Aerospace is done. Huntsville was a lot of the same as last year - quite a bit more stuff in the NASA education center (making hot air balloons, heat shields, designing self-supporting lunar greenhouses), plus the usual wander around the space museum. Just waiting for a grade. A couple of us made a pinky-swear that we will go to Teacher Space Camp next year. We found out that both Honeywell and Boeing sponsor teachers so they don't have to pony up the $999 pricetag for the week. And if that fails, there are multiple corporations here (including FedEx, Comcast) who might put up all or part of the funding. Something exciting to look forward to.
On the health front, I saw some significant gains from riding my bicycle every day to U of M. Never once drove - in fact the only driving I did was to the flight lessons. The one field trip to FedEx I walked to a carpooling site. On the downside of the health front, at some point in early June, I got a crick in my neck. I figured it was from sleeping "funny", and tried to stretch it out while sitting in class. It was hard to turn my neck sideways, or even look up and down. Well, a quick search on Google (this one that didn't turn up anything out of the ordinary) suggested that neck cricks are usually strained ligaments, so don't stretch, and wait for a couple of weeks for it to heal up.
Fast forward to 4 weeks later, and I can turn my neck, but I have nerve pain in my right arm, shoulder and upper back. Moving the arm doesn't help - it feels like sciatica in my leg from my bulging disk. More Google goodness - hey, a pinch of the C4 nerve can cause these symptoms. Yes, I was smart enough to make a doctor appointment (this Wednesday) before leaving Huntsville to get it looked at - before I even Googled. Thank you for your applause.
July looks to be full of movies, birthday stuff, school preparation (I report on August 4) and general keeping up with things.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Surreal
Lots of strange things going on as this class winds down and the family drifts back together. Youngest is off at sleepaway camp until Friday. Tomorrow I head for Huntsville (Space Center) until Friday - the last gasp of my class. As usual, pretty sure I aced it, not because it was a challenge, but because I could pretend to take some of it seriously, and do the work.
On the trip to NY, one of the tires kept bleeding air. Several nails removed, but apparently one was at a bad angle, and prevented repair. So a new one was purchased en route back to Tennessee. As if that wasn't enough strangeness, today I took a cold shower. Not for the usual reasons, but the water heater went out. Good thing it wasn't when everybody was gone. Small leak, shorted out the thermostat, but the darn thing was nearly 20 years old, and we knew it was going to give it up sooner or later. At least it didn't rupture and flood the place.
Once the family got home, they treated me to a trip to Target for my Father's Day Present - Rock Band for the Wii. Seems they were exposed during the trip by Libba Bray's son, who gave it to HIS dad for Father's Day. Lots of fun, and we are drifting into our own roles. Just kind of spooky to walk into the living room and hear my oldest belting out a Ramones song (she gravitated to the microphone).
On the trip to NY, one of the tires kept bleeding air. Several nails removed, but apparently one was at a bad angle, and prevented repair. So a new one was purchased en route back to Tennessee. As if that wasn't enough strangeness, today I took a cold shower. Not for the usual reasons, but the water heater went out. Good thing it wasn't when everybody was gone. Small leak, shorted out the thermostat, but the darn thing was nearly 20 years old, and we knew it was going to give it up sooner or later. At least it didn't rupture and flood the place.
Once the family got home, they treated me to a trip to Target for my Father's Day Present - Rock Band for the Wii. Seems they were exposed during the trip by Libba Bray's son, who gave it to HIS dad for Father's Day. Lots of fun, and we are drifting into our own roles. Just kind of spooky to walk into the living room and hear my oldest belting out a Ramones song (she gravitated to the microphone).
Monday, June 16, 2008
Saint Louis
I highly recommend a visit to this fine city. I won't say I did all the 'usual' things, but had a great time with the things I did. The good things far outweighed the flight problems (45 minute delay one way, and 90 minutes the other, both equipment related), and the single day of rain.
Six Flags - pretty much like any amusement park. Huge, and broken into five or so sub-sections. For some reason, the park had variable opening hours, so instead of 9am, it opened at 1030. Still, there were no crowds, no waits longer than a few minutes for rides, and you could easily ride a second time. The best was The Boss, a super long wooden coaster that hugs the terrain at the back of the park. That one was pretty amazing, and put the other sleek steel coasters to shame. But aside from roller coasters, there isn't a heck of a lot, unless you do the water park, which we didn't.
St. Louis Zoo - very nice place, lots of space and animals. Entry is free, which is a nice plus, although we stood in line for 20 minutes before we caught on to it. Highlights - giraffe giving birth. Didn't finish while we were there, but seeing 2 feet of hooves and legs sticking out was pretty amazing. Also it seemed to be Mennonite day (not sure how they got there, as I didn't see any horses), with lots of bonnets, beards, straw hats and Dutch being spoken. Many jokes about the Wild Ass. And we weren't even drinking.
City Museum - Can't say enough about this place. 600,000 square feet of an old shoe factory. We went on the day it rained - the place was mobbed with kids but still easy enough to maneuver. Rather than give a futilely incomplete description, go to their website and look. It is like a huge rummage sale of architectural elements, sculpture, art, fancy and craziness. Highlight - discovering this woman who creates snowflakes that incorporate animals, insects, musical instruments, etc. Bought one of her books of patterns, and did a snowflake at her table, too. Because of the rain, we didn't get to climb Monstro City (an outdoor habitrail sort of thing, with two jet planes, a bus, etc.) Almost forgot to mention the little cafe that is like a sideshow of weirdness (the biggest pair of men's underpants in the world).
Had dinner one night at a Brazilian chacuria (yeah, I know I spelled that puppy wrong...Portuguese is not one of my languages). Meat, more meat, and a little bit more. Roasted pineapple dusted with cinnamon and cayenne was amazing, plus all the other stuff, and salad bar. Much more reasonably priced than I thought (especially knowing Texas de Brazil here in Memphis is usually $45 a person) and fun besides.
Didn't do a brewery tour. Didn't scale the arch (although I always thought it was metal, it appeared to be stone, like the Washington Monument), only drove by, didn't visit Busch Stadium. Didn't go to Drewe's Frozen Custard (more's the pity). Didn't have a camera (it went to NYC).
Now everything is sort of back to normal. All animals back in place. Clothes laundered. Next up - return of the women.
Six Flags - pretty much like any amusement park. Huge, and broken into five or so sub-sections. For some reason, the park had variable opening hours, so instead of 9am, it opened at 1030. Still, there were no crowds, no waits longer than a few minutes for rides, and you could easily ride a second time. The best was The Boss, a super long wooden coaster that hugs the terrain at the back of the park. That one was pretty amazing, and put the other sleek steel coasters to shame. But aside from roller coasters, there isn't a heck of a lot, unless you do the water park, which we didn't.
St. Louis Zoo - very nice place, lots of space and animals. Entry is free, which is a nice plus, although we stood in line for 20 minutes before we caught on to it. Highlights - giraffe giving birth. Didn't finish while we were there, but seeing 2 feet of hooves and legs sticking out was pretty amazing. Also it seemed to be Mennonite day (not sure how they got there, as I didn't see any horses), with lots of bonnets, beards, straw hats and Dutch being spoken. Many jokes about the Wild Ass. And we weren't even drinking.
City Museum - Can't say enough about this place. 600,000 square feet of an old shoe factory. We went on the day it rained - the place was mobbed with kids but still easy enough to maneuver. Rather than give a futilely incomplete description, go to their website and look. It is like a huge rummage sale of architectural elements, sculpture, art, fancy and craziness. Highlight - discovering this woman who creates snowflakes that incorporate animals, insects, musical instruments, etc. Bought one of her books of patterns, and did a snowflake at her table, too. Because of the rain, we didn't get to climb Monstro City (an outdoor habitrail sort of thing, with two jet planes, a bus, etc.) Almost forgot to mention the little cafe that is like a sideshow of weirdness (the biggest pair of men's underpants in the world).
Had dinner one night at a Brazilian chacuria (yeah, I know I spelled that puppy wrong...Portuguese is not one of my languages). Meat, more meat, and a little bit more. Roasted pineapple dusted with cinnamon and cayenne was amazing, plus all the other stuff, and salad bar. Much more reasonably priced than I thought (especially knowing Texas de Brazil here in Memphis is usually $45 a person) and fun besides.
Didn't do a brewery tour. Didn't scale the arch (although I always thought it was metal, it appeared to be stone, like the Washington Monument), only drove by, didn't visit Busch Stadium. Didn't go to Drewe's Frozen Custard (more's the pity). Didn't have a camera (it went to NYC).
Now everything is sort of back to normal. All animals back in place. Clothes laundered. Next up - return of the women.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Aerospace
I got into the (free) Aerospace class this summer. Yay! The University, funded by Tennessee Dept. of Transportation, offers a class every year, with an advanced class every two years. It is a little weird, as there are four of us on the advanced list, but we sit in the same sessions as everybody else. The major difference (as the curriculum is not very different) is that we write a paper and do a different type of project (both easy).
The drawback - the class only lasts 3 weeks, and 3 days of the final week is a trip to Huntsville, home of the Space Museum.
The bonus - flight training. Monday and Tuesday were my days to fly, so I could complete it before having to be out on my pre-arranged trip. Monday was a refresher day - I remembered a lot but still had some brushing up to do. Plus it was super hot and humid, and I got a bit queasy in the back while my partner flew. Tuesday on the other hand was excellent. I knew what to do, checked my instruments, kept on my headings, stabilized the plane (using the trim controls rather than the yoke)...lots of fun and when it is that easy there is tons of time for sightseeing. The owner of the flight school mentioned there are a number of grants that will fund people to get a pilot's license, some with very few catches. It would be fun - I tell people it is no harder than learning to drive a standard transmission car, which is true.
No pictures from this year, though, since the camera is in New York with the family, enjoying sweltering temperatures. On the other hand, they are hobnobbing with NYTimes bestselling authors, enjoying various freshly made New York cuisine (mmmm....bagels) and all that kind of thing. I think they are going to the beach today (Jone's Beach, southern coast of Long Island).
The drawback - the class only lasts 3 weeks, and 3 days of the final week is a trip to Huntsville, home of the Space Museum.
The bonus - flight training. Monday and Tuesday were my days to fly, so I could complete it before having to be out on my pre-arranged trip. Monday was a refresher day - I remembered a lot but still had some brushing up to do. Plus it was super hot and humid, and I got a bit queasy in the back while my partner flew. Tuesday on the other hand was excellent. I knew what to do, checked my instruments, kept on my headings, stabilized the plane (using the trim controls rather than the yoke)...lots of fun and when it is that easy there is tons of time for sightseeing. The owner of the flight school mentioned there are a number of grants that will fund people to get a pilot's license, some with very few catches. It would be fun - I tell people it is no harder than learning to drive a standard transmission car, which is true.
No pictures from this year, though, since the camera is in New York with the family, enjoying sweltering temperatures. On the other hand, they are hobnobbing with NYTimes bestselling authors, enjoying various freshly made New York cuisine (mmmm....bagels) and all that kind of thing. I think they are going to the beach today (Jone's Beach, southern coast of Long Island).
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Walking in Memphis
is an oxymoron. The city is not set up for walking. There are sidewalks most places, but they are broken or cracked into impossibility, or there are sign or telephone poles smack in the middle of them.
Then there are the drivers. Today I walked to a store instead of driving (gas prices, you know). Twice I was almost hit - the worst was when a lawn-care truck with a trailer cut across a gas station parking lot without slowing down. I had to actually jump back out of the way of the trailer, which followed the pickup truck over the curb. Another time, the minimal sidewalk was blocked by utility sawhorses, forcing me into the street. The sawhorses protected recently poured concrete sidewalks....firm now these last 2 weeks.
I have said it before, Memphis is full of selfish people. They won't yield an iota to anybody, despite seeing need. Handicapped spaces? Closer to the store, screw the people that need them. And despite being constantly ranked one of the unhealthiest cities in the country (obesity is rampant, from toddler age up to early-death), there is nothing being done to improve walking areas, bicycling areas, etc. Mainly because there is major money in diet centers, medical care for obesity (which accounts for a large number of handicapped tags) and such, but no money to be spread among politicians to support health.
Last week, two teens drowned in city pools. The buck was passed from the director of aquatics to the director of parks, to the spokesperson for the mayor. Nobody could give information on how many lifeguards there were, if the pools were in compliance with regulations on lifeguards, etc. Mayor never showed his face. Same thing with violent crime, assaults or accidents involving police - invisible mayor. But recommendations to cut school funding - front and center!
Then there are the drivers. Today I walked to a store instead of driving (gas prices, you know). Twice I was almost hit - the worst was when a lawn-care truck with a trailer cut across a gas station parking lot without slowing down. I had to actually jump back out of the way of the trailer, which followed the pickup truck over the curb. Another time, the minimal sidewalk was blocked by utility sawhorses, forcing me into the street. The sawhorses protected recently poured concrete sidewalks....firm now these last 2 weeks.
I have said it before, Memphis is full of selfish people. They won't yield an iota to anybody, despite seeing need. Handicapped spaces? Closer to the store, screw the people that need them. And despite being constantly ranked one of the unhealthiest cities in the country (obesity is rampant, from toddler age up to early-death), there is nothing being done to improve walking areas, bicycling areas, etc. Mainly because there is major money in diet centers, medical care for obesity (which accounts for a large number of handicapped tags) and such, but no money to be spread among politicians to support health.
Last week, two teens drowned in city pools. The buck was passed from the director of aquatics to the director of parks, to the spokesperson for the mayor. Nobody could give information on how many lifeguards there were, if the pools were in compliance with regulations on lifeguards, etc. Mayor never showed his face. Same thing with violent crime, assaults or accidents involving police - invisible mayor. But recommendations to cut school funding - front and center!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Early Summer
In Memphis, that means the next 10 days will be over 90 with no rain. Yay!
Officially re-admitted (again) to University of Memphis to take Advanced Aerospace (sponsored by Tennessee Department of Transportation). It is basically the same class I took two years ago (titled Beginning Aerospace) with the only difference being you have to have taken the first one. It includes 2 hours of flight training, a trip to Huntsville to the Space Museum, various field trips to the airport and Air National Guard wing, FedEx, etc. Lots of fun, it ends before the end of June, and it is FREE and I get graduate credit toward my next pay grade.
That is, if the city decides to fund the schools. For those of you in the "real" world, of which Memphis is not a sub-set, let me explain. The city of Memphis exists within Shelby County. However, Memphis has a completely separate government from the county. Separate schools, mayors, police force, etc. Which means if you live inside Memphis, you pay both Memphis and Shelby County property tax. If you live in the county, you only pay the county.
For the past 70 years (yes, I kid you not), the city has funded a large portion of Memphis City Schools' budget, which on the face of it would make sense, wouldn't it? However this year the city council has solicited opinions from in-house legal staff that could be interpreted in this way - The city has elected to fund schools, but is not REQUIRED to fund schools. That is the county's obligation. Never mind that state law prohibits any government from withholding funding to schools. Never mind that this will precipitate a lawsuit which will cost everyone a ton of money. Never mind that said lawsuit will DEFINITELY not be resolved before August, when school begins.
In my mind, this is a behind-the-scenes powerplay for at least two things. Consolidation of the two school systems (without putting the consolidation to a vote, as is required by law), and allowing current mayor Willie Herenton (also former School Superintendent, who resigned due to a sex-for-promotion scandal) to return to the superintendent position without applying (and therefore increasing his pension to match current salary).
Is that all clear?
Family (without me) leaves for NYC by car on Friday. Plan was to leave on Saturday, but Sunday is the Puerto Rican Day parade in New York, and you really don't want to be traveling then. The next few days promise to be hectic and full of laundry, packing, car care, packing, batteries (multiple Nintendo DS, walkmans, iPods, DVD players, etc.), snack foods, packing, itineraries (don't worry if you haven't been called, I am sure you will be once they know where they will be when) and packing.
Officially re-admitted (again) to University of Memphis to take Advanced Aerospace (sponsored by Tennessee Department of Transportation). It is basically the same class I took two years ago (titled Beginning Aerospace) with the only difference being you have to have taken the first one. It includes 2 hours of flight training, a trip to Huntsville to the Space Museum, various field trips to the airport and Air National Guard wing, FedEx, etc. Lots of fun, it ends before the end of June, and it is FREE and I get graduate credit toward my next pay grade.
That is, if the city decides to fund the schools. For those of you in the "real" world, of which Memphis is not a sub-set, let me explain. The city of Memphis exists within Shelby County. However, Memphis has a completely separate government from the county. Separate schools, mayors, police force, etc. Which means if you live inside Memphis, you pay both Memphis and Shelby County property tax. If you live in the county, you only pay the county.
For the past 70 years (yes, I kid you not), the city has funded a large portion of Memphis City Schools' budget, which on the face of it would make sense, wouldn't it? However this year the city council has solicited opinions from in-house legal staff that could be interpreted in this way - The city has elected to fund schools, but is not REQUIRED to fund schools. That is the county's obligation. Never mind that state law prohibits any government from withholding funding to schools. Never mind that this will precipitate a lawsuit which will cost everyone a ton of money. Never mind that said lawsuit will DEFINITELY not be resolved before August, when school begins.
In my mind, this is a behind-the-scenes powerplay for at least two things. Consolidation of the two school systems (without putting the consolidation to a vote, as is required by law), and allowing current mayor Willie Herenton (also former School Superintendent, who resigned due to a sex-for-promotion scandal) to return to the superintendent position without applying (and therefore increasing his pension to match current salary).
Is that all clear?
Family (without me) leaves for NYC by car on Friday. Plan was to leave on Saturday, but Sunday is the Puerto Rican Day parade in New York, and you really don't want to be traveling then. The next few days promise to be hectic and full of laundry, packing, car care, packing, batteries (multiple Nintendo DS, walkmans, iPods, DVD players, etc.), snack foods, packing, itineraries (don't worry if you haven't been called, I am sure you will be once they know where they will be when) and packing.
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