Posts: 353 From: Chattanooga, TN Registered: Dec 2007
posted 07-21-2008 11:58 AM
...you see that fan, and seriously consider modifying it to be more accurate.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2474 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 07-21-2008 12:39 PM
...this is how you mark a no dive zone in the pond!
Out behind our property is a "pond" (25 acre pond that is) that was created by way of the owner dredging sand. It is filled via natural spring water. They finished dredging out of that pond a few years ago and now it just sits there.
As the pond has some stumps under the water (items left over from dredging) we needed to make a way to indicate that there is an area which no one should dive into, although the depth should be sufficient.
Now for the space related theme. as we try to incorporate space into those things we do and the fact that I had an old, well used, GI Joe Mercury capsule (at least 40 years old) we thought it would be great to use as a marker/Mercury Splashdown display. We tried to float just the GI Joe capsule and found that it did not float real well on its own. Knowing that in later flights a flotation collar was used for the Mercury flights we went about trying to figure out just what to do. We looked for some small raft or toy raft that could be used and none were available. It was then when we noticed that the collar was actually, in real life, not round but a hexagon shape. It was then when we came up with the idea of using a foam "noodle" that kids use to play in the water with. The noodle has a 1/2" diameter hole in the center so we cut the noodle in similar sections with a 45 degree angle and then we did the same with some wood dowels. We glued the dowels together, let them cure and then using the dowel sections to stabilize the noodle sections buy inserting them into the hole in the center of the noodle, glued all together with a non-water based gummy glue (the actual glue name escapes me). There you have it, a floatation collar. We got the diameter right by placing the capsule on a piece of cardboard drawing out the diameter and then producing the hexagon using a set of 45 degree triangles, in that way we could get the section lengths. We also made a string "net" to go around the retropack that tied into the flotation collar for extra stability. With that we floated the old Joe capsule.
This was all fine and good but the Old GI Joe just lacked the correct color and configuration, and thus "realism", that was needed for a real couple of space geeks like us. So we decided that a FAO Capsule was needed and with a little perseverance, up came one on eBay that was for sale without the box. Well serious collectors would never think of purchasing this collector's edition without the box, so the price was well within the range to allow this piece of space collectible to be floating in a pond. The spacecraft was swapped out (we know, the collar was not used on Glenn's flight but how far do you push the space geekness) and thus you have the story of how that capsule became the "no dive zone" marker.
mikepf Member
Posts: 441 From: San Jose, California, USA Registered: Mar 2002
posted 09-18-2008 06:38 PM
While riding to work I was excited to notice a black silhouette of a Mercury capsule with escape tower and retro pack on a van a little way up the road. My interest turned to dissapointment when on getting closer I realized that the capsule was actually a house key on a locksmith van. Doh!
David Bryant Member
Posts: 986 From: Norfolk UK Registered: Feb 2005
posted 09-19-2008 02:41 AM
I reckon I must be one of the geekiest Brits!
Not only do I sell space hardware, books and meteorites, but collect them too! I have over 70 signed Astro books, met Patrick Moore for the first time when I was 8, made and launched rockets up to five feet in length to altitudes in the thousands of feet using my own propellants, and began a satellite launch diary in October 1957. I recorded in it every launch until October 1969, when I joined the Navy as a pilot, hoping to become an Astronaut in my own right! But as a certain Apollo commander remarked: "Too bad: twenty years too late, 3000 miles too far East!"
Philip Member
Posts: 5952 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 09-19-2008 09:23 AM
Talking about books, I keep an Excel spreadsheet record of my Space/Astronomy books and the count is 400!
spaceychick Member
Posts: 35 From: Lockport, IL USA Registered: Sep 2008
posted 09-19-2008 10:29 AM
You might be a space geek if you have the astronaut symbol tattooed on your ankle (see spaceychick.com).
If your students know you as the "crazy space lady."
If all your vacation time revolves around space centers and museums (why else do people visit Kansas?).
If instead of Santas and angels you have astronauts and spaceships on your Christmas tree.
It's nice to know I am not alone!
tegwilym Member
Posts: 2331 From: Sturgeon Bay, WI Registered: Jan 2000
posted 09-19-2008 11:55 AM
We need to see some photos of your house. Is it full of space goodies? I'm very fortunate that my girlfriend is a space geek also. Our living room is the pre-shuttle exhibit (mostly Apollo stuff), Dining room is Shuttle, and family room is aviation.
spaceychick Member
Posts: 35 From: Lockport, IL USA Registered: Sep 2008
posted 09-19-2008 12:40 PM
I'll have to get the camera out this weekend. I have a small 2 bedroom house, and I always jokingly tell my husband we should buy the house nextdoor for the "museum." I am not worthy to compete with some of you (YET) but I am trying!
garymilgrom Member
Posts: 1966 From: Atlanta, GA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 10-05-2008 10:16 AM
You add the word Energiya-Buran to your spellchecker.
Nice dive marker GAC!! That's great.
Mr Meek Member
Posts: 353 From: Chattanooga, TN Registered: Dec 2007
posted 10-16-2008 09:07 PM
...you use this snazzy Saturn V wrapping paper!
Yes, that's every launch; and no, you can't buy it in stores. You need a hi-res image, a large format printer, and a very thoughtful and creative girlfriend.
Houston, we have a keeper.
Murph Member
Posts: 108 From: New York, NY USA Registered: Jan 2005
posted 10-16-2008 09:26 PM
You might be a spce geek if the most exciting thing you and your girl did in bed last week was watch Apollo 13
martinbiddulph Member
Posts: 56 From: uk Registered: Nov 2007
posted 10-29-2008 10:28 AM
You might be a space geek if you asked Lisa at KSC if you can take a photo of her tattoo so you can get one yourself.
SpaceAholic Member
Posts: 4437 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-29-2008 10:44 AM
quote:Originally posted by Mr Meek: Yes, that's every launch; and no, you can't buy it in stores.
Now there's a market niche if ever there was one... any takers?
tegwilym Member
Posts: 2331 From: Sturgeon Bay, WI Registered: Jan 2000
posted 10-29-2008 01:53 PM
My girlfriend still wants to get this ceiling fan for the bedroom, but now I see it's pushed back AGAIN to November 8 now. It was supposed to be out in August. *sigh*
Mr Meek Member
Posts: 353 From: Chattanooga, TN Registered: Dec 2007
posted 10-31-2008 09:27 AM
Who's dressing up as an astronaut for Halloween? Come on, fess up, you're among friends here.
Ms. Meek and I have put together an interesting costume this year. Originally, I was going to go as a Saturn V, but the math didn't work out in my favor. However, I think our other space-related idea works out even better. Pictures will be forthcoming; you'll just have to remain on the edge of your seat until then.
spaceychick Member
Posts: 35 From: Lockport, IL USA Registered: Sep 2008
posted 10-31-2008 10:04 AM
Yes it is true, I have never had a person ask to photograph my ankle until I met you!
I did not personally dress up as an astronaut for Halloween, but I am afraid I did dress up my poor dog as Laika (yep, not proud about it, but I couldn't resist).
martinbiddulph Member
Posts: 56 From: uk Registered: Nov 2007
posted 11-03-2008 01:44 PM
I did get the tattoo done on my right arm. You will see next year at Astronaut Hall of Fame weekend as I have all ready paid for my holiday hope to see you then...
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-06-2008 09:50 AM
quote:Originally posted by spaceychick: ...the astronaut symbol tattooed on your ankle
Speaking of tattoos, Mark Yturralde, one of the contestants on this season's "Amazing Race" on CBS and a self-professed space buff, has a tattoo of the fallen astronauts' names of Apollo 1, STS-51L and STS-107.
stsmithva Member
Posts: 1933 From: Fairfax, VA, USA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 05-03-2009 12:24 PM
You might be a space geek if your wife asks you "What's Neil's wife's name?" and you reply "His first wife's name was Janet; they got married in the mid 1950s just before he reported to Edwards. Then they got divorced in the mid-1990s and he married a woman named Carol"... and your wife stares at you for several seconds and then says "I was talking about our new next-door neighbors."
OR if the two of you just watched "Apollo 13" at your wife's request, and every five minutes she had a question or comment about that or another mission, and you think life couldn't get any better.
Ken Havekotte Member
Posts: 2912 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
posted 05-04-2009 02:15 PM
How about topping all the space geek experiences with almost getting married at one of the old Cape launch pads? Believe it or not, it was my original intention to marry my wife at either Launch Complex 5, 14, or 26. Cape security officials along with other NASA/Air Force authorities that I knew thought we could work out all of the red tape, however, my wife and I thought it would be best--for many reasons--to marry in our home church, which we did, on May 4, 2002, and today we celebrate our 7th anniversary.
Haven't seen this topic before or I would have commented on a few other postings, such as "ApolloAlex" and "tegwilym."
For "ApolloAlex," instead of spending a week on Merritt Island and visiting the Kennedy Space Center--how about residing on Merritt Island for most of your life working and living "space" each day? Much of my "work" included--and still does-- visits to America's spaceport on a weekly basis as a space company vendor, promoter, and news media rep.
And for Tom, I've been using Apollo-Soyuz (ASTP) US postage stamps on regular mail just about every week. But not just from ASTP, as I am also using a variety of mint US space stamp issues going back to Ft. Bliss (1948), Mercury (1962), Gemini (1967), Apollos from 1969-71, Skylab (1974), first shuttle stamps from 1981, along with dozens of other different space-related stamps for everyday mail use. Can any cSers confirm this?
Hart Sastrowardoyo Member
Posts: 3445 From: Toms River, NJ Registered: Aug 2000
posted 05-04-2009 03:02 PM
Quite honestly - really! - my wife picked out our wedding date, and I agreed: October 4, 2008. You're really a geek if you know that, according to the Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual, the Enterprise-D was launched on October 4, 2363.
One of the years being bandied about was getting married in 2010. Had that come to pass, I was thinking about printing "The year we make contact" on the invitations or wedding programs and see if anyone aside from my brother would recognize the reference. (Which would also necessitate putting a black slab behind the bride and groom figures on the wedding cake....)
contra Member
Posts: 318 From: Kiel, Germany Registered: Mar 2005
posted 05-05-2009 06:03 AM
You might be a space geek... no... I am a space geek because after six years of collecting a lot of saving I finally bought an Armstrong signed photo. Last missing moonwalker in my collection and just happy to have found what I was looking for.
teachspace Member
Posts: 74 From: river edge, nj usa Registered: Sep 2003
posted 05-05-2009 01:46 PM
I use space terms / names for my work passwords.
mjanovec Member
Posts: 3811 From: Midwest, USA Registered: Jul 2005
posted 05-05-2009 04:40 PM
quote:Originally posted by Ken Havekotte: Believe it or not, it was my original intention to marry my wife at either Launch Complex 5, 14, or 26.
Instead of walking down the aisele, you could have walked up the ramp at Complex 14!
If you choose to renew your vows someday, I say go for a launch complex next time (if the option is still available to you)!
Ken Havekotte Member
Posts: 2912 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
posted 05-05-2009 05:50 PM
My wife and I were talking about it yesterday, and yes, we did mention about renewing our vows at one of the pads. The old Mercury-Atlas Pad 14, as you pointed out, would be ideal for walking up the ramp, so-to-speak! The blockhouse there would also be suitable for a reception gathering afterwards.
There was a social function at the old historic launch complex, "Countdown to Y2k...Blast into the New Millennium," in celebrating the New Year 2000. It was truly a blast with open bars under an open-air dance tent with food/drink inside Pad 14's blockhouse. It was perhaps the most unusual--and so much fun--new year party location in the world! Being a part of that special event, sponsored by the Cape Canaveral Press Club which is no longer in operation, gave me the idea of perhaps using Pad 14 as a wedding site in 2002.
Just for the record, though, I recall there was an actual "Cape wedding" at Complex 26, which I believe took place more than 25 or so years ago. Somewhere in my vast space filing cabinets, if I am not mistaken, is a news clipping about the first-ever Cape wedding. I hope to locate it someday.
AJ Member
Posts: 511 From: Plattsburgh, NY, United States Registered: Feb 2009
posted 05-05-2009 06:14 PM
quote:Originally posted by teachspace: I use space terms / names for my work passwords.
Oooh I do that too!
You might be a space geek if, in the 8th grade, your friend told you they liked your latest English paper "because it isn't about space."
tegwilym Member
Posts: 2331 From: Sturgeon Bay, WI Registered: Jan 2000
posted 05-07-2009 01:21 PM
quote:Originally posted by teachspace: I use space terms / names for my work passwords.
Same here. My computers on my home network are named after shuttles: Atlantis, Columbia, etc.
quote:Originally posted by AJ: You might be a space geek if, in the 8th grade, your friend told you they liked your latest English paper "because it isn't about space."
I had similar issues when I was younger. When the art teacher Ms. Peterson, came in once a week with the "Art Cart", I would always get some kind of rocket or airplane in there somewhere. We once had an assignment to make artistic "Suns" to hang on the wall. Everyone else had smiling happy suns, but mine had prominence, flares and it looked like it had some kind of infection since I had spacecraft getting sucked into it - dramatically breaking up and burning of course. Skylab was one of them.
Yeah, I was a strange kid.... still am.
neke Member
Posts: 55 From: PA Registered: Jan 2009
posted 05-07-2009 02:07 PM
quote:Originally posted by tegwilym: When the art teacher Ms. Peterson, came in once a week with the "Art Cart", I would always get some kind of rocket or airplane in there somewhere.
This reminds me of the St. Patrick's Day drawing my second grade son brought home from art class this year. He drew the space station with Discovery about to dock with it; a satellite; the Earth, moon and sun (with a little flag on the moon); two happy, spacewalking astronauts... and then added some shamrocks floating in space along with a pot of gold at the end of a comet's rainbow tail. I have it hanging up in my locker at work now!
martinbiddulph Member
Posts: 56 From: uk Registered: Nov 2007
posted 05-17-2009 03:22 PM
You know when you're a space geek when your astronaut tattoo is on YouTube.
Max Q Member
Posts: 399 From: Whyalla South Australia Registered: Mar 2007
posted 05-18-2009 05:48 AM
Cool! If you where a space geek, you would post the link.
martinbiddulph Member
Posts: 56 From: uk Registered: Nov 2007
posted 05-18-2009 12:06 PM
Mr Meek Member
Posts: 353 From: Chattanooga, TN Registered: Dec 2007
posted 05-22-2009 08:35 AM
...this is the groom's cake at your wedding:
Veil, "Just Married" sign on the LM, and top hat by the very lovely and talented (and new!) Mrs. Meek. Try as I might, I couldn't convince her to paint CDR stripes on the groom.
For those that are wondering, the "surface" is a buttercreme frosting with crushed oreos. It was some of the best cake I've ever had (smashed into my face by my bride).
ea757grrl Member
Posts: 729 From: South Carolina Registered: Jul 2006
posted 05-22-2009 10:03 AM
quote:Originally posted by tegwilym: My computers on my home network are named after shuttles: Atlantis, Columbia, etc.
Glad to see I'm not alone. I've had at least two computers whose main volumes I've named Colossus IIA (my current one is named Columbia). My iPod's volume name is Sundisk. I named the two flash drives I use for work Kalpana and Montsu. Few people get the significance, but the world seems to turn a little better this way.
(Oh, and on the new computer, my desktop is the "Earthrise" photo from Apollo 8.)
quote:Originally posted by teachspace: I use space terms / names for my work passwords.
I can top that. I'm using the names of the Apollo CM's and LM's as the development codenames for our v.4 software branch.
Version 4.0 was "Kitty Hawk" Version 4.1 was "Yankee Clipper" Version 4.2 was "Intrepid" Version 4.3 (in development right now) is "Challenger"
Any my planning document has 4.4/4.5/5.0 (we're not sure yet where this version is going to end up in the numbering scheme) penciled in as "Orion".
I'm planning to use lunar sites as the codenames for the v.5 branch.
MichaelD Member
Posts: 90 From: Troy Michigan USA Registered: May 2009
posted 06-18-2009 01:08 AM
...when it was time to have you first child born, your wife insisted you drive her from your house that is 30 miles north of Houston, across Houston and down to Clear Lake Medical Center outside of NASA Johnson just to make sure your kid was born where the astronauts had theirs.
...and after she leaves, she has you drive to the rocket garden to show your newborn a Saturn V in the building and the Mercury Redstone so he knows from the beginning what is important!
True story, sadly true...
MCroft04 Member
Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
posted 06-18-2009 07:59 PM
Now this may push the geek-meter beyond the wedding event that pegged the meter according to Scott!
Machodoc Member
Posts: 207 From: DE Registered: Aug 2005
posted 06-18-2009 09:37 PM
As a 50 y/o grad student I did a paper entitled "Moonglow: Space Diplomacy in the Nixon Administration". It ran 45 pages (excluding bibliography), got an "A", and I'm now working with my prof to whip it into publishable shape. If anyone here has suggestions on publications of interest, I'm all ears!
posted 06-26-2009 08:41 AM
...If your closest friends refer to you as Apollo....and your body would never be mistaken for a rendition of a Greek statue.
tegwilym Member
Posts: 2331 From: Sturgeon Bay, WI Registered: Jan 2000
posted 06-26-2009 05:25 PM
...or if you have a cat named Apollo and another cat named Meridiani.
Topic Closed
posted 07-21-2008 11:58 AM
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