August 2, 2010 - I can’t believe it. Despite our best efforts, the Bad Hatter escaped. Worse than that, he transported us even further back in time! Sparky and the other Cadets did their best, but it was just too hard to out-trick a master trickster like the Bad Hatter. I’ll tell you what happened.

Sparky saw the Bad Hatter coming down the hall and called out to him. He told the Bad Hatter that he didn’t think the villain was powerful enough to change himself into a program. He shouted, “You dare doubt the power of the Bad Hatter?” and zapped himself into the nearest computer.

Silence. We waited for some explanation of what was happening, but there was no sign of anything going on inside the computer. Then, quietly at first but growing louder every second, I heard spooky laughter fill the room. The Bad Hatter’s voice rang out, “You really think such simple programs could stop me? Ridiculous! Impossible! Impressive! Yes, that’s right, I said impressive! But let’s see how you do with a REAL challenge!”

The room went black, and the next thing I knew we were all standing in an empty field where the Academy will one day stand! A newspaper blew across the grass and stopped at my feet. I picked it up and looked at the date. We’re stuck in 1986 and there isn’t even an Academy to help us!

July 1, 2010 - Oh no, Cadets! Something terrible has happened and now we’re all stuck in the past! Ok, calm down, Omni, everything will be fine. We’re not entirely lost – I mean, I’m still blogging somehow via Carlo’s smart phone (though I doubt we’re getting 3G coverage anymore). Whooo, let me explain from the beginning. Last night we were all having a quiet dinner when a weird, maniacal laugh exploded through the cafeteria. I looked around to see where the sound was coming from, but saw nothing unusual. Jax thought it was a poltergeist and went running for the door. I wish the rest of us had followed!

The laughter was soon replaced by an eerie voice that said, “Well hello, Cyber Defenders! Sorry for the fright…well, not all that sorry. I’m the Bad Hatter – reality hacker extraordinaire! I was thinking about all the “good” you do and, well, I thought you could use a challenge. It’s too easy to be Cyber Defenders with all this modern technology around you, isn’t it?

“So, out of the badness of my heart, I’ve arranged an all-expense paid trip back in time to the year 1995! Let’s see you fight crime without the use of all your high-tech gadgetry!”

Suddenly, a huge, swirling purple vortex appeared on the floor that sucked us back through time to the first year of the Academy! Back when the entire faculty, aside from Captain Wits, was a bunch of Cadets. Back when Ex-Commander Nils was still a good guy! We landed in a pile in the middle of the busy cafeteria. There was a stunned silence as we all stared at ourselves from 15 years ago. I heard the 1995-me say, “Um…did a clone of me just, like, fall out of the ceiling? Radical!”

“Yeah,” 1995-Betty replied. “And look, the rest of us are there, too. But why are we all old and stuff?”

Ignoring that, I stood up, dusted myself off, and introduced everyone. I explained to Captain Wits and Captain Marbles exactly what had happened and, though they were confused, they agreed to help us. It’s going to be hard, but together we’re going to figure out how to defeat the Bad Hatter!

June 2, 2010 - June is National Internet Safety Month. How exciting! Cadets, you can have fun while still being safe in cyberspace. Help share your knowledge about Internet Safety by sending a link to Fun Stuff to some of your friends.

For more Internet Safety fun, join us Sunday, June 6 from 12-5 pm at the main branch of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for the Summer Reading Extravaganza. The Carnegie Cadets will help to kick off the library’s summer reading program and talk a little more how to stay safe in cyberspace. Hope to see you there!

Also, current cadets please don't forget that next week is Finals Week, so while I encourage you to have fun at the Extravaganza, don't forget to spend some time studying this weekend too!

April 19, 2010 - Happy Earth Week, Cadets! This year is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and we're really celebrating in style at the Academy! Trey is organizing a field trip to a local abandoned lot to clean it up and turn it into a small park. Out with the garbage, in with the green!

Don't forget that protecting the planet also means protecting our oceans. Check out The Nature Conservancy's Earth Day page for some tips on how to do so.

Are you doing anything fun for Earth Day? Send us pictures for our Web site!

April 1, 2010 - I'm sad about having to tell you this, but the Academy is closing its doors for good. There's been a terrible outbreak of the Gotcha Virus and it looks like the only way to stop it is to send everybody home.

For more information, check out this month's Ask Omni.

March 17, 2010 - Hello Cadets!
We’ve recently added a Cadet Gallery to our Fun Stuff page to showcase some of the wonderful work you’ve been doing.

We love seeing all the great projects you’re working on. Even more than that, we love sharing what you’ve done with other people who visit our site. If you’ve got something you want us to share, send us an email about it!

Be sure to stop by the new Gallery to take a look at what the students from Community School submitted. Great videos, Cadets!

March 1, 2010 - Hello Cadets! Here are a few reminders for the month of March.

• The Academy will close between March 8th and March 12th for Spring Break. If you want to stay at the Academy over the break, you need to get a permission slip to Officer Ward by March 5th
• March 7th is St. Patrick’s Day, so remember to wear your green! The cafeteria will be serving a traditional meal of corned beef and cabbage, and the vegetarian option is parsnip apple soup. Oh, and I can’t forget the fresh soda bread! Yum!