Calling All Cosmonauts

Somehow, when we weren't looking, Seattle fell behind Cape Canaveral, Florida and Houston, Texas as a destination for those who wish to boldly go where no man has gone before. But, now that the Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co. is open for business, that's all gonna change.

Seattlest attended a pre-public opening recently, and in between downing cups of vodka & Tang, tested out some of the GSTSC-approved products. These include "beverage containment devices" (cups), "squint prevention research systems" (magnifying glasses), and "ambulator-conversators" (walkie-talkies).

Each product comes in a small, white cardboard box (so designed, we assume, to avoid detection by the sonar systems of as-yet-undiscovered alien beings) with a label that contains a small story imagining the possible use of the product in space. Key.

But, be warned--the store itself is a thinly-veiled front to support the activities of 826 Seattle, a nonprofit writing center for public school students.

Shocking as it may seem, the money you spend for space travel supplies will directly fund the center's mission of helping young people improve their writing skills. Sure, you're going to feel a little dirty, but quiet your ethical concerns for the sake of the universe.

Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co's official public opening is tomorrow at noon. A full afternoon of readings and musical performances is planned, featuring local authors George Saunders and Ryan Boudinout. Also, Dave Eggers, novelist, memoirist, publisher and patron of the legitimate arts, is expected to show up for badinage with the general public.

826 Seattle and Greenwood Space Travel Supply Co. are both at 8414 Greenwood Ave. N

Photo courtesy of 826 Seattle and Carla Leonardi.