Heck Week is Upon Us and The Red Blemish

The Red Blemish spotted by one of the Space Center's security Cameras

 Hello Troops,

Today is the eve of Heck Week at the Space Education Center.  In a state of delirium (according to my staff) I squeezed two back to back EdVentures Camps in the second week of July when I mapped out the summer camp season at the beginning of February of this year.

"What were you thinking!?" I'm asked by any member of staff or volunteer with enough guts to question one of my executive decisions as Director of the Space Center. "You realize people have lives?  You realize people have to sleep?  You realize by the end of that week you may be on the receiving end of a revolution.  The Proletariat will rise, there could be rioting through the halls of Central School.  There could be pillaging, looting and the possibly use of questionable language in reference to your dictatorial rule over the starving masses."

I started hearing the mumbling of discontent in the school's hallways on Saturday.  Staff huddled around the water fountains and on the darkened stage, whispering and occasionally shooting poisoned glances in my direction.  The hair on the back of my neck stood erect most of the day.  My senses were quickened, thinking something solid might be hurled in my direction at any moment.

My heart beat faster when a younger volunteer passed me in the hall whistling "La Marseillaise".  A vision clouded my sight.  In the vision I saw the last Bourbon monarch, Louis XVI, being led to Madam Guillotine for the swift removal of his head.  I wanted to stop the youngster and lie that I had nothing to do with the schedule.  I resisted the temptation.  I am Lord Muck of the Space Center.  The masses will do as they are told.  If I say "Work!" they will work.  There will be no revolt.  Are there no workhouses?  Are their no debtors prisons?  Let them think of the consequences.  A revolt will open the door to Kaos and her agents.  A revolution will lead to the collapse of this Bastian of Imagination.  Let the masses think and ponder on that.  At the end of the day they will do their duty unless riled up by someone or something else.

The Red Blemish's scooter spotted late last night.

We know he lays his head at night.

(Thanks to "M, The Destroyer of Worlds" his arch rival)

The Red Blemish. Wanted for Sedition.   

The failed superhero  'Red Blemish' was spotted by one of the Space Center's security cameras during the last Super Overnight Camp.  He arrived by scooter in the darkest hour of the night to hear complaints and help orchestrate a revolt against Heck Week.  

"I'm here to assist the weak and helpless," he said to those gathered for the clandestine meeting.  "I'm here to give voice to the voiceless.  I'm here to fight for the right and vanquish evil.  I'm here to remind Mr. Williamson that the staff and volunteers are people too and they have a right to be normal.  Mr. Williamson must answer for his decision to put two EdVenture Camps back to back but be careful if you try to talk to him about this unprepared.  His look of disappointment may cause your heart to spaz out and skip several beats from ten paces.  Wait until he is distracted if you're going to corner him and demand concessions."  The Red Blemish had everyone's attention.  None more so than Space Center Supervisor Bradyn Lystrup.  

"Mr. Blemish, may I demonstrate?" Bradyn asked from the floor.  

"Go right ahead," The Red Blemish answered.  He stepped away from Mr. Williamson's desk.  Mr. Williamson was unaware of the secret meeting.  He was being responsible and chaperoning the sleeping campers in the gym.  Again, always doing his duty. 

Bradyn sat down in Mr. Williamson's chair, put on his reading glasses and demonstrated what to look for in a distracted Mr. Williamson

"Strike when Mr. Williamson is at his computer.  You'll know he's distracted by how he holds his head.  Look for a 25 to 30 degree angle as he moves his head up and down to get the glasses to focus correctly on the screen,"  Bradyn explained as he demonstrated the correct head angle. 

"The next best time to get Mr. Williamson is when he's on the telephone."  Bradyn took the phone, leaned to one side in the chair and put his hand to his forehead, giving the universal sign for 'I Have a Migraine".  "Don't strike unless he's leaning and his right hand is caressing his forehead.  This tells you he's in an annoying conversation demanding his full attention.  If the signs are there - strike.  If they aren't, step back and wait for the next call."  

"Well Done," The Red Blemish complemented Bradyn for his fine observational skills.  "We all know what we have to do to reclaim our rights against things like Heck Week.  Remember, I'm with you 100%.  I know you can do this!" 

The Red Blemish was ready to make his dramatic escape.  "Look, its Mr. Williamson!" He shouted as he pointed toward the office's door. Everyone turned to look -  there was no Mr. Williamson.  The Red Blemish was gone when they turned back!  Everyone was amazed and wondered how he did it.  The sound of a scooter was heard outside the Voyager's Brig door.  He was gone into the still of the night.

Mr. Williamson is offering a reward for the live capture and delivery of The Red Blemish to him on grounds of sedition.  The Red Blemish should be considered somewhat dangerous when upset (he has a tendency to throw things).  He will not go easily and may attempt hypnosis to escape his captors.

A Note from Mr. Williamson

I know its going to be a rough week Troops.  I know you can do this.  Put on a happy face, roll up our sleeves and get into the trenches.   We are Imagination's army.   Let's do what we are trained to do.              

The Red Blemish and Other Things. A Sunday Post.

This past week Bracken Funk got to meet The Red Blemish, his favorite superhero. The Red Blemish fights crime from his secret headquarters in his parent's basement. The Red Blemish stopped by the Space Education Center after hearing we were having problems with young delinquents , their chewing gum and our carpets. (Word has it the Red Blemish was pulled over by Pleasant Grove's Police Department after leaving the Space Center and ticketed for duct taping over his scooter's license plate to conceal his identity).

Hello Troops,
We finished the first week of school without any major inconveniences. Let's take a moment to give Fortuna a wink and a nod in thanks for leaving the Space Center alone and focusing her mischiefs on the eastern seaboard of the United States. We are impressed - aren't we? In one week they experienced an earthquake and hurricane. No wonder its been so quiet in Pleasant Grove.

I was going to post the latest Space Center pictures (news and honors) but forgot my camera at the school. Sunday is my day of leisure, laziness and slothfulness; that means I won't drive to the school to get the pictures. I realize the disappointment might be more than you can manage, but I've got my "I don't give a darn" shirt on and, well, that's about it. You'll have to wait.

Instead I've decided to take you with me on a walk through around the Imaginarium to see what we can see. Slip on your shoes and let's see how creative people can be.


Does this seem strangely familiar? You got it! The control rooms of the Voyager and Magellan.
There are more similarities than differences :)

I know the staff are thinking I'm in that crowd watching and 'managing'. Well, what you don't see in the picture above is another hole twice a deep and wide just to the left and out of the camera's view. I'm the one at the bottom of that hole laboring in a cloud of dust and dirt, setting an example for all. Yes sir, setting an example for all. Please, no applause............... Thank you.




Hello, I'm a teenager and I'm indestructible. Nothing can hurt me. I spit in the face of gravity and common sense. I laugh at reason. Rational thinking won't find a home in my devolving brain. I'm a teenager. Watch me roar............ (Stupid, Stupid and Stupid. This young man and Nature are on a collision course and it won't be pretty).

My thoughts on Facebook Friends. Are you with me?

Target has a special on previously parented kids. 3 for $10 is quite a steal. Look they can read and know how to sit quietly. Better hurry - there are only three left.

For you Battlestar Fans.

True, how true.

The power of a Space Center worker's mind should be labeled dangerous. We should be required to wear stickers, warning the general population to stand back at least four feet away. Our brains, and the power of the thoughts that emanate from them, have been known to cause hallucinations and minor nose bleeding.




Wonderland Primary School had picture day yesterday. Albus Arnold doesn't care for school pictures, as evident in Room 7's class photo. After three failed attempts to garnish even the slightest smile from his weaned on a pickle appearance, his teacher had an epiphany.

"Albus, we're going to the Space Center on a field trip this year!"

Albus frown turned upside down into the best smile he's ever given a school picture. His parent's were so pleased to finally have a good picture of Albus to put on their living room's wall they volunteered to pay for the entire field trip themselves.

Etc. etc. and etc.

Have a Great Sunday and I'll see many of you this week in the trenches.

Mr. W.

Thursday, and the Super Overnight Camp with The Imaginarium

Flight Director Ben during the Leadership Camp

A Quiet Place in front of the Library Door.

Hello Troops,

It is 11:07 P.M. Thursday night.  We are in the thick of a Super Overnight Camp.  Twelve campers are maneuvering deeper and deeper into the plot of Mercy Strike.  The hallways are darkened and staff and volunteers are spread up and down the length of the school waiting for the crew to beam out of the Voyager and into the alien set - a Romulan prison camp.

The Voyager's Staff during the Leadership Camp.

You see what happens when I turn my back for an instant?

Pandemonium, Anarchy and the Breakdown of Civil Society!

The Space Center was closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to celebrate Independence Day.  The Leadership Camp was brutal on the staff.  The break was well deserved.  Supposedly we are rested and ready for the big push to finish the summer season on July 31.  Three Edventure Camps, two Day Camps, several Overnight Camps, one Super Overnight Camp and a slew of private parties can be seen emerging from the dark in the light from our headlights.  Its a tough schedule.  I wonder what I was thinking when I set it up last February.

One of the campers, a Mr. Flynn, just walked by.  I believe he just returned from the Galileo on some side trip - a subplot complimenting the primary storyline.

A real treat!  I saw the Red Blemish, the Space Center's very own failed superhero, in the school's hallway.  His bright red, nearly floor length trench coat gave him away.  What brings The Red Blemish to our humble school this evening?

He just walked by my desk.  My presence wasn't noticed.  He was focused on something.  Perhaps "M, The Destroyer of Worlds" lurks in the darkened halls, waiting to ensnare our campers.  We will know within the next few minutes.  The landing party is about to begin.

It will be a long night.  The campers won't go to bed until 2:00 A.M.

The Red Blemish walked by again.  He looks perplexed.  Maybe his scooter is out of gas.  A black streak runs down his left cheek.
"Black tears?" I asked.
"A scar," he replied.
"M, The Destroyer of Worlds?" I questioned.
He didn't hear me and disappeared through the office's door.

It's 11:38 P.M. Bracken kicked me out of the office so the Voyager's crew could beam down to the Romulan base without seeming me.  It's getting too dangerous to stay here.  I think I'll creep through the hall to the Library and hide out for spell while the brave crew of the Voyager battle the foes of liberty and galactic human rights.

"The funniest thing is happening in the Kindergarten room," Bracken said.  "Andrew is playing the Romulan Ambassador locked in a cell opposite the Voyager's Ambassador.  Andrew is telling the Ambassador Romulan jokes and he isn't getting them.  The Voyager's Ambassador is telling Andrew human jokes and Andrew is pretending not to get them either.  Its the funniest cross cultural exchange and I'm taking full credit for the idea!"

"Great Idea Bracken," I said.

"Thanks, I needed that," he replied as he disappeared through the Voyager's spinning black door leading to the stage.  

Bracken deserves a pat on the back for spearhead this week's Super Overnight Camp.    

There are a few things I'd like to share from the Imaginarium to top off the post...   

 There is a lot to be said for choosing the right time and place to be clueless

OK, a real test of your sweet tooth.  Can you name them all just on appearance?

We try to make our simulators Kid Proof and they keep making better kids.

Maintenance is a real pain with the use and abuse our ships endure.

True imagination means pushing the boundary.

Uncharted water can be dangerous, but therein lies the Joy in Journey.

Now What?

Freedom isn't free.

And what about those inertia dampeners?  

How can they cancel inertia when the ship jumps to hyperspeed but

not cancel the effects of a simple torpedo impact?

Plot Hole?

Neither are Space Center Directors....

Interesting

I'll continue to use plastic cutlery but

Interesting nevertheless.

Amen.

Steampunked Stormtroopers

What caught your eye?

 

What caught your eye?

The same, yet different in both pictures.

You can live in the world and be one of billions and still be yourself.

Stand out for the right reasons.

 I admire the Doctor.

Thank the BBC for catering to the more intelligent of the masses.

(Yes, that means if you like Dr. Who, you must be more intelligent than your 

average human.  I think its a proven fact).

Pay to have Grandma flown home or be creative.

And Finally

The Truth in Name Brands

Honor's Night at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center. The Old Rank Advancement System, 2000-2023. Imaginarium Theater.

Editor's Note:  I always do my best to report the news as I see it here in The Troubadour, but there have been times where I may have mis-remembered a few events; perhaps adding a quazifact here or misreading an event there. If so, blame it on my overactive imagination and advanced age. So with that being said, let's jump right in shall we :)   

     Thursday evening was Honor's Night at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center. Honor's Night is where we celebrate the accomplishments and hard work of our volunteers and staff. I opened the event with what I consider a hearty welcome to all gathered. Then, with a bit of finesse, I seamlessly transitioned  the welcome into a brief yet moving history of Honor's Nights through the ages.  Sitting in the audience and nodding their heads in agreement were older Space Center veterans.  A few looked wistfully with aging eyes into the darkened dome as they remembered the time long ago when it was their moment in the spotlight. With younger legs and heartier hearts, they sprinted to the front of the original Space Center's Discovery Room to receive their first Honors from Set and Flight Directors who have long since disappeared into Space Center lore.  Ah, good times and good memories. 

     My front porch recollections came to an end after noticing Mr. Porter mouthing the words, "You're losing them," from his front row seat.  A kind gesture intended not to offend but to keep the evening moving along.  Younger audiences have shorter attention spans - something I should know all too well.  So, with all the enthusiasm a 65 year old can muster at 6:40 P.M., I introduced Mr. Porter and took to my seat to prepare to take the official Honor's Night photos. 

 

James Porter, Space Center Director

Mr. Porter started with the usual reminders.

1. Dress appropriately so our visitors know you work here and not someone from the street looking for a warm meal, a hand out, and a bed for the night. 

2. Take a shower and use deodorant because you stink if you don't and our control rooms are small. 

"A word of advice," he said to the younger volunteers moving into their adolescence years. "If you're sitting in a control room and you notice people's eyes watering up as they slide their chairs in a direction opposite from where you're sitting - it may be because you stink." 

Mikey W., Voyager Club President (Notice the new double V hand sign for Voyager Club Members Only)

     I was asked to return to the podium with Voyager Club news. I thanked Aiden for his work as our first Voyager Club president and introduced Mikey as the Club's new president.  Mikey stood to receive the room's applause, and then proceeded down the stairs toward the podium to make a few remarks. As he navigated the steps I noticed half a ream of paper in his hands of "changes" he wanted to make in the Club now that he was in firm control.  He also produced a hat from his back pocket with MSCGA embroidered on its front (Make the Space Center Great Again).  I kindly motioned for him to return to his seat which he did reluctantly. Strangely I felt a chill fill the room. Either the air conditioner kicked on or perhaps it's origin was something more sinister???

The Honor's. New Set Directors

Ellie Clark Received the Cassini Microphone from Former Set Director Jon Parker

     Jon Parker presented Ellie Clark with the Cassini microphone, and with we see a peaceful transition of power as Ellie becomes the Cassini's 2nd Set Director.  We're not sure what Ellie intends to do with this new power, but I'm hearing from somewhat reliable sources that there will be some changes. As Ellie said upon receiving the microphone, "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet People!"

     Jon did a great job with the Cassini, but with student teaching and a pending college graduation coming up in a couple months, Jon has found there aren't enough hours in the day to do everything he'd like.  Ellie also knows that Jon will be peering over her shoulder. He is, after all, the simulation's director at the Space Center.  He will be patrolling the halls of Starbase Williamson wearing white gloves looking for anything amiss. I doubt even a misplaced whisper of lint on the carpet will miss his eye.  

JJ Madigan receives the Falcon Microphone from James Porter

      JJ Madigan is the Falcon's 2nd Set Director.  James Porter was the simulator's first.  JJ nearly dislocated Mr. Porter's arm as he lunged for the microphone during the solemn hand off ceremony. "I'm OK, I'm OK," Mr. Porter said as a few of us in the front row jumped up to offer assistance.  

     JJ's enthusiasm comes as no surprise to all of us. He has worked hard to earn that microphone. There are rumors he's even spent several nights sleeping on the Falcon's bridge just to keep the simulator company during the long end of summer cleaning shut downs when there are no flights for a couple weeks. 

     "Out with the Old and In With the New! is the Falcon's new  mission statement," said JJ in his first post investiture interview with The Troubadour's reporter covering the event that night.       

The Honors. The Magellan Pin

Those receiving their Magellan Pass Off Pin

     Tyler Gotcher was proud of his new class of young Padawans at Honor's Night. These are they who put the Magellan first during much of the summer camp season. These are they who endure so much for this opportunity to stand in front of the congregation with their wise and powerful Master to receive this small metallic token of be proudly worn on their lanyards of power.  

The Honors. The Phoenix Pin 

Oliver Utley receiving his Phoenix Pin from his SubMaster Scott Wiltbank

   Standing in for Silver Perry, the Phoenix's Set Director, Scott Wiltbank presented the Phoenix Pin to Oliver.  Yes Scott, Oliver is "The Man" as your picture illustrates so well.  Oliver is amazing and considered one of our top Voyager Volunteers at the Space Center. 

The Red Blemish from ??? and the New Red Blemish Played by Oliver

     Oliver also plays an outstanding Red Blemish, reprising the role once played ???? (ah, you think I'd reveal the name of the first Red Blemish?  No, his identity is known to only a few. Let that be your challenge. Unmask the first Red Blemish). 

 

The Honors. The Galileo Pin

Orion Presents the new Galileo Pin Holders

  Orion presented the new Galileo Pin holders to the congregation at Honor's Night.  The Little Ship that Could has produced a bumper crop of outstanding pass holders.  With a Galileo pin, a youngling can expect preferential treatment from the admission's office at Starfleet Academy.  Expect to hear great things about these three as they proceed along their chosen career path in Starfleet.   

The Honors. The Falcon Pin

JJ with the first ever Falcon Pin Awardees. History in the Making

     It was a historic night at the Space Center. For the first time ever, the Falcon awarded its first pass off pins to Mikey Wiltbank, Thomas Rice, and Kayla Hansen.  To top that, the presenter was JJ Madigan, the Falcon's new Set Director.  

     Had I been more alert I would have arranged for balloons to drop from the dome in celebration or at least passed out blow-ticklers.  

The Honors. Apprentices 

The Honors. Journeyman 

The Honors. Hitchhikers

The Honors. Defenders of the Universe

The Honors. New Staff

New Hires in the picture above,

Rylan, Kayla, Cecily, Aiden, and Micah

The Honors. Lords and Ladies of the Vote

Those who earned the most camper votes during the last summer camp season

The Honors. The Summer's Top Flight Directors

Sorry Tyler for cutting off your name. That is Tyler Gotcher in #5

The Honors. The Summer's Top Missions

Hayden Senske and Scott Wiltbank Representing the Phoenix for the Phoenix's Top Summer Story "Fatal Error".  Missing is Silver Perry, the Phoenix Set Director

The Honors. The Summer's Top Simulators

Team Falcon receiving the Honor of Top Simulator for the 2023 Summer Space Camp Season. Mr. Porter, JJ, Mikey, Rylan, and Nan

The Honors. Remembering Saint Sheila Powell A Space Center Educator

Saint Sheila Powell escorting a group of field trip students to the simulators from their restroom break.  Sheila and Lorraine Houston were the dream team of Space Center field trip instructors back in the day.  Sheila had recently retired as a sixth-grade teacher from the Jordan School District when I convinced her to come join our staff as a field trip teacher. Those years rest nicely on my memory. 

     Honor's Night was special because of a special someone we honored.  Sheila Powell, an amazing teacher and friend who loved the Space Center deeply and worked tirelessly to promote our vision of creating a space faring civilization.  Sheila passed away two months ago after fighting a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. 

Her many contributions as a teacher in Jordan District, the Utah Geography Alliance, and the Christa McAuliffe Space Center made a difference for good in the lives of thousands of children and her coworkers. She retired from the Space Center in 2011 to fight her final great battle against Parkinson's disease. Only something like that could force her to leave the Center. It was her home away from home. It gave her a chance to combine her love of teaching and space to excite our field trip students to look up and imagine what lies out there in the vastness of the cosmos.

My nickname for Sheila was "Saint Sheila" because she was just that to all of us, a Saint. The people I proclaim ‘Saints‘ encapsulate my vision of heroism. They are selfless with their fellow man. They are kind to a fault. They bear their burdens with a strength that inspires. All this, and much more, defined our Saint Sheila.

  I presented Lee Powell, Sheila's husband, with the Space Center's Founder's Award in her memory, an award I should have presented to her in person but the disease took her too soon. The Founder's Award is the highest honor the CMSC can give and is awarded to those who serve and served the Space Center well over many years and who exemplify the Space Center's ideals and mission.

Lee and Sheila Powell

     Casey Voeks flew in from Texas to attend and delivered a moving tribute.  Aleta Clegg recorded a beautiful tribute which was played on the planetarium's dome.  The final tribute was given by Lorraine Houston.  It was the kind of tribute only a dear friend could give.  

In the end we remembered that Sheila Powell was more than an outstanding teacher; she was a guiding star, a force of nature, and a true champion of education. Her influence extended far beyond the walls of her classroom. Through her dedication, she helped ignite a spark of curiosity and a passion for space in thousands of young minds.

Her legacy is not only written in the stars but etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Sheila Powell was a beacon of inspiration and a forever member of our Space Center family. Her spirit will continue to guide us towards the limitless possibilities of the cosmos. And so say we all.....

The Space Center's Rank Advancement Program 2000 - 2013.  

With today's post being about Honor's, I thought it may be of interest to today's staff and volunteers to read about the Space Center's rank advancement program from around the year 2000 to 2013.  Here is the breakdown for advancement levels, what you had to do to get the rank, and the perks of each rank.  

Advancement: 

1 Shuttle Patch is earned for every 150 points earned and 6 hours in a Voyager Academy Class, Super Space Saturday, or Naval Academy.

Pioneer:
• Entry Level Volunteer Organization. 1 Mission Observation in 4 of the 5 simulators.

Voyager: 
• Outstanding performance with the customers at the Space Center. Outstanding work performance and work habits in the simulators.  Seniority Points and 2 Shuttle Patches.
•Center Director will make the final decision based on openings in the Voyager Society.

Ranger: 
•Outstanding performance with the customers at the Space Center. (10 camper care points: A. Lord of the Votes. B. Set Director recognition.)  Outstanding work performance and work habits in the simulators.  Recommendation from your Set Director.  Complete pass off of 2 simulators.  Egroup Club Points and 4 Shuttle Patches earned. Mr. Williamson will make the final decision based on job openings.

Ranger: 1 Bar 
• $12.00 gratuity per overnight mission. Outstanding performance with the customers at the Space Center. (15 camper care points: A. Lord of the Votes. B. Set Director recognition.)
•Outstanding work performance and work habits in the simulators.
•Complete pass offs from 3 of the 5 simulators. Earning total of 6 Shuttle Advancement Patches earned. Seniority Points. Center Director will make the final decision based on job openings.

Ranger: 2 Bars 

• $20.00 gratuity per overnight mission. Outstanding performance with the customers at the Space Center. 
(20 camper care points: A. Lord of the Votes. B. Set Director recognition.)
•Outstanding work performance and work habits in the simulators.  Complete pass offs from 3 of the 5 simulators. Earning 8 Shuttle Advancement Patches. Seniority Points. Center Director will make the final decision based on job openings. 

Ranger: 3 Bars 
• $28.00 gratuity per overnight mission. Outstanding performance with the customers at the Space Center. 
(25 camper care points: A. Lord of the Votes. B. Set Director recognition.)
• Outstanding work performance and work habits in the simulators.
• Complete pass offs from 4 of the 5 simulators. Earning 10 Shuttle Advancement Patches.
• Seniority Points. Center Director will make the final decision based on job openings.

Ranger: 4 Bars
• $36.00 gratuity per overnight mission. Outstanding performance with the customers at the Space Center. 
(30 camper care points: A. Lord of the Votes. B. Flight Director recognition.)
• Outstanding work performance and work habits in the simulators.
• Complete pass offs from 4 of 5 simulators.
• Earning 12 Shuttle Advancement Patches.
• Seniority Points. 
• Center Director will make the final decision based on job openings.

Ranger: 5 Bars
• Time Card. 
• At least 16 years old. 
• Outstanding performance with the customers at the Space Center. 
(35 camper care points: A. Lord of the Votes. B. Flight Director recognition.)
• Outstanding work performance and work habits in the simulators.
• Complete pass offs from all simulators.
• Earning 14 Shuttle Advancement Patches.
• Seniority Points. 
• Center Director will make the final decision based on job openings.

Imaginarium Theater (Link Below)

The Week's Best Videos From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience