Author
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Topic: Who are you? collectSPACE member profiles
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mensax Member Posts: 861 From: Virginia Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 06-08-2002 10:50 AM
I can't help but wonder what everyone else on collectSPACE does for a living. Whenever I meet someone new it never fails that a person's career is one of the first topics of conversation. I can't help but think that I'm the only one on this board who is not a rocket scientist! My job has little to do with my space obsession.I'm a builder. I specialize in taking down old pre-Civil War houses that are in jeopardy of being destroyed and rebuilding them in a different location for people who will appreciate them. I'm the old house guy who dreams of going into space... go figure! So, what do you guys do to pay for this hobby? Noah |
Rodina Member Posts: 836 From: Lafayette, CA Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 06-08-2002 11:07 AM
I'm an attorney, I largely specialize in financing power plants; although I write science fiction in my off hours (no sales yet, though I have a few encouraging rejection letters). I'm married to a gal I knew in junior high school and otherwise spend my time working on my Olds Cutlass, drinking scotch, and playing with my telescope. Mostly, I just like hanging out with my wife. No kids yet, but probably soon. -Andy |
Philip Member Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 06-08-2002 12:02 PM
I'm working as a computer network administrator/engineer actually converting to an IT consultant in SAN & server farms. For the moment only focusing on Microsoft Technologies although half of our servers are running on Linux machines Suse 7.x (an open source operating system).Hobbies are IT-related as I write articles on the use of information and communication technology in spaceflight - mostly unmanned spaceflight - both onboard computers and super-computers used in ground-based facilities for tests and simulations. I'm married and we have a 1-year old son Yuri... |
James Brown Member Posts: 1287 From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 06-08-2002 12:24 PM
I work for the Medical Examiner's Office at the State Crime Lab in Atlanta as a forensic's photographer. Yes, I photograph crime scenes and autopsies for a living. I have been doing it for 13 years now. I am married, and have a 9 year old daughter.James |
Dennis Talbot Member Posts: 172 From: Terrigal NSW Australia Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 06-08-2002 12:40 PM
I am a cabinet maker by trade but gave up the tools to work in a school as a IT/Woodwork Technician. I am married with a three year old daughter. |
ejectr Member Posts: 1751 From: Killingly, CT Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 06-08-2002 12:52 PM
I'm self employed as a Sales Engineer for Computer Numerical Control machinery, some of which is responsible in making the parts for things that get the shuttle and other spacecraft off the pad and into orbit and beyond.If they ever ask for volunteers to go to Mars... I hope you guys don't mind me being first in line. ------------------ Best regards, Bob Runge |
rjurek349 Member Posts: 1190 From: Northwest Indiana Registered: Jan 2002
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posted 06-08-2002 01:15 PM
I am a marketing director for a bank during the day, and a hobby writer at night. (My book of poetry, for those into that sort of thing, is called "Human Mechanics" and you can get it on any online bookstore.) Otherwise, I am fascinated by all things space -- space travel, astronomy, etc. And have a collection not only of autographed photos and flown items, but also the "utlimate flown items" from deep space -- meteorites. Am married, and have two great kids that take up most of my writing time -- so those handful of novel ideas and script ideas will just have to wait a few more years while I try and keep the writing sharp with shorter, easier to sustain poetry. Oh well, that's me... Richard Jurek |
Andy McCulley Member Posts: 245 From: Lansdale, PA Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 06-08-2002 01:34 PM
I am a project manager for a general contractor and I don't do anything that earns enough to pay for this hobby.I have two great daughters. My oldest is looking at colleges for engineering - her aspiration is to work for NASA with a tour on the ISS (who says you can't live vicariously through your kids?). My "habit" goes back about 15 years. |
nasamad Member Posts: 2121 From: Essex, UK Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 06-08-2002 01:36 PM
Well if I'm chatting a up a woman I'm officially a soil technician, but I suppose with you lot its okay to say that I dig holes for a living! I work for the local electricity network so we dig holes on live cables to mend them, not the greatest of jobs but the pay is good and the guys I work with are a good laugh (even though I do get ribbed about my hobby and one of the guys was sure Louis Armstrong was first to walk on the moon!). Happy Collecting... Adam |
randy Member Posts: 2176 From: West Jordan, Utah USA Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 06-08-2002 02:30 PM
I'm a technician for Northrup Grumman. We make guidance and navigation systems for air and space craft. I wind the fiber optic coils for these systems.Randy |
Alan New Member Posts: From: Registered:
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posted 06-08-2002 03:08 PM
I'm a 30-year old computer-engineer working in the development of computer processing units and all technical stuff concerned in this. I'm single and especially interested in unmanned spaceflight. it's the spaceflight hardware I'm interested in! |
Scott Member Posts: 3307 From: Houston, TX Registered: May 2001
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posted 06-08-2002 03:43 PM
I am a geophysicist (I process seismic data to help oil companies find out where to drill for oil) in Houston. Your jobs sound more interesting than mine! I am married with a 2 month old daughter.Scott |
Rizz Member Posts: 1208 From: Upcountry, Maui, Hawaii Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 06-08-2002 04:20 PM
I am currently working part-time as civilian photographer for a DoD contractor who supports the U.S. Space Command out here in "hula land". They operate a state of the art 3.67 meter telescope to track space debris for NASA among other things. A while back, at NASA's request we were tasked to looked at Senator Glenn's shuttle as it passed over Maui to determine the status of the "parachute door". We have also supported some cool experiments photographing "external tank re-entries" over the Hawaiian Islands approximately 80 minutes after lift-off, which were quite spectacular. To suppliment my income I started an equipment rental business working with the entertainment industry out here in Hawaii to support my beautiful wife and brilliant 6 year old son. My new business has proved very lucrative, and allows me to participate in this wonderful hobby of collectingSPACE. We own an 8" Dobsonian telescope that we use very often to view the heavens out here in paradise. My son is very much into space exploration. He has been to two shuttle launches in his short little life so far, and looking forward to the July 19 launch. He actually knows quite a bit more about the Apollo program than most college graduates. Recently he had the honor/opportunity to meet and spend a short period of time with Buzz Aldrin, when he and Lois came to visit our wonderful island. Buzz presented him with an Apollo 11 crew patch and was explaining to my son the symbolism of "the Eagle and Olive branch". That was a very special moment for both my son and I. Thanx for letting me share my stuff with everyone! Aloha Frank |
Space Nerd 4 Ever New Member Posts: From: Registered:
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posted 06-08-2002 05:45 PM
Retired from military. Now I help out in a pet store on a part time basis. Not only do I have a passion for space, but birds too. I am the bird expert in the store. |
BigWaveDave Member Posts: 202 From: Waikoloa, Hawaii, USA Registered: Jan 2002
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posted 06-08-2002 05:49 PM
Big Wave Dave here... I am a professional surfer, chick magnet, and the lead member of a successful boy band,destined to be the first Human to set foot on Mars... NOT!!! I am a forty seven year old General Contractor here on the Big Island on Hawaii. I employ anywhere from 15-20 people at any given time. Business is good for now! Lots of last years dotcom money still here. It's seven or eight days a week. I had a sky diving accident about 10 years ago in Reno NV (right by the air races) and get around with a slight gimp. No more Big Waves or steep snow covered mountains for Dave. My wife owns a lighting store in Kona Town and between us we have five children, ages eight to twenty something, and five grandchildren ages 2 months to seven years. As most of you know I am brand new to this hobby, but absolutely love it! It's wonderful to chat with you guys/girls. Aloha All, Take Care! |
NC Apollo Fan Member Posts: 261 From: Belmont, NC USA Registered: Jul 2000
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posted 06-08-2002 07:47 PM
I work for a very well-respected, conservative investment company. I essentially oversee the accounts of about 150 of our high net worth clients (each having assets of at least $5 million or more with my firm). Continuing education in regard to financial planning (estate planning, tax planning, insurance planning) takes up a fair amount of my time. I enjoy my position, and believe it or not I work less than 40 hours per week!My wonderful wife cares for our two young daughters (ages 2 and 6 months). I spend the vast majority of my free time with the three of them. I am still very close to my folks, who live just a short distance from our home. My dad actually designed and made by hand each of the zippers that were used on the Apollo J-missions. Claim to fame (?): I am related by marriage to the bass player for The Who. Maybe one day I'll be lucky enough to meet him! Jonathan |
lewarren Member Posts: 269 From: Houston, TX, USA Registered: Aug 2001
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posted 06-08-2002 07:54 PM
I am a doctoral student in gravitational physiology, and I should be Dr. Warren in a few short months!I hope to be included in the next astronaut selection (or the next, or the next...) I'm single and just turned 29. I began collecting astronaut autographs in 1991, but I only recently began collecting seriously. Liz |
tegwilym Member Posts: 2331 From: Sturgeon Bay, WI Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 06-08-2002 10:42 PM
I'm 34 years old and do support for the anti-virus software that is used at Microsoft. Before that I was a computer technician fixing hardware/software/network problems and got laid off twice. First time was a "dot com" the next time I lost my job was Sept. 12. I really liked those jobs too, it was much more fun running around fixing things with a screwdriver and fun tools than my current job answering emails. I can't complain too much though, at least I HAVE a job these days! I am also a freelance flight instructor, ham radio operator, amateur astronomer, scuba diver (my newest sport!), Ebay addict, and pretty much an all around geek. I'm single and live with my 2 rabbits and cat. I have yet to find a women that understands me and my odd interests. Tom |
BrianB Member Posts: 118 From: Kamloops BC Canada Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 06-09-2002 01:31 AM
I am 39, unmarried, and own a small manufacturing company that seems to occupy most of my awake (and some of my asleep) time. I have always had a deep interest in all things space related, but living in Canada makes collecting a little tougher. Access to the world via the internet, and the realization that there are other people with interests as strange as mine, has rekindled my collecting interest. I also collect aviation helmets, with a fondness for the early high altitude test pilot stuff, and I have an old hot rod Torino that sucks up a bunch of money. I wonder if someone could explain why I can't seem to find a cheap hobby!Brian |
ALAIN Member Posts: 355 From: GENT, Belgium Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 06-09-2002 04:44 AM
I'm an 32-year accountant doing good enough to buy sometimes a great old NASA SP-book on the auctions.Especially interested in the Gemini, Apollo and Skylab eras... enjoy collecting! |
John K. Rochester Member Posts: 1292 From: Rochester, NY, USA Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 06-09-2002 10:03 AM
I'm a 49 yearr old father of two, grandfather of one who has been interested in manned space since the days of Alan Shepard. My mom was very supportive and (almost) always allowed my to be home from school to see either a liftoff or splashdown. Those were during the days when those sorts of things were televised events, not just CNN breaking in to cover a minute or so, and I used to sit in front of the TV with spools of audio tape and a little reel to reel to get every last word that the crews, and flight control were saying (I wish I still had them!). First autographs were the full crew of Apollo 17 at President Nixon's inaugural parade in 1973. Gene Cernan was outside a big tent looking at the Lunar Rover that they would be riding down Pennsylvania Avenue, and I went up to congratulate him on a very successful mission, not having anything to sign I ran to a stand and bought a postcard of some monument or such and returned just in time to have him sign it before they were leaving. Ron Evans was inside the tent with Harrison Schmitt and Gene disappeared with my postcard, returning a few minutes later with a complete crew autographed item. Always a class guy in my opinion is Eugene Cernan!! (And no, I dont have that anymore either, I was 19 and it got stolen from my dorm room at college, nicely framed and matted with the Apollo 17 patch.) I'm proud to say that my daughter was the only one in her class who could correct the teacher when he said that Al Shepard was the first man in space. Of course, she quickly shot up her hand (at 10 years old) and said "how about Yuri Gagarin?" ...ah the innocence of youth! |
Hart Sastrowardoyo Member Posts: 3445 From: Toms River, NJ Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 06-09-2002 11:22 AM
I'm a rental manager for a real estate company down here at the Jersey Shore, dealing mostly with summer rentals. In my (ho-ho) copious free time I'm a freelance writer: stringer for Community News (Browns Mills, with a specialty in the military, as we cover Ft Dix, McGuire AFB, and Lakehurst NAES) and now for the Asbury Park Press. You may also see some of my writing in the Autograph Times magazine.Got into space, I dunno, about twenty years ago when they started doing shuttle launches. Really got into it, collecting autographs and such, mebbe about five years after that. And now that I have a decent car and an odd schedule I'm seeing the astronauts when I can, when they make appearances between Boston and DC. The recent Sally Ride appearance in Summit, NJ, for example, I did an article on it which made their local paper (New Providence-Berkeley Heights Independent Press). I'm interested mainly in the shuttle era, because that's what got me interested in space, with a focus on both the Challenger and Enterprise shuttles. That, and Snoopy/NASA memorabilia. |
Aztecdoug Member Posts: 1405 From: Huntington Beach Registered: Feb 2000
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posted 06-09-2002 11:51 AM
Well let's see... I turn 41 in 10 days, I get married in 20 days. I graduated from San Diego State, home of the, "Aztecs." I work in IT. I specialize in WANs. That is everything from the little computer cable on your desk to the computer cable that plugs into a mainframe or server on the other side of the world. I don't do PCs well though! I have worked on Wide Area Networks since 1985.I work for a small cargo/logistics company and I travel a little bit for work. (I am writing this from a cargo station in Atlanta right now.) My memory goes back as far as the Apollo 1 fire. I recall all of the Apollo missions as a child. I had a telescope etc... a young geek! I figured my fiancee, Brenda, a kindergarten teacher, was the right girl when she drove with me the 500 odd miles across the desert from Huntington Beach to Tucson to meet Jim Lovell at Novaspace last year. (She ended up talking to Mrs. Lovell about kids and having a great time.) I started collecting about three years ago when I met Buzz Aldrin at the Richard Nixon library. (I paid the shocking sum of $10 for an autographed WSS Kodak at the event!) That hooked me! In retrospect, I guess I should have bought two. I am fortunate to live about 100 miles from Edwards AFB/Dryden. Thus, I try to attend events up there and meet the various flight test pilots. They are all wonderful people. We are also lucky to have the Superior/Aurora auctions here in SoCal. I get to meet some of the wonderful collectors at these events too. ------------------ Warm Regards Douglas Henry Enjoy yourself and have fun... it is only a hobby! |
Jacqueline Member Posts: 344 From: UK Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 06-09-2002 01:29 PM
I am a self employed photographer. In fact I relaunched my business on 1 June last week after taking 4 years off to bring up my youngest son... and the work is pouring in already..hooray!!!!!Jacqueline |
eurospace Member Posts: 2610 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Dec 2000
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posted 06-09-2002 02:27 PM
I'm a trained journalist, have an academic background in political sciences, and work as an official for the Council of the European Union, currently in the Directorate for Research. I am equally freelancing as journalist for Germany's oldest aerospace monthly, Fliegerrevue (reporting on shuttle missions, mainly). German citizen, male, 44 years old, living in Belgium since 1985. ------------------ Jürgen P Esders Brussels, Belgium http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Astroaddies |
Larry McGlynn Member Posts: 1255 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 06-09-2002 04:19 PM
This is a great idea. I am 48 years old. I own an insurance agency in Massachusetts. My wife and I just celebrated our 20th anniversary (most people say she is a saint and I would have to agree). Yes, my business helps pay for my hobbies, but it took me a lot of years to get to that point. Collecting space memoriabilia is one hobby. I started collecting space related artifacts, because the Space Race was just starting (Freedom Seven) and everyone was excited. My excitment just hasn't cooled off yet. My collection includes flown artifacts from both the US and Soviet space programs as well as books, models, signatures and paintings. I used to fly, but have been diving for a number of years (I can get weightless easier). Have visited a number different dive related places throughout the world (I will be diving the Bikini Atoll atomic bomb wrecks in October) and just completed a book on introductory diving (a lot of us seem to write). My wife and daughter dive with me (when I am not penetrating a cave or wreck), so it is a family affair. I also collect marine and aviation artifacts that include salvaged pieces from wrecks in the Northeast as well as marine and aircraft models. Most of my hobbies relate to a love of history and I enjoy meeting and interviewing people who have participated in historical events. Keep collecting. Larry McGlynn |
uzzi69 Member Posts: 181 From: Richmond, IN USA Registered: Jun 2001
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posted 06-09-2002 08:56 PM
My saga starts about 33 yrs ago... I was 7 yrs. old when I saw Neil walk on the Moon at grandma's house. I've been hooked on manned and unmanned space ever since. I spent my early years at school as a computer nerd, and sci-fi geek... until heavy metal.When heavy metal music hit the airwaves I decided to become a rock star, and spent the next 10 years playing in metal bands, where I met my wife (who I've been with for 17 yrs. now). I came close a time or two to living out my dreams as a recording musician, but 2 daughters, and pressing matters at home changed my directions. My official title at work is flexographic engineer, but I'm actually a printer. Not a glorious job, but it pays well, and has good 401K. I spend some weekends playing in an old time rock and roll band. I have collected autographs for years, but I have only been collecting astronauts for about the last 5. I also enjoy hunting, amateur astronomy, science fiction, and baseball. Regards, Bill uzzi69 |
rail3cards Member Posts: 94 From: Staten Island, New York Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 06-09-2002 09:37 PM
My name is Bob and I'm 49 years old. I am a college professor for the City University of New York. I teach contact lens fitting and anatomy and physiology of the eye. I also own my own contact lens business in Staten Island, NY. I specialize in hard to fit cases. I have two children. My son is going into his senior year of college in September and plays Division I lacrosse for Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. My daughter just graduated high school and will be attending Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. She will be majoring in Biochemistry and hopes to attend optometry school after getting her four year degree. I have been married for 26 years to the same wonderful woman. She believes my collecting is an obsession but she knows it keeps me out of trouble. I have always been interested in space exploration and started collecting seriously three years ago. Before then, my other hobbies included Lionel train collecting and sports memorabilia. |
mzieg Member Posts: 72 From: Seneca, PA USA Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-09-2002 10:23 PM
I'm a mechanical engineer. I went to elementary school and junior high during the Mercury and Gemini era; high school and college during the Apollo and SkyLab years. My boyhood hero, Wernher von Braun, was my inspiration to pursue a career in engineering. Unfortunately the mid-70's was a bad time for the aerospace industry with the huge manpower reductions that followed the conclusion of the moon flights, so I had to find work in a much different industry and have been there ever since. Though I never got to work in the aerospace field, I did get a flavor for it in some of my thermo, dynamics, and propulsion classes during my university years and enjoyed it a lot. With that background, and a keen interest in history, collecting space memorabilia is a natural outlet for my spare time and cash. Call me a middle-ager trying to recapture the memories of one of mankind's greatest adventures, and a piece of my youth too! Mark |
sapper82 Member Posts: 169 From: Canada Registered: Dec 2000
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posted 06-09-2002 11:51 PM
I just turned 30, and have served in Canada's military since I was 18. Spent my first seven years as a combat engineer officer and the last five as a space operations analyst. I'm about six or seven months away from getting my PhD, and will probably end up trading in the uniform for a jacket and tie. If I don't end up in the government/defence machine there's two fantastic universities here I'd love to teach at.Got interested in space in 1977, while on a vacation to Florida my parents took me to see Star Wars. I was so amazed by it I wouldn't shut up, so my Dad took me over to the cape to see the real thing. I never looked back. Skipped school to watch the first shuttle launch and started collecting space in the mid-1980s. Wanted to become an astronaut or a spy, and wound up somewhere in between. My job provides ample opportunities to acquire stuff for my collection, and when I'm not hunched over my telescope I'm either sailing, rowing, biking, or playing rugby. I collect mostly autographs, flown bits, and patches, and just about anything associated with the Canadian space program. What I love about it the most is that I still get that sense of amazement that hit me as a kid in '77 whenever I add something to my collection. Best, ------------------ Andrew B. Godefroy, MA, FBIS Ontario, Canada |
gliderpilotuk Member Posts: 3398 From: London, UK Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 06-10-2002 08:20 AM
I'm Paul Bramley, 41 years old, living in London with Swedish wife and 3 yr old son. Just got back from 18 months posting in Stockholm to take up a position as Chief Financial Officer for one of the London financial exchanges.I was just old enough to remember seeing the moon landing and still have all my newspaper clippings from the 60's and 70's. I can blame my father for getting me back into collecting, since he gave me signed copies of Return to Earth and The Right Stuff for Xmas 5yrs ago! I have an almost complete WSS collection (ex. Young) and "on the moon" collection (ex. Young). Only 3 or 4 books away from having a signed copy of every book written by Mercury to Apollo astronauts. Oh... and when I have the time I fly my beautiful DiscusB glider over the English countryside. |
Cliff Lentz Member Posts: 655 From: Philadelphia, PA USA Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 06-10-2002 09:11 AM
I'm a commercial artist and painter in Philadelphia. Along with being a space enthusiast, I am a sports enthusiast in a sports crazy town. It's said that Philly has the wildest fans in the country. We have one talkradio station that does 24-7 sportstalk. Being a regular on the morning show remotes throughout Philly, I got to appear regularly on the 6am-10am slot. Two summers ago, when the sports scene was slow they started talking about unique vacations. I brought up my upcoming vacation to the Space Academy(the adult Spacecamp) in Huntsville, Alabama. Ever since I've had a five minute NASA update every week on the morning show. I use information I gather from this site and from Robert in my segments. Right now I'm preparing for tomorrow's show with an STS-111 update. |
OPOS Member Posts: 200 From: Inverness, FL Registered: Apr 2000
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posted 06-10-2002 09:52 AM
Well... I am 37, and an administrator of a Campus center at a small central Pennsylvania university. I was fortunate to do my grad work at the University of Florida (Go Gators!), so I had a number of opportunities to attend space related events and meet some really great people! This area (central PA) is not a hotbed of space activity, and I sorely miss it. Oh well... maybe it is time to go back to Florida!Tom Edmonds |
WAWalsh Member Posts: 809 From: Cortlandt Manor, NY Registered: May 2000
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posted 06-10-2002 10:59 AM
I suppose the initial boring information is that I am a 40 yr. old attorney (commercial litigation) in New York. Beyond that, my interest in space is lifelong (although it went into remission for a few years) as the film clips of Ed White walking in space form one of my earliest memories and my parents maintain that "moon star" was my first word. My wife and I have four kids of ages 20, 8, 5 and 8 months. I am also a member of the local Bd. of Education and maintain a steady drumbeat there for improving the science curriculum in the school. I am a lifelong sufferer of the collecting bug, but, oddly, it did not turn to space until about three years ago (a fact that I continually kick myself over when I think that a simple letter or two as a teenager would have been a lot easier). My current side passions are a) finding a publisher for a childrens' book on the first mission to Mars (story is essentially written) and b) running a marathon this year. The second goal is a matter of temporary insanity, but I have come up with a great motivation device -- I put away a dollar for every training mile I run with the goal of purchasing an Armstrong WSS after I run the marathon in November. |
Matt T Member Posts: 1368 From: Chester, Cheshire, UK Registered: May 2001
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posted 06-10-2002 01:18 PM
I'm Matt Thomas, 30 years old, married to Rachel, live in a nice old town called Chester on the border of England and Wales.After spending the bulk of my 20's doing the 'starving artist' thing I finally broke through into the music industry three years ago. As well as releasing my own tracks, I now remix and produce more mainstream artists. My lifelong ambition is nearing fruition as I'm halfway through recording my own album for EMI. Given the transient success of most musicians I'm currently buying space memorabilia like a madman before the money runs out... Cheers, Matt |
AeroSpace Hound Member Posts: 34 From: Chicago, IL Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 06-10-2002 05:01 PM
I'm the Airfield Maintenace Supervisor for a General Aviation airport just north of Chicago. I cut grass, plow snow and everything else in between.Jim Lovell used to fly out of here in his Beech Barron. The only time that I saw him was when he had a stuck microphone and he was jamming up the frequency. That was 2 years ago. I'm also a private pilot with a couple of ratings attached to it. The first astronaut I ever met was Hoot Gibson. We met at the BIG Oshkosh Fly-in back in 1990 and I've met about 15 others since. Cheers, |
Blackarrow Member Posts: 3118 From: Belfast, United Kingdom Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 06-10-2002 05:35 PM
My name's Geoffrey, I'm a 47-year-old lawyer from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Married, no children. I've been fascinated by anything to do with space exploration as far back as I can remember, probably started by my father helping me to cut out pictures of Yuri Gagarin's and Alan Shepard's flights (still got them!). I don't remember a great deal about Gemini, but the Apollo fire is a very clear memory. Apollo 8 was a tremendous thrill to follow on TV, and the build-up to Apollo 11 was memorable. We were on a family holiday in Switzerland (where I saw the launch) and we made it back home about 40 minutes before "Eagle" landed. I never doubted for a minute they would do it - I'm glad I was a bit young to appreciate fully what could (and almost did!) go wrong. Over the past 20 years I have met 7 Apollo astronauts, including 5 Moonwalkers. I interviewed Jim Irwin here in Belfast in 1983 for a local newspaper (a great day) and more recently interviewed John Young in Edinburgh for a short article in "Spaceflight" magazine (another great day). Two of my biggest regrets are never getting to see a Saturn V launch, and not getting to meet Pete Conrad - the whole Apollo 12 crew were coming to England in 2000. (It was great to meet Alan Bean and Dick Gordon, but...) Still, I did get to see the Apollo-Soyuz launch in July 1975, one of the high-points of my life. And I own a copy of the "Gemini Summary Conference" report which used to belong to the man who designed the crawler-transporter and all the Apollo launch equipment. That's a prized possession and not for sale at any price! |
NasaFrk Member Posts: 56 From: Winter Park,FL Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 06-10-2002 06:02 PM
I'm 47 and married to my jr. high school sweetheart with one 20 year old daughter.I work as a superintendent for a G.C. in the Orlando area. I moved to Orlando in 1962 and remember the whole school going outside to the playground to watch John Glenn lift-off. That was one week after my 7th birthday and I've been hooked ever since. I've seen every manned launch since then and many Atlas and Titans as well. Many from the Titusville and Cocoa Beach area but mostly from the Orlando area which is about 40 miles away. A great view and to watch a launch all you have to do is stop what ever you are doing and look east! Sometimes with cloudcover at the beach we can get a better view of a launch here in Orlando than at the Cape. |
mikepf Member Posts: 441 From: San Jose, California, USA Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 06-10-2002 11:41 PM
I pay for my space collecting thanks to my work as an electronics technician for a GPS technology company located down the highway from NASA Ames. I was born October 3, 1957, the day before Sputnik was launched and turned 5 years old the day Wally Schirra flew Sigma 7. Could this be why people keep telling me I have nothing in my head but space? I've been collecting space stuff off and on since 1969 when I bought a pack of Apollo 11 photos for 5 cents at the local grocery store. Still have them, including Buzz Aldrin's signature on his WSS photo that I got from him in person... my first astronaut! Wow! I got seriously collecting about 5 years ago, mostly photos, autographs and some flown stuff. I am working on a collection of signed portraits of all the astronauts from Mercury through ASTP. I intend to pass this on to my 3 year old daughter. My otherwise wonderful wife does not share my interest in space since they don't sell space stuff at Macy's. While I'm at it, I'd like to thank all of you here at collectSPACE for all your help and advice in getting photos signed through the mail. One I sent to Jerry Carr just arrived today. Almost a year ago I sent a Mercury photo to John Glenn which he signed and returned. I was quite surprised to find an envelope from him in my mail last week. On his own he sent me two Shuttle photos of himself, one signed to me and one to my daughter. How cool! This may be getting out of hand so I'll end for now. Thanks again for all the help! Mike |
Jurg Bolli Member Posts: 977 From: Albuquerque, NM Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 06-11-2002 10:01 AM
I am 45 years old and teach math at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. I have been fascinated with the Apollo flights since I was a kid and cannot seem to get enough of it. I have a lot of books and quite a few autographs, and I am never bored since there is always more to read! |