Hey there, pickleball fans and community members! Welcome back to Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report, where we keep you in the loop about all things pickleball. Today, we’re serving up a controversial topic that’s making waves over at El Quito Park in Saratoga, California. Grab your paddles and a snack as we dive into the noise — and not just the joyful sound of pickleball!

The Pickleball Factor

Thanks to a booming interest during the pandemic, Saratoga recently added two brand-spankin’-new pickleball courts to great fanfare. But what started as a way to enjoy the game has quickly turned into a cacophony that has some locals reconsidering their living arrangements. As reported by Isha Trivedi in the East Bay Times, the sound from the courts has led to complaints from nearby residents about what they describe as a “bombardment of noise.” Even long-time locals like Zack Petersen, who’s enjoyed three decades in the area, are expressing their frustrations. Zack went as far as to say the noise sounds like “shotguns” — yikes!

Check out the article: https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/09/16/pickleballs-bombardment-of-noise-rule-breakers-and-fence-climbers-at-saratoga-courts-lead-to-100000-soundproofing-and-lock-costs-after-neighbor-complaints/

It’s not just the noise that’s causing concern. With no installed lights on the courts, players often bring their own lighting, keeping matches going late into the night, sometimes past midnight. With the city struggling to enforce playtime limits, it’s clear why some residents are feeling overwhelmed.

In response to the uproar, Saratoga’s City Council has earmarked a whopping $100,000 to install soundproofing panels and a new magnetic locking system to keep the courts quieter and more organized. But here’s the catch — Zack fears this might just be a “band-aid” on the real issue. He’s observed that dedicated players have been known to climb over fences to keep the games alive even after the gates are locked. A real pickle indeed!

Despite the pushback from some neighbors, not all pickleball players are brushing off the complaints. Local pickleball ambassador Jason Tseng recognizes the need for soundproofing that works for both players and residents. He pointed out that how the city implements these sound-dampening measures could actually create an echo chamber within the courts, enhancing the noise inside rather than reducing it outside. Double yikes!

So, where does that leave us? With pickleball’s rising popularity, it’s clear something needs to be done to keep the spirit of the game alive while respecting the local community. We’re eager to hear your thoughts!

Do you think pickleball noise is a real issue for local neighborhoods, or is it just part of the game’s charm? Should the city invest in soundproofing and locking systems, or is that a waste of funds? We invite you to share your opinions and experiences in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going and work towards solutions that benefit everyone involved!

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Until next time, keep it friendly on the courts and consider your volume levels — your neighbors will thank you! And don’t forget… Let’s Pickle!

—Sleeves

Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/

The Polaris Dawn mission has etched its name in the annals of space history, marking a significant milestone in human spaceflight. After a groundbreaking five-day journey, the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, carrying a crew of four astronauts, splashed down safely in the Gulf of Mexico at 3:37 a.m. ET on Sunday. This mission not only showcased the capabilities of commercial space travel but also achieved several remarkable feats, including the world’s first commercial spacewalk.

A Historic Splashdown

The Crew Dragon capsule landed off the coast of Dry Tortugas, Florida, concluding a mission that saw its crew reach unprecedented heights. Polaris Dawn achieved an orbital altitude of 870 miles (1,400 kilometers), the highest ever reached by humans since the Apollo program, surpassing the previous record set by NASA’s Gemini 11 mission in 1966, which reached 853 miles (1,373 kilometers).

Upon re-entry, the spacecraft faced extreme temperatures of up to 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,900 degrees Celsius) due to the pressures and friction of traveling at 17,000 miles per hour (27,000 kilometers per hour). However, the Crew Dragon’s advanced heat shield ensured the astronauts remained safe and comfortable throughout the descent. Once the capsule hit the water, it bobbed momentarily before rescue crews aboard a vessel dubbed the “Dragon’s Nest” retrieved it, completing a meticulous safety check before the crew disembarked.

Groundbreaking Achievements

The Polaris Dawn crew consisted of mission commander Jared Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Shift4 Payments; former US Air Force pilot Scott “Kidd” Poteet; and SpaceX operations engineers Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis. This mission was the first of three planned in the Polaris program, intended to push the boundaries of human spaceflight.

One of the most significant highlights of the mission was the first-ever commercial spacewalk. Conducted on the third day, both Isaacman and Gillis exited the spacecraft in a groundbreaking extravehicular activity (EVA). With the absence of an airlock in the Crew Dragon, the entire cabin was depressurized, exposing all four crew members to the vacuum of space. Gillis, at just 30 years old, became the youngest person to participate in a spacewalk, while the mission set a new record for the number of individuals simultaneously exposed to space, totaling four.

Scientific Exploration

The Polaris Dawn mission also focused on scientific research, particularly studying the effects of space radiation on the human body. By flying through parts of the Van Allen radiation belt, the crew aimed to gather valuable data that could inform future long-duration space missions, including potential journeys to Mars.

The mission kicked off with a rigorous pre-breathing protocol to reduce nitrogen levels in the crew’s bodies, mitigating the risk of decompression sickness during the planned spacewalk. Over the course of the mission, the cabin pressure was gradually decreased from 14.5 to 8.6 pounds per square inch, while oxygen levels were increased to prepare for the EVA.

Breaking Barriers for Women in Space

Notably, Menon and Gillis broke records by flying further from Earth than any women before them. Their participation in this historic mission highlights the increasing role of women in space exploration, paving the way for future generations of female astronauts.

The Polaris Dawn mission represents a pivotal moment in commercial spaceflight, illustrating the potential of private companies to lead the way in exploring new frontiers. As SpaceX continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible, the accomplishments of the Polaris Dawn crew serve as a reminder of humanity’s enduring quest to explore the cosmos.

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Conclusion

The Polaris Dawn mission has set the stage for a new era in space exploration, showcasing the capabilities of commercial ventures and the resilience of the human spirit. As we look forward to the upcoming missions in the Polaris program, the accomplishments of this crew will undoubtedly inspire future explorers to reach for the stars.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/15/science/spacex-polaris-dawn-splashdown-landing/index.html

Sources: Polaris Dawn, SpaceX, Wikipedia, CNN

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

Space enthusiasts and media around the world are gearing up for an exciting Earth-to-space call scheduled with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. This news conference is set to take place aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday, September 13, at 2:15 p.m. EDT. The astronauts, who are currently part of Expedition 71/72, will share insights from their experiences in low Earth orbit.

Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams

NASA will stream the event live on NASA+, the NASA app, and the agency’s website, offering various platforms for viewers to tune in and experience the wonders of space exploration directly from its current pioneers. The coverage promises not only to highlight the astronauts’ daily activities and scientific endeavors but also provide a real-time connection with those orbiting our planet.

Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were launched into space aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5, marking its first crewed flight. They arrived at the ISS the following day. Following a decision to bring back the Starliner uncrewed, the duo’s stay has been extended, and they are now slated to return to Earth in February 2025 with the SpaceX Crew-9 mission aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

For media looking to participate in the news conference, NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston must be contacted for accreditation by 5 p.m., Thursday, September 12. Media members will need to dial into the conference at least 10 minutes before it begins to ask their questions.

This event offers an invaluable opportunity for the public and the media to engage directly with the astronauts, gaining a deeper understanding of life in space and the ongoing research and operations that continue to push the boundaries of human spaceflight. As Wilmore and Williams continue their critical work on the ISS, this news conference is a much-anticipated chance to connect with the heroes of our final frontier.

To learn more about this event and keep up with the latest news on space station research and operations, visit NASA’s ISS portal.

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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