We all seem to have a trigger that transcends us into a different place in time. The new contracts to transport our astronauts to and from the space station could either direct you to new travel in space, or it could send you back in time to the days of Buck Rogers.

Buck Rogers, for all of you kids out there, is a 1939 Universal serial film. The star was Buster Crabbe who had previously played the title character in two Flash Gordon serials. I only mention that because of the interest in today’s super heroes.

The serial was based on the Buck Rogers character created by Philip Francis Nowlan, which had appeared in magazines and comic strips since 1928.

 “The story begins with Buck Rogers (Buster Crabbe) and Buddy Wade (Jackie Moran) in the midst of a dirigible flight over the North Pole. A dirigible is more often called a blimp which is a non-rigid airship that uses helium to remain aloft, such as the Goodyear balloon that hovers over sports events. They are caught in a savage storm and crash, but not before they release an experimental substance called Nirvano Gas that they hope will preserve them until rescue can arrive.

The Nirvano Gas works, but the dirigible is buried in an avalanche and is not found until 500 years have passed. When Buck and Buddy are found, they awaken to a world ruled by the ruthless dictator, Killer Kane (Anthony Warde), and his army of super-racketeers. Only those who live in the Hidden City, run by the benevolent scientist Dr. Huer (C. Montague Shaw) and his military counterpart, Air Marshal Kragg (William Gould), resist the criminal rulers of Earth.

Buck and Buddy join the resistance, and they set out for Saturn, where they hope they can find help in their fight against Kane. Saturn is run by Aldar (Guy Usher) and the Council of the Wise and Prince Tallen.

To the dismay of Buck and Buddy, they also discover Kane has dispatched ambassadors of his own, headed by his loyal henchman, Captain Laska (Henry Brandon). The serial then becomes a back-and-forth struggle between Buck and Kane to secure the military support of Saturn for the struggles on Earth.”

The story quotes were taken from Wikipedia where you can find a lot more information about the 1930s thrillers such as Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon.

My trigger was when the telephone rang and I did not have to get up to answer it. In fact, I was in the car (not driving) when the phone rang. Although we have updated our equipment we still have a land line wall phone in the kitchen and a rotary dial phone in the basement. I happened to think about the new technology and how we should change to meet today’s needs.

MRSA

A Guilderland High School student has been "diagnosed with MRSA- a dangerous type of staph bacteria  that is resistant to certain antibiotics and may cause skin and other infections.  The infection commonly causes boils and soft tissue infection. Symptoms may include redness, areas warm to the touch, pain, drainage, discomfort, and swelling. If your child displays these symptoms, please call your family physician".  This information has been sent to high school parents. 

 For additional information visit the Center for Disease Control by going to www.cdc.gov/mrsa.

All students are encouraged to thoroughly wash their hands with soap.

AES  banking

Beginning on Friday, Sept. 26, students at the Altamont Elementary School will be able to participate in banking at school in conjunction with SEFCU'S  Smart Sense Saving Program.  If your child is not already enrolled and would like to start saving, he or she  can do so by completing  the membership  and new account application. 

Students who are currently enrolled in the program can continue saving on Sept. 26. 

The school must have the student's account number before they are set to start banking on Friday.  

LEGOS needed

The Makerspace program at the Farnsworth Middle School is in need of Legos. The library at the school is asking local families to look through their now unused toys for LEGO pieces.  All donations can be left in the reception area of the school or your student can bring them into the Learning Center.

Questions regarding this project can be directed to Mary Jeanne Decker, the school librarian at 456-6010, ext. 3087 or by going online to .                           Birthdays

Happy-birthday wishes are extended to :

— Mike Bresney, Danielle Doherty, Shaw Vojnar, and Linda Gaige on Sept. 28;

— Mitchell Blackman, Sue Blackman, Ryan Dzingle, Ron Gifford, Mandi Percoski, and Ronelle Tymchyn on Sept. 29;

— April Bastiani and Zachary Connolly on Sept. 30;

— Kenichi Chiba on Oct. 1;

— Willie Burnham and Heather Holly on Oct. 2;

— Laurie Fay and Eric Long on Oct. 3; and

— Gayle Addyman on Oct. 4.