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ISS's Node 3 Might Be Named "Colbert"

Posted by kdawson on from the sure-he's-a-star-but dept.

Panzor writes "NASA is running a contest to name the new addition to the space station, Node 3. The polls are open until March 20. The selection that is getting the most votes is 'Suggest your own,' and the leading name besides the official four (Earthrise, Legacy, Serenity, and Venture) is 'Colbert.' Comedian Stephen Colbert suggested on the air that fans write in his name. On March 5th, his vote count passed that of Xenu and Colbert pronounced himself Scientology's 'Galactic Overlord.'"

4 of 276 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Seriously? by Trent+Hawkins · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I don't suppose anyone takes these kinds of things seriously anymore... a LITTLE pride maybe? Funny, yeah. A good idea? Sorry, I don't think so.

    Why? Colbert gets to have a module named after him and NASA gets more free publicity then they could ever muster up on their own.
    It's win win.

  2. Re:Seriously? by jhfry · · Score: 5, Insightful

    How is this a bad idea, and how does it show a lack of pride.

    Essentially, the entire process was created to generate media attention, otherwise the module would be given a sterile name, or just a number. In an age where NASA seems positively boring they must actively compete with reality TV and myspace/facebook for the attention of the public.

    I would be all for naming the module "FUCK" if it would make the public more interested in our space program; and I think Colbert encouraging the public to participate in an entertaining way can do nothing but good things for NASA. It helps make space fun again.

    Most societies have used entertainment to help keep important issues in the public interest. Even Rome had it's gladiators to help remind it's citizens that the country was still at war, without them the citizens would have lost interest and stopped backing the expansion.

    Seriously? Yes, and why should we be so serious all the time... let history reflect that our generation was both highly productive and capable of good spirited fun.

    --
    Sometimes the best solution is to stop wasting time looking for an easy solution.
  3. no by BitterAndDrunk · · Score: 4, Insightful
    The sad part is his and the Daily Show's satire is more insightful than most legitimate news - that's a sad statement on society.

    Your "sad statment" is indicative that you're a humorless twat.

    --
    You better watch out, there may be dogs about . . .
  4. Re:Serenity? by Nick+Ives · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Don't feed the AC trolls. We all know space western is one of the most interesting and under-used genres - Cowboy Bebop anyone?

    --
    Nick