In this issue...

• Astronaut Dan Bursch Visits La Costa Glen
• Do You Wii^TM? Maybe You Should!
• Is Right Now the Best Time for a Move?

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Astronaut Dan Bursch Visits La Costa Glen

Dan Bursch, a "former" astronaut (back in the early days, once an astronaut, always an astronaut), recently gave a delightful talk on his experiences aboard the International Space Station for 196 days in 2001 and 2002.

Dan went to the Naval Academy, became a test pilot, joined NASA in 1990, and flew the first of his four space missions in 1993. He and his American astronaut crew member, Carl Walz, held the world record for time in space on a single mission, until his record was surpassed by another American astronaut.

With humor and precision, he described how three people could live together in a 2,000-square-foot dwelling for over six months at zero gravity. The only chance to get away was to go outside (an "extra-vehicular activity"). The crew was made up of two Americans and one Russian. Dan explained how he spent most of two years training in Russia, learning Russian, and learning how to come home in a Soyuz capsule, if necessary. The long process of developing teamwork before and during the flight resulted in lasting friendships.

Dan's long flight was dedicated to science experiments as well as repair and maintenance of the space station. He showed many fascinating photographs. In January 2003, Dan reported to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, as an instructor and, in 2004, as an associate dean. He retired from the Navy in 2005 after 26 years of service.

We wish him well and look forward to the possibility of his return to
La Costa Glen with many more stories.