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?).