Hello Troops,
I'm getting ready for bed while reflecting on the week's news. The USS Space Center hit turbulent water on Tuesday. Mrs. Houston fell ill with bronchitis and took to her sick bed. Mrs. Clegg read the sky and disembarked before the storm. She left us for a sci fi conference of some kind. We were left to our own devices to weather the storm.
Tuesday I sent out a email entitled "All Hands on Deck". The email stated quiet emphatically that no one else could take time off. I explained that we were down to the brass tacks and wiggle room wasn't an option. I'm happy to report that the staff and volunteers rallied to the cause. Megan and Christine taught the class sessions while the rest of us manned the rigging and wheel. We all held firmly through the swells, hurricane winds and multiple lightening strikes. It was one of those journey's you're glad to see the back of when all is said and done.
Sunday starts a new week in a new month. Hopefully the seas will be calm. I hope all our staff will be back to their posts - safe, sound and ready to get back to work.
Tonight we are hosting fifth and sixth grade students from Sage Hills Elementary School in Saratoga Shores. They are handling the ships quite well. Overall the consensus is "Good Kids" (although I remind you that the night is still young and there may be mischief afoot).
"How are they?" I asked Jon.
"I already had to chew two boys out. I told them the next time they see me will be in the morning to wake them up or with you (referring to me) to be moved. We will see how they do," Jon replied as he walked past my desk toward the Voyager with blanket in hand.
All five ships are flying on this Overnight Camp. That is a good thing. Five ships means more money and more money means we survive another week with enough cash to meet our needs and perhaps a bit more for upkeep and maintenance.
I was told the school district's maintenance department will be in on Monday to start building a permanent wall between the sixth grade hallway and the commons area where we inflate our portable planetarium for our field trip star shows. This new wall will be a Godsend. Our sixth graders are a noisy mob between classes and when they are released from their lessons for recess. Their boisterousness makes it nearly impossible to conduct our planetarium Starlab shows. The new wall will insulate our Starlab from the hustle and bustle. It will hopefully cocoon us in beautiful quiet. Needless to say, our Space Center teachers are 'over the Moon' about this development. When they are happy, we are all happy.
Mrs. Houston is off tonight. Metta and Nicole are chaperoning the girls. Metta made a brief stop at my desk to ask me to turn on the gym's air conditioning. Last week they were asking for heat. It is Springtime in Utah.
I almost hesitate to say this for fear of Fortuna's wrath, but our simulators have been cordial this past week. Even the Phoenix has been cooperating with her flight directors. We've learned to really enjoy the good times when everything works as per its design, for we know all too well that dark times lurk round every corner.
It's 12:15 A.M. It's quiet. Not a peep from the ships.
And I spoke too soon. One young man just passed my desk.
"I don't feel too good," he said clutching his stomach. "I think I need to use the bathroom."
"Do you need the Happy Bucket?" I asked.
"I don't think so," he replied.
"Famous last words," I mumbled under my breath.
He's back and feeling better. Water, the miracle cure for all ailments.
I'm off to bed. It will be another busy Saturday with all ships flying.
Mr. Williamson
Friday, March 30, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Space Center News. To Stay Informed, the Reason is.
"If I Only Had a Brain"
The Space Center's Starship Phoenix was diagnoses with early onset dementia several months ago. The ship forgot it was a Starship, thinking instead it was a pinball machine. This crisis of identity has been the cause of much frustration on the part of the Dave Daymont, Megan Warner and the small cadre of professional flight directors who call the Phoenix their "Home".
"Right in the middle of a mission the weirdest things would happen," said Megan Warner, Phoenix Flight Director and the one most annoyed by the Phoenix's inability to recall even the simplest of tasks, like raising shields or providing oxygen to its crew. Megan continued with an example, "The captain would say, 'fire torpedoes!' and all the ship's toilets would flush at once! I ask how any self respecting Flight Director could put up with that?"
Megan and Dave brought the matter to the attention of Mr. Williamson, Space Center Director Extraordinare and Resident Know it All. Mr. Williamson listened to their plight, seemingly uninterested. It is difficult for Mr. Williamson to understand the plight some of his flight directors live in the simulators. You see, Mr. Williamson exclusively flight directs the Voyager, the ship all agree is the most reliable simulator at the Center. The Voyager is a ship that knows its a ship. It may have the Center's oldest computers (some are rumored to contain original Apple computer boards shipped straight from Steve Jobs garage), but they operate well, despite their age and lack of spare parts.
The operating manuals for the Voyager's computers
Mr. Williamson realized the seriousness of the Phoenix's situation when Megan Warner refused to leave the student desk which sits directly in front of his desk. Mr. Williamson finally gave in to her demands and authorized the expenditure of Space Center funds for a new Phoenix brain after several hours of her self imposed 'sit in' accompanied by a 'Hunger Strike' - she skipped lunch.
"What could I do?" Mr. Williamson explained. "She was right there breathing my air...... and those staring eyes put a very hateful chill in the air."
Matt Long, Programming Guild Master, was summoned from Central Elementary's Fallout shelter - long rumored to be the place where Mr. Williamson keeps the Space Center's programmers. Matt was given a pair of Sun Glasses before coming up the long staircase leading from the school's basements. The light of day has been known to cause temporary blindness in those who dwell down in that place rarely spoken about and even more rarely seen.
"Matt, the Phoenix needs a new brain," Mr. Williamson spoke slowly and deliberately. Matt seemed confused by the vibrant blue of his Space Center button down shirt. "Matt, focus on me now. Look at my mouth and focus." Matt looked at Mr. Williamson's yellowing teeth. "The Phoenix needs a new brain and you and your programmers must do it quickly before the ship degrades beyond the point of no return."
Matt fell to the floor and curled into a fetal position. "No Master. No," he begged. His voice was rasp and sounded aged far beyond his years.
"I'll double your daily rations of Twinkies and Doritos and return your Monty Python videos." Mr. Williamson's voice was soft and comforting. Matt looked up from the floor. Matt loved his Monty Python videos. The videos were taken away several months ago by Galileo Set Director Stacy for having delivered a few glitched Galileo computer programs. He fixed the glitches straight away. Stacy refused to surrender the videos, claiming that time lost in entertainment was not time well spent.
"Fun is for the weak minded," she was overheard saying to a new volunteer. He was on the receiving end of her sharp tongue for talking about a movie he'd recently seen during one of her missions.
Matt held out his hand. Mr Williamson shook it. The deal was done. Megan was out the door and down the road toward Taco Bell before Mr. Williamson could look up and pass along the good news.
The programmers took on the job of reprogramming the Phoenix nearly two months ago. Last night they installed and tested the new controls. Megan was on hand to record the event on film. Forgive the pictures' poor quality. The camera's flash couldn't be used out of respect for the programmer's fear of bright lights.
Someone unidentified, Matt and Justin ponder a problem
in the Phoenix Control Room. They are wiping Twinkie crumbs away from their
mouths. It is our way of keeping them focused.
In the Dark of the Phoenix. Justin, Dillon, and John
Matt in the terrible throws of Code.
Not a pretty place to be.
Ryan and Stacy. Galileo Set Director Stacy was on hand to deliver the Monty Python
videos should the testing of the new controls prove satisfactory.
John and Matt discussing which videos would be watched after the installation was complete.
A screen shot of the new controls in the Phoenix Control Room.
Our final fuzzy picture is of Megan Warner, the driving force behind the new Phoenix starship controls. Megan deserves a strong and hearty pat on the back for her work in overseeing the look and feel of the controls.
Another special THANK YOU to the Space Center's programmers who went above the call of duty to do this extraordinary task in just six weeks! It is amazing how quickly they pulled this off.
The Space Center is the working home to very special people who look at their work as a calling and not a job. Well Done!
Wyatt Lenhart to Play Chekov
The Space Center's very own Wyatt Lenhart (Odyssey Flight Director) is to play the role of Mr. Chekov in an upcoming series of Star Trek episodes. Read all about Wyatt's amazing opportunity below.
The Space Center's Starship Phoenix was diagnoses with early onset dementia several months ago. The ship forgot it was a Starship, thinking instead it was a pinball machine. This crisis of identity has been the cause of much frustration on the part of the Dave Daymont, Megan Warner and the small cadre of professional flight directors who call the Phoenix their "Home".
"Right in the middle of a mission the weirdest things would happen," said Megan Warner, Phoenix Flight Director and the one most annoyed by the Phoenix's inability to recall even the simplest of tasks, like raising shields or providing oxygen to its crew. Megan continued with an example, "The captain would say, 'fire torpedoes!' and all the ship's toilets would flush at once! I ask how any self respecting Flight Director could put up with that?"
Megan and Dave brought the matter to the attention of Mr. Williamson, Space Center Director Extraordinare and Resident Know it All. Mr. Williamson listened to their plight, seemingly uninterested. It is difficult for Mr. Williamson to understand the plight some of his flight directors live in the simulators. You see, Mr. Williamson exclusively flight directs the Voyager, the ship all agree is the most reliable simulator at the Center. The Voyager is a ship that knows its a ship. It may have the Center's oldest computers (some are rumored to contain original Apple computer boards shipped straight from Steve Jobs garage), but they operate well, despite their age and lack of spare parts.
\
The Original Apple Sticker on the back of each Voyager Computer.
You see, there is no exaggeration. Some say the Voyager Computer's mother boards
were assembled by Methuselah himself at the time giants walked the Earth.
The Original Apple Sticker on the back of each Voyager Computer.You see, there is no exaggeration. Some say the Voyager Computer's mother boards
were assembled by Methuselah himself at the time giants walked the Earth.
The operating manuals for the Voyager's computers Mr. Williamson realized the seriousness of the Phoenix's situation when Megan Warner refused to leave the student desk which sits directly in front of his desk. Mr. Williamson finally gave in to her demands and authorized the expenditure of Space Center funds for a new Phoenix brain after several hours of her self imposed 'sit in' accompanied by a 'Hunger Strike' - she skipped lunch.
"What could I do?" Mr. Williamson explained. "She was right there breathing my air...... and those staring eyes put a very hateful chill in the air."
Matt Long, Programming Guild Master, was summoned from Central Elementary's Fallout shelter - long rumored to be the place where Mr. Williamson keeps the Space Center's programmers. Matt was given a pair of Sun Glasses before coming up the long staircase leading from the school's basements. The light of day has been known to cause temporary blindness in those who dwell down in that place rarely spoken about and even more rarely seen.
"Matt, the Phoenix needs a new brain," Mr. Williamson spoke slowly and deliberately. Matt seemed confused by the vibrant blue of his Space Center button down shirt. "Matt, focus on me now. Look at my mouth and focus." Matt looked at Mr. Williamson's yellowing teeth. "The Phoenix needs a new brain and you and your programmers must do it quickly before the ship degrades beyond the point of no return."
Matt fell to the floor and curled into a fetal position. "No Master. No," he begged. His voice was rasp and sounded aged far beyond his years.
"I'll double your daily rations of Twinkies and Doritos and return your Monty Python videos." Mr. Williamson's voice was soft and comforting. Matt looked up from the floor. Matt loved his Monty Python videos. The videos were taken away several months ago by Galileo Set Director Stacy for having delivered a few glitched Galileo computer programs. He fixed the glitches straight away. Stacy refused to surrender the videos, claiming that time lost in entertainment was not time well spent.
"Fun is for the weak minded," she was overheard saying to a new volunteer. He was on the receiving end of her sharp tongue for talking about a movie he'd recently seen during one of her missions.
Matt held out his hand. Mr Williamson shook it. The deal was done. Megan was out the door and down the road toward Taco Bell before Mr. Williamson could look up and pass along the good news.
The programmers took on the job of reprogramming the Phoenix nearly two months ago. Last night they installed and tested the new controls. Megan was on hand to record the event on film. Forgive the pictures' poor quality. The camera's flash couldn't be used out of respect for the programmer's fear of bright lights.
Someone unidentified, Matt and Justin ponder a problemin the Phoenix Control Room. They are wiping Twinkie crumbs away from their
mouths. It is our way of keeping them focused.
In the Dark of the Phoenix. Justin, Dillon, and John
Matt in the terrible throws of Code.Not a pretty place to be.
Ryan and Stacy. Galileo Set Director Stacy was on hand to deliver the Monty Pythonvideos should the testing of the new controls prove satisfactory.
John and Matt discussing which videos would be watched after the installation was complete.
A screen shot of the new controls in the Phoenix Control Room.
Our final fuzzy picture is of Megan Warner, the driving force behind the new Phoenix starship controls. Megan deserves a strong and hearty pat on the back for her work in overseeing the look and feel of the controls.
Another special THANK YOU to the Space Center's programmers who went above the call of duty to do this extraordinary task in just six weeks! It is amazing how quickly they pulled this off.
The Space Center is the working home to very special people who look at their work as a calling and not a job. Well Done!
Wyatt Lenhart to Play Chekov
The Space Center's very own Wyatt Lenhart (Odyssey Flight Director) is to play the role of Mr. Chekov in an upcoming series of Star Trek episodes. Read all about Wyatt's amazing opportunity below.
NEWS RELEASE:New Webseries, Star Trek Continues, Announces Cast
Taking Star Trek Fan Films to the Final Frontier
Contact: John Broughton, 202.375.4911
jbroughton@starshipfarragut.comWASHINGTON, DC, March 23, 2012 — Farragut Films, the film group that produces the Starship Farragut webseries, and Dracogen Strategic Investments, announced today the cast for the new webseries, Star Trek Continues. Led by Vic Mignogna, one of Farragut Films’ principals, this new webseries showcases Classic Trek with prominent and professional actors:
Captain Kirk
Vic MignognaMr. Spock
Todd HaberkornDoctor McCoy
Chuck HuberMr. Scott
Chris DoohanMr. Sulu
Grant ImaharaLieutenant Uhura
Kim StingerEnsign Chekov
Wyatt Lenart"A great deal of thought and consideration went into assembling the best cast possible. Every one of them is an accomplished and skilled professional who brings so much to the production. From the beginning, we committed to having experienced actors who would bring deep and endearing performances, and that's exactly what we have,” said Vic Mignogna. “I hope the avid admirers of Star Trek will enjoy this cast's work as much as we are going to enjoy making it!" In the upcoming weeks, additional information will be released on the other characters with biographical details regarding their acting and industry credentials.
Filming of several vignettes will take place in May at Farragut Films Studio in Kingsland,Ga. At nearly 10,000 square feet, the studio is the largest facility of Trek sets in the world. Conveniently located off Interstate 95 near the Florida border and only 35 miles north of the Jacksonville International Airport, the studio has numerous amenities such as hotels, restaurants, and stores. A SAG signatory entity, Farragut Films has partnered with Hollywood professionals, as well as local businesses to help promote Kingsland and bridge the West Coast to East Coast for film projects.
About Farragut Films, a film group headquartered in Washington D.C, produces Starship Farragut, an award-winning webseries based on The Original Series of Star Trek. Farragut Films has completed four live action films, two animated episodes, and one comic book. Farragut Films is in post production of their latest episode, "The Price of Anything" slated for an August 2012 release and are in pre-production of a new webseries entitled, Star Trek Continues. Farragut Films is a non-profit entity within the State of Maryland. For more information, please visit www.Farragutfilms.com.
About Dracogen Strategic Investments. Dracogen Strategic Investments is the creation of Steven Dengler – entrepreneur, pilot, co-founder of XE.com Inc., and all-round geek. Dracogen is committed to making awesome things happen whenever it can. Besides backing some pretty amazing tech companies, it also supports fun creative projects and has a particular affinity for Child's Play Charity. Learn more about Dracogen at http://www.Dracogen.com.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
50 Years Ago Today - Astronaut Selection Changes in 1962
The Mercury 7 astronauts with model of Mercury-Atlas.
With the success of Mercury-Atlas 6 and John Glenn orbiting the Earth in his capsule Freedom 7, NASA continued preparations for the next mission. However, there was an unexpected change in mission assignments. DUring the continuous medical examinations of the astronauts, NASA doctors detected an "erratic heart rate" in astronaut Deke Slayton (second from left front in picture above). The Air Force medical board and the assigned civilian cardiologists recommended that he be disqualified for assignment as an astronaut. In his place would go astronaut Scott Carpenter.
Scott Carpenter in the "White Room" inspecting the bulkhead of his capsule, which he nicknamed "Aurora 7."
Scott Carpenter was a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy. After WW2 he learned aeronautical engineering, and during the Korean War he flew anti-submarine patrols in Navy patrol planes. He became a test pilot for the Navy, and eventually was selected as an astronaut. He served as backup pilot for John Glenn on the MA-6 mission. Now, he was moved to be the prime pilot for MA-7.
Astronaut Deke Slayton in Mercury spacesuit during tests.
Donald "Deke" Slayton was trained by the US Air Force as a B-25 bomber pilot and flew 56 combat missions in Europe during World War 2. Later he flew the A-26 attack bomber in the Pacific against the Japanese for 7 missions before the war ended. After the war, he studied aeronautical engineering and became a test pilot, eventually flying such famous planes as the F-101, F-102, F-105, and F-106 jet fighters. No doubt he was deeply disappointed by the medical decision to cut him from assignments. In fact, there were many pilots and astronauts who sided with Deke against this decision but could not change NASA management's decision.
With his assignment changed, Deke decided to stay in the program for the time being and continue helping to test and prepare missions for the Mercury Program.
By Mark Daymont
Space Center Educator
By Mark Daymont
Space Center Educator
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