Imagination, Creativity, Thinking Outside the Box. Priceless! Its What we are All About.

Changing Times.

The Apple From the Tree. The Moment of Inspiration.

It always falls down. That's how the apple helped Isaac Newton.

An 18th-century account of how Newton developed the theory of gravity was posted to the Web Monday, making the fragile paper manuscript widely available to the public for the first time.

Newton's encounter with the apple ranks among science's most celebrated anecdotes, and it can now be read in the faded cursive script in which it was recorded by William Stukeley, Newton's contemporary.

Royal Society librarian Keith Moore said the apple story has resonated for centuries because it packs in so much _ an illustration of how modern science works, an implicit reference to the solar system and even an allusion to the Bible.

When Newton describes the process of observing a falling apple and guessing at the principle behind it "he's talking about the scientific method," Moore said.

"Also the shape of the apple recalls the planet _ it's round _ and of course the apple falling from the tree does indeed hark back to the story of Adam and Eve, and Newton as a religious man would have found that quite apt."

The incident occurred in the mid-1660s, when Newton retreated to his family home in northern England after an outbreak of the plague closed the University of Cambridge, where he had been studying.

Stukeley's manuscript recounts a spring afternoon in 1726 when the famous scientist shared the story over tea "under the shade of some apple trees."

Stukeley wrote that Newton told him the notion of gravity popped into the scientist's mind as he was sitting in the same situation.

"It was occasion'd by the fall of an apple, as he sat in contemplative mood. Why should that apple always descend perpendicularly to the ground, thought he to himself ... Why should it not go sideways, or upwards? But constantly to the earth's center?" Stukeley wrote. "Assuredly, the reason is, that the earth draws it. There must be a drawing power in matter."

Stukeley's account on the Royal Society's Web site joins notes from Newton's 17th-century scientific rival Robert Hooke _ documents that were lost for several hundred years before their recent discovery in a house in England.

Les Miserables at PG High.

Dear Space Center Friends,

In case you haven't noticed, I have been rather absent at the Space Center for the last month. This is because I am performing in Pleasant Grove High School's production of Les Miserables!

The performances on the 21 & 22 start at 7:30pm
All other performances 25 - 30 start at 7:00pm
Doors open at 6:00pm
GENERAL SEATING

Adults $7
Students $6
Children (under 12) $5

I would love to see as many of you there as possible! But you're going to want to get tickets ASAP! It is HIGHLY recommended that you buy your tickets in advance. Tickets are purchased for a specific night and can only be used for that date. You can buy tickets from me, any cast/orchestra member (like Adam H!), the PGHS finance office, or at the door. Currently, the 21st and 26nd are SOLD OUT!

Keep up the good work and I will join you all once again in February. :)

- Rachel H, FD

A Photographic Riddle. Are you up to the Challenge?

Hello Troops,
Take a minute and look at my Cloverdale Post for tonight.
http://ourcloverdale.blogspot.com

You'll find a series of photographs. Each representing a common noun or phrase. Can you deduce what they are? Send your guesses to me by email. Anyone that gets them all right will win the never ending respect of this Space Center Director (you might even talk me out of a candy bar from the gift shop). Getting one or two right will earn a pat on the back or the shake of a hand (your choice) and the partial respect of someone that didn't get any of them right, although I attempted to solve them in a semi conscious stupor after an overnight camp while being lulled into a unfeeling state by a mindless TV show.

Everyone that gets them correct will earn the privilege of being called a "Space Center Brown Topper", a citizen of the Intellectual Upper Crust. Someone mere mortals like myself dream of becoming. Someone who only physically exists in our realm while mentally transcending the barrier between the here and now and the Whisperland of What Will Be.

Good Luck,

Mr. Williamson

Coming this February, An Awesome Star Trek Online Game. Read all About It.

Hello Troops,
Wow, this could be good. A real, multi player online Star Trek game where you can go on long campaign missions, captain your own ship, explore the galaxy etc etc etc. It could be an acceptable online version of the Space Center experience. Check out their web site and tell me what you think.

http://www.startrekonline.com/

Mr. Williamson

Bracken Funk Transfers to the USS Logan.

Hello Troops,
It is my sad duty to report that Admiral Bracken Funk (Flight Director) was reassigned to the USS Logan. He flew his final regular mission at the Space Center last Saturday.

Bracken's family offered him a very good paying job in Logan, Utah. Bracken couldn't turn it down. He moved last weekend. Today I spoke with him on the phone. He was working in the office on a computer program. He was in good spirits but admitted a sneeze of homesickness for his family and friends. He promised to visit every weekend he could arrange transportation (he doesn't have a car). If anyone knows someone that lives or goes to school in Logan and visits Utah County (or even Salt Lake) on a regular weekend basis please let me know.

Bracken is a good friend to everyone at the Center. His energy and enthusiasm know no bounds. His excitement for the Center and its mission is legend. He promises to continue to improve our missions by programming new tactical screens for the Voyager's older missions. A new tactical program for Midnight Rescue is his latest improvement. He did a fantastic job.

We will miss Bracken and the example he set for the staff and volunteers. Of course, we wish him the best of luck in Logan and hope to see him every weekend at the Center is the fates allow and he finds someone with a good car needed a passenger willing to help pay for gas!

Mr. Williamson

The Fun Theory

Now, go make the ordinary extraordinary.

Heaven? Doubtful. The Other Place? At Times!

You never know what to expect when you load a class into the simulators. I've written about this many times. Last week I had a chuckle. I stood at the top of the stairs in my usual place asking to see their Boarding Passes. It is rewarding to hear the exclamations of wonder and joy. It is a pain to grab the odd child that isn't looking at me but looking at the Bridge instead. They are, at times, so overwhelmed by the Bridge that I'm not noticed at all. I wonder how that can be considering my size and the fact that I'm standing at the top of the stairs.

Wednesday a sixth grade girls came up the stairs. She walked past me. I put out my arm to stop her and asked for her Boarding Pass. She presented her papers. I looked to see where to sit her.
"This is so cool! She exclaimed. "This is Heaven!"
That was a first for the Space Center. We've been called many things, both good and
bad. Heaven is one word I've never heard used as a substitute for the Space Center.
My mind starting making connections. If this is Heaven, and I'm in charge of the
Center, then I must be....... I quickly cleared that thought out of my head hoping not to incur the wrath of the Almighty and a seven year curse on the Center - only lifted by sacrificing a few volunteers and a cat of any variety . I showed her to the Scanning
Station.
"She won't think its Heaven after an hour on that station," I thought to myself. Two children later came her friend Jordan. I pointed her to the Left Wing Tactical Station. Jordan sat. The music continued to play as children paraded past me to their stations. Above the music came a voice I'd heard before.
"Jordan," she shouted. "This is Heaven! I'm excited and scared!"
"Sounds like a perfect description of Judgment Day," I thought.

I've got to thank our visitors for filling my day with sunshine and laughter.

A Funny Observation at the Space Center

Hello Troops,
There was a very short conversation on Saturday that made me laugh. I was sitting at my desk minding my own business as I unsuccessfully try to do every Saturday when I heard the voice of Dave Daymont, one of our Phoenix Flight Directors. The voice came from the general area of his control room. His comment was directed to Christine Grosland, an Odyssey flight director.

The background to the story is simple. Christine had an appointment and told everyone she was leaving. She actually said that several times. A moment later she’d reappear, having forgotten something or got sidetracked by a good morsel of hallway gossip (if you’re a regular at the Center you’ll notice the staff like to congregate in the halls and ‘talk’ about everything from the time of day to politics to movies to the place others fall on the coolness scale. Someone like Emily is at the top of the scale, holding the title of Extreme and Mighty Empress of Cool while I’m at the bottom holding the title Lord Muck of the Uniformly UnCool. Everyone else at the Space Center falls in between).

Dave spoke first which drew my attention. (on another side note, those of you that think I not in tune to what’s happening while at my desk looking totally involved in a project are wrong. I’m capable of multitasking. Beware).

Dave to Christine. “Are you still here?”

I thought about his statement and started laughing internally. Was Dave blind? Was he not looking at Christine face to face when he said that? Think about it and you’ll see how silly his statement was. His question should have been:

Dave to Christine. “Why are you still here?”

Wouldn’t you agree? So why didn’t he say that? I believe the answer was in the emotion of the statement. “Are you still here?” is emotionally neutral. The statement “Why are you still here?” could be fraught with peril if spoken. It could be interpreted as “Gee, we thought you were gone. Shhhhezzzz get out of here already. What are you some kind of looser that has no life except work?”

OK. Back to the conversation.

Christine Replied to Dave.......... Are you ready for this one? “Yea, I haven’t left yet.”

Now I was laughing out loud. OF COURSE SHE HADN’T LEFT YET. SHE WAS STANDING RIGHT IN FRONT OF DAVE. HE COULD SEE SHE HADN’T LEFT. Perhaps she wanted to clarify the fact that Dave was actually seeing her and not some doppelganger or apparition.

You know troops, if you really stop and think about the things you and your friends say you’ll end laughing yourself.

Mr. Williamson

Nexus Point on Sale at the Space Center on Saturday!

Hello,
I now have lots of copies of my novel. I'm going to be running the Gift Shop (in the Discovery next to the candy counter) on Saturday from 10 - 11 am and selling my book there. Anyone who would like to purchase a personalized, signed copy of my novel at a discount, please bring your cash or check. (I don't do credit or debit cards, either!)

Check out www.nexuspoint.info for more information on the book! (No, you don't have to order it there. Come see me on Saturday!)

Aleta Clegg, writing as Jaleta Clegg
www.jaletac.com
www.nexuspoint.info

Our First Camper of the Decade

Benjamin's Database Entry. One Interesting yet Small Item for the History Books

Hello Troops,
It's 4:11 P.M. Four of our five ships are running January's Super Saturday. I'm working on updated and entering information for the camper's new Rank Papers. As I was typing names into the database I came across a young boy named Benjamin G.

I typed in his first name.
I typed in his last name.
I typed in his new Flight Hours
I typed in his new Class Hours.
I typed in his grade
I started to type in his birthday and stopped cold. I saw a 00 as his birth year. For a moment I thought the volunteer at the sign in table messed things ups on Benjamin's handwritten Sign In Sheet and either didn't hear him correctly or had the worst handwriting in Utah.

I looked back at his grade. Benjamin was in 4th grade and turned 10 on January 3rd. Turning 10 made him eligible for Super Saturdays and Overnight Camps. It dawned on me right then that this boy really was born in 2000. That is why I saw 00 on his form.

Troops, it was one of those "ah ha" moments. I was typing the first Rank Advancement Paper ever for someone born in the year 2000. There will be many many more to come but little 10 year old Benjamin was the first.

Mr. Williamson

The New Galileo Opens!

Hello Troops,
With very little fanfare, the new Galileo opened last night for the January 8-9 Overnight Camp. The first official crew of the Galileo are pictured above. Stacy Carroll, the Galileo's Set Director, stands with them.

The new Galileo will be running on all Overnight Camps and Super Saturdays. It will also run for field trip if a class has more than 32 students. The new Galileo will open for private missions on January 18th. To book a mission in the new Galileo please visit the Space Center's web site. Go to the 'Private Programs' section. The new Galileo holds 5 - 6 people.

There will be an official grand opening of the Galileo once we have it painted.

A special thank you to Kyle Herring, Stacy Carroll, Alex Anderson, Alex DeBirk, Spenser Robinson, and Jon Parker AND everyone else I've forgotten.

Mr. Williamson

Almost Bedtime

Hello Troops,
It's 11:49 P.M. on Friday, January 8. We are running our first Overnight Camp for 2010. We have 44 students from the 5th and 6th grades at Sego Lily Elementary School. They are good kids and fun in the ships. I'm at my desk typing. I hear the loft beds creaking. Anytime someone moves they creak. It can be annoying because I hear every creak from my desk where I sleep.

Whispering is coming in from multiple locations. I hear the boys in the loft and the Bridge Captain's Quarters. I hear the boys sleeping on the bridge. Its not too bad. They are good. Ah, now the noise in the Captain's Quarters in on the increase. Sometimes the boys don't believe we can hear them. It usually takes a second, rarely a third 'talking to' to quiet them down to the point of sleep.

We really do it to ourselves you know. We get them all hyped up with the missions and then expect them drop dead asleep the instant their heads hit the pillows. Not going to happen, yet we still hope.

What is that ripe smell coming through the door in front of me? I answer that with another question. What is an Overnight experience at the Space Center without the mandatory accompaniment of La Odeur des Chaussettes Puantes (The Odor of Stinking Socks). Tonight's smells are ripe indeed. If I'm not mistaken I'm smelling a fresh bouquet of Nike athletic shoes, intermixed with a dozen or so Reeboks and an assortment of other brands, all uniting with the smell of the simulator itself to create an aroma so unique it can only be experienced here at the Space Center.

Good news for everyone. We are running the new Galileo on this camp! It is going well. Very well indeed. We ran a test mission on Thursday without any major problem. We ran the new Galileo this morning for a school field trip. Bracken Funk reported a victory. I spoke to Stacy Carroll (Galileo's Set Director) and Kyle Herring (Galileo's designer) and told them that the new Galileo was on for tonight's camp. It is time to see what this new ship can do. More news on the new Galileo will be coming soon.

It's 12:07 A.M. Things are quieting down. The staff are silent in the Odyssey and I'm hearing the voice of one lone boy in the wilderness of the Voyager. Me think it be time to hit the sack myself. My pad waits in front of my desk.

This is Mr. Williamson signing off from the Space Center just 1/2 a mile from beautiful downtown Pleasant Grove. Until tomorrow.

Adieu.

Your Handbook for 2010.

Hello Troops,
Debbie Wallis sent this to me. I think its great and decided to share it with you. Please read it.

Believe a soon to be senior citizen when I tell you that these gems really are the secret to happiness. I've added a few thoughts in red.

Simply,
Mr. Williamson


Health:

1. Drink plenty of water. (I've given up 80% of my Diet Coke so I'm working on this one).

2. Eat breakfast like a king/queen, lunch like a prince/princess and dinner like a beggar.

3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and less that is manufactured in plants. (Amen)

4. Live with the 3 E’s — Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.

5. Make time to pray; keep a prayer in your heart.

6. Play more games and laugh with simple delight. (I need to work on the simple delight)

7. Visit more friends and loved ones than you did in 2009. (Easy, I visit one and I've improved 100%)

8. Sit in peace and tranquility at least 10 minutes each day. (Hear that Staff. Give me 10 minutes...... PLEASE)

9. Sleep for 7 hours (or nap like your pet). (Yea Right. 7 Hours?!!!!! I'll lower the bar and shot for 6)

10. Walk 10-30 minutes each day, smiling while you walk. (I'm good for this one)

Personality:

11. Comparing your life to others is futile; you have no idea about their journey. (Amen)

12. Invest your energy in the positive and present moments, not in negative or things you can’t control.

13. You are one person; have reasonable expectations and limits for yourself; others are responsible for themselves.

14. Learn to laugh at yourself, right along with the others.

15. Gossip and judgment are a waste of your precious energy.

16. Dream more while you are awake. (Aren't we always in LaLa Land at the Space Center?)

17. The secret to success is believing that you have it all; envy is a waste. (Easy to accomplish when you have it all, or think you do)

18. Forget issues, hurts and betrayals of the past; remembering and reminding others will ruin your present happiness and of those you love.

19. Hating others or yourself is a waste of time. (Self hatred is usually caused by caring too much about what others say about you)

20. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present. (What's lived is lived, what's said is said and what's done is done. Time to move on with a goal for improvement)

21. You are the only one responsible for your happiness; it’s up to you to be happy.

22. Life is a school for learning; problems will fade like algebra, but lessons learned will last a lifetime.

23. Smile and laugh more; really enjoy it.

24. It is not necessary to always be right; agree to disagree and let it go. (No, always trust that what I tell you is right. Let's leave it at that :)

Society:

25. Contact your family and loved ones often.

26. Do something good for others at every opportunity. (Don't forget me!)

27. Forgiveness is your responsibility, including forgetting past hurts.

28. Spend time with and learn from people over 70 and under 6. (Let's change that to 50)

29. Make at least three people smile each day; remember to include yourself. (Crap)

30. What other people think of you is none of your business. (Do I hear an Amen from the congregation on this one!)

31. Your friends and loved ones will care for you, not your job; you really are not indispensable there. (All are indispensable, unless you are a Space Center Flight Director :)

Life:

32. Choose the right whether anyone else but you will know.

33. Eliminate anything that isn’t useful, uplifting, beautiful or joyful.

34. GOD heals everything, if we give Him the opportunity.

35. However good or bad a situation, it will change; accept this as part of life.

36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress and show up (unless you are contagious).

37. The best is yet to come, but enjoy the present while it is here.

38. Each morning you awaken, thank GOD for it and do the best you can with the present you have received.

39. Your inner self wants to always be happy; go for it. (My inner self needs a few other things as well. Happiness, a full belly and something really good on TV)

What We Have.

Hello Troops,
Sometimes it is good to step back and see how nice we have it in this country. These photographs make an excellent example.

Here we have a very nice, modern bus in Japan. It may be a school bus. It may be for a special school or high school. What matters is what these students have compared to others.




And now, this picture from India. Really makes you appreciate what you have.



Mr. Williamson

New Galileo Test Mission. Also, A few bits of cool space news.

Hello Troops,
What a great Tuesday it is! We are hosting the Astronomy Class from Lone Peak High School at the moment. Bracken is flying the Voyager. Christine is flying the Odyssey. They are doing Intolerance. We are back into the swing of things. I'm happy to be running missions again. I like the routine.

We are getting close to opening the new Galileo. There are a few bugs that are still bothering us. They are being addressed one at a time. We have someone working on the ship every day until it is ready to fly.

I know some of you are frustrated. You've been waiting to book a mission on the new Galileo and I keep postponing the opening. Remember, we have a very limited budget and this new simulator cost a lot of money. I need to rely on volunteer labor and the work of our less experienced maintenance personnel to finish the ship. We can't afford professionals. It is just the way things work around here. I'll open the Galileo once I'm sure its crews will have a good experience. I'll let you know through this blog.

Here are a items of interest:

• Kyle would like to run a Galileo Test Mission on Thursday from 5:00 - 7:30 P.M. We need 6 people to sign up. We are still working out the bugs so their may be errors. If you're interested send an email. I'll take the first 6.
• This is a cool video showing our place in the universe. If you have 3 minutes please watch. It is cool. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17jymDn0W6U&feature=player_embedded

NASA NEWS: From Sheila Powell.

The Mar's Rover Spirit is Reaching its 6th Anniversary With an Uncertain Future 12.31.09.
On Jan. 3, NASA's Mars rover Spirit marks six years of unprecedented science exploration and inspiration for the American public. However, the upcoming Martian winter could end the roving career of the beloved, scrappy robot. Click the following to access the link:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mer/news/mer20091231.html

Thanks Troops,
Mr. Williamson

New Year 2010 starts off Right with WISE

Artist rendering of WISE satellite

The Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, Is beginning its observational studies after having popped off its lens cap on Dec. 29th. WISE will study thousands of objects in the infrared spectrum of light. It is expected to find many interesting objects beyond our solar system such as failed stars and distant small galaxies. What interest me more at this time is its ability to find "dark asteroids" which don't show up in normal telescopic surveys.

This will give us a greater opportunity to map additional orbital debris from the creation of our solar system, as well as potential Near Earth Orbit Asteroids that could pose an impact danger to Earth. The mission to map these dark objects is only expected to last about nine months. The camera is using a special coolant which will evaporate after that time, rendering the camera useless. WISE will take about 7500 images every day!

Mark Daymont
Space Center Flight Director / Educator
From his blog: Spacerubble.blogspot.com

Laser Tag vs The Space Center

By James Porter
Reposted from his Blog
http://cachevalleysimulator.blogspot.com/

I celebrated the birthday of my wife's cousin yesterday by participating in laser tag. It has been a long time since I have gone and it was definitely enjoyable. When they opened the door to the arena my lungs filled with the all too familiar scent of smoke machine juice as I entered that hot maze of glowing paint and mirrors. We played three 20 minute games for $18 a person since there was a holiday special going on. I did well to follow the list of rules for how we were to safely play by not running, kneeling, covering my sensors, and all the other protective measures. Overall it was a fun experience as the birthday boy got first place in one of the games and all of our group had a fun time.

Afterward I began comparing that birthday experience to the many I used to help host at the space center. For a space center birthday there is about one item that is the same, the smoke machine. First of all a flight runs for 2.5 hours at an average cost of $10 per person. That flight time is yours and yours alone unlike the laser tag time we shared with 20 other people. Many compare the story experience to that of a movie and so for that you are paying a bit more than the average Utah movie ticket price. Though unlike the movie you get to be a part of the experience and the decision you make could completely change how everything turns out. You also don't need to worry about screening the mission before you go for inappropriate content. In that process of ma

king decisions your group will experience and learn much more than just laser tag tactics.

It was interesting to think about this after the activity because I frequently would compare our private programs to laser tag when parents would sit and talk with us in the control room. This is probably why we have many fans who look forward to their birthday year after year as it has become a tradition to visit the space center. Don't misunderstand, I think laser tag and going to the movies are great birthday option , but they fall short in comparison to a private birthday flight into space.

The Tuesday of our Holiday Vacation. My Trip to the Dentist

Hello Troops,
Well, there is very little Space Center news to report considering the Center is closed for the holiday so I'll just write about odds and ends.

Winter is taxing my patience. I used to be a big fan of the season but the older I get the less tolerance I have for snow packed roads and stupid drivers. I’m sitting at my front window looking at the fresh powder falling on my driveway and sidewalk. What may look “pretty” from the front window is actually something that requires my labor. I need to go outside, take the shovel and move the stuff, and as soon as I move it more will fall and as soon as I move that even more will fall. I’m done with it.

I visited the dentist this morning. It’s been a year since my last check up. I find my cavity count is usually zero with so many of my original molars replaced by crowns; therefore eliminating the need for six month visits.

My dentist is aging with me. I’ve been a patient of his since 1982. I thought how proud he must be when he looks into my mouth every year and sees his handiwork. There’s got to be some real job satisfaction in that. I enjoy my check ups. He may be on the young side of ancient but his dental assistants aren’t. I had a very pretty blond working on my teeth this morning. I tried to say something ‘hip‘ to strike up a conversation but came up with nothing.
“Do you want fresh mint or cinnamon for your polish?” she asked.
“Fresh mint,” I answered.
I sometimes wonder what to do with my eyes while my teeth are worked on. Younger dentists have distractions - like TV’s mounted in the ceiling. You can catch up on the news while you’re getting your cavities drilled. My dentist is very old school. He has boring ceiling tile with 25 tiny holes in each to look at. I sometimes stare into the overhead light. I find it interesting that the light my dentist uses today is the same make and model my dentist used when I was a kid in the 1960’s in Rapid City, South Dakota. Why change a good thing, right?

I thought about looking into her eyes while she worked on my teeth but thought better of it considering she had a mechanical spinning object in my mouth. Making her uncomfortable was the last thing I wanted to do.

I was hoping she’d say something complementary about my teeth, considering I never needed braces and all my molars were beautiful, unblemished crowns.
“You’re not brushing vigorously enough up near your top molars. I see a build up of plaque that is starting to calcify,” she said.
“Thank you,” I replied. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

A Poster in my Dentist's Office Announcing their use of the Latest in Dental Practices.

Out came the floss when the polishing was complete. She wound it around her fingers and started.
Tsk, tsk, tsk,” was the sound she made while trying to break through the calcified barriers bridging my teeth in an attempt to clean between my molars. I knew that she knew my flossing needed addressing. I'm not motivated to floss. My dental hygiene attention span handles brushing and nothing else. Besides, why not be her job security and let her do my flossing for me every six months?

She finished the flossing and directed me to the sink to “Rinse and Spit”. A moment later I was back in the recliner and waiting for the dentist to make an appearance. I knew I was next in line. I could hear him in the next room working on a lady that broke one of her front teeth on a pistachio.
The drilling in the next room stopped. A moment later he walked into my room. I was taken back by his glasses. I knew he wore glasses but what he was wearing wasn't your ordinary pair of glasses. His glasses had small microscopes embedded in each lens. I’m surprised he found where I was sitting.
“How are you Victor?” he asked while looking toward the wall. His assistant politely coughed, directing him to my general direction.
“Doing fine,” I answered as he lowered the chair’s back to his level. “Pretty impressive specs you’ve got there.”
“Well, an old dentist’s got to do what an old dentist’s gotta do,” he answered while feeling around my face for my mouth.

His exam was complete. He scraped and poked and scraped and poked as he went from tooth to tooth.
“Your front teeth are wearing down. You’ve got a small chip in one and the other is showing transparency. What are you doing, chewing on bark?” he commented. I never know how to respond to a dentist’s questioning with three tools inserted in my mouth. I did the best I could and grunted. He nodded as if he understood, then continued his scraping and poking.

At one point he stopped to clean his ice pick. My mouth was clear for a brief moment.
“I like my beef jerky,” I said, trying to justify the wearing down of my front teeth. There was an awkward pause, followed by the reinsertion of the tools.
“That explains part of it. All that biting and chewing, tsk tsk tsk....,” he said. “We may have to do some polishing. Maybe not today. We’ll give it a bit more time.”
I wondered what he meant by “part of it”? Could the other part be the fact that I, along with all other humans on this planet, must use my teeth to eat? Could that be the reason my teeth are showing signs of wear? Well, I apologize for that but will not stop eating just to save the wear on my two front teeth!

He finished the exam and looked at the x-rays.
“You’re good to go. No cavities this time,” he said. I was invited to stand and leave the room. I stood. He was already gone into the next room. The pretty blond 20 something hygienist stood in the doorway with the exam results and a small baggy holding a toothbrush, small tube of toothpaste and a small container of floss.
“See you in six months,” she radiated with perfectly white, straight teeth.
“Thanks,” I replied with my perfectly yellow, diet coke stained but straight teeth.

I walked to my car. It was starting to snow. I opened my car door, tossed in the dental Care Package, shut the door and hopped the curb to the Walkers Gas Station next door. I felt the need to celebrate another clean dental bill of health. I bought a diet soda and a package of those tasty orange circus peanuts in the ‘2 packages for $1.00‘ packaging. I skipped the jerky. I decided I’d follow my dentist’s advice for one day.