Spiderman Found Alive and Well in Colorado!



Jeremy and Spidey




Jeremy and Spider Man.  Not sure of the value of Spider Man Statue, but, could not have been inexpensive based on the detailed costume design and life like appearance.  One year SMS was storing a lifelike cutout of Cosmo Kramer of the Seinfeld Tv series.  It was fun to have around and was quite the conversation piece when people saw it for the first time.  Alas, we eventually had to ship that out.  When it comes to artwork, beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder. 



Testing the Fit

After we test fit Spidey the guys will line the crate with cardboard, foam and inserts to secure it in place.

Spidey arrived at his new home safely and ready to go. 

Electron Microscopes and Ruska's Prototype

Wow, I think this was SMS's second Electron Microscope.  You just don't run into these often.
The biggest obstacle to handling these is the sheer weight of the unit and fact that most of the weight is located on top tube, about 700 pounds of lead.  This unit although old, about 30 years, it still  maintains its value, up to $150,000.  The pallet was engineered to handle the bulk of the weight on one side. 

The prototype for the first one was back in 1931 and here is a picture of it. 

Ernst Ruska's Prototype

The design and size look close to the newer models.  Although contemporary microscopes are capable of two million-power magnification, as scientific instruments, they remain based upon Ruska's prototype. Ken and Peter and crew did a fine job being patient with busy engineers, logistics in and out of the building and timing the construction and delivery schedules for a demanding customer on seldom seen equipment.

Happy Easter!

Wow,  this winter just flew by.  Easter marks for us the beginning of spring, the busy season and yet another Easter party at the non palatial Ray estate.  We have traditionally have always had an open house on this upcoming special day. We pray for good weather.  There are no formal invitations, just stop by if you can.
The Bloody Marys flow like water.  One year one of our dear male friends donned my wife's faux rabbit fur coat and was teaching some of the ladies a dance in my living room to an artist formally known as prince song.  It can get a little out of hand sometimes and then you have to take into account the home depreciation with 20 or so little kids running around, none of which belong to me.   My kids are all grown up so to speak and above egg hunting.  Which leads me into my next segue.  

This week I was digging up a raspberry patch that had taken over a part of the back yard.  If it likes the area, it is more like a weed.  I was just finishing up and noticed a shiny blue patch in the dirt.  I dug it out and guess what, a plastic Easter egg from an Easter egg hunt past.  It must have been there for at least 10 years.  I am no paleontologist but, you could tell it had been sitting there getting covered up for quite some time.  I opened it and found a still shiny quarter.  We still hide eggs for other people kids, but I miss the hectic scrambling and have not forgotten the  excitement of my own kids finding those eggs and shiny quarters.  One of my kids saw what I was holding and he said, "cool, is that an Easter Egg"!?  I could tell by the look in his eyes that he had not forgotten either.  Happy Easter all.