"Floobydust" is a contemporary term derived from the archaic Latin miscellaneous, whose disputed history probably springs from Greek origins (influenced, of course, by Egyptian linguists) meaning here "a mixed bag".

I first met Joe at my first WSFS meeting in 1975. We became fast friends, and regular companions, until my career took me to Atlanta in 1978. Since then, I saw Joe mainly at conventions. Most memorable was sitting next to Joe when his name was announced at the Hugo Awards in 1998.

Rest in Peace, Joe. You will be greatly missed.

Yes, we made a special trip all the way from Arizona to attend DragonCon this year. I was hoping to see more Myriad friends there, but except for the ARTC and MRAP overlap, there weren't very many. Debbi and I greatly enjoyed the convention, and got to see more than the Space/Science Track of programming which we were running. Also, this will likely be our last DragonCon for several years. The move of the date to Labor Day weekend is not compatible with Debbi's work schedule. Working in education, that time of year is generally too busy to get time off. Besides, if she could get Labor Day weekend off, and we could make a long trip to a convention, we would more likely attend WorldCon the DragonCon. This is especially true next year with WorldCon in Philadelphia, since Debbi's elderly Mom lives near Philadelphia, we could make the trip into a family "reunion" as well as attending WorldCon.

You know the old saying about how it always rains when you wash your car? Well, Debbi though she would be safe on Friday, June 16, since we were in a drought that would not be broken until the start of the annual monsoon rains, and they have never started before the last week in June. I had the day off, so I took her car to the dealer for the 15,000 mile checkup, with the intent to take it to the car wash right after. After I dropped her car off, I decided to look at the new cars, and to make a long story short, I bought one. Now, this wasn't a total shock to Debbi, since we had been talking about buying me a new car this summer anyway, and I had gone down to my credit union and pre-qualified for a loan. I probably let the salesman smooth-talk me more than I should have, because I didn't haggle the price down much, but at least I didn't pay for the dealer-added "protection package". I picked out a green Explorer Sport-Trac with the 4x4 drivetrain. If you are not familiar with the Sport-Trac, it is now from Ford, and is actually listed as a 2001 model year. It is Ford's answer to their competitors who have come out with Quad-Cab options for small pick-up trucks. Instead of responding with a Quad-Cab option on the Ranger pick-up, Ford had "a better idea", and converted the Explorer SUV into a small bed pick-up truck. The reviews have been mostly positive, except it still costs almost as much as the Explorer SUV, which is more that the Quad-Cab pick-ups. But it combines the best of both, and when the Sport-Trac was lengthened by 14 inches over the Explorer SUV, it wound up with more back-seat leg room. Ford also stiffened the chassis and suspension, I think much more than the 14 inch length increase required, and they replaced the rubber mounts for the body and suspension with neoprene (a popular after-market modification for 4x4s), so my Sport-Trac handles better than Debbi's Explorer. Back to the story: When I bought the Sport-Trac, the salesman immediately had it washed. Then, I got Debbi's Explorer washed. The next day, I took my old Isuzu Trooper in to get it thoroughly cleaned and washed so that I could sell it since I did not trade it in. As soon as it was done, the rain started. This was the earliest start of the monsoon season in Tucson since meteorlogical records have been kept. And it is my fault: washing three cars in two-days time broke the drought in the desert.

Congratulations on the big 50! May you have many more happy returns … RE: USS Arizona Memorial: We have one here. The University of Arizona has the official memorial to the ship and her crew for the State of Arizona. This is in a building right next to where Debbi works. Also, Debbi and I have been talking about taking a vacation to Hawaii "one of these days", so we will consider joining you. Likely, though this Christmas may be a bit too early for us, what with our other trips this year (DragonCon just recently, then Debbi's college reunion in October, plus possibly returning to Atlanta for Thanksgiving with my sister and to attend the wedding of Debbi's friend) ... RE: Lease a car - moral of the story: Amen, sister. I have never personally leased a car, but from what I have read about it from Consumer Reports and Clark Howard, this story sounds about like I would expect. I just recently, and for only the second time in my life, purchased a vehicle brand new from a dealer (see story, above). The best car that I have ever owned is the one that I am now trying to sell myself (having convinced myself that I could get more selling than I could trading it in), the 1988 Isuzu Trooper LS (details on my WWW home page). This one I purchased used, but with less than 10k miles on it about 18 months after the original owner purchased it new. I was a "sacrifice sale" since he was moving to Australia, where they drive on the wrong side of the rode, so I feel I got a good deal. RE: yr ct me re "support NASA". Amen, sister. This is an ongoing educational outreach effort that all true space enthusiasts participate in, the reminding of the public of why space is importatnt and worthwhile. I try to do my little bit with an occaisional letter, and also with promoting space and science at DragonCon by directing a track of programming on this subject. Regretfully, I have tendered my resignation to the Chariman of DragonCon. I would like to help find a successor so that the Space/Science Track will continue at DragonCon, but have had no takers. Any suggestions?