Occupy Pleasant Grove! Space Center Volunteers take to the Sidewalk.

Occupy New York

This is New York under siege. An overly educated mob of young people have occupied a park near Wall Street demanding reforms to the nation's banking system and relief from their student loans.

"We're buried under tons of debt!" said one young man wearing tight jeans and an Abercrombie and Fitch T-shirt. He spoke between bites of a croissant smothered in cream cheese. "I majored in Oppressed Studies. What am I supposed to do now? I can't find work."

"What is Oppressed Studies?" I asked.

"You study the world's oppressed people."

"And you can't find work?"

"Nobody's hiring, and it isn't just me. That girl over by the bottled water can't find work either."

"What did she study?"

"Extinct languages."

"My, you'd think companies would be beating down your doors." I spoke sarcastically. He took another bite of his croissant, oblivious to my response.

Out little town of Pleasant Grove is not immune to world events. News of Occupy Wall Street reached us by telegraph. Up until recently our streets were quiet, that has changed.

Occupy Pleasant Grove

This photograph was taken a few Saturdays ago. The group calls itself "Occupy Pleasant Grove". They've taken up part time residence at the town's Central Elementary School and home of the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center.

"We demand an end to the oppression of the 99% by the 1%!" shouted Morgan (last name withheld. Morgan fears reprisal from her friends and family in Park City). When asked why she wasn't protesting in her own town, Morgan replied that the residents of Park City WERE the 99%.

"I'm here with the simple, potato eating people of Pleasant Grove to show that some of us in the 99% really care," she explained.

"Here here!" exclaimed Matt, another weekend visitor from Logan.

Andrew, not wanting to be left from the discussion, chimed in. "We want peace, land and bread. We want a chicken in every pot."

"Here here!" exclaimed Matt. "Bravo and well said. By jove, I couldn't have said it any better."

"Quite," added Morgan.

"I'm in the Marching Band." Erin stepped forward. I had a difficult time hearing what she said. Her words were being formed around a Tootsie Pop. Chocolate I think, due to the copious amounts of brown dribble around her mouth.

"Here here!" exclaimed Matt.

"Erin, let's have you stand over here by the fire hydrant while we list our demands." Morgan took her by the hand and led her to the hydrant. "Now be a good girl."

I took out my camera for a snapshot to be added to this story. Erin rushed back.

"I cheer for liberty," Erin said taking a position.

"I do the thinking." Morgan jumped into a pose.

"I'll show oppressed people," Matt sat down on the sidewalk delivering his visual interpretation of what the movement stood for.

"I'm the muscle, in case the cops show up," Andrew flexed.

Mr. Williamson came out carrying two buckets of soapy water and brushes. "If you four are going to stand out here shouting socialist slogans at passing cars, you might as well do a little PR for the Space Center." He went back into the school and came out with a portable white board. He sat it on the side walk facing the street and wrote: "We wash cars for free until our demands are met".

They made $20.00 in tips, the Space Center got some good PR and several uninterested citizens of Pleasant Grove are driving around town with nice clean cars at no cost to them except for get an earful of demands ranging from more windmills and tulips to less homework and teacher sarcasm.

Occupy Pleasant Grove was seen later that afternoon at Sammy's in beautiful downtown Pleasant Grove. They were enjoying Sammy's famous Pie Shakes purchased with their tips. I joined them in a Berry Surprise.

"Are you enjoying the shakes?" I asked. They nodded, except for Matt. He stood by the door examining the workings of the Gum Ball Machine. "Now follow along with me, you worked and got tips. You took the tips and did what?"

"We bought these shakes," replied Morgan, the professed brains of the movement.

"So if you work you get......." I led them to the water and waited for them to drink.

"Money!" Andrew shouted.

"And what do we do with money?"

"Buy things," Erin answered. She started to smile. I could tell a light was coming on.

"We wouldn't have to work if they would just give us the shakes for free?" Matt returned to the table.

"Good Grief." I sank down in my chair. I could tell my generation had a lot to teach these youngsters. It was going to be a long discussion. I ordered a double, with a shot of pumpkin.

(Thanks to Morgan for posting this picture. Sorry Morgan, I couldn't resist. Some pictures just demand a back story. If you open the door with a picture like this, you'd better expect me to walk through :)
Mr. W.

The Latest News from the Space Center. You'd be a Fool Not to Read.

Hello Troops,
It's Fall Vacation in Utah. The Starships are safely docked at Starbase and many crew members have beamed planet side for a bit of well earned rest and relaxation. A few of us remained on board to deal with maintenance and clerical duties. You see, Federation Starships need constant pampering, tweaking and good helpings of TLC.

I'm taking a bit of a rest from my work to put my feet up and stare out the main viewer. The Pacific is passing below us with what appears to be the coast of Chili off in the distance and growing larger. A good Diet Dew in hand would make it a perfect moment.


This is Dave. Dave is the Set Director of the USS Phoenix. Beside him stands his 2nd, Megan Warner. Dave is making a list of ship wide programming issues that need addressing when our programmers return from surfing in Hawaii and mountain climbing in the Andes. It's amazing how much distance one can cover in a few days of vacation when you have access to a transporter!

Dave appears frustrated. These programming issues have haunted the ship for some time. Just the other day the Phoenix's computers hiccuped as the crew battled with the dread Orion Pirates over the Olive Moon of Panthea.

"Fire Phasers!" the Captain shouted. The Tactical officer hit the 'fire' button. Straight flames of pure plasmatic energy were expected. Instead, the life pods jettisoned - empty of course. You can imagine how hard a crew will fight to stay alive and win a battle when they see their life pods drifting away into the darkness of space! The captain's next words, while entirely fitting for the occasion, are not printable in this post.

Then there was the time a young 7th grade crewman ordered a nice sausage lasagna from the food replicators. Instead he got a meatloaf surprise made of shredded slime devil liver, topped with marshmallow and finished with sprinkles of ground chicken talons. It ended up on the cafeteria wall.

Have no fear, the Phoenix will be right as rain in a day or two. Lt. Ricks is pretty good at spotting a temperamental line of code and coddling it into something readable.



While Dave and Megan worked on the Phoenix, Jon Parker was on the Magellan, two bays down along the Starbase's docking ring. I caught Jon sipping a 52 ounce Dr. Pepper. I asked him if he was aware of the mountain of sugar he was consuming.

"Sugar doesn't bother me," Jon answered. "My pancreas churns out insulin faster than your average human's. It's all in my superior breeding."

"Superior breeding?" I questioned.

"We Parkers are all soda addicts," Jon bragged unashamedly. "We don't worry because we've got these babies," he tapped the part of his chest covering the pancreas. A moment later something fell from his face. Jon quickly drew his hand over his mouth.

"Great Pancreas, Lousy teeth?" I said while pointing to the white object spotted with black on the carpet.

Jon nodded. "It's a small price to pay to maintain my long relationship with the Dr."

I changed the subject and asked him what he was doing working on the Magellan's armory.
"The phaser rifles don't store correctly. The shelves are to weak," he replied while examining the tooth.

Two weeks ago one of the rifles fell to the floor as Nicole distributed them to the crew. A beam of pure energy shot out of the closet. Nicole jumped out of the way leaving the laser a clear line of shot towards the head of an unsuspecting 5th grader who, like most ten year olds, wasn't paying attention. The hair on the left side of his head was instantly removed.

"It burns, It burns!" He ran screaming out of Discovery towards the school's restrooms leaving a thin contrail of smoke behind him. Nicole followed with one of the school's famous iced sponges in a baggy.

"A bit further down and he'd be minus one ear," she told me later.

The stench of scorched hair hung in the room for the rest of the week. It was nasty.



Take a look at this new addition to the front of the Magellan. This box sits directly under the Main Viewer at the front of the Bridge. Kyle Jones (our maintenance director) did a suburb job. Emily Paxman did the artwork. I gave suggestions, direction, and encouragement; but most importantly, I paid the bill :)

This is Kyle Jones. He stands proudly, awaiting your approval for his newest project - a stand for my laptop, complete with drawers and a cup holder!!!! Kyle you are too good. Who else, I ask you , has a cup holder on his desk? This alone increases my coolness factor by 10.

Be sure to ask me for a cup holder demonstration when you visit the Space Center. After my fascinating demonstration, you'll enjoy a five minute video on its construction. There is a small charge for this demonstration - a 32 ounce drink from Harts. Make it a Diet Dew with one squirt of Cherry; Not a half a squirt and definitely not a quarter of a squirt. Don't be creative, follow directions and make it one full squirt.


Nathan Young completed an Eagle Scout Project at our host school (Central Elementary) a couple weeks ago. I asked him to paint a map of the United States on our playground. Nathan gave Dr. Carter a curriculum to accompany the map afterwords.

This map will be a God send to our teachers who struggle year after year trying to convince our students that Utah is not the center of the United States or the largest and most important State in the Union. I know their pain. I'm a victim of State discrimination having immigrated to Utah thirty two years ago. I have yet to convince my Utah neighbors that the real social, cultural, economic and religious center of the nation is SOUTH DAKOTA.

"Is that in Canada?" I'm asked repeatedly.
"How many states are in the United States?" I answer.
"50," is the usual response.
"Can you name any of them?"
"Utah," is the answer given most often.
"And any others?"
"Nope, Ya only have ta know the most important. Them others don't matter."

You see my dilemma? I'm sure you kind readers who are also transplants to Utah understand.


You did a great job Nathan. Thank you!


And finally, an embarrassed and ashamed Miranda; caught with Rolos in one back pocket, a Babe Ruth in the other and a Sour Patch Kids in her right hand. Her pancreas isn't as efficient as Jon's. She staggers a bit when she's had "one too many" if you know what I mean. There's a reason I keep the candy locker locked. It's to help people like Miranda cope with their disability.

Volunteers are given one candy every time they come in to help with a mission, so I wondered where she got three candies. I walked out into the hall to ask around.

"She was begging," I was told by one of the new 7th grade volunteers who was unaware of our policy not to enable Miranda's addiction. "She got my Rolos and that kid's Babe Ruth and her Sour Patch Kids." He pointed to another new volunteer standing near the fish tank.

She begrudgingly surrendered the candy back to their rightful owners. I escorted her to the Phoenix Control Room.

"Dave, keep an eye on her." Dave nodded and pointed to the 2nd chair. She sat down in a huff and crossed her arms in defiance.

New volunteers, do not feed the wild life at the Space Center. That's an order!

Have a Great Weekend Troops!

Mr. W.

50 Year Anniversary -Test Launches Continued

Launch of a military Atlas rocket.

From late September to mid October in 1961, there continued a number of tests from the Atlantic Missile Range at Cape Canaveral as the US Air Force worked to improve our strategic missiles. What an exciting time it must have been for the citizens living along the Florida Coast as launch after launch lifted off from the beaches out over the Atlantic Ocean. Besides the notable large rocket launches, there were also small sounding rockets and scientific payloads being tested.

On October 5, 1961 the USAF fired an Atlas ICBM with a dummy warhead over the Atlantic. Flying over 9,000 miles from its launch pad, a data capsule also loaded on top of the rocket safely landed in the waters and was recovered. Although this was a military launch, every use of an Atlas rocket was carefully analyzed for the impact it might have on the upcoming launch of an astronaut into orbit. Remember, the Atlas did not have too stellar a reputation among the Mercury 7 astronauts who had seen a number of these rockets explode.

On October 6, 1961, the USAF launched a Titan I rocket with the mission to test the Titan II guidance system.

Titan 1a.

This early testing of the Titan ICBM was primarily for development of our strategic rocket forces, but once again, the data gained by these tests would have their impact on the manned space program later in the Gemini Program.

Argo D4. Sounds like a Star Wars Droid to me.

Launches didn't only blast off from Cape Canaveral. From NASA's Wallops island facility, sounding rockets like the Argo lifted scientific experiments to learn the effect that electricity plays in the upper atmosphere.

On October 13th, The USAF launched another in its series of Discoverer secret missions. Discoverer 32 lifted off carrying the Agena stage (used as a satellite or stage to carry experiments). Its mission was to improve the space maneuvering capabilities of the Agena craft, test new materials for radiation shielding, and perform some surveillance experiments.

Agena stage.

Discoverer 32 lifted off from Vandenberg AF Base in California. After placing the Agena craft in space, controllers went through their tests and experiments without mishap. On this trip, the Thor rocket made its 100th successful launch!

Thor-Agena rocket at Vandenberg AF Base.

After one day of orbiting, the Agena spacecraft ejected a 300-pound capsule which re-entered the atmosphere, and was recovered off the coast of Hawaii. As it parachuted to the ground, a specially-prepared cargo plane snatched it in mid-air for a secret trip back to base.

Gotcha!

Once safely back at the USAF base, the data from the launch stored in the capsule was carefully examined. Only one thing went wrong on this flight. When the technicians examined the large roll of film used to picture our enemies' secret locations, they discovered that 96% of the pictures had been taken out of focus. And you thought YOU've taken bad pictures before...

Posted by Mark Daymont
Space Center Educator.

Our Short Week.

Hello Troops,
A few items from the Imaginarium to start the last day of school for this week, except of course for our university readers. No Fall Vacation for you.

The Dogs on Business

Playing Dodgeball in Space

Comet Elenin fading. Credit: Michael Mattiazzo

By Mark Daymont
Space Center Educator and Flight Director

While we wait for the eventual demise of German satellite ROSSAT between the 20th and the 23rd, Earth managed to avoid destruction from the "Doomsday Comet." According to some conspiracy theorists, Comet Elenin was expected to hit the Earth on Sunday the 16th. Well, it must not have been too many conspiracy theorists, because not even I had heard of this one.

Apparently, some of the conspirators believed that the name of the comet, Elenin, was code for ELE, or Extinction Level Event. This ties into something called the Nibiru or Planet X collision. Believers fear that a large planetary body or comet not currently known by astronomers (but known to the ancient astronomers) will come barreling out of the dark and collide with the Earth, or make a near miss, enough to cause tremendous geological damage and threaten the human species.

In actuality, Comet Elenin was discovered in December 2010 by Russian amateur Leonid Elenin. Already very faint, it was estimated to be a long-period comet of only a diameter of about 3-4 kilometers. After a large solar storm in August, the comet was seen to be breaking up and growing much fainter. As it swept around the Sun on September, the break up was figured to be complete and only a cloud of cometary debris was noted. See the top photo for a reduction in brightness.

So, on last Sunday, the remaining debris swept pass the Earth. Only it wasn't even close. It passed by at about the same distance as from Earth to Venus. Here in the SpaceRubble Bunker we didn't even notice.

And yet, I should make note that on my drive home from SLC Saturday night, I witnessed a small fireball meteor descending westward apparently over the Oquirr mountains. Curious timing, that...

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!