Wednesday at the Center

Hello Troops,
Christine just "beamed" up her Odyssey crew to start their five hour mission. I'm at the desk finishing up the April working schedule. It's posted, so if you're a volunteer or staff you can check it on the right side bar of the blog.

The other simulators have missions starting at 6:00 or 6:30 P.M. It is the busy time of year and busy means a steady flow of income. Income is good because of the serious amount of outgo it takes to run the Center. For example, I just approved a large invoice for replacing the smoked plastic that covers the Magellan computer screens. The money streams in and streams out. It is the flow of commerce.

This is Erin W. Erin is happy. This is Emily. Emily is happy. Erin is happy because she is getting her Odyssey pin. Emily is happy because she gets to give Erin her Odyssey pin. Both girls are happy because they get to work at the Space Center. I'm happy because they are happy. The staff are happy because I'm happy. Our campers are happy because the staff are happy. Parents are happy because their children are happy. Communities are happy because their voting citizens are happy. States are happy because their communities are happy. The nation is happy because the States are happy and the World is happy because America is happy. All because Erin got her Odyssey pin.

And the Space Center changes the world, one pin at a time.


And now, on a more serious note.

GAS PRICES

Have a Great Evening!
Mr. W

All in a Day's Work

Hello Troops,
We got a lot accomplished today. Northridge Elementary's sixth grade came on a field trip. We ran Midnight Rescue and got an excellent reception manifested by deafening applause. Our private missions went well. Richard from Plastics Done Right took measurements in the Magellan later in the afternoon. The Magellan's dark plastic used to cover the computer screens has been cracking for years now. It's gotten to the point where it compromises our crew's enjoyment of the Space Center experience. In a few weeks the cracked plastic should be replaced.

Brent Anderson returned from a mission to the Czech Republic yesterday. He stopped by the Space Center to say hello and catch up recent developments. Alex gave him the nickel tour, then we spoke about a few projects he has in mind for our web site.

I left the Center at 6:30 P.M. for the trek home. I had more than my usual share of dogs barking a warning to their uncaring owners that a stranger in a dirty green jacket was walking suspectfully on the town's sidewalks. One dog got loose and came sniffing after my shoes. Its owner followed directly behind calling it off. The dog paid no attention until it got swatted. I thought it funny but outwardly paid no attention and continued on my way.

How about a few items from the Imaginarium before turning in for the night?

Click on the following link and enjoy a model of the solar system in action.....
http://dd.dynamicdiagrams.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/orrery_2006.swf


And a few thoughts


And finally, poor Charlie Brown. What a blockhead!


Have a good evening. I'll see you soon in trenches....

Mr. Williamson

Master Devin Brightens the Great Hall

The Great Hall grew quiet as Master Devin rose to perform. I stood near the fire, leaning against the cold stone mantel. Our company of troubadours sat before him, along with children invited from the farms surrounding the castle. The light of many lamps flickered across the stage, bathing Devin in a warm yellow glow.

The children's voices fell silent as he stepped from behind the heavy wool curtains on the left of the stage. His unsteady walk and uncertain gaze revealed a hesitant resolve. His small thin frame reached center stage. He stopped and turned toward his anxious audience. His bony hands clutched his instrument, his legs quivered noticeably. I feared a sudden loss of consciousness and prepared to intercede if necessary. Such thoughts were unnecassary, for once he remembered to breath, oxygen was restored and color returned to his cheeks. His quivering slowed, he made eye contact with his fellow troubadours, and the children scattered on the stone floor before him gave their attention.

I motioned for the two younger members of our troupe selected to accompany him to step forward. Master Devin calmed with their appearance. He was no longer alone. I stood pleased that he was prepared and willing to accept his first on call performance. With the hall full of children and a missing troubadour, I had no choice but to call him out of the audience and tell him that, ready or not, he would be performing.

Devin cleared his throat, positioned his instrument, glanced at his chorus, nodded and then - with one foot braced forward and one back, broke into story and song. The tale was told with precision. One could tell he was classically trained by our best. I watched the faces of the village children - each mesmerized by his tale of heroism in the face of unimaginable evil. At times they screamed and at times the excitement of his words caused them to squirm in anticipation of what was to come.

The sand in the hour glass on the Noble's oak table was near its end all too soon. At one and one half hours Devin and his chorus finished to thunderous applause. Afterwords, I congratulated our new Troubadour with hand outstretched. Devin's firm grasp confirmed a confidence I was sure wasn't there before.
"You did well Master Devin," I spoke so those closest could hear.
"Well enough to collect coin?" he responded. I smiled - realizing he'd waited long for his opportunity to stand alone on our stage.
"Not quite," I answered. "There is the matter of finalizing your training on the largest stage. Spend time there, show us your talents with larger groups - and coin will be your reward."

He seemed pleased and turned to accept the continued warm acceptance from his new brothers and sisters in the troupe.

Welcome Devin.

Mr. Williamson