helping a future eagle scout

My blue-sky Penny's eldest son is working on his project to become an Eagle Scout.
To achieve that highest award, he must plan, organize, lead, and manage an extensive service project that will benefit the community in which he lives.
He has chosen a site which holds Scouting memories for him, Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park, as the locale for his good deed.
The site lacks an information kiosk, as well as signage along its two hiking trails.
His goal is to construct and place all signs and the kiosk.
Materials cost money, though, far more than a high-school teenager can supply.
That's where I come in.
The call has gone out for assistance and I am heeding the request.
Go, Jacob, go!
I'll look forward to your Eagle Scout ceremony!

cats...in...space - part 2!

Here's the good news: Oskar and Klaus' book WILL be going into space!
Not only did they raise the money needed, but they surpassed that goal, garnering more than $7500!!!
Wow!!!
I'll try to keep up with those kittehs as they head into space in 2017.
What a grand adventure!
I know the physicist and I will be wearing our t-shirts with great pride!
Go, cats, go!!!

cats...in....SPACE!

I couldn't help riffing on the Muppets' science fiction segments! I absolutely adored them - and still do!
But I'm not here to talk about Muppets or even pigs.
Nope, this time around it's those adorable kittehs, Oskar and Klaus.
Again.

Their latest adventure, "The Mission To Cataria", has captured the imagination of Story Time From Space. That group's inspiring slogan is: "What you cannot imagine, you cannot do."
What have they imagined?
Children's books about space exploration, read aloud by actual astronauts.
Not only that, as remarkable, and commendable, as that is! No, they have arranged for those real astronauts to read the books while aboard the International Space Station! Moreover, the readings are videotaped and then transmitted into classrooms, as well as being available on their website!!!
None of that endeavor is free.
In order for the book starring Oskar and Klaus to reach the astronauts, their passage must be purchased. The price is $5000.
Here's the update I received.

"Thanks to YOUR SUPPORT, we were able to create a book last year that shows children that blindness is not a barrier that prevents adventure or scientific exploration. Well, this fun, science fiction adventure just got a whole lot more REAL! Thanks to the selection committee of Story Time from Space, Oskar's award-winning children's book, The Mission to Cataria, is literally launching into orbit! It will be read by a real astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and broadcast to classrooms across the globe via video feed! Additionally, a series of experiments which relate to the book will be conducted aboard the ISS and turned into a classroom curriculum that illustrated how blind scientists can effectively study the universe. These will be designed by real astronauts, scientists, and a team from the National Federation of the Blind.
This is an incredible honor and we can't wait to give you updates as we get closer to launch in 2017. For now, we are raising funds to help cover the costs of preparing the actual book for launch and for promoting Oskar's involvement in this awesome program. THE FUNDRAISER ENDS IN TWO DAYS!

When you BUY THIS SHIRT, all proceeds will go toward funding this project. The shirt is really cool. It comes in a variety of styles, colors and sizes. Plus, it even features raised braille and graphics that the visually impaired can enjoy. How cool is that?! You can also just donate any amount you like if you don't want the shirt.
The goal of this project is to demonstrate to blind children that science can be fun and accessible and even a career to blind people! There are just 2 DAYS LEFT to order your shirts:www.OSKARintoORBIT.com
Shirts will ship WORLDWIDE on November 21st!"

Given that the bfe's birthday is November 22nd, the timing is delightful!
I've purchased a short-sleeved turquoise one for me and a long-sleeved indigo for the physicist.
Delightful!!!
Go, cats, go!

star's trek to broadway!

Wow... tonight, I invested once more into George Takei's "Allegiance".
Sadly, I was not able to make it to New York City to see the play during its 111-performance run.
Fortunately, one night's performance was filmed at the Longacre Theatre!
Sadly, there are no plans yet to release the film to dvd.
Fortunately, Fathom Events is bringing the filmed play to Savannah!
Sadly, I stay fairly well booked up at this time of year.
Fortunately, I had left my schedule pretty open, as I knew I would be recovering from carpal tunnel repair.
Even more fortunately...the event is scheduled for a Tuesday!!! That will be Tuesday, December 13, at 7:30 PM.
I know exactly who I'll be going with!
Kevin, of course.
I've just purchased the two tickets for us, at $19.26 each.
That's about quadruple what we would normally pay per ticket for our Tuesday outings...
but I know it will be a much more memorable experience.
Not only will we see the musical, but there will also be interviews with the cast as well as behind the scenes footage, as those are staples of the Fathom Events.
I've even taken the time (at last!) to view the videoblog, "Trek To Broadway". The nine episodes had been completed in time for Christmas last year...but my time had been booked solid, between holiday revelry and planning for a full-time semester at a new school.
Curious about the nine episodes?
Here they are, with their titles and my interpretations of the contents, in terms of the science fiction world that Takei is best known for inhabiting.

Episode 1: God I Hope I Get It
In search of a theatre to call home.

Episode 2: All We Need Is The Girl
In search of a backup star (songstress).

Episode 3: Art Isn't Easy
In search of an iconic image.

Episode 4: Te Point Of No Return
In search of a new path through the fog.

Episode 5: Moving Too Fast
In search of the right stuff.

Episode 6: You Could Drive A Person Crazy
In search of perfect tech.

Episode 7: Put On A Happy Face
In search of audience tweaks.

Episode 8: Magic To Do
In search of a finale that sings.

Episode 9: Ishi Kara Ishi
In search for connection no more.

My many thanks to George Takei for sharing that journey!
I applaud him, and his entire group, for the tremendous effort put forth in this work.
I believe the 78-year-old veteran actor, of television, film, and (at last!) the Broadway stage, has certainly blessed the world with this legacy of forgiveness and love.

i thank You, God, that it will be soon shared with me!
And that the event will be close to Mama's birthday.
I had not realized until now that he is the same age my mother would have been, were she still living.