Week 1 (June 22 - June29)
In the Beginning…
NASA Ames Astrobiology Academy
Summary of Week 1(June 22 - June 29)
Andrea N. Fori
On Sunday, June 22nd, everyone arrived safe and sound (not without a few airline horror stories like THE DON's pilot not knowing how to keep the plane running) at the O'Handley household for a b-b-q in the late afternoon California sunshine. A few of Doug's friends also attended the b-b-q, all of whom had been through the Academy or could at least lend some insight into what to expect from the Academy experience. Because this is "our Academy" and because we will, in part, plan our activities no one could really prepare us for what to expect except for Vimmy who conveyed the importance of buttering up the right people.
"Hey buddy, there's a bunch of people out here waiting for the shower!" — Kevin's attempt to evict NSF dude and provide an opportunity for the guys to shower.
After finally getting a shower, Monday was riddled with government bureaucracy. After being "badged and oriented" we were subjected to torture by Safety Man telling us not to use a hammer where it was more appropriate to use a screwdriver. As confused eyelids were pried open at the end of the lecture we were contemplating exactly how many and when we were to fit in the plethora of "required" safety classes. Almost as a formality, we spent a few Monday afternoon hours with our PI's being further oriented. In the evening a pilgrimage to the local bar scene was made and fun was had by all. Even Iowa man Pat "are you sure that isn't a felony" McKenna slid by scott free.
"We're talking about extraterrestrial life here and you're putting on decals?!" — Andrea referring to Kevins's concern over Shuttle beautification.
Tuesday was a day of team building fun. Two groups we were responsible for enacting 72 prepatory weeks of a mock mission to place equipment on the far side of the Moon to track a receding signal of unknown origin. As Joe and Andrea, the managers, looked on in anguish, the engineers furiously glued and filed. Kathy who by the end of the exercise, had perfected her fingernails, was first to give the go ahead when asked if ready for launch - "Yup, it's erect and ready to go.". With only mere days left to meet the omnipotent laptop deadline, the countdown began. "10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1" The anticipation of the situation was abruptly changed to a roar of laughter as, upon takeoff, Jeff proceed to drop the Apollo model and send the manned capsule crashing back to Earth.
Fortunately, Andrea's carload of people commuted safely back to the French House after a scenic disoriented drive through East Palo Alto. After the fact Eric suggested that "we should have turned on Em-barc-a-der-o ". Hank, always the optimist said after we arrived "well at least you know where NOT to go". Generally, in the evenings everyone exercises in some form. Dinner plans thus far have been less than predictable, but we've been keeping Nellymar well fed and she has also been adjusting, albeit slowly, to the "cold" climate.
"A cloud was predicted for today" - Melissa taking note of the reliably incredible weather.
Wednesday and Thursday we spent the days with our respective PI's. Most of us began our projects and by the end of Thursday had a realistic view of what we would be doing for the remaining days of research. Thursday evening we had a refreshing evening at the O'Handley residence. Joe made a great shishkabob dinner and the majority of the group tuned our vocal cords while soaking in the O'Handley's small pool-sized jacuzzi.
"Let's take a short walk across the Golden Gate Bridge" - Juliet Weirsema during a tour of S.F.
Considering Saturday was our first real day of freedom, as local tourists we headed into the 'big city' for a looksee. We piled in three vehicles, drove into San Francisco and met Juliet who assumed responsibility of tour guide for the day. First we took a short driving tour to see some highlights (Lombard Street, nice views, Alcatraz, Exploratorium, Presidio) then stopped at a museum to have lunch on the lawn. After Eric joined Sir So and So for a bareback ride into triumph, we were promptly evicted from the museum. We continued on our tour to the Golden Gate Bridge for a short walk that would provide a nice view of the city.
Well, upholding the knack for impeccable timing, our group arrived at the southern bridge support just at the same time some yahoo decides to climb to the top with a weapon of choice. Police first hid us against the base of the support claiming he has a gun, then we were shuffled to the far side of bridge away from the incipient disaster. Traffic was slowed, stopped at some points, and we ended up walking all the way across the bridge, but of course not before Kevin decides to scam a ride from some guys in an open jeep (duh) headed with the southbound traffic back to the car. Considering we've lost Kevin, Jeff, Pat and Kathy make an attempt to get cross traffic and also hitch a ride. Much to our surprise, when Kathy braved traffic, brakes screeched, horns blared and ornery bikers scolded. Whatever. So as not to separate the group any further, all except Kevin hitch into Sausalito to catch the Ferry to Fisherman's wharf. We had an hour to waste so we consumed beverages and socialized with the mute painters white cocateau.
We made it to Fisherman's wharf where most stayed while Kim, Andrea, Juliet, and Matt (Joe's cousin's friend) went to retrieve Kevin and the vehicles. Avoiding bridge-bound traffic that was still clogging the city, the four made it to the Presidio in a taxi, walked another 1/2 mile and found Kevin just about to get on a bus bound for a friend's house. Cars were retrieved and 5 hours after the bridge escapade began, everyone regrouped at Buena Vista for dinner.
In the evening we briefly stepped into a few North Beach bars. Eric, Kevin, Greg (Kevin's friend), Pat, and Melissa (brave move) decided to stay overnight and continue sight seeing on Sunday. The rest of the group returned to Palo Alto.
"Astrophysics………planetary science………… exobiology………. life on ice…………. formation and diversity of planetary systems……………… comets and origin of life…."
Friday was a day of honestly, very interesting lectures by Don Devincenzi, Lynn Harper, Dale Anderson, Jeff Cuzzi, and Lou Allamandola. By lunch, caffeine was considered a required food group. Slides and a dark room preceded by a week of little sleep was a recipe for droopy eyes. In the evening everyone met at The Edge for some boogying down.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEVIN!!!!!!
A quiet, rejuvenating day was had by those who spent Sunday in Palo Alto. Laundry, organizing, cleaning, reading, etc. was caught up on. At least 6 of the 11 RA's are regularly attend church. Christen tested out the Palo Alto hills on roller blades with Joe and Jeff. Later Kathy and Christen set back international relations by attempting to interpret American clichés for Vietnamese students.
In the morning, the SF group rehydrated themselves then set out for the Exploratorium, China Town, and Golden Gate Park. They returned in the evening safely with Andrea's borrowed car. With everyone back at the ranch, the evening was relaxed. Some watched Scream, some socialized, and some prepared themselves for another hectic week by catching some early Z's.
Just as an aside, Andrea has opened an independent interior decorating business, Kevin's wisdom teeth (or lack thereof) are healing well, and Kim has had a third squirrel break-in. All edibles in Kim's room have been slightly sampled. Stay tuned for more wildlife updates and to find if Kim has blown any more redlights….