June 23, 2011. Bed and the Medical Station.

Hello Troops,
I'm at my desk waiting for the boys to finish their tribal experience in the Voyager's Crew Quarters. Jon has them layered deep listening to somewhat exaggerated tales of previous crews and their daring exploits from one corner of the Galaxy to the other.

And now a Walton's moment....
"Good night Jon," said a voice from the loft.
"Good night boys," replied Jon from below.

This is the first night of our 3rd EdVenture Camp with four more to go (and a Leadership Camp thrown in for good measure). We're at our breaking point max with 46 campers (our preferred number is 44). We're making do. The Magellan is taking 15 kids in each rotation. The Voyager will increase their numbers to 11 instead of 10.
Of course that means the Voyager's Medical Station will need to run and that presented a problem. The programming for the Medical Station is faulty.

Matt R. stepped up to the plate early this afternoon and began working on a Revolution Stack to take the place of the current Hypercard Medical Stack. Megan Warner arrived at 4:30 P.M. to help in the design. They worked on the station until 11:00 P.M.

Hopefully the Medical Station will be ready for the camp's first 5 hour rotation tomorrow.

Megan and Matt discussing the main screen on the Medical Station

A close up of Megan's art work on the Briefing Room's white board

Matt gets clarification on a few of the icons before programming them into the stack.

And they both pause for a moment to smile for our Troubadour readers.

And I'm hoping to see you soon at the Space Education Center,

Mr. W.

Honors and Glory

Hello Troops,
Yes, this is a post long in coming yet delayed for reasons within my control yet neglected due to procrastination. What can I say? "I'm only human" comes to mind but anyone that knows me would say that statement is debatable.

I start this ramble through memory's thickets with an apology to my staff and volunteers. Don't make me your public enemy number 1 if I forgot the reason for the picture. You are to take pity on a poor soul that is lucky if he forgets to turn off the stove and lock the front door at night.

So, are we ready for this adventure through the Space Center's photo album?

Nate is awarded his Flight Director's Shirt from the Phoenix Set Director (Alex Anderson). Nate is Phoenix Certified for flight. Murphy is his Irish engineer character. His accent is quite believable. It is so believable I find myself craving a nice pint of Guinness when I hear him fly :)

This is Aliah. I believe she is getting her year pin. Great job Aliah for putting up with us for one year.

This is one of our special volunteers. Metta is getting her 10 YEAR PIN!!! The 10 year service club at the Space Center has very few members - Myself, Mark Daymont, Bill Schuler, Lorraine Houston and now Metta Smith.

Mark congratulates Connor for getting his Magellan pin. Great job Connor!

I'm shaking Julia Anna's hand because she just earned her year pin. Julia Anna is
smart and makes a fine good fudge which she shares if you ask kindly with eyes down.

Caitlynn earned her Galileo pin from Ben. Great job Caitlynn.

Morgan is one of our Park City volunteers. She earned her Phoenix Pin.


This is Bronson. Bronson lives in Park City and also earned his Year Pin. Good Job!

Matt lives in Logan. Now that's dedication. Volunteering for him is a day long event with you take travel time to and from Logan into account. I believe Logan is also getting his year pin.

Matt R. is getting his baby blue Programmer's Guild shirt from Alex.

And finally, Brittney is congratulating Jackie for getting her Magellan Pin.

Screen Shots of the New Galileo Controls

Hello Troops,
One of our Troubadour readers suggested that I put a few screen shots of the Galileo's new Cocoa (Apple's programming language for the iPhone and iPad) simulator controls on the blog for everyone to enjoy. Let it never be said that Mr. Williamson doesn't listen to The Troubadour's regular readers.

Your wish is my command....

Our Programming Guild has been working hard on these new controls for nearly two years. Much of that time was spent learning Cocoa, then came the art work. The biggest hurdle the Guild faced was the ...... ah.......ummm????.......ah .... the server....gizzmo thing that sends out the ah... things.... to the ....... Anyway, I'm sure you understand what I mean from that brilliant description provided.

So, with drums rolling and trumpets blaring I present a few shots of the Galileo's Cocoa Controls written for touch screen.

A hush has fallen over the Imaginarium as the congregants sit and wait for the red velvet curtain to rise.
The trumpets have stopped.
Amazing pyrotechnics are lighting the hall.
The Space Center has spared no expense in the unveiling of these new controls.

Now three large booms and darkness. The hall is completely dark. A spotlight has appeared, focused on the exact center of the curtain. The curtain is rising.

I can't see very well from where I'm sitting but I'm hearing gasps. Now I can see the controls for myself! I'm enveloped in thunderous applause. Paramedics are rushing to the front of the hall. I'm told there is a problem with minor fainting from those closest to the stage).