The Ames Astrogram — 1November 27, 2000

AstrogramNATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION AMES RESEARCH CENTER, MOFFETT FIELD

THE AMESAstrogram

Communication for the information technology age

November 27, 2000 on-line at: http://amesnews.arc.nasa.gov

Ames airport tower simulator wins Popular Science award

BY JOHN BLUCK

In early November, Popular Sciencemagazine editors recognized a NASA air-port tower simulator in the aviation andspace category of the magazine's "Best ofWhat's New" contest.

Ames Research Center’s virtual realitysimulator, "FutureFlight Central," can repli-cate the complete operation of an airportfrom the point of view of the air traffic

control tower. The simulator is helpingplanners test ways to reduce airport delays,increase capacity and maintain safety. Thefacility was among 100 products and tech-nologies in various categories honored re-cently during a luncheon and exhibit inNew York City's Central Park.

"Airport planners who use our simulatorcan test solutions to critical problems in thesafety of a virtual world," said Nancy Dorighi,manager of the FutureFlight Central simu-lator at Ames. "FutureFlight Central notonly uses modern computer technology,but also permits controllers, pilots andground personnel to perform their jobsduring the simulations. That allows thosepeople to influence decisions that later willaffect them on the job," Dorighi said.

FutureFlight Central can house as manyas a dozen air traffic controllers, and canrepresent the busiest U.S. airport towers in

size and capability. The facility is a walk-in,full-scale, 360-degree simulator that canrealistically test new patterns of groundtraffic, new tower locations and many other

airport factors in a realistic, computerizedworld.

"We can represent any airfield in exist-ence, or as planned for the future," Dorighi

The Popular Science magazine’s 2000“Best of What’s New” award for theaviation and space category waspresented to Ames’ FutureFlight Central.

photo by Astrid Terlep

said. "We can measure the impact of achange on the airport's capacity, and letthe controllers try it first-hand--before any-thing is built."

In FutureFlight Central, scenesevolve in the same manner that real-world changes occur. Airplanes comeand go, and weather changes. Con-trollers use a simulated radio system,radar displays and other familiar tools.

A FutureFlight Central display aswell as other winners' exhibits wereavailable for media and public in-spection during the awards cer-emony.

"This year 'Best of What's New'will also extend beyond our pages tomillions of computer users on theWorld Wide Web at Popular Science'ssite: www.popsci.com," said PopularScience editor-in-chief CeciliaWessner.

"These viewers will crown one ofthe 100 winners with the Readers'Choice Award, to be announced on

Jan. 5, 2001."More FutureFlight Central information

is on the Internet at: http://ffc.arc.nasa.gov

Ames braces for flu season

The Ames Health Unit started giving flu shots on November 16. They were soonmobbed by employees who were keen on getting their immunization in order toprevent any unwanted infections this season. The line for folks waiting for the shotextended outside the Health Unit--nearly all the way to the volleyball courts.

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-- Center employees get prepared

Nancy Dorighi receiving the Popular Science 2000 Awardfor Aviation and Space presented to FutureFlight Central.

2 — The Ames Astrogram November 27, 2000

News from Ames & Around the Agency

Center BriefsNASA outlines Mars explorationprogram for next two decades

By means of orbiters, landers, rovers andsample return missions, NASA's revampedcampaign to explore Mars is poised to un-ravel the secrets of the Red Planet's pastenvironments, the history of its rocks, themany roles of water and, possibly, evidenceof past or present life.

Six major missions are planned in thisdecade as part of a scientific tapestry thatwill weave a tale of new understanding ofEarth's sometimes enigmatic and surprisingneighbor. The plans were announced dur-ing a press conference at NASA Headquar-ters earlier this month.

Spacecraft double-team the king ofplanets

Two NASA spacecraft are teaming up toscrutinize Jupiter during the next few monthsto gain a better understanding of the planet'sstormy atmosphere, diverse moons, faintrings and vast bubble of electrically chargedgas.

The joint studies of the solar system'slargest planet by the Galileo and Cassinispacecraft will also resemble the passing ofa baton from the durable veteran to thepromising rookie, say mission controllers atNASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) inPasadena, CA.

NASA space science education re-source directory available online

NASA's Office of Space Science an-nounced October 2 the release of the SpaceScience Education Resource Directory, anInternet on-ramp to top-quality educationalresources produced by NASA's Space Sci-ence Education and public Outreach pro-grams.

The web-based directory provides easyaccess to high-quality, online space scienceeducational resources for teachers and stu-dents from kindergarten through highschool.

Contacts at NASA Headquarters, Wash-ington, DC are Don Savage, (202) 358-1547 and Sonja Alexander (202) 358-1761).

Fountains of fire illuminate solarmystery

Giant fountains of fast-moving, multi-million-degree gas in the outermost atmo-sphere of the Sun have revealed an impor-tant clue to a long-standing mystery -- thelocation of the heating mechanism thatmakes the corona about 300 times hotterthan the Sun's visible surface.

Scientists at NASA’s Goddard SpaceFlight Center discovered an important cluewhile observing immense coils of hot, elec-trified gas, known as coronal loops. Thesefiery, arching fountains now appear in un-precedented detail with NASA's TransitionRegion and Coronal Explorer (TRACE) space-craft.

From simulations of tiny molecular struc-tures to visions of supernovae millions oftimes bigger than Earth, NASA computerscientists demonstrated supercomputingtools and innovations at a recent confer-ence in Dallas.

Visitors viewed these futuristic feats andvirtual worlds, as well as othersupercomputer advancements at NASA'sexhibit during the SC2000 high perfor-mance Computing Conference,held November 4 to 10 at theDallas Convention Center.

“High-performance com-puting and networking are criti-cal to NASA's quest to expandfrontiers on the Earth, in the airand in space,” said Dr. EugeneTu, manager for NASA's HighPerformance Computing andCommunications program atAmes. “Improving our under-standing of observational Earthand space data, to incrediblecomputational models of revo-lutionary aerospace vehicles, ourplanet, and even distant stars,high performance computingis absolutely critical to advanc-ing our knowledge,” he said.

The 50-by-50 ft. NASA ex-hibit showcased more than 30supercomputing demonstrations for an es-timated 5,000 visitors. Scientists and engi-neers from Ames and four other NASAcenters demonstrated and explained theirlatest computer simulations. These rangedfrom medical and geographical imaging, toadvanced human-machine interfaces, aero-space vehicles, supernovae and new learn-ing technologies. A variety of collaborative-environment technologies that allow scien-tists and engineers to develop new proce-dures and improve existing ones was alsoon display.

One demonstration showed how Amesscientists used supercomputer simulationsto help improve the NASA/DeBakey minia-ture heart assist pump, leading to humantrials with patients awaiting heart trans-plants. The experts suggested improve-ments after simulating blood flow throughthe pump using a NASA computer thatnormally models airflow around aircraft.

"Travelwulf" which is a five-processorsupercomputer that fits within a suitcase,was on hand to illustrate a system thatscientists without extensive computer ex-perience can use to develop complex

simulations and data processing. Underdevelopment by Clemson University.Travelwulf is part of the "Beowulf" system ofremote sensing. NASA's Goddard SpaceFlight Center, Greenbelt, MD, and its part-ners are developing Beowulf to help scien-tists analyze an immense amount of Earthsatellite images and other data.

More efficient analysis of Earth sciencedata will help researchers better under-

stand problems related to ocean-atmo-sphere interactions, the weather and envi-ronmental changes.

"These problems typically exceed thecapabilities of traditional computer work-stations. In the past, these studies haverequired expensive supercomputers to pro-cess data and execute simulation models,"said Walt Ligon, who leads Beowulf effortsat Clemson University. "Beowulf systemshave made high-performance computingpower affordable for individual scienceteams."

Also on display was a simulation of anaircraft engine combustor with a designthat will reduce nitrogen-oxide emissionsby 50 percent initially, according to engi-neers. They expect engines with this tech-nology to enter service by 2002. The simu-lation tool is part of the national combustorcode, a joint government-industry effort.NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, ispresenting this simulation.

NASA's SC2000 web site, including highresolution images, is located at:

http://www.nasa.nasa.gov/SC2000

BY JOHN BLUCK

Scientists peer into the future viasupercomputer simulations

The Computational Aerospace Sciences (CAS) project is one offive projects within the High Performance Computing andCommunications (HPCC) program.

The Ames Astrogram — 3November 27, 2000

NASA and the Department of Defenseannounced recently that they are teamingup to co-sponsor a workshop aimed atlearning from nature. The workshop, thesecond in an on-going NASA-DoD“biomorphic explorers” series, will be heldat NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasa-dena, California from Dec. 4-6, 2000.

The new workshop, called BEES-2000for the “Bio-inspired Engineering of Explo-ration Systems,” is a follow on to the origi-nal one held in 1998. The idea behind theworkshop is simple enough. First, examinebiological processes in nature. Then, findways to incorporate the successful operat-ing principles that they embody into real-world, human-engineered designs.

In precise terms, workshop organizersrefer to the general premise of “biomorphicexplorers” as having two components. Thefirst is an effort “to distill the principlesincorporated in successful nature-testedmechanisms of selected features and/orfunctional traits of biological organisms thatcan enable new endeavors for humankind.”The second – the real trick — is to “capturesuch bio-mechatronic designs and/ormechanisms and minimalist operation prin-ciples from nature’s success strategies.”Translated into layman’s terms, that means“determine what nature is doing well —and why, then try to copy it.”

The challenge for autonomous roboticsystems, whether they are being “tasked”to explore new planets for NASA or enemyterritory for the DoD, is the same, accordingto the workshop announcement. Simplyput, it is to evaluate and handle unpredict-able situations and environmental condi-tions with versatility, demonstrating therapid capability to adapt and respond tounknown situations and events. Hence NASAand the DoD, while having very differentobjectives, have similar technical obstaclesto overcome.

The real value of the 1998 workshop,according to current organizers, is that itperformed the valuable service of educat-ing the science community at large aboutthe important concept of bio-engineering.Further, in so doing, it allowed researchersto determine the highest-priority scienceand technology requirements that are en-abling to NASA’s exploration needs. In fact,it led to the conceptualization of a numberof biomorphic mission scenarios, they say.

Now it is time to push the technologyforward. The objective of this year’s follow-on BEES-2000 workshop, according to NASAand the DoD, is “to provide a single cohe-sive forum for the discussion and sharing of

NASA to co-sponsor bioengineering workshopideas and results in the area of bio-inspiredengineering technologies and architecturalstrategies.” It is hoped that this will lead tothe realization of “biomorphic explorers”and enabling of the new “biomorphic mis-sions” envisioned, illustrative examples ofwhich can be viewed on the BEES-2000website at: http://nmp.jpl.nasa.gov/bees/

Biomorphic missions may be defined asco-operative ventures that make synergis-tic use of existing and/or conventional sur-face and aerial assets along with biomorphicintelligent robotic systems. Such systemscan be utilized to address the dual applica-tion needs of NASA and the DoD. Oneexample of a dual need is the requirementfor close-up imaging. This is of significanceto NASA for identifying hazards and slopesand assessing the sample return potentialof targeted geological sites. Similarly, close-up imaging is pertinent to the DoD forsurveillance and covert reconnaissance. Tocite other dual-need areas, distributedmultiple-site measurements, both aerial andon the surface or subsurface, and the de-ployment of payload in a desired distribu-tion are pertinent for a host of both NASAand DoD applications.

Some of the nature-tested scenariosthat have been selected as the focus for theBEES-2000 workshop include, the capabili-ties to:

• negotiate steep terrain readily, like amountain goat, in order to collect surfacegeology and stratigraphic informationacross and over the height of the Marscanyons

• burrow non-invasively, like an earth-worm, in order to collect pristine samplesfrom the subsurface

• soar, like a butterfly, with minimalinvestment of power, utilizing atmosphericenergy in a small wingspan flight entity

• deploy and distribute instruments/surface explorers over wide areas, safelyand in large numbers — like the dispersal ofseeds by plants via seedwing pods, dande-lions etc. In this regard, close-up imagingusing a wide variety of cameras is one of thekey functions of interest

• distill strategies of navigation, com-munication and mobility control demon-strated marvelously in nature by the insect/invertebrate world (even with low compu-tational resources)

• home in for water/moisture or foragecooperatively for essential resources (asoccurs in insect colonies)

The goal of BEES-2000, organizers say,is to generate a crisp roadmap designed torealize and implement the bio-inspired

engineering of exploration systems. Thiswill be achieved by utilizing the informa-tion content generated through presenta-tions and focus-group brainstorming ses-sions. Further, the workshop is intended tolay the foundation for a program in thisexciting multidisciplinary subject area thathas such huge potential for enabling newendeavors.

Workshop technical sessions are broadlyorganized around the following topics andareas of interest:

• biomorphic communication and navi-gation, including novel techniques inspiredby bees, bats, dolphins etc.,

• biomorphic surface and subsurfacesystems, including bio-inspired approachesto crawling, burrowing, jumping, leaping,climbing, rolling, etc. designed to capturespecific mobility capabilities and mecha-nisms for surface and subsurface applica-tions,

• biomorphic flight systems, includingbio-inspired approaches to aerial mobility,encompassing soaring techniques of in-sects, plant-inspired dispersal and deploy-ment techniques, etc..

• biomorphic sensor fusion and control,including innovative approaches for fusinginput sensory data and its intelligent pro-cessing for obtaining adaptive control,

• enabling systems for biomorphic mis-sions, including lander and/or rover-basesystems, human-inspired systems or robotswith human-like capability, launchable and/or deployable robots, and instruments,particularly imaging systems, with high sta-tus of technology readiness for near termscenarios, and

• science endeavors and applicationsenabled by BEES, including presentationsby users on applications that are enabled bysuch systems.

The technical point of contact forBEES-2000 is Dr. Sarita Thakoor, at:sarita.thakoor@jpl.nasa.gov or via phoneat: (818) 354-3991. Further informationcan be obtained at the BEES-2000 web siteat: http://nmp.jpl.nasa.gov/bees. The reg-istration point of contact is Pat McLane at:(818) 354-5556 or fax (818) 393-4992.

Travel and registration information canbe viewed at: http://nmp.jpl.nasa.gov/bees/regoster00.html

The e-mail address for registration is:conf.admin@jpl.nasa.gov

BY SARITA THAKOOR

AND DAVID MORSE

Engineering & Information Technology

4 — The Ames Astrogram November 27, 2000

Halloween Sightings at Ames

Gail James

Astrid Terlep

Mary Bravo

Kirsten Mourant

Lita Que

Lynette Raburn

Nancy Johnson

Jonas Diño

Connie Cunningham

Ames Exchange Halloweencostume contest winners

Chrisann Patterson-Simmons

Vampires, witches, goblins and ghouls,sighted at Ames, on Halloween, boo!

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Leticia Hill

Mary Perez

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The Ames Astrogram — 5November 27, 2000

The annual ceremony was held recentlywith the following research innovators be-ing recognized for their outstanding contri-butions to the Center. Each awardee re-ceived a patent award check.

Masked Proportional RoutingDavid Wolpert

Method and Apparatus for TeachingUsing Exploration of a VirtualEnvironmentGeoffrey BruceKathleen Burton

Method and System for DesignOptimization Using CompositeResponse SurfacesNateri MadavanMan M. Rai

Doping Method of SemiconductingAtomic ChainsToshishige Yamada

Photonic Switching Devices UsingLight BulletsPeter Goorjian

Method and Apparatus forEvaluating the Visual Quality ofProcessed Digital Video SequencesAndrew Watson

Environmentally Friendly Anti-IcingLeonard HaslimJohn ZukRobert Lockyer

Innovative Awardsceremony held

Method and System for anAutomated Tool for En RouteTraffic ControllersHeinz ErzbergerB. David McNally

Triangle Geometry Processing forSurface Modeling and CartesianGrid GenerationMarsha BergerJohn MeltonMichael Aftosmis

photo by Tom Trower

Awards & Presentations

In preparation for the December 1 tran-sition to the Outsourcing Desktop Initiativefor NASA (ODIN), the ODIN Project Officeand the ODIN Customer Outreach Office(affiliated computer services) will host atown hall presentation entitled "Top tenthings ODIN customers need to know." Inaddition to the presentation portion of thetown hall, the ODIN team will provide theopportunity for questions and answers.

Sessions will be offered on multiple daysand times in Building 245 Space SciencesAuditorium on November 28 from 10:00

ODIN desktop service starts December 1

a.m. to 11:30 a.m., as well as on November29 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Interested Ames parties are invited toattend and bring their questions.

If you have any questions prior to themeeting, you can send an email to theODIN Customer Outreach Office at:ODINOutreach@mail.arc.nasa.gov. TheCenter's ODIN project is managed by CodeJTC, the Information Technology CustomerServices Branch.

...Do you know what to expect?

Enthusiastic award recipients share a moment with Ames Director Henry McDonald(center left foreground) in the Committee Room following the recent ceremony.

Modular Sensor Signal SystemMichael SkidmoreJohn Hines

Advanced Sensor Systems forBiotelemetryCarsten MundtRobert RicksJohn Hines

Characterization of BioelectricPotentialsKevin WheelerChuck Jorgensen

BY THE AMES ODIN TEAM

6 — The Ames Astrogram November 27, 2000

A Silicon Valley start-up company hasobtained a license to develop, produce andmarket an innovative diagnostic device forearly breast cancer detection based on tech-nology originally developed by Ames re-searchers.

San José based BioLuminate, Inc. plansto develop a commercial version of the“Smart Surgical Probe” originally devel-oped at Ames. The probe is a small, dispos-able needle with multiple sensors. It has thepotential to enable physicians to diagnosetumors without surgery, thereby dramati-cally reducing the number of breast biop-sies that women may have to undergoannually.

“This device is being developed to makereal-time, detailed interpretations of breasttissue at the tip of the needle,” said RobertMah, the Ames scientist who invented thetechnology. “The instrument may allowhealthcare providers to make expert, accu-

NASA smart surgical probe licensed to commercial firmCommercial Technology Transfer

rate diagnoses as well as to suggest proper,individualized treatment, even in remoteareas,” he said.

“Every week in the United States, ap-proximately 18,000 surgical breast biopsiesare performed on women with suspiciousbreast lesions,” said BioLuminate Chief Ex-ecutive Officer Richard Hular. “By takingthe NASA Ames Smart Probe and develop-ing it further, BioLuminate hopes to be ableto produce a real-time-measurement in-strument that will reduce the need for sur-gery. If we are successful, the probe willsignificantly improve women’s health care,and could potentially reduce annual healthcare costs,” said Hular.

Further development of the Smart Sur-gical Probe is focused on distinguishingcancer tissue types and obtaining real-timemeasurements. “The probe uses specialneural net software developed at Ames that“learns” from experience. This enables theinstrument to detect the physiologic signsof cancer and may predict its progress,”explained Mah.

The breast cancer tool is being devel-

oped in collaboration with Stanford Univer-sity School of Medicine. It is a spin-off froma computerized robotic brain surgery ‘assis-tant’ previously developed by Mah andStanford neurosurgeon Dr. Russell Andrews.The larger brain-surgery device is a simplerobot that can “learn” the physical charac-teristics of the brain. It soon may givesurgeons finer control of surgical instru-ments during delicate brain operations.

This commercial venture demonstrateshow NASA’s commercial technology of-fices pursue their mission to maximizeNASA’s research efforts by inviting U.S.industry to benefit from NASA-developedtechnologies. NASA reaches out to the busi-ness community in a way that leverages theAgency’s resources with those of the pri-vate sector. The objective is to stimulate jobgrowth and increase the competitivenessof American products in the global market-place.

Transfer of the Smart Probe technologyto BioLuminate was facilitated by Ames’Commercial Technology Office (Code DK).

Preparation for the year 2001 Amestelephone directory is well underway.To ensure the accuracy of eachemployee’s listing in the personnelpages, we are asking that every em-ployee verify their current locator infor-mation. (Locator information is yourtelephone number; mail stop; buildingnumber; room number and organiza-tion code.) This can be done by access-ing x500 Directory Information viaEudora’s Directory Services; MacPhbook; or the Ames internal web siteat http://arcweb.arc.nasa.gov/

You can make changes to yourlocator information through the Busi-ness Systems, Directory Services Website at https://arcapps.arc.nasa.gov/.You can email your changes to:directory_custodian@mail.arc.nasa.govor send a printed copy of an ARC 156(Directory Change Notice) form to MailStop 566-2.

To be certain your changes appearin the new directory, please have yourcorrections completed and submitted,by no later than C.O.B. December 8,2000.

For questions, please call EileneNotley at ext. 4-4222 or email her at:enotley@mail.arc.nasa.gov

Ames directorypreparation

BY VICTORIA KUSHNIR

World-renowned nuclear physicistand local resident Dr. Edward Teller paida somewhat-rare visit to Ames on No-vember 17. Teller delivered a thought-provoking presentation to an engagedaudience on the topic of solar systemexploration. He also speculated aboutthe possible implications of finding tracesof DNA, the building block of life, be-yond Earth’s boundaries. Teller re-sponded to inquiries on a wide range oftopics, including his relationship withNeils Bohr and Werner Heisenberg dat-ing back to the early 1930s. He encour-aged questions, handling each with histypical directness and aplomb.

Teller is currently Director Emeritusof Lawrence Livermore Laboratory and asenior research fellow at the Hoover

BY JACK BOYD

Institution. He has been recognized withmany awards for his numerous contri-butions to the field of physics and for hispublic service. He has published bookson a wide range of topics, from defenseissues to energy policy. Asteroid 5006 isnamed in his honor. Currently, he iscompleting his autobiography for pub-lication next year, and is active in theHertz scholarship foundation. Teller wasa student of former Center DirectorHans Mark’s father, and subsequently amentor to Mark himself during theirtime together at the University of Cali-fornia.

Teller visits Ames

--BioLuminate device to fight breast cancer

The Ames Astrogram — 7November 27, 2000

Holiday Food and Toy DriveSupporting Local Community

Service OrganizationsDecember 4 thru 15

All non-perishable food items and unwrapped newtoys may be dropped off in the marked

bins at the Ames Café betweenMonday Dec 4 and Friday Dec 15.Your support is greatly appreciated!

For more info contact Angela Ortega atext. 4-1733 or

Charles Tonda at ext. 4-5003 Sponsored by the Ames Exchange

Effective October 25, 2000 the NASA-Ames sexual harassment policy was up-dated to reflect changes in the regulationsimplementing the law. The revised sexualharassment policy applies to all federalemployees and contractors in workplaceaffiliations and situations.

All managers and supervisors are re-quired to immediately report any allega-tions of sexual harassment to AdrianaCardenas, EO Officer, at ext. 4-6510 or 4-6507 or Mail Stop 241-7. Any employeewho chooses to pursue an EO complaint

Sexual harassment policy updated

Community involvement and supportallow for continual program improvement.This is nowhere more true than at the AmesChildcare Center (ACCC). As a non-profitorganization, the ACCC participates in theCombined Federal Campaign (CFC)through the Children’s Charitable Alliance.Individuals can direct donations in supportof the ACCC by specifying the organization#7501. The ACCC encourages everyone tosupport this year’s campaign, regardless ofwhere they divert their donation.

The ACCC also receives benefits viaeScrip supporters. In recognition of this,the ACCC is providing a complementaryACCC coffee mug to each new eScrip sup-porter. eScrip is a program that coordi-nates contributions from merchants, suchas Safeway, based on the amount a sup-porter spends at those merchants. Mer-chant contributions have averaged about$7 per supporter per month. Visitwww.escrip.com to sign up and/or contactthe ACCC board treasurer, Mark Foster atemail mafoster@arc.nasa.gov for more de-tails.

Two other programs that benefit ACCCare SchoolPop and SchoolCash. These areweb-purchasing portals that, as with eScrip,coordinate a donation from the merchantbased on a percentage of the purchase.These two programs can be accessed onthe web at www.schoolpop.com or atwww.schoolcash.com.

For more information on the ACCC,visit the web site http://accc.arc.nasa.gov

CFC and eScriphelp ACCC

must also contact Cardenas within 45 cal-endar days of the alleged sexual harass-ment. The 45-day window begins whenthe alleged sexual harassment occurred.All actions taken to resolve issues of sexualharassment will be handled in a confiden-tial manner. Retaliatory actions againstemployees who allege sexual harassmentare prohibited and will prompt official ac-tion.

The Equal Opportunity Commissiondefines sexual harassment as follows. Un-welcome sexual advances, requests for

sexual favors and/or other verbal or physi-cal conduct of a sexual nature, constitutesexual harassment when:

• submission to such conduct is made,either explicitly, or implicitly, a term orcondition of an individual’s employment,

• submission to or rejection of suchconduct by an individual is used as the basisfor employment decisions affecting suchindividuals, or

• such conduct has the purpose oreffect of unreasonably interfering with anindividual’s work performance or creatingan intimidating, hostile or offensive work-ing environment.

Everyone is responsible for ensuring thatthe work environment is free of sexualharassment. Any infraction of this policycan result in disciplinary action, includingtermination from federal employment.Questions regarding this policy may bedirected to Equal Opportunity programsoffice Chief Adriana Cardenas.

Rules & Roles

8 — The Ames Astrogram November 27, 2000

On October 23 and 24, theOutsourcing Desktop Initiative for NASA(ODIN) project opened its doors andinvited Ames Research Center employ-ees in for a hands-on perspective of theODIN equipment and support model.Over 300 Center employees weretreated to demonstrations of Mac andPC models similar to the computer sys-tems slated for refresh at Ames.

Provided also were informationalbooths about the ODIN Catalog, AssetManagement, and Customer Outreach.Six lucky attendees received gift certifi-cates to local restaurants. "ODIN onDisplay" was a big success thanks to themany enthusiastic participants.

“ODIN on display”a big success

NASA technologies on displayat Inspection 2000

photo by Tom Trower

Inspection 2000 was held November 1to 3 at Johnson Space Center (JSC) in

Ames employees at the “ODIN on Display”event sample the products and seek answersto their questions. Inspection 2000 participants try their hand at the neuro-adaptive

controller for spacecraft docking as Ames’ Robert Duffy (right) looks on.

November is traditionally designated asNative American Heritage Month. Thetheme for this year was "Celebrating NativeAmerican Culture and Tradition in Science,Engineering and Technology."

All native cultures have had a long his-tory of studying the Earth and the stars.Much of this knowledge has been passeddown orally through traditional stories,myths and legends. In the summer of1999, Mike Liu, Ames Native American Ad-visory Committee Chair, had the opportu-nity to become exposed to the traditional"Star Knowledge" of the Navajo and Lakotacultures as a result of the Lunar Prospectormission. Mike shared his experience as amember of a NASA team that had theopportunity to meet with spiritual leadersof the Navajo and Lakota tribes. The pur-pose of this meeting was to discuss theimpact the Lunar Prospector mission hadwith regard to the traditional beliefs andknowledge of the Navajo and Lakota cul-tures. Ames employees were able to listen

to Mike Liu tell about hisfascinating experience onNovember 13.

The Native AmericanAdvisory Committee isseeking new members whoare interested in participat-ing. The NAAC is involvedwith community outreach,cultural awareness, recruit-ing, and mentoring activi-ties. Members of our com-mittee visit Indian reserva-tions, Indian schools, andvarious Native Americanconferences and seminarsthroughout the year. Thefocus of this activity is toinspire Native Americanstudents to become inter-ested in the fields of mathand science by demonstrating to them,through role models, that there are NativeAmericans working at Ames. For further

Native American Heritage celebrated in November

Houston, Texas. The Ames Office ofCommunication and Development,

Code DXC, facilitatedAmes’ participation inthe event, bringingwith them 18 Ames-developed technologydisplays and a sup-porting cast of 40 rep-resentatives fromacross the Center.

Business, industy,community and edu-cation professionalswere introduced tothe NASA-developedtechnologies and pro-cesses.

Invitees could dis-cover patented tech-nologies available forlicensing; find outhow to partner withNASA; discuss techni-cal challenges withNASA experts and getan up-close look atJSC’s facilities.photo by Sheila Johnson

information, contact Mike Liu at ext. 4-1132 or by e-mail at mliu@mail.arc.nasa.gov

Mike Liu speaking at the November 13 meeting discussed the impactthe Lunar Prospector mission had with regard to the traditionalbeliefs and knowledge of the Navajo and Lakota cultures.

Outreach & Inreach

The Ames Astrogram — 9November 27, 2000

NASA’s Information Power Grid (IPG)team demonstrated a complete version of agrid system at the end of September infulfullment of one portion of their level onemilestone. To demonstrate high-speed dataaccess on the grid’s infrastructure, the groupemployed the IPG Virtual Laboratory (ILab)program used for managing parameter stud-ies. In addition, the program manager calledCondor provided access to idle worksta-tions, thereby adding more computingpower for executing jobs on the grid.

The IPG is designed to take a largecollection of dispersed and heterogeneousresources – computing systems, storagesystems, and instruments – and define astandard set of services for accessing thoseresources for scientific research. NASA’sAmes, Glenn, and Langley research centersare collaborating to develop infrastructurefor the grid.

The second Open House on Octo-ber 26 for Ames’ (Code FM) Machiningand Instrumentation centers show-cased their skills, products and facili-ties. It was a major success. In spite ofthe rain, a crowd estimated at over 200came by to tour building 220. Visitorswere able to talk directly with the crafts-men who created the hardware ondisplay, view many static displays ofrecently developed products, and askquestions. Organizers saw familiar facesand were also happy to meet potentialnew customers.

Please remember we’re here toprovide support for nearly any projectyou can envision. If you’re unsure ofhow to proceed give us a call (ext. 4-3044) and we might be able to offeryou an approach you hadn’t consid-ered.

If you missed this Open House,don’t worry Code FM has one moremanufacturing center we want to show BY BOB KING

photo by Tom Spalding

Information Power Grid meets key milestone

Machine Shop “open house” is big success

ILab is a problem-solving tool designedby Ames’ Numerical Aerospace Simulation(NAS) researchers Maurice Yarrow and KarenMcCann to manage parameter studies inthe IPG environment. Running the ILabprogram on the grid dramatically reducesturnaround time for complex computations.The system was recently used to manage aparameter sweep study on the X-38 crewreturn vehicle across a collection of re-sources using the new IPG infrastructure.The ILab/X-38 test demonstrates uniformaccess to different IPG resources.

The uniform interface for batch queuingsystems, known as the Globus middlewaretoolkit, was recently integrated into theCondor system manager. Condor utilizesGlobus resources to provide more comput-ing power by scavenging central process-ing unit hours from 60 to 100 Sun and SGIworkstations in the Condor pool. “I think

the Condor project is part and parcel ofgetting the IPG infrastructure integratedinto NAS,” said IPG project manager BillJohnston. NAS researcher Al Globus hasbeen taking advantage of Condor to run acollection of genetic algorithms, exploringdifferent molecular structures. In roughlyone year, Globus has accumulated nearlyhalf a million CPU hours on this singleproblem using Condor.

“There are lots of pieces to the IPG anduntil you take a closer look, it seems like atrivial process to assemble the infrastruc-ture. It takes a lot of work and effort. I wouldlike to thank not only the IPG test bedgroup, but everyone in the NAS division aswell as our outside collaborators for meet-ing this milestone,” said Leigh Ann Tanner,deployment and integration project man-ager for the IPG.

BY HOLLY A. AMUNDSON

off in the coming year. OurStructural Fabrication grouplocated in building 246 pro-vides support for R&D facilitydevelopment and modifica-tion, and large model devel-opment. You don’t have towait for another Open Houseto drop in at 246 though.We’ll work with you to helpdevelop your product,whether it’s a bracket or acomplex piece of hardware.Come by and talk with us.We want to see you.

A drawing for 8 hours ofsupport was held and wonby Dan Rothermel. Dan canredeem his 8 hours from theMachining and Instrumenta-tion centers by contactingMike Frediani at ext. 4-5177.

On-site chair massage is now offered atthe Ames Fitness Center (Building 221) onTuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. as part Ames’ “Total WellnessProgram.”

Benefits include relief from many symp-toms, including stress and tension, head-aches, neck and shoulder tightness/pain,

Chair massage is back on site at Ameslow back stiffness/pain, and low energy.

A certified massage therapist (CMT) isavailable for 15-minute seated chair mas-sages. You remain fully clothed and sit in anergonomically designed chair. The cost is$15. Introductory massage is offered at aspecial rate of $10.

Gift certificates are also available and

make perfect co-worker gifts for the holi-days, or any special occasion! De-stress andrevitalize for the holidays!

To schedule appointments, call Stuartat (408) 295-4609. For more information,contact Miriam Glazer at ext. 4-5172.

The machine shop floor was filled with fascinated visitors during CodeFM’s open house on October 26.

Events & Accomplishments

10 — The Ames Astrogram November 27, 2000

Ames firefighters save lives, get awardsMoffett firefighters battled a fire and

defeated death late last Labor Day. Nearlytwo months later, on a very rainy October26, they assembled in their firehouse toreceive awards for their actions during theblaze.

For firefighters, the incident began sud-denly at 11:15 p.m., on September 4, whenan alarm sounded, and they drove firetrucks, sirens blaring, to a residential fire inOrion Park, east of the Ames Visitor Center.

"Flames were coming from a groundfloor window of one of the apartment unitsin building 705," recounted fire marshal JoeGippetti during the award ceremony. "Whenthe fire department arrivedthat night in September, theyfound a cul-de-sac filled withsmoke, and frightened andconcerned neighbors."

"We found the two chil-dren first, and they were badlyburned -- third degree," bat-talion chief Forest Fernandezsaid earlier. He was one often people to receive lettersof commendation. Five othermembers of the fire depart-ment were also presentedwith awards. "When we gotthere, the children were be-ing pulled out by the neigh-bors," Fernandez said. The 7-year-old boy, Michael Knopf,suffered burns on 50 percentof his body, and his 13-year-old sister, Lea, had burns on25 percent of her body.

"This fire was one of the most tragicthings to happen in a long time here atMoffett, and the firefighters should be com-mended," said chief of protective servicesClint Herbert. "You did a helluva job. Be-cause of you, the children will survive," hesaid to the firefighters.

"The little boy had run through a gaunt-let of fire and melting carpeting up the stairsto be near what he thought was the safetyof his bedroom and his father," said firechief Gary Alstrand. The fire was an esti-mated 800 to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit,according to Gippetti.

"The neighbors did a lot of heroic things,"said Gippetti. Neighbor Melville Hinshawused a garden hose to fight the fire, accord-ing to a fire department report. NeighborsRobert Sage, Rick Smith and B. Cale Stancilentered the burning apartment three timesto rescue 7-year-old Michael, the reportrelated.

"Due to smoke, they were forced outtwice. On the third attempt, they foundMichael Knopf in his bedroom on the floorunder, and somewhat behind, a mattress.Stancil used a garden hose to knock downthe flames so Sage and Smith could go upthe stairs to the bedrooms and rescueMichael," the report continued. It also saidthat the neighbors "are heroes, one and all,and deserve our thanks and admiration forbeing there when it counted."

"As Capt. Jeremy Mann stepped from

his vehicle, the 7-year-old boy was immedi-ately placed in Jeremy's care," Gippetti toldthe award ceremony audience, describingthe actions of Moffett firefighters who re-ceived letters of commendation.

"Jeremy thought he was going to attacka fire and perform a search, but in an instanthe had to switch to patient treatment andtriage. His skill and those of firefightersDarren Butler and Tom Connelly paid divi-dends in relieving pain, while treating forshock and infection,"Gippetti said.

Neighbor Carlos Rosario also enteredthe burning apartment and helped fightthe blaze with a garden hose, according to

the fire department account. Sgt. HesterWesler of U.S. Air Force Onizuka Air Stationsecurity police took over one of the gardenhoses at the front door until the fire depart-ment was ready to go in, according to thereport.

"The 13-year-old girl had jumped fromthe second story into the arms of a neigh-bor," said Alstrand.

"Mr. Damon Foss who lives in unit 705DOrion Park went to the back of the buildingand yelled to Lea Knopf to jump from hersecond story bedroom window," the reportcontinues. "Foss was able to catch Lea,thereby breaking her fall, both crumplingto the ground." The two were able to walkaway after the jump, according to the firedepartment account.

"Firefighter Butler was reassigned to as-sist the girl and was joined by firefighter JoeRizotto," said Gippetti. Firefighters say thechildren face skin graft operations and yearsof treatment and rehabilitation.

Fire Capt. Bob Bonin and firefighterJohn Byrne made entry, attacking the fireand making their way to the second floorwhere firefighter Erik Skupien joined them,according to Gippetti. They wore specialprotective gear and carried tanks of purifiedair into the extreme heat. The two menextinguished the fire, and conducted asearch of all the smoke-filled rooms.

"The firemen went in and fought the fireand found the father upstairs in the bed-room, unconscious," Fernandez recalled.

"He had severe smoke inhalation. Theygave him oxygen, and opened his airway."

"The searing heat, just inches above thefather, could have killed him, but he wasunconscious, just below the heat," saidAlstrand, following the ceremony.

"Bonin's crew rescued the father takinghim outside to triage where Capt. Mannand firefighter Connelly treated him forsmoke inhalation," said Gippetti. The firedepartment transported the father, JimKnopf, to Stanford Medical Center, PaloAlto. He is now out of the hospital,firefighters said. Mrs. Tess Knopf, a nurse,was not home at the time of the fire.

"No water could have beenbrought to bear on the flames if itwere not for the efforts of firefighterDave Broman, responsible for pumpoperations and equipment staging,"reported Gippetti.

Battalion Chief Fernandez man-aged the incident, and took mea-sures to ensure that the Center stillhad a fire-response capability.

Like a football coach, Fire Capt.Steve Epperson coordinated theteam's fire fighting effort. "This is themost stressful position for a fire of-ficer, but also the most satisfyingwhen you do the job right," Gippetticommented. "For example, Eppersonspotted the 13-year-old little girl offto the side, sitting on a step, and heassigned Butler and Rizotto to aidher," Gippetti explained.

"Unlike police officers on patrolwho carry out their duties independentlyand effectively --- fire fighting is a total teameffort," Gippetti said.

"Due to their dedication to duty, ongo-ing training and personal skills, thesefirefighters rendered medical aid to theseverely injured, halted a burning fire, per-formed a rescue and secured the safety andproperty of seven other families living in theapartment building," Gippetti told theawardees.

In addition, Fire Capt. Rob Hansen andfirefighters Mark Zamparelli and John Rossreceived certificates of appreciation. Also,firefighters Heather Turman and NelsonRodriquez were recognized for their help atthe fire station during the fire.

After the fire, the Ames Disaster Assis-tance and Rescue Team sent out a call tomembers of the emergency services familyfor donations to assist the Knopf family withmedical expenses and household goods.By the beginning of October, more than$11,000 had been collected as well as house-hold goods.

Contributions are still being acceptedby the 129th Rescue Member Foundation.The POC is:

Attention: Major Sabrino129th RQW129th Rescue Member FoundationBox 103 MS-28Moffett FAF, CA 94035

photo by Tom Trower

BY JOHN BLUCK

Award-winning firefighters with Fire Chief Gary Alstrand (right) and Chiefof Protective Services Clint Herbert (second from right).

Human Interest

The Ames Astrogram — 11November 27, 2000

1700 KHz AM radio -- information announcementsand emergency instructions, when appropriate, for Amesemployees.

Ames public radio

Lost & FoundMoffett Field Lost and Found may be reached at ext.

4-5416 at any time. Residents and employees at Amesmay also use Internet browser at: http://ccf.arc.nasa.gov/codejp/pages/lostFound.html to view a list of foundproperty and obtain specific instructions for reporting lostor found property and how to recover found property.Call Moffett Field security police investigations section atext. 4-1359 or email at: mfine@mail.arc.nasa.gov.

CarpoolCarpool wanted from Mission San Jose area of

Fremont to Ames. Hours flexible. Contact Nancy at ext3258 or ndorighi@arc.nasa.gov.

Carpool from UC Santa Cruz carpool to Ames Bldg.N236. Work hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. flexible. Joel Ramirezext. 4-6378 or home at (831) 460-0160.

Carpool: Existing 3 person carpool would like to add4th person with car. We take turns driving, Oakland/Berkeley to Ames, leave at 8:00 a.m., return at 5:30 p.m.David, ext. 4-4164 or email hollenbach@ism.arc.nasa.gov.

Lake Tahoe-Squaw Valley Townhse, 3br-2ba, View ofslopes, close to lifts. Wkend $490, midwk $180 nite.Includes linens, firewood. (650) 968-4155,DBMcKellar@aol.com

South Lake Tahoe cottage with wood fireplace andhot tub. Rates from $50 to $130 per night. Call (650)967-7659 or (650) 704-7732.

Vacation rental

MiscellaneousEpson Stylus Photo color printer model 870 Used

twice. $195. Richard (408)578-9616.

Seasoned wood tree rounds, concrete chunks, woodand old pipe pieces available. No charge. Arrange forpickup. Robin (650) 968-6102.

Counter stools- Verdigris metal stools-oak treedesign with cloth seats. Purchased from HomeDecorator's Catalogue. $35 ea or $120 for all four.Sheryl (408) 259-4114.

Spinet piano, excellent condition, $400 or B/O. Call(650) 369-0578.

San José Sharks season ticket (1 seat) for remainderof 2000-2001 season (starting with 11/28 game). Seat islocated in Section 219, Row 14, Seat 13, $544. (32games face value). Derrick (408) 446-0750.

Little Tykes Country Kitchen, exc. condition/manyextra food and dish sets, $50. Fisher-Price dollhouse withmany extra playsets, $40. Lori (408) 274-3169.

Weight Lifting Machine (Smith) w/over 300 lbs. offree Olympic weights, 3 separate weight-lifting bars&dumbbells. Do squats & military presses safely w/oassistance. Four nice cable pulley assemblies for lateralcross-overs or simple upward of downward vertical liftsw/your selected weight. New, over $800. Now $300 orB/O. Call (408) 529-9911.

Transportation'85 Mitsubishi 4WD pickup, 105K mls, original

owner, BacPac shell, Sony stereo, new carburetor & fuelpump, straight body. $2,600 or B/O. Call (408) 945-3917, or email: nengim@svpal.org

'86 Chevy Camaro 2.8L engine, automatic, powersteering, A/C, t-tops, CD player, mag wheels, new paint(dark brown metallic), orig. owner, runs great & looksexcellent. $2,200. Sean (408) 626-9640 eves/lv msg.

’86 BMW csi black/black, AT, xlnt condition, 117Kmls. $8,900 or B/O. Call (408) 378-3949 lv msg.

‘88 New Yorker, 89k mls, orig. owner, power win,locks etc. A/C, exc body/paint, new brakes, Gd radio&10 disc.cd chngr, 5,200 or B/O. Barry (650) 966-1160.

‘88 VW Fox, $2,000, stick shift, gd condition.Noemi (408) 738-5626.

‘90 Kawasaki Ninja 600R, black/red, new batt.,good cond, helmet incl. $2,495. Mike (408) 828-9148.

'93 Dodge Shadow Hatchback 63Kmls, 2 door,automatic, 4 cyle, A/C, AM/FM cassette, sun/moon roof .Excellent Condition. $4,000. Judy (408) 263-3806.

’94 Saturn SC2 Coupe, 5-spd manual, ABS, pwrwndws, dr locks, snroof, AM/FM, cass, AC, 109K mls.$4,700 or B/O. Selling since going to Europe. Arjen (408)732-2953/email: arjen_oving@hotmail.com

'96 Toyota Camry LE, only 54K mls, gold,automatic, lks good, runs great. $12,000. Call (408) 956-1941.

‘98 Moulton ATB full suspension bicycle. Separable"X"-frame, rack, fenders, many extras $1,100 or B/O. Joe(650) 969-6119.

Ames ClassifiedsAds for the next issue should be sent to

astrogram@mail.arc.nasa.gov by the Monday follow-ing publication of the present issue and must beresubmitted for each issue. Ads must involve personalneeds or items; (no commercial/third-party ads) andwill run on space-available basis only. First-time ads aregiven priority. Ads must include home phone num-bers; Ames extensions and email addresses will beaccepted for carpool and lost & found ads only. Dueto the volume of material received, we are unable toverify the accuracy of the statements made in the ads.

Event CalendarModel HO/HOn3 Railroad Train Club at Moffett

Field invites train buffs to visit & join the club in Bldg. 126,across from the south end of Hangar One. Work nights areusually on Friday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Playtime is Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more info, callJohn Donovan at (408) 735-4954 (W) or (408) 281-2899(H).

Jetstream Toastmasters, Mondays, 12 noon to 1p.m., N-269/Rm. 179. Guests welcome. POC: SamsonCheung at ext. 4-2875 or Lich Tran at ext. 4-5997.

Ames Bowling League, Tuesdays, at 6 pm at PaloAlto Bowl. Bowlers needed. POC: Mina Cappuccio at ext.4-1313 or Carmen Park at ext. 4-1215.

Ames Child Care Center Board of Directors Mtg,Every other Thursday (check website for meeting dates:http://accc.arc.nasa.gov), 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM, N269,rm. 201. POC: Katharine Lee, ext 4-5051.

Ames Contractor Council Mtg, Dec 6, 11 a.m.,N-200 Comm. Rm. POC: David Lawrence at ext. 4-6434.

Nat’l Association of Retired Federal Employees,(NARFE), San Jose Chapter #50, Mtg, Dec 1, at HometownBuffett, Westgate Mall, 4735 Hamilton Av, San Jose. Prog. &bus. mtg. at 9 a.m., followed by lunch, $6.27, in a reservedarea. Program starts at 9:30 a.m. followed by lunch. POC:Mr. Rod Perry (650) 967-9418 or NARFE 1-800-627-3394.

Environmental, Health and Safety MonthlyInformation Forum, Dec 7, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.,Bldg. 19/Rm 1078. POC: Linda Vrabel at ext. 4-0924.

Hispanic Advisory Committee for Employees, Dec 7,11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., N-241/Rm 237.POC: Mary R. Valdez, at ext. 4-5819.

Ames African American Advisory Group Mtg, Dec 7,11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. POC: Robert Finnie at ext. 4-5230.Contact Robert for meeting place.

Professional Administrative Council (PAC) HolidayParty, Dec 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bldg 262/Rm. 100.POC: Leslie Jacob, ext. 4-5059.

Calendar & Classifieds

Visiting Yale Professor at Stanford Univ seeks PaloAlto/Mtn View area short-term rental, house-sit or hometrade (w/rural New Haven home) from 11/6/00 - 1/7/01.Dates flexible/negotiable. Desire to bring well-behaved &quiet golden retriever; can arrange other hsg for dog ifpresents a problem. Call Stefan & Julaine Rosner (650)320-0074, email: Stefan_Rosner@yahoo.com

Housing needed for family from Denmark for 1 yearperiod begin Feb. 2001. Both parents will be working atAmes; a 2-3 bdrm size home near Ames & Mtn View.Childcare would be ideal. Contact Bo Thamdrup, e-mailbot@biology.sdu.dk in Odense, Denmark, or Lee Beboutat ARC, lbebout@mail.arc.nasa.gov, or ext. 4-3826.

Temporary housing available 1 Dec - 1 Feb or offand on for up to 6 mo. Simple studio in priv. home,separate entry, shared bath, $650. 3 mls from Moffett.Call (408) 393-8059.

Sublet nice, clean, furnished Mtn View townhousefor 1-6 months starting Dec 1 - April 30; flexible dates. 5min to Ames! $2,500/mo + dep. Jeff or Rhonda (650)964-0496.

2bd/2ba apartment, six mins from Moffett. Largesecond-story apt in a private Mtn View home. Newlyremodeled w/beautiful hardwood floors. Private kitchenw/brand-new appliances & cabinets. Private laundry roomw/brand-new appliances. No pets, no smoking. Month-to-month lease. Call (650) 969-5581. E-mail:placeport@yahoo.com.

1/2 of 1250 sq. ft. house for rent. Located 10minutes from Ames in Sunnyvale. You get your ownbedroom, bathroom, garage, and half of the rest of thehouse. Lots of storage space. Large kitchen. $1100/month plus half of bills. No smoking, drugs, or pets. Call(408) 830-0198 or on base 4-0236.

Visiting male computer expert from BrunelUniversity, UK, seeks short-term rental or housesittingfrom December 27 to January 3, in Silicon Valley.Mountain View area preferred but not necessary.Contact Judy at (408) 992-0335. Email:cyberscribe@usa.com

Temp. housing avail from 22 Dec to 2 Jan in MtnView. One bdrm apartment, fully furnished, in small quietbldg. Great for relatives visiting for the holidays. Rent$200. (Rent is normal rate in exchange for cat sittingloving playful older cat.) Call (650) 969-7876 eve.

Housing

All Ames employees are invited to submitarticles relating to Ames projects and activitiesfor publication in the Astrogram. When submit-ting stories or ads for publication, submit yourmaterial, along with any questions, in MS wordby e-mail to: astrogram@mail.arc.nasa.gov onor before the deadline.

Astrogram deadlines

Deadline PublicationFri, Dec 8 Mon, Dec 18Fri, Jan 5 Mon, Jan 15

Ames Sailing Club Mtg, Dec 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1p.m., N-262/Rm. 100. POC: Stan Phillips, ext. 4-3530.

NFFE Local 997 Union General Mtg, Dec 20,noon to 1 p.m., Bldg. 19/Rm. 2017. Guests welcome.POC: Marianne Mosher at ext. 4-4055.

Ames Asian American Pacific Islander AdvisoryGroup Mtg, Dec 21, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., N-237/Rm.101. POC: Daryl Wong, ext. 4-6889 or Margaret Salas,ext. 4-6755.

Ames Amateur Radio Club, Dec 21, 12 noon,T28-N (across from N-255). POC: Michael Wright,KG6BFK, at ext. 4-6262. URL: http://hamradio.arc.nasa.gov

Native American Advisory Committee Mtg,Dec 26, 12 noon to 1 p.m., Ames Café. POC: MikeLiu at ext. 4-1132.

Computer Programming help wanted: I amworking on a 3-D computer graphics project that requiresthe use of Microsoft Visual C++, C/C++, OpenGL, andOpenGVS. I am looking for a mentor/tutor in any or allof these to help me with my error message anddebugging challenges. I am willing to repay your helpand kindness with airplane rides. Call ext. 4-5648.

12 — The Ames Astrogram November 27, 2000

On-site Services

Official BusinessPenalty for Private Use, $300

National Aeronautics andSpace Administration

Ames Research CenterMoffett Field, California 94035-1000

AstrogramTHE AMES

PLEASE RECYCLEPrinted on recycled and recyclable paper with vegetable-based ink.

FIRST CLASS MAILPOSTAGE & FEES PAID

NASAPermit No. G-27

The Ames ASTROGRAM is an officialpublication of the Ames Research Center,National Aeronautics and SpaceAdministration.

AstrogramTHE AMES

We can be reached via email at:astrogram@mail.arc.nasa.gov or byphone at (650) 604-3347.

Managing Editor........David MorseEditor..........................Astrid Terlep

The Ames Child Care Center (ACCC)provides full-time care and developmentfor infant, toddler and preschool children ofemployees at Ames. The focus is on creat-ing a nurturing, caring environment thatenhances individual growth and encour-ages group interaction. The center is

staffed by professionals who are dedicatedto early childhood development; many havetraining and degrees that target the uniqueneeds of young children. The ACCC hasbeen in operation since 1985, supported byfacilities provided by NASA Ames. The fund-ing for the operational expenses of the

Families benefit from Ames Child Care CenterACCC comes from tuition paid by theparents.

The center is housed in agingmodular buildings. Planning hasbegun for a new facility. Throughfundraising and charitable donations,the center is able to provide staff

appreciation events, tu-ition assistance, and savefor the needs of the newfacility. “We have afundraising goal of$100,000 to allocate to-ward our new facility,”said Kathy Lee, presidentof the ACCC board ofdirectors. “Without thismoney, the new facilitywill not have sufficientequipment, furniture, orsupplies. We have madea lot of progress, but westill have a way to go tomeet our goal.”

Camala O’Reilly, ACCC di-rector, indicates there are sig-nificant financial challenges fordaycare organizations, particu-larly in the Bay Area. “We havefound it challenging to attractand retain teachers. The sup-port of contributors and spon-

sors makes the task a little easier since itenables us to provide special events andtraining for the teachers.”

The devotion and quality of the ACCCstaff is reflected in the recent accreditationby the National Association for the Educa-tion of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC

accreditation is a rigorous, voluntary pro-cess by which early childhood programsdemonstrate they meet national standardsof excellence. This prestigious recognitionhas been achieved by only an approxi-mated 7% of early childhood programsnationwide. Children’s language and socialskills especially benefit from the better qual-ity found in NAEYC-accredited programs.“These are critical areas for children’s suc-cess in school as well as in life,” said GabrielleBabin, former executive director and nowconsultant to the center.

photo by Joan Walton

Julie Korsmeyer, Ben Walton, and Brett Jobe light up a giantpumpkin during a pumpkin patch field trip. Children from theGemini, Apollo, and Vanguard rooms selected pumpkins andenjoyed wagon rides on the trip. They later had fun pumpkincarving in their classrooms before a Halloween celebration.

Fire fighters at the Moffett Field Fire Departmentdiscussed safety and demonstrated some of theirequipment capabilities to ACCC children and theirparents in a recent visit to the fire station in October..

photo by Brad Bebout

BY MARK FOSTER