Update from 10 March Post > Behind-the-Screen Installation for Mesa Musical Shadows

Here's a close-up look at the ongoing work - almost ready for going public this saturday

MESA MUSICAL SHADOWS

Mesa Arts Center

[North Campus @ Center Street]

Grand Opening & Public Unveiling: 

Sat 02 April 2016 2:00-3:30 PM

Your MesaZona just could not wait to take another look at what's going on since getting curious in a post here on 03 March seeing an area surveyed earlier and "under-wraps".

The finished lay-out and design is shown in the image to the right of tiles pink-and-blue - the artwork consists of light sensors and small speakers embedded in a geometric arrangement of colored concrete tiles, placed flush to the concrete plaza surface outside the north Ikeda Theater lobby opposite the Center Street light rail station.

Each sensor will respond to changes in light, which will trigger different melodic or percussive sounds, emitted through speakers embedded in the plaza.

If multiple sensors are activated by a group of people playing together, a complex composition can be created.

Artist: Daily tous les jours, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Mesa Musical Shadows is generously [over $400,000] supported by a grant from ArtPlace America.

It is part of the 21st Century Cafe Society Project, a multi-phase initiative to create a welcoming and activated environment at MAC's north entry plaza

[more details about Mesa 21st Century Café Society can be found in earlier posts here].

 

 

EVENT DETAILS: 

A special event to celebrate the completion of Mesa Musical Shadows, Saturday, April 2, 2-3:30 p.m. The event will include:

• music and refreshments,
• remarks from Mesa Vice Mayor Dennis Kavanaugh and Councilmember Chris Glover,
• a special performance of a commissioned dance piece to be performed with the artwork
• ribbon cutting
• and an opportunity to be one of the first people to “play” the piece!

Let's see how exciting an over $4000,000 artwork can be . . .

From Arizona to International Space Station: Orbital ATK Cygnus Resupply Mission AOK

Just wanted to follow-through with a post from 22 March about a local aerospace business expansion to show global connections for unsuccessful launch and docking.
Image to the left shows Cygnus in red achieving berthing to the ISS on Saturday.
Some complications to get to the success with different teams and locations around the globe. Worth the read - and to know that Russian engines are used.
(Images: via NASA, ULA, Orbital ATK and Jacques van Oene/Spacepatches.nl – also L2 Artist Nathan Koga – plus L2’s Cygnus Section – Containing presentations, videos, a vast set of unreleased hi-res images, interactive high-level updates and more, with additional images via Orbital ATK and NASA)
It's from a very detailed article written on March 25, 2016 by Chris Gebhardt, Chris Bergin and William Graham that appeared on NASA Spaceflight.com

Cygnus completes ISS arrival as ULA investigate Atlas V launch

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/03/cygnus-final-atlas-iss/
Cygnus OA-6 Arrival:
Immediately following launch, Cygnus – named S.S. Rick Husband – successfully entered its target orbit and deployed its lightweight solar arrays.
Since then, Orbital ATK mission controllers in Dulles, Virginia, spent the early days of Cygnus’ mission uploading and executing the first of a series of rendezvous phasing burns (called DV – Delta Velocity burns) to refine the S.S. Rick Husband’s trajectory toward the Station.
The first DV burn occurred on Wednesday, lasted approximately 10 minutes, and was designed to raise Cygnus from its initial near-circular 230km orbit to the 400km orbit of the ISS.
A similarly long DV burn followed, again to raise Cygnus to its proper orbital altitude.
This was then followed by a planned phasing burn to align Cygnus into the exact orbital corridor of the Station and then by a final set of DV burns on Friday to bring Cygnus to its “Go/No-Go for Joint-Ops” decision point, which it reached roughly 5hrs prior to capture at approximately 01:40 EDT Saturday.
Once Cygnus received the “go” from MCC-H (Mission Control Center – Houston) for Joint Ops, Cygnus slowly approached the Station to the Joint Targeting Reference Point (JTRP), which it arrived at just over 3hrs prior to capture – at approximately 03:30 EDT
From this point until capture and berthing, every step of the rendezvous required a strong communications link through the JEM (Japanese Experiment Module) PROX system between Cygnus, the ISS, and ground controllers.

This communication structure ensured the ability to manually abort – or at least retreat – Cygnus’ approach to the Station in the event of a problem with the spacecraft or the ISS.
Once at the JTRP, Cygnus stopped relative motion with the ISS and awaited a second Go/No-Go decision from MCC-H.
At this point, Cygnus was in the Joint Operations Phase (JOPS) of approach, as overviewed in documentation acquired by L2..
Approximately 3hrs before capture, and with MCC-H providing a “go” to proceed, Cygnus performed the first of four ADV thruster burns (ADV1) to begin moving closer to Station.
During these proximity ADV burns, Cygnus – until capture – made use of the TriDAR vision system designed by Canadian company Neptec with the support of NASA and the Canadian Space Agency.
TriDAR – tested during several Space Shuttle missions and used by SpaceX’s Dragon – will provide Cygnus controllers with real-time visual guidance for navigation, rendezvous and docking procedures.

After Cygnus’ completed her first two ADV burns, the ISS maneuvered to capture attitude – a 5 minute process that took place just over 2hrs prior to targeted capture time.
Then, with just under 2hrs to go until capture, MCC-H issued another Go/No-Go decision regarding two more ADV burns for Cygnus, which took the spacecraft to its 250m hold point below the ISS.
An hour later, MCC-H gave the “go” for Cygnus to depart the 250m hold point and enter the Keep Out Sphere (KOS) of the ISS.Cygnus then pulsed its thrusters and enter the KOS.
Up until this point, Orbital ATK controllers at their facility in Dulles had full control over Cygnus.Once Cygnus entered the KOS, NASA controllers at MCC-H joined the Orbital ATK team for the tricky rendezvous and berthing of Cygnus.Just under half an hour prior to capture, Cygnus arrived at the 30m Hold Point.
Atlas V Launch:
The veteran Atlas V rocket launched on its first attempt at the opening of the available window on Tuesday, lighting up the sky as she gracefully departed SLC-41 at Cape Canaveral.Vulcan:
Despite Atlas V’s impressive track record, ULA is preparing to bring a new rocket online by the end of the decade.
Due in part to geopolitical and US political considerations regarding Russian-built engines for the Atlas V fleet and also to increasing competition from SpaceX, ULA announced in September 2014 that it had entered into a partnership with Blue Origin to develop a new series of liquid oxygen and methane engines for a new first stage booster.
The Vulcan is designed to launch with dual Blue Origin BE-4 engines. However, Aerojet Rocketdyne is also developing the AR1 engine which could power the Vulcan Centaur.
ULA notes that their strategic partnership for American main engines – along with Orbital ATK for the solid rocket boosters and RUAG Space for domestically-produced composite structures – enables collaborative development of Vulcan to maximize the value of this new launch capability.
“Vulcan Centaur will revolutionize spaceflight and provide affordable, reliable access to space with an American main engine,” added Mark Peller, ULA’s program manager for major development.

Maricopa County Prez Primary 2016 Election = A Fiasco + A National Disgrace

Outrage and investigations on the state and federal levels have been provoked by massive suppression of voters' rights here during last Tuesday's elections in Maricopa County for the presidential preference primary.
The reactions from voters were fierce, fast and furious even in districts where less than 50% of eligible voters took the time to get registered.
Both Arizona Governor Doug Ducey got involved and Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton asked for a Department of Justice investigation to confirm legal actions to examine the issues after voters raise their voices to complain. Your MesaZona blogger at this point in time has not heard a statement from Mayor John Giles.

The Arizona State Legislature is on schedule for hearings to start on Monday. Even in news outlets on the other side of the planet in the Arab world, this report from Gulf News had this to say:
[March 26, 2016 | Last updated less than one minute ago]
PHOENIX: Hours-long waits for some Arizona residents for presidential primary voting have led to accusations of voter suppression from Democrats and civil rights proponents who cite a decision by elections officials to slash the number of polling places this year.Residents in metro Phoenix have been bristling for years over a perception that state leaders want to make it harder for them to vote, and the mess at the polls Tuesday only heightened their frustration.

Helen Purcell, recorder for Maricopa County shown in the image to the left,  took responsibility for Tuesday’s foul-up and acknowledged she made a mistake. She said she relied on voter turnout expectations, the fact independents could not vote in the primary, and that most Arizonans are mailed early ballots. But she said the problems at the polls were in no way intended to suppress participation.

NBC News ran this piece by Raul A. Reyes yesterday Mar 25 2016, 2:50 pm ET 
Opinion: Latinos Disenfranchised in Arizona Primary Fiasco
What a mess. The big news out of Arizona on Tuesday night wasn't only the respective victories by presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. It was also the abject failure of Maricopa County officials to properly run the elections.
The 2016 Arizona primary was a disgrace. Not only did it reflect extraordinarily poor judgment by elected officials, Maricopa County in effect disenfranchised untold numbers of voters. This sorry state of affairs illustrates why Latinos still need the protections of the Voting Rights Act.

Tomorrow's GDP Report > Some data ahead of time from Bloomberg Business

Why does it matter?
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2016-03-24/why-friday-s-u-s-gdp-report-matters

Out-To-Lunch Free Concert @ MAC : A Mixed Bag of Navy Brass + Island Calypso

Thanks to Casey Blake for sending this presser
Free Out to Lunch Concert series to host special double feature concert

Thursday, March 24

Didn't know it is Navy Week at all since we are are "land-locked" in the desert, but this double-feature concert should attract another big crowd. Maybe not cracking the recent attendance of 1,250 at these outdoor free events, but then again who knows?

 

Mesa, AZ – The free Out to Lunch Concert series at Mesa Arts Center will present Navy Band Southwest’s 32^nd Street Brass Band and JT’s Island Steel Drum Band Thursday, March 24 in the outdoor Wells Fargo Garden. Navy Band Southwest will perform 11 a.m. – noon and JT’s Island Steel will perform 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Both performances are free.

Navy Band Southwest will give a taste of New Orleans with its newest group, the 32nd Street Brass Band. In the spirit of Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras, the band performs upbeat music for homecoming ship arrivals and Navy community events with the sounds and styles of Jazz, Funk, Dixieland, and R&B.

Island Steel is comprised of musicians experienced in all varieties of instruments from classical violin to jazz piano, expertly trained to create the calypso sound from the islands of the Caribbean. This island sound creates a relaxing and soothing tropical atmosphere with a festive, energetic performance in the tradition of Trinidad's Carnival. 

The weekly Out to Lunch Concerts at Mesa Arts Center offer free parking, hot and cold meal options for purchase, ample seating and a stunning outdoor setting. Mesa Arts Center is located at One East Main Street in downtown Mesa.

Here's a short video of the steel drum band to get you in the mood

 

 

Playing Politics? Officer-Involved Shootings Here in Mesa Rages On In The Media

Two recent episodes in the last couple of months with notices of claims in the millions of dollars filed against the City of Mesa continue to make international, national, state and local headlines.
Yesterday and today the incidents are taking on more attention with statements issued in the media by the Mesa chief of police terminating the employment of a policeman and attorneys representing officer Philip Brailsford accusing the city of "playing politics" in this report yesterday
"The Mesa Police Association said in an emailed statement Monday night that it was disappointed the city of Mesa "interfered with Officer Mitch Brailsford’s due process and allowed this case to be tried in the court of public opinion before being heard in the court of law."
More stories updated last night:
Craig Mehrens, the attorney for Brailsford, said the firing "represents pure politics." He said Meza called Brailsford four days after the shooting "and told him he had, with other senior officers, viewed the video; and they had all concluded that it was a `good shoot.' "
The Mesa Police Association said in a statement that firing Brailsford before his scheduled preliminary hearing Wednesday in the fatal shooting case "likely hurt his chances of receiving a fair trial. That is simply wrong."
Excerpts from this report by ABC 15 >>
http://www.abc15.com/news/region-phoenix-metro/central-phoenix/philip-brailsford-update-mesa-officer-facing-murder-charge-fired

So far no statements about all this from the City, but Mesa mayor John Giles posted another selfie of himself on Facebook over the weekend on May 20 with this caption: My ride along with @mesapolice last night was very educational. Car crashes, drunk drivers, domestic violence. I have a lot of respect for our great public safety personnel. Thank you!Facebook

Orbital ATK

Recent recent expansion plans for this aerospace, ammunition, and integrated weapons system supplier will complement Arizona’s robust aerospace and defense sector that contributes $38bn annually to the Arizona economy and employs more than 52,000 workers.
Arizona Governor, Doug Ducey, and satellite manufacturer, Orbital ATK, last Friday jointly announced that the company is expanding its engineering operations in Gilbert, Arizona.

Governor Doug Ducey had this to say in a flurry of press release announcements:
“I am thrilled that one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the world once again has selected Arizona for its expansion plans, and to support its critical operations,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “Arizona is a major player globally when it comes to aerospace, defense and avionics – and we continue to grow. This is a great partnership."
John Lewis, the mayor of Gilbert, was equally enthusiastic:
“A company like Orbital ATK could have expanded its operations elsewhere in the country. The fact that they plan to continue to invest in our great community is a testament to our mutually beneficial relationship and Gilbert’s focus on growing STEM occupations in aerospace and manufacturing sectors,” said Gilbert Mayor John Lewis. “These are some of the best jobs in Arizona and I’m proud they are happening in Gilbert.”

With additional facilities in Chandler and Mesa, Arizona, Orbital ATK has a total footprint in the state of close to almost 800,000 sq ft, contributing to over 1,750 high-tech aerospace and defense jobs.

Orbital ATK ISS cargo delivery set to launch
Orbital has also announced that it is in final preparations for the company’s next enhanced Cygnus spacecraft cargo mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
This will be Orbital ATK’s fifth operational mission (OA-6) to the ISS for NASA under the Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract, and the first Cygnus to conduct scientific experiments onboard the spacecraft.
For the second time, Orbital ATK will launch Cygnus atop a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket, carrying approximately 7,900 pounds (3,600 kilograms) of cargo to astronauts aboard the ISS and small satellites that will be deployed directly from Cygnus.
Pending completion of final vehicle testing and acceptable local weather conditions, the launch is scheduled for Tuesday, March 22, at 11:05 p.m.
More details can be found here