Run! Another satellite is falling!

credit: EPA/Barbara Walton

Well, don't panic just yet.

It is true, however, that another satellite is out of control and exepcted to re-enter Earth's atmosphere on October 22nd or 23rd. This time it's the German satellite ROSAT, which was originally launched into space in 1990. This time, though, the scientists have less assurance about where and when it might come down.

ROSAT satellite, artist concept.
Credit: German Aerospace Center.

Scientists suspect that quite a bit of this object may survive the fall, so the debris might weigh as much as a ton and a half! They have calculated the odds of a person on Earth being struck by ROSAT debris as 1-in-2000. This is a significantly higher risk than we faced from the falling NASA satellite. Still, the odds that YOU are the one who will be hit are incredibly low. Still, better safe than sorry. Carry a camera with you this week and be ready to take pictures of any crash site, wreckage, or havoc. I'll be hiding safely in the Spacerubble Command Bunker, anxiously awaiting word of calamity. Or, I might just do something useful like plot the destruction of evil alien TellyTubbies (have you SEEN them?).

Warning: Do not take this seriously. While the facts in the article may be correct, there is no cause for alarm unless you are actually struck by debris. Remember that debris from the satellite will not be hot, it will cool by the time it may hit you, but it's the weight of some debris that might squish you tragically. The tone of this article is created for entertainment and in no way represents the opinion of anyone of note. If you are alarmed by the warning nature of this post, please calm down and stop watching the news, disaster movies, or listening to conspiracy theorists. If you ARE hit by debris, wow. Nice knowin' ya.

Posted by Mark Daymont

Another Jewel in Humanity's Crown.

Jewish Children in the Warsaw Ghetto

How many millions of people will owe their existence to this Jewel and her comrades in the Zegota? She was a bright flame in Europe's darkest night.

Life offers you two paths. May you take the one less traveled.

Fun With the Blog Title Photo

Hello Troops,
James Porter took the Blog's title picture and added a caption. I label this 'Very Creative', something worthy of a former Space Center Staff Member. James is a teacher at the Thomas Edison Charter School in Logan. He is leading the effort to create a Space Center in Logan.

Mr. W.

And Yet, Another Overnight Camp with Lindon.

Hello Troops,
You old timers take note. My nephew Brayden Bodily married today. Brayden was a volunteer at the Space Center several years ago, which is why I asked our old retired staff and volunteers to take note.

Please brace yourself in case a spell of lightheadedness overcomes you after reading the following sentence. I attended the ceremony and luncheon.

Shocking isn't it? I left the Space Center's field trip from Sego Lily Elementary in the capable hands of Lorraine, Aleta, Jon, Megan, Christine, Stacy and a slew of others. Upon my return I was told my absence was hardly noticed.

"Take more time off," Lorraine suggested.

I feel there is a hidden message in their eagerness to see me take personal leave. I haven't put my finger on it, but I'm feeling uneasy. This paranoia may be the result of a partially digested piece of stale wedding cake forced upon me at the reception this evening, or something more sinister. I'm considering going to bed with one of the baseball bats I keep under my desk. I'm already good at sleeping with one eye closed and the other partially open.

We have another group of students from Lindon Elementary on our Overnight Camp this evening. A Great Group would be a more fitting adjective. They are awesome, just not many of them. We are using the Phoenix, Odyssey and Galileo. Magellan and Voyager are at rest this camp.

I'm falling asleep at my desk so I'd better call this post and publish. Here's to a good staff and crew. Here's to Brayden and his new Bride Jessica - May they live long and prosper. And here's to all of you that come to the Space Center on a regular basis. Your business is our life blood and we sincerely appreciate it.

Mr. Williamson

Friday at the Imaginarium

Never forget the fun of being a kid.

One awesome bedroom!

And finally, a moment of respect for those of us who really suffered

Work and Expectations

Hello Troops,

I'm going to apologize for this sermon, but after watching the "Occupy Wall Street" protests for the last several weeks I felt it necessary to say something.

Financial freedom is one form of success. To many, financial success means wealth. To others it means having your needs met while living within your means.

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" is a common question I ask the young people that work for me at the Space Education Center. I see many of them pause, then rattle off careers usually associated with high incomes. When pressed, many will admit their true passion lies elsewhere. Income is the reason they dismiss following their dreams and passions.

I believe happiness is following your dreams and talents. Happiness is surrounding yourself with good friends and a loving family. Happiness is living within your means and leaving something at the end of each month to tuck away in the bank for a rainy day. Happiness is good health.

When I was 13 years old my father took me aside and explained the financial facts of life to me.
"We don't have the money to send you on a mission or pay for college," he explained in a matter of fact voice. "If you want those things you'll have to pay for them yourself."

I got my first job at 13 working on the grounds crew at the county fairgrounds. At 14 I worked as a janitor at the Dairy Queen down the road from my home in Rapid City, South Dakota. At 15 I worked as a busboy at the Chuck Wagon Restaurant. At 16 I worked at McDonalds. I saved every nickle and dime. I drove a 1965 Rambler Station Wagon. It had troubles climbing hills. I had to get a good run to get up the hill to school, and even then crested the hill at 10 miles an hour with a line of cars honking behind me. I had the money to buy something much nicer but didn't. I knew what I had to do to achieve my goals.

I paid for my own mission. I had $75.00 in the bank waiting for me when I returned. I worked my way through five years of college at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and BYU. I was also lucky enough to qualify for a Pell Grant which helped as well. I worked twenty hours per week as a janitor in the Clyde, MARB, and Widsoe Buildings on BYU campus. My last year at BYU I worked nights as a janitor in the Provo Temple and student taught during the day. I graduated from BYU with $125.00 in the bank, which held me through until my I got my first paycheck from the Alpine School District.

I drove a junker or had no car at all. I lived in the cheapest apartments and found ways to save on food costs. I didn't mind. It is what I expected and believe it or not, I was happy. I had enough to pay my bills, tuition, books, room and board with a bit left over for the occasion night out.

I'm writing this not to brag and say this is how everyone should live - not so. It was what I had to do. Your circumstances may be different. What I am saying is that life doesn't owe you a thing. You get what you work for. Stop borrowing if at all possible. Live within your means. Save when you can. Look for a career which will allow you to achieve your dreams and use your talents. You'll find a way to make it work.

And to the "Occupy Wall Street" protesters, I again repeat. Life doesn't owe you a thing. While everyone else your age is out protesting, get dressed up, polish your shoes and go get one of the jobs they won't take because it's beneath them.

A simple life is a gift from God.

Mr. W.

Openings for This Weekend's Overnight Camp

Hello Troops,
We have openings for this Friday's OVERNIGHT CAMP for anyone 10 to 14 years old.
Because you are a blog reader, you can come in at the discounted price of $38.00 per person.

Overnight Camp

Starting Time: Friday evening, 7:00 P.M.
Ending Time: Saturday morning 10:00 A.M.

Reservation Required. Please call the Space Center for a reservation: 801.785.8713

"M" The Destroyer of Worlds.

Quiet!
"M", The Destroyer of Worlds is passing this way.

You can hear the crunching?

Last Thursday I entered the Voyager’s Control Room to fly the morning field trip and found a Tupperware bowl containing dry cereal sitting next to a Tupperware canister holding milk.

“Megan,” I spat out a cloud of spittle mixed with little bits of breakfast bacon dislodged from in between my teeth. “Curse you!”

Megan Warner likes breakfast cereal any time of the day. Its a well known fact. But should she be eating it here at the Space Center? I’ve no problem with McDonalds or Wendy’s. I’m perfectly fine with Panda Express as long as the smell isn’t overpowering; but breakfast cereal? The line must be drawn somewhere. What will happen next if you let cereal pass for an acceptable workplace food? I see the unravelling of society one bite of Frosted Flakes at a time.

“Megan,” I shouted. She poked her head out from behind the wall. “Yes Sir?”

“What’s this,” I pointed to the small growing Tupperware collection under the Voyager’s Control Room counter, some still containing the crusted remains of dried milk and cereal left from weeks and months of “forgetting to take them home”.

“Sorry Sir.” Megan’s apology seemed half hearted. She disappeared back around the corner.

“That’s It. No More. Cereal is BANNED.” I put my foot down. I really did put my right foot down. I was holding it up to show fear that something crawling out from the overturned bowls would find my ankle and milky white hairy leg appealing.

“What!” She protested. “That’s not fair.”

“You want to make it an issue,” I shot back. “Milk is banned as well!”

“MILK? You are seriously going to ban milk?” Megan had a point. We served milk every Saturday morning to our Overnight Campers. I had backed myself into a corner but felt obliged to stick to my guns and principles.

“Yes! And , and....... and.........” I looked around the Control Room for something else to ban. I thought about banning volunteers, but realized that might be going too far. There was always soda, but without the life preserving properties of Diet Mt. Dew I would be exposing my body to all forms of degenerative diseases. After a moment's thought, I realized the answer was literally at my feet.

“Tupperware, Tupperware in all its insidious forms is hereby BANNED from the Space Center!”

There, I had spoken. It was the law. There was no going back.

Megan’s face reflected a growing rage boiling through her heart and mind. “You don’t want to do that. Believe me. You don’t want to do that.”

“It’s done, now be about your business before I do something more drastic.” I smiled realizing how much like a BOSS I was sounding. Everyone within hearing range had their cell phones out texting the news to everyone they knew. I knew my name was being vilified. I found it strangely exciting, on a primitive level.

I walked back to the bridge to check on the 6th graders still training at their stations. A few of them were reading something on their cell phones. Word of my tyranny was filtering down from the staff to the volunteers to the campers. Many of their eyes widened in disbelief. Others quickly shut their phones off, hoping not to motivate me to ban campers next.

I noticed two flickering lights through the reflecting glass screen separating the Bridge from the Projection Room. I left the Bridge to investigate. I entered the Control Room and walked toward the Projection Room. I heard a voice. It sounding something like Megan but more guttural. I poked my head around the corner. I saw Megan holding two lit candles. She was muttering something in what sounded like Latin. She heard me and turned. I stepped back in horror. Her face was contorted. Her eyes shot red. Her nostrils flared to bring in enough oxygen to fuel her rage.

“What are you?!” My voice shook as I asked the question.

“I am “M”. The Destroyer of Worlds,” she hissed. “You shouldn't of done it.” Megan blew the candles out and disappeared through the turning doorway to the Crew Quarters.

I found my way back to the Bridge and finished prepping the students for their mission. Megan walked up the stairs just before I finished. She looked like ‘normal Megan’. She smiled, stopped and spoke to a few students. She helped the Records Office with her Science Station. She was friendly and agreeable. Her demeanor was unsettling. Not a word was spoken between us about her strange behavior. I felt it wise not to push the issue. None of us really know what evil lurks in the hearts of men?

I thought the matter finished, until this morning.


I woke the staff at 6:45 A.M. and reminded them to join me in the Discovery Room for our early Saturday Morning meeting and donut feast. I walked into Discovery and found one of our 21 year old sturdy tables overturned and missing a leg. The leg appeared to have been ripped from his metal framing, taking bits of wood with it. I closely examined the underside of the table. The letter “M” was scratched into the wood, perhaps with a fingernail.

Shaken, I walked up to the computer at the front of the room to check the surveillance video. I reached for the cushioned stool to sit down. The bottom came off into my hand. I dropped it to the floor.


A shot of adrenalin raced through me. I would have tumbled to the floor if I had sat down. I could of broken something more serious than my ego.

I pulled up the video, looking for evidence. I was determined to find the culprit. Someone would pay.


There it was, recorded at 3:06 A.M. "M" The Destroyer of Worlds, taking her revenge for my reckless and heartless action against General Mills, Kellogg and Malt O Meal? She sees the camera. Is that a smile? Its as if she knew she'd be caught.

Now what? What else is she capable of doing? And was that Lemon Verbena mixed with a whiff of sulfur I smelt when I entered the room this morning? I knew that smell; Fortuna!

It is time for the Nuclear Option. Wish me luck. I'm going to the school's roof and uncovering the searchlight. I'm sending out the call for the Red Blemish. If there ever was a time for an Almost SuperHero, it is now. I hope he leaves his basement video game hide away long enough to notice the signal. It will take about ten minutes to jump into the shower and change into his superhero suit (its the closest thing he has to a phone booth). Getting here can take up to thirty minutes by scooter in the drizzle. His goggles fog and get splattered with rain. I'm hoping "M" leaves us be for at least a couple of hours!

Save us Red Blemish. Save us.

Mr. W.

PS.

"M" The Destroyer of Worlds stuck again shortly after this article was posted. I left the office for twenty minutes to enjoy my lunch in the peace and quiet of the school's library. I got caught up reading a picture book on the Wonders of the World. I couldn't find the Space Center so I labeled the book "trash" and came back to my desk.

"What happened to the Odyssey's Replicator Hatch?" a young volunteer shrieked.

The hatch's door was ripped from its hinges. Black butcher paper covers the hole. A picture of her handy work is below. Destruction follows in her wake. Either the Red Blemish arrives shortly or I will have no option but to eat my words and welcome breakfast cereal back into the Space Center's Control Rooms.

Our First Camp of the School Year Season.

Hello Troops,
We are in the throws of our first camp of the 2011/12 school year season. Thirty six of Lindon Elementary School's 5th graders are tucked nicely into their beds with dreams of Romulans dancing through their heads. Except for the two that just opened the Odyssey exterior door, "Mr. Williamson, I need to go to the bathroom and he needs to get a drink."

It never fails. No matter how many times I tell them to use the bathroom and get a drink, there are always a few that are genetically disadvantaged, suffering from uncontrollable thirst and a shriveled bladder.

"Go," is the only treatment that seems to work.

Over 3/4ths of tonight's 10 and 11 year old campers have never been to the Center before. For some, this may be their first time sleeping away from home. Anticipating night fears from these younglings, I ordered the staff to tone the missions down. So far so good. It's 12:17 A.M. and no tears or demands to call home. We shall see how the evening progresses.

Mrs. Houston has an easy night chaperoning the girls. This camp has six girls and thirty boys.

Well, not much else to report this fine evening so its off to the floor and sleep.

Mr. W.

P.S.

Jon and Ben walked into the office just as I was about to publish this post.
"Just thought you might like to know that we had a boy put his sock over the mouth and nose of another boy who he says was snoring too loud," Jon reported.

Yep, there is always something interested to deal with here at the Space Education Center :)

Think Different.

My apologies to those trying to see this at school. The District filter is labeling this Apple commercial narrated by Steve Jobs as "R" rated. I have to chuckle sometimes at how the filter categorizes web content. Regardless, all YouTube videos are filtered so please watch it at home.

Here I Am, Waiting Out Parent Teacher Conferences.

Hello Troops,
You may not agree, but this cold rainy weather really brightens my mood. Day after day of unrelenting sunshine and warm temperatures take their toll on people like me who enjoy a bit of variety in their weather.

It is 6:34 P.M. I'm at my desk, putting in my parent teacher conference time. Did you know I still teach the advanced 6th grade math class every morning before the field trips arrive? So, I sit here twice a year waiting for parents to come by and talk about their gifted young mathematicians. I sit, and sit, and sit....... and sit. I usually see one or two parents. The rest pretty much know how their kids are doing (I send home regular progress reports etc). I'm really not bothered if they don't stop in. I'd only have good things to say about their kids anyway. Besides, it gives me time to work on other projects, like writing this and boring you.

So, what's happening right now at the Space Center? Stacy (Galileo Set Director) is sitting to my left working on something diabolical. Kyle (Maintenance) is in the Voyager hallway removing the extra ladder leading to the Captain's Lounge Loft. Dave (Phoenix) just finished a private mission. Christine (Odyssey) is running a five hour mission and the odd child pokes his or her head around the corner to say hello.

I can't think of anything of interest at the moment other to say that I can go home in 43 minutes. How about a few items from the Imaginarium?

Inside every small body likes a great spirit.

Fantastic! You gotta love the artful application of imagination in this door sign.

Toy Story taken to the next level. This is film I'd like to see.

Finally, a snapshot of the young Godzilla with his friends. He lived a happy, carefree, misunderstood life, until.

Who knew back then that these same happy children would grow up and turn on their cuddly little friend, leaving him no choice but to lay waste their cities and remove them prematurely from this life without remorse?

Lindon Elementary's Overnight Camp tomorrow night, our first official OV camp for the school year season!

Mr. W.

International Space Launches

Proton Rocket Blastoff.

Your Space News Update
by
Mark Daymont

Well, it seems the Russians feel everything is safe to resume launches again. International Launch Services (ILS) launched their Russian-made Proton-M rocket to carry a satellite into orbit. Blasting off from Baikonur Cosmodrome, the rocket lifted the QuetzSat-1 communication satellite into orbit for the Mexican government.

Promotional Poster for Mexican Satellite.

A satellite for Europe, the EutelSat, was lifted into orbit on Saturday aboard a Zenit 3SL rocket. This unusual launch occurred thanks to SeaLaunch, a company that uses the sea itself as it's launchpad. From a ship located at the Equator in the Pacific Ocean, the Zenit rocket is lowered into the water from the boat and uses buoyancy and stabilizers to position the rocket for launch.

From the waters of Earth to the vacuum of space...

SeaLaunch recently recovered from bankruptcy to rebuild their company and restart operations again. Looks very successful so far. By using a ship to launch the rocket, SeaLaunch can send its rockets aloft from any water space on the planet and meet its customers' needs.

By far the most impressive launch recently shows that the Chinese are indeed serious about progress in space exploration.

China televised launch of their first space lab.

Credit: Chinese television

Using a Long March 2F rocket, on September 29th China sent up an unmanned space lab module to orbit. The Tiangong-1 lab is not intended for permanent occupation, like the ISS, but will instead be man-tended. Chinese astronauts will practice rendezvous and docking with the lab, and occasionally visit it to keep experiments working. China plans to first send a couple of unmanned capsules to dock with the lab, followed by Shenzou-10, a manned mission, which may include the first Chinese woman astronaut.

Illustration of potential docking.

Credit: China Manned Space Engineering Office.

We are In the Groove, and Other Things.

This is for Emily and Wyatt. We had an interesting discussion about music and musical tastes after the Saturday private missions at the Space Center. Many of you like to stand around my desk and listen to these discussions / debates. You all know I'm usually right, and when it seems like I'm on the precipice of being proven wrong, I can always use the ultimate logic (above). If that fails, the time cards and an eraser are always within arm's reach.

Hello Troops,
We are well into our school year operations. I think I can officially claim that we are "In the Groove". That means things are running like clockwork. The daytime staff know where to be, when to be and who to be at all times during the four hour experience. There are a few odds and ends being polished, like new tactical screens for the smaller simulators. Stacy works nearly every day creating ship specific tactical screens for each of our five field trip missions. Her tacticals will improve our mission's appearance, thus a more professional look.

We ran our last Summer Camp Friday evening. The Summer Camp season of 2011 is officially over! We survived. In fact, we did more than survive. This was our best summer ever in regards to attendees. We beat last year's attendance by nearly 230 people, landing on our feet with 3,227 summer campers, defined as anyone who attended a mission lasting 2 hours or more. I don't know our total earnings. That will be calculate after the September payroll is processed. A big Thank You to our staff and volunteers. A bigger Thank You to all of you kind readers that came to one of our camps.

Lindon Elementary's 5th Graders open the school year season with this weekend's Overnight Camp. Lindon Elementary has always been one of the Space Center's top schools. Their 5th and 6th grades attend field trips in addition to the three Overnight Camp weekends the book. Only Sego Lily Elementary does more. Thanks Lindon.

This year we bring Christine and Megan on board as classroom presenters, assisting Lorriane and Aleta with the classroom lessons. Abram A. is helping in the Voyager. Andrew M., Devin S. and Matt R. are our high school A day interns. We are always looking for high school interns. If you are a junior or senior and have an extra period or two I encourage you to intern at the Space Center. Call me for additional information.

May I share a personal note? I achieved one of my life's minor goals this week. I write a family history blog (americandynasty.org) in addition to The Troubadour. I started American Dynasty to record my aging parent's stories and memories before time or senility takes them. I'm also publishing our family's old photographs with correct identification and anecdotes. Each post is another thread in the fabric of who we are and where we came from.

One of my goals was to find our family in Sweden. My GGrandmother Ida emigrated from Sweden at the turn of the century. She left her parents, brothers and sisters behind. Her youngest sister Hilma wrote to her from neutral Sweden during World War II asking for coffee. I found the letter in one of the boxes of old photos. Based on what Hilma had written, I knew we had close relatives in Sweden. My goal was to find them.

Success! Last week I found my mother's two first cousins, once removed, alive and well living in a small northern Swedish village bordering Finland. Rolf is 73 years old. I'm not sure of his sister Astrid's age.

Correspondents flew back and forth across the Atlantic all week. There are many stories to tell and many posts to write detailing their story from the point where Ida left Sweden at the turn of the Century. Of course you know a trip to Sweden will be next.

My next goal is to find my father's first cousins once removed, along with 2nd and 3rd cousins living in northern Italy. They hide well and Vercellino is a fairly common name in the Torino region. Finding them is proving to be a formidable challenge. I'll keep you posted.

And now, how about a few things from the Imaginarium........


There is something not quite right with this slide. I'm having trouble putting my finger on it. It may be best to walk away form the slide right now. Just walk away.....


What a question to throw at an adult. I think little Victor would be amazed at what I did with his love of Star Trek. He would think I've got the coolest job in the universe. So, remind me of that the next time you hear me complain (which I don't do that often and only when I'm at my Rope's End. Rope's End is the last stop on the mental tram before reaching the terminus at Blubbering Idiocy).

Great sign for my front yard. Imagination at its best yet once again.
Hey, a perfect Christmas gift. Where can I buy one?

Behind every young anarchist stands a good mother.
"Stay out of trouble. Call if you need me to make bail. Go get 'em sweetheart.
Make mommy proud."

OK, many of you are just now entering the work or volunteer force. This is a good representation of how things really are. Thinking of the Space Center's organization, where are you and who's droppings are you shouldering :)


Brilliant use of imagination and creativity. Above and below! By the way, that's a window in the lower picture. You see what happens when you break out of the mold and think outside the box.

Agreed 100%.

X marks the Spot Mattie!

Advancements from the Front Lines.

Hello Troops,
The Space Center is engaged in a war against Imagination's foes. Recently we took advantage of a lull in battle to award advancements to several of our front line troops. Each honoree was given a two day pass for a little rest and relaxation in beautiful Pleasant Grove. Their liberty pass included a hot shower, hot meal, shave and a clean uniform.


This is Sub Private Connor Jones receiving his Year of Service Pin. Connor's excitement isn't reflected in his vacant expression. After one year on the front, Connor is showing signs of shell shock and fatigue. Our medical staff recommend a leave of absence. Connor would hear none of it. He left our underground bunker right after receiving his pin, determined to get back to his unit. Jon stopped him at the door to the outside world.

"Here Connor, take the overnight camp's left overs."

Connor was grateful. He opened the hatch to the outside world beyond the Space Center's Command Bunker. The sound of distant explosions, accompanied by bright flashes of light filled the foyer. He fastened his helmet, took a deep breath of our heavily filtered air, and stepped out into the smoke and dust. Jon resealed the hatch and returned to the war room to make plans for our next offensive.

Private Hailey Hadley received her Year Pin at the same ceremony. Hailey works in Intelligence, and dreams of serving as a Unit Commander. Courtesy laughing at Mr. Williamson's often repeated jokes is one way she hopes to be noticed and move ahead. Everyone knows that laughing at anything Mr. Williamson says is required if one wants to be promoted.

Abram is receiving a Battle Field Promotion to Commander (notice the blue shirt in Mr. Williamson's hand). Abram distinguishes himself on the front, leading charge after charge against ignorance's formidable forces. We have high hopes for Abram.


Lt. Matt Ricks received his Year Pin. Lt. Ricks is in charge of technology. He originally signed up for front line duty. He was brought back to Headquarters in a delirious and disoriented state after two days on the Front. Paranoia took root in his mind, a common occurrence caused by taking enemy fire from all directions. He still has trust issues - as seen above.

Andrew received his Voyager Pin. Some on our staff think he may be a secret KAOS agent, embedded here at Headquarters and entrusted with a mission to stop Imagination's Forces and deliver the world to Ignorance and mental poverty. I have yet to see evidence of that. Although I do recall he refused to shake my hand at the ceremony. He seemed rather pleased with himself.

Private Caitlynn is confused. Commander Devin even more so. Caitlynn wonders why Devin is taking so long to fasten the pin. Devin has a slight problem with dexterity, as his platoon discovered the first time he tried to throw a grenade. The grenade landed at his feet. He panicked and kicked it towards his comrades in the bunker. Thankfully someone picked the grenade up and threw it out of the bunker, into the open field.

Devin was transferred to Headquarters.

Five minutes and several of Mr. Williamson's jokes later, the pin was attached without drawing blood. Caitlynn was gratefully for small blessings.

Dave Daymont, Phoenix Set Director, is seen giving Hayley Warner her Phoenix Pin.
Hayley is working hard to become a Phoenix Flight Director. Until then, its back into her camouflage and a ticket back to the front lines.


Private Michaela receiving her Galileo Pin from Set Director Stacy. Michaela is yet to spend time on the front. Stacy knew this and managed to muster a reassuring smile, knowing all too well what awaited this poor new recruit.

Private Nabil received his Galileo Pin. Nabil is an excellent double agent. He is the boy of many faces. One minute he passes for one of Imagination's top soldiers, but when needed, he can look as blank and lifeless as anyone living behind enemy lines.

And finally Aliah. Private Aliah received her Galileo Pin from Stacy during one of September's Overnight Camps. She accepted the award on behalf of her squadron.

"My unit is fighting scientific illiteracy at this very moment." She spoke fondly of her friends. "I accept this award for them."

And Yet, Another Overnight Camp.

Hello Troops,
Some weekend Overnight Camps are better than others. Many factors determine whether we label a camp great, good, so so, bad, and "Its every man for himself!". One of those factors is the amount of mental effort and patience it takes to put the younglings to bed. Tonight's bed time saga has been a test of my strength to manage a smile when all I want to do is verbally strike back with lightening sarcasm meant to disable anyone with a question the moment his arm goes up.

So far tonight....

"Mr. Williamson. That kid over there was using a bad word during the mission."

"Mr. Williamson. That kid over there was making fun of us in the bathroom."

"Mr. Williamson, I didn't bring a sleeping bag and pillow. I thought the Space Center had beds."

(2nd boy chimes in) "Mr. Williamson, me too."

"Mr. Williamson, we need to go to the bathroom."

Those words were spoken by one of the three boys I assigned to sleep on the Voyager's Bridge closest to the two chaperons. They were the ones mouthing off in the boy's bathroom earlier this evening. I specifically told all the boys just thirty minutes earlier that one of my biggest pet peeves were kids coming to tell me they needed to get a drink or use the restroom MOMENTS after putting them down for the night. Remember, the boys all get a bathroom break right before we put them to bed. I tell them three or four times during that break that "This is your LAST bathroom break."

Of course, our campers are allowed to use the bathroom and get a drink during the night. My point is this, they shouldn't have to use it right after they got a bathroom break. One goes, then another, then another.... It is there way of staying up later and roaming the school's halls. Yes, I'm on to their game.

Let's leave that one and move along.....

Coming from the staff and volunteers:
"Mr. Williamson, there aren't anymore pads."

Ah, the age old lack of pads. The Space Center staff sleeps on these flimsy, disintegrating pads purchased from the U.S. Government's Auction of Civil War Surplus. You could tell the pads once had padding. Now they provide a semi porous fabric shield against the industrial carpet the District uses to carpet its schools. Someone weighing 25 pounds might feel something akin to comfort when sleeping on one of them. Anyone weighing more might as well just sleep on the floor. Anyway, we ran out of the pads tonight. This weekend a larger percentage of staff chose to stay here at the Center. Perhaps its because its LDS Conference Weekend, and if they go home, their parents may insist they return right after the Overnight Camp for the Saturday afternoon session.

The boys are in bed and its strangely quiet - odd for 12:31 A.M. They are either in the advanced stage of mischief making or they really are taking pity on an old guy who seriously needs a bit of sleep to recharge his patience.

Mr. W.

P.S. Post Update. It's almost time to get the kids up. They actually went to bed very well. The staff got the sleep they needed and my patience batteries are fully charged. It appears to be the start of a good Saturday (yikes, did I just curse myself?).

Comet Elenin. Our Doomsday Comet?

Elenin is Coming!

Hello Troops,
We've survived the alignment of death with the mysterious Elenin, the comet of death, or is it the brown star of the Apocalypse? Regardless, the internet rumor mill has been churning out videos and articles on NASA's supposed big cover up concerning a very dangerous (disappointing) comet heading to within 22 million miles of Earth. The comet finished its swing around the sun and is heading this way! (screaming allowed at this point. Please be sure not to faint of fright without checking for sharp objects in your fall zone).

What the fear mongers can't or won't tell you is that the Sun had its way with poor Elenin, leaving it a snowflake of its former self. It will continue on its way, obliviously to the panic it inspired on Earth's gullible who believe that if they see it on the internet and YouTube, then it must be real.

"I seen it!" is their typical response when their facts are challenged by those of us who are baptized true blue skeptics and take the time to check facts before jumping to conclusions.

One such video posted earlier this week reported that many high ranking government officials were on vacation this week. Could it be that this is the normal September vacation for Congress, or could they know something we don't? That must be it. Why believe the obvious? Surely the most complicated explanation for "their" actions must be correct because reasonable explanations are boring and don't sell ads on web sites or hits on the YouTube.

So, to my friends and associates who are frantically digging their backyard survival shelters, please stop and relax. All will be well. Call me when you see or hear an internet story of something coming to rain death and destruction on Earth. I'll check it out and get back to you. And if I don't get back to you, then you have my permission to panic.

And now, how about a few items from the Imaginarium.

Brilliant in design and imagination.

The moral of this story is.
1. Don't spend money you haven't earned. How do you think we got into this recession anyway?
2 Don't buy things you don't need. What a waste of resources. Give up trying to keep up with the neighbors. Let THEM go to bed worrying how they're going to pay for their expensive home and toys. Remember, you really don't like them anyway.

Just leave it.

"Will you slow down! Where's the Fire!!"