hang around the strait but that might be a dangerous if not provocative move. The bottom line here is that Trump has become the American Putin. He thought bombing Iran was going to be a cakewalk. Just as Putin thought invading Ukraine was going to be a two-week effort. It wasn’t in both cases. Trump’s backing out of the Obama Kerry accord with Iran which reduced the hances for an atomic weapon was an egotistical racist blunder that he is now paying for.

That stated, look for Trump to say, “We won”, “we prevailed”, “I made peace” and “It was my leadership that led to this success”.  I will bet on or all of those phrases will be coming out of his mouth. He can say that a thousand times, but when you have a country saying “death to America” or “death to compromisers”, THAT AIN’T GOOD.  (AP, LuLac 

BERNIE MENGRENHAUSEN

 

Bernie Mengrenhausen passed away the other day and he was known as a fixture in Wilkes-Barre city politics and business. Always ready to lend a helping hand with a big smile, this guy will be missed. Bernie served on the Wilkes-Barre City Housing Authority, and he also served as chairman for the Wilkes-Barre Industrial Development Authority and Economic Development Corporation. He was a Luzerne County and Pennsylvania Sheriff's Association member. Bernie served on the finance committee of the Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity and as the treasurer for Wilkes-Barre Catholic Social Services. Bernie was a board member of the Salvation Army, the St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen, and a board member and treasurer for Mercy Hospital. He also served on the King's College President's Council and as chairman for the Catholic Youth Canter. e was a member of the German-Austrian Union and a Gold Member of the St. Conrad's Young Men's Society. Bernie was a fourth- degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Wilkes-Barre Council 302, and the Alhambra Caravan # 4. He was very active and served as past president and current board member of the Wilkes-Barre Kiwanis Club and Wilkes-Barre Kiwanis Wheelchair Club. He was also an active member of the Wilkes-Barre Jaycees and JCI Senators, serving as past president and state officer. Bernie was a volunteer board member of the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts.

I was Bernie’s roommate in Washington, D.C. in 1986 when the Wilkes-Barre Kiwanis Club traveled to meet then Vice President George H.W. Bush. The trip was arranged by Rob Friedman through the good offices of Mark Holtzman. Bernie strove and was great company. We formed a friendly bond after that trip and that day,  The Kiwanis wheelchair club was/is one of the cornerstones of the club.

As we stood in line to meet Mr. Bush, Bernie nudged me and said, “This is something, two Democrats from Wilkes-Barre meeting a Republican!” I replied, “I won’t tell”. He retorted, “You better not or you’ll walk hone”. As I go to work every day AT Wilkes Barre City Hall, I’m honored to walk in the same path that this good man did. RIP Bernie.

 

GARRITTY’S COMPLAINS

ABOUT

SHAPIRO MARKETING

State Treasurer Stacey Garritty has been complaining about Governo Josh Shapro’s Public Relations budget calling it a multimillion dollar tax payer media outreach campaign. Yet Garritty is on the site taking advantage of it. And she like the Attorney General and Auditor General are included in that. But DON’T use it as a campaign issue because maybe you’ll be called a
hypocrite”.

https://pacast.com/m?p=29071

 

BRESNAHAN ANNOUNCES

NEPA LEADER

DR. LINDA THOMAS-HEMAK

APPOINTED TO NATIONAL

HEALTHCARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. announced that Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, MD, President and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, has been appointed to a federal healthcare advisory committee tasked with improving patient care and modernizing the nation’s healthcare system.

Dr. Thomas-Hemak was selected from over 400 applicants to serve on the 18-person board by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Rep. Bresnahan provided a letter of recommendation for her appointment to the board.

“Dr. Thomas-Hemak’s appointment is an outstanding achievement and a big win for Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “She has spent her career expanding access to care, training the next generation of providers, and delivering results for patients in our communities. Now, she’ll bring that same real-world experience to the national stage, helping shape policies that impact families across the country, and her voice will help ensure communities like ours are part of the conversation.”

The Wright Center, headquartered in Scranton, has been a national model for community-based healthcare and graduate medical education, with a mission focused on increasing access to affordable, high-quality care, particularly in underserved and rural areas.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed to this distinguished federal Healthcare Advisory Committee that carries the important responsibility to provide thoughtful, expert guidance on strengthening the financing and delivery of care across Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace,” said Dr. Thomas-Hemak. “For more than 25 years, I have worked on the front lines as a physician, medical educator, and health system leader committed to advancing practical, patient-centered, evidence-based solutions. I am especially grateful to Congressman Bresnahan for his support and commitment to ensuring that the voices of Northeastern Pennsylvania and communities like ours are represented at the national level. “The federal advisory committee brings together healthcare leaders to provide recommendations on improving quality of care, strengthening the healthcare force, a and modernizing systems to better serve patients

ONE YEAR LATER,

GOVERNOR SHAPIRO

AND FIRST LADY SHAPIRO COMMEMORATE ARSON

ATTACK ON THE GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE WITH INTERFAITH LEADERS

Governor Shapiro and First Lady Shapiro Host Interfaith Roundtable, Commemorate One Year Since the Attack on the Governor's Residence

Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro held a roundtable discussion commemorating the first Passover Seder to be hosted at the Governor's Residence since the arson attack one year ago on the first night of Passover. Pennsylvania leaders from different faiths came together to offer their prayers and support, and spoke about the importance of condemning all forms of political violence.

Under Governor and First Lady Shapiro, the State Reception Room - the first room the arsonist attacked with a molotov cocktail - has hosted a number of faith-based gatherings over the last three years, including celebrations for Passover, Hannukah, Christmas, and Ramadan.

"In the last year, our family has found real healing in the prayers and the offerings of strength that we have received from people all across Pennsylvania and the country - especially those who don't worship like us, who come to their religions with different practices, and different approaches, but with the same throughline in our faiths and our shared humanity," said Governor Shapiro. "Now, I think it is so important we reaffirm our commitment to peace and our commitment to the principle of understanding that we may have disagreements, but violence is never the answer."

 

MEDIA MATTERS

WVIA NEWS

WALN

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

You'll hear the program Sunday at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on 1400 am The Mothership and 7:30 am on 105 The River.

 

THE LAURIE CADDEN SHOW

Tune in every Saturday morning at 9am for The Laurie Cadden Show on WILK FM 103.1 and AM 980 and 910. Laurie’s program has been a northeastern Pennsylvania mainstay every Saturday. Tune in to hear her insights and take on local issues as well as entertaining and informative interviews.

 

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SUNDAY NIGHT SOCK HOP

 

BEATLE EDD’S FAB FOUR MUSIC HOUR

Tune in every week to the Home of Rock and Roll for a jam packed, unpredictable hour starting at 9am Sundays. Host Edd Raineri gives you facts and great music from the immortal Fab Four on ROCK 107.

 

THE LULAC TIME MACHINE

GEMINI 1 MERCURY

SUCCESSOR

April 1964

Gemini 1 was the first mission in NASA's Gemini program.An uncrewed test flight of the Gemini spacecraft, its main objectives were to test the structural integrity of the new spacecraft and modified Titan II launch vehicle. It was also the first test of the new tracking and communication systems for the Gemini program and provided training for the ground support crews for the first crewed missions.

Originally scheduled for launch in December 1963, difficulties in the development of both the spacecraft and its booster caused four months of delay. Gemini 1 was launched from Launch Complex 19 at Cape Kennedy (now Canaveral), Florida on April 8, 1964. The spacecraft stayed attached to the second stage of the rocket. The mission lasted for three orbits while test data were taken, but the spacecraft stayed in space for almost 64 orbits until its orbit decayed due to atmospheric drag. The spacecraft was not intended to be recovered, and holes were drilled through its heat shield to ensure it would not survive re-entry.

Project Gemini was conceived as a bridge between America's single-seat Project Mercury and the three-seat Project Apollo. With a design largely extrapolated from its predecessor,  the Gemini spacecraft would allow two astronauts to conduct the maneuvers inherent in Apollo's lunar mission: rendezvous, docking, and changing of orbit. Moreover, Gemini would support astronauts in space for extended flights, approximating the expected length of the Apollo missions.

After a flawless countdown, Gemini 1's Titan II booster lifted off from Cape Kennedy's (now Canaveral) Launch Complex 19[4]: 194  at 11:00:01 EDT, April 8, 1964.[4]: 197  The first stage was jettisoned after two and a half minutes with the rocket 64 kilometers (40 mi; 35 nmi) high and 91 kilometers (57 mi; 49 nmi) downrange. At that moment, there was an unexpected three-second loss of signal from the craft. It was later determined that this brief communications blackout was caused by charged ions from the separation and startup of the second stage, similar to the blackout during spacecraft reentry. All subsequent Gemini flights would have the same brief blackout.

The spacecraft achieved orbit five and a half minutes after launch. The launch vehicle had imparted an excess 7 meters (24 feet) per second of velocity to the Gemini 1, placing the spacecraft into an orbit with an apogee of 320 kilometers (200 mi; 170 nmi) instead of the planned 299 kilometers (186 mi; 161 nmi). This lengthened Gemini 1's lifespan from the planned three and a half days to four.

The formal mission of Gemini 1 was over long before that. Its battery had only been designed to last a single orbit, and only the first three orbits — lasting four hours and 50 minutes — were part of the flight plan. Gemini 1 and its attached second stage were tracked by the Manned Space Flight Network until they reentered over the South Atlantic, midway between South America and Africa, on April 12, 1964, during their 64th orbit.

As a result of the successful flight, the Titan II was considered "man-rated" (safe for use in human spaceflight). Man-rating the Gemini capsule itself would not be accomplished until the launch of Gemini 2 nine months later, on January 19, 1965.

With the four astronauts on their way home, Gemini 1 is a reminder of how far we’ve come in the exploration of space. Gemini was truly the successful bridge between Mercury and Apollo with no human casualties in the two programs….and this week in 1964 the number one song in LuLac land and America was ”Can’t  Buy Me Love”  by The Beatles.

By the way, this was the week that the Beatles ruled the top 5 with “Twist and Shout” (2) “She Loves You” (3) “I Want to Hold Your Hsnd” (4) and “Please, Please Me” at (5).