Slashdot Mirror
Colbert Wins Space Station Name Contest
As we speculated a couple of weeks back, it has come to pass. Reader mknewman writes to tell us that comedian Stephen Colbert has won the vote to have his name immortalized (or at least until it crashes) as the moniker on NASA's newest addition to the International Space Station. We can but wonder what NASA will do now. "NASA's mistake was allowing write-ins. Colbert urged viewers of his Comedy Central show, 'The Colbert Report' to write in his name. And they complied, with 230,539 votes. That clobbered Serenity, one of the NASA choices, by more than 40,000 votes. Nearly 1.2 million votes were cast by the time the contest ended Friday."
It's not mentioned in the article, but what brought this all up in the first place was the fact that "Xenu" was winning the write-in vote before he asked viewers on his show to write in his own name instead. Xenu is the galactic overlord from Scientology myth. Colbert asked his viewers to write in his own name, and the following day he had already passed Xenu on the write-ins. The show that evening, he declared himself the new galactic overlord.
Incidentally, NASA reserved the write to call it whatever they want; they don't have to go with the vote.
RIP Battletoad :(
that my write in vote for Bigus Dickus didn't win... I thought I had the mobs support. Cheers, endxv
All glory to the Hypnotoad!
"NASA's mistake was allowing write-ins.
No! It was NASA's genius to get a name-brand late-night comedy show host as a major unpaid endorsement to a multi-billion dollar government money pit, I mean research program.
The most bombastic speaker who appeals to the most retards wins.
I don't want to say anything about our current President, but...
This is awful. I've heard him pronounce his *own* name different ways on his show. Oh well, maybe the astronauts will cut off the beginning and just call it the Bert module. I mean, if they scrape some paint off, what can we do?
I hardly think that a 3.3% margin of defeat is worthy of the adjective "clobbering".
It's funny when a comedian manipulates the population via the media to get his name attached to a space station. It's dangerous when politicians do the same to kill hundreds of thousands of people in the name of democracy.
Really naming it the "Colbert" room isn't as lame as if everyone voted for "i can haz space station" or something. Plus he may have actually raised public awareness of space programs a little bit. He certainly drove traffic to NASA's website. And if 200,000 people actually voted for him, you can imagine how many people voted for a "real" option or read some of the NASA content.
The Colbert Spaceport?
What a fool believes, he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away.
While I enjoy the humor of the story if he is serious about this he needs beat.
From the article: "NASA reserves the right to choose an appropriate name."
Name it something else, but hang a signed picture of Colbert in the module. The fans are satisfied, a reasonable name can be applied, and Colbert gets a talking point for a show.
But please, for the love of God, no dancing! Colbert dancing with that freaky grin always creeps me out.
I wrote in "Candlejack", and apparently i was the onl
On a similar note, what will Time do if Moot wins the #1 most influential person of the year?
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1883644_1886141,00.html
I wonder if he'd let it be named Serenity for a date with Inara Serra / Morena Baccarin?
Lousy French.
A programmer is a machine for converting coffee into code.
Didn't enter the contest.
The society for a thought-free internet welcomes you.
This just proves that people will do whatever someone on the tv tells them to do. Does it surprise anyone that the winning name wasn't the name of a great scientist?
Before you get too excited, note that "Colbert" won the online poll.
Which is a completely different thing than actually getting the space station module named after him.
"Stephen Colbert gets drunk and runs over a widow and her three childeren. He then goes on and exposes himself to a church choir. Colbert is undergoing drug testing. [...] Nasa plans for a decommissioning of the Colbert module by burning up in the atmosphere."
Yeah, right, like they'll name a module after someone who has given and done absolutely nothing for/to the space program.
Is it sad that I am more likely to recognize you and your posts by your sig than your name or UID?
... Hahahahahahhahahahahahahhahahaha!!!!!
THE MAGIC WORDS ARE SQUEAMISH OSSIFRAGE
Actually, NASA lucked out.
What with the problems with the urine recycling system, naming the new lab after an incontinence pad could, if it ever leaked to the press, dampen public enthusiasm and, uh, tick people off.
"How to Do Nothing," kids activities, back in print!
Kohl-bear Spayss-pore
Karma: Non-Heinous
It would have been "Ron Paul" if it wasn't a socialist space project!
"That's no moon"
Colbert won the write-in vote. Serenity won the vote
You're saying that the way Obama speaks is "bombastic?" I don't think you know what that word means.
That or someone may be trying to make a (racist?) comparison between President Obama and reggae singer Shaggy.
And they complied, with 230,539 votes. That clobbered Serenity, one of the NASA choices, by more than 40,000 votes.
By 17% does not a clobbering make. More of an "edged out" don'cha think?
I work for the Department of Redundancy Department.
NASA's mistake was allowing write-ins.
Mistake? How so? It's pretty obvious that the purpose of the naming-competition was to get people involved and excited. To raise NASA's profile and garner some free advertising. By allowing write-ins, they opened the door for Colbert to advertise for them. And apparently he drove some 230,000 people to go check out the NASA site, maybe read some other NASA material, talk about NASA with their friends, and so on.
I daresay NASA was quite successful in their effort to gain some publicity. Allowing write-ins was evidently not a mistake.
NASA mission w. asian-american"
Where's Hiu? ... you trained with that crazy Depends-toting Lisa Maire Nowak?
Watt!
What?
Yes.
No, I asked, where's Hiu?
Watt!
What?
Exactly!
Where?
Watt!
What?
Now you've got it!
Just tell me what's with Hiu
No, you've got it backwards.
Who?
That's what I said.
Where?
Watt!
What?
I'm glad we cleared that up.
Let me guess
Ok this is just a bad idea because Aliens will see our space station and see a big sticker of Colbert on the side and then they come to blow us up. Way to go NASA
Its not my fault, someone put a wall in my way.
the Colbert nation reminds me of a botnet. one of these days he's going to ask his viewers to overwhelm the NSA's servers.
weinersmith
The final vote shows Serenity with 70%
Colbert is just listed in the "Top 10 Suggestions"
Anyone that thinks NASA will pick the idiot from the Comedy channel is sorely mistaken.
This is awful. I've heard him pronounce his *own* name different ways on his show.
As I understand it, The Colbert Report is "the coal bear rapport" most of the time, but it was temporarily changed to "the coal bert report" during the first quarter of 2008 to signify the more improvisational format that the striking Writers Guild of America forced on Colbert. Likewise, The Daily Show got replaced with A Daily Show .
To be honest, I find this extremely disappointing. Next time around when nobody at NASA can think of a name, they'll convene some committee of poets and writers, and Slashdot will whine, "What about transparency, accountability, etc.? Why can't we have a direct Internet vote or something?" And NASA will (rightly) say, "We tried that. Sorry, Internet; you're too immature to handle that responsibility."
Colbert should be ashamed of himself. If some elected official put his name on some NASA component, we'd be relentlessly critical. What ever happened to "Colbert-chan is not your personal army"?
And frankly I think Serenity is a pretty boring name too, just another paean to pop culture. The Internet had an opportunity here to really demonstrate the value of volunteerism and free collaboration, and instead it told a boob joke.
To bad Rush didn't get involved.
I would have loved knowing that the bathroom on the space station was named after Rush Limbaugh.
Naming it Serenity, really sucks though, because eventually it will burn up.
But then again they were always fixing Serenity and getting her to fly again.
The most important thing is that you love her.
"Hey, what was that?"
naming the new lab after an incontinence pad [Serenity] could
Isn't that why the incontinence pad changed its name to Tena? Compare the size of "Serenity" on old packaging to that on new packaging.
I believe the correct term is actually "damaged Cylon" you insensitive frakin' clod.
Some bring out the best in others, some the worst. Some bring out far more.
This might be a good way to drum up some press, and (gasp) some support and interest from younger persons. I could think of worse things to happen to a NASA initiative. I say they run with it. Why not?
Hell is the impossibility of reason...
The whole idea is nice on paper, like communism. However, most people seem to be rather dumb so things they find interesting are pretty boring.
Always wondered what Satan looked like.
My ism, it's full of beliefs.
The Xenu ship has sailed. Everyone knows what it is now. For instance Colbert mentions it on his show all the time, and his nightly audience is bigger than the total number of votes in this NASA content.
The vote had nothing to with harming Scientology--naming it Xenu was just a nerd joke, just like Battletoad or Stephen Colbert or Serenity.
Build a man a fire, he's warm for one night. Set him on fire, and he's warm for the rest of his life.
...are all a bunch of child molestors and rapists (in my opinion). It is my belief, that Scientologists have gay sex with children on a daily basis and are the people behind nearly all that is evil in the world!
Over-the-top Response Guy! Giving "Over-the-Top Responses" since 1970.
...you're despicable.
Did you even know there was an addition to the space station before it was on The Colbert Report? I didn't.
Leave your geek card and slashdot ID at the door.
Mit der Dummheit kämpfen Götter selbst vergebens
I guess this means we don't get an Angry Dome then.
That would make a -perfect- name. I wouldn't be surprised if they plan to mention it on the show.
NASA should agree to the name if Stephen Colbert changes his name to Serenity.
Colbert is the best thing that ever happened to NASA. Come on. They are on the verge of extinction funding-wise, since having trouble keeping things in the air.
They should maximize the exposure, including sending Steven into space to air a show episode. Say, that would be an interesting challenge for NASA to call his bluff. But he would probably take it.
Anyway, Colbert is the most brilliant comedic, marketing, and news mind this century. Gold standard for all comedy news to come.
Although I generally have appreciated Colbert's humor, this latest stunt seems not to be a jab at NASA or the space program, but shows that one self-absorbed comedian can wipe out the ISS and space program supporters just for a laugh (and higher ratings and more money for himself.)
All those who, for whatever reason, took the vote "seriously" were slapped down so Comedy Central can make a few more bucks.
I imagine that anyone of the "Colbert Nation" that took the time to vote had little interest in anything else NASA has to offer. For most of these people, it just magnifies the idea that the ISS is a joke.
Oh well, maybe that's all that's left. Just jokes.
Colbert's gonna have to redo his song/DLC for Rockband "Charlene (I'm right behind you)" to add in "...I think of you when I'm watchin' you from the ISS far above you..."
-=JML=-
It was obvious NASA wanted Serenity when you looked at all of the subpar default options and the similarity in the name Serenity with the names of other modules. What they DIDN'T count on was the raw might of the Colbert Nation (of which I am one)!
I swear to God...I swear to God! That is NOT how you treat your human!
Welcome our new Galactic Overlord Colbert.
First it was a bridge and now a space station.
Most people aren't thought about after they're gone. "I wonder where Rob got the plutonium" is better than most get.
|| for a date with Inara Serra / Morena Baccarin?
Mmm.. don't know who THEY are; I just wanna marry Kirstie Allie! OK then; just a "date".
.
- aqk
F U
NASA has a long history of naming missions and modules after rather arbitrary, but dignified sounding, things. For example, the arts (Apollo Theater, Orson Welles' Mercury theater company, etc.) as well as pseudo-scientific things like signs of the zodiac and crypto-geographic places and cryptozoological creatures. Not to mention South American countries featured in drug-oriented movies, science fiction space ships, and even abstract contestants on a game show. "Colbert" seems pretty consistent with this non sequitur trend.
i\hbar\dot{\psi}=\hat{H}\psi
This is your toaster talking:
All your science is belong to US!
In Soviet science, toasters consult YOU!
.
.
- aqk
F U
Mistake? How so? It's pretty obvious that the purpose of the naming-competition was to get people involved and excited.
Howard Stern could get legions of his fans excited about the project too. I still wouldn't want a station module named after him.
Life is hard, and the world is cruel
colbert.... serinity... almost the same word.
Well, it seems that Stephen Colbert has a bit of a fancy with Scientology and their uber-seekrit Xenu. See, many would say that Scientology is a dangerous cult. There are many, many stories of personal ruin at the hand of Scientology. If even a small percentage of what is alleged is true, Scientology deserves international attention.
Whether or not you agree with 4chan/Anonymous's global protesting of Scientology, the truth is that it's worked. Celebrities like Stephen Colbert now bring attention to Scientology. The issues surrounding Scientology are common knowledge, and Scientology will have to either come to terms with its now-public secrecy, or continue to suffer in the public view. Xenu is now almost a house-hold name, and I have no doubt that it was 4chan/Anonymous who was behind the Xenu write-in in the first place.
It's been interesting to watch, from the first global protest onward. Go Anonymous!
I really like Stephen Colbert, but I've got to say, this is a pretty lame situation. I hope NASA runs with the runner up.
And I for one welcome our new boob overlords, with both hands.
With the word 'Wriststrong' on it?
Sig this!
That's pretty much a Troll question. You should obviously be asking the people who would have developed the stuff. But because you are a NASA Fanboy who is playing the role of the ignorant fool, then I really don't see the point in answering. Riddle me this Troll-boy; how did the Pyramids get built if NASA wasn't around to build them?
I'm obviously out of my league here, as I am in the Mac discussion areas.
(I'll lay my head on the alter for replying to a Troll, and wait for the Moderation to commence).
For pointing out the obvious. Like those 4chan kiddies who think it's cool to rickroll.
Next thing you know, more parts will be up for naming. Suggestions:
Others?
Unitarian Church: Freethinkers Congregate!
|| for a date with Inara Serra / Morena Baccarin? Mmm.. don't know who THEY are; I just wanna marry Kirstie Allie! OK then; just a "date".
Oh no you don't: http://scrapetv.com/News/News%20Pages/Entertainment/Images/kirstie-alley-skinny-and-fat.jpg .
All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die.
This could be a real public relations boost for NASA if they went with the Colbert name. NASA would earn the good will of many tax paying Americans and get the occasional positive plug from Stephen on the show. NASA often has to fight against politicians for funding, but Colbert brings to bear an army of letter writers who will help secure funding to make sure his ISS module gets launched.
Most of the public feels completely disconnected from NASA and this could really help to change that. I hope they take the Colbert plug and run with it!
I mean he took the CRAPPIEST TIME SLOT on just about every channel and turned it into gold. I can't even begin to think about how many failed shows I saw filter through that 11:30 to midnight time slot on Comedy Central where most viewers switch to one of the usuals (Letterman or Leno).
And realistically I think Serenity drew so many numbers only because of the geek crowd and their obsession with Firefly. Had I known about the contest, I might have gone and voted for that.
Serenity is the best name for the module, but Colbert still deserves something. I propose:
The Stephen Colbert BioWaste Recycling Module
Both are cranky, only work for a half hour at a time, and run on waste products. A perfect match.
SD
âoeWho knew something as harmless as willful ignorance could end up having real consequences?â
For doing this, I hope he gets hit by a bus and dies.
There is no "-1 offended" or "-1 you don't agree with me" mod options for a reason.
Nothing to see here... move along...
Her name is Incontentia... Incontentia Buttus...
Nasa will probably not name it Colbert and instead go with "Serenity" to mesh with Harmony and Unity.
It would be good if they indicated that "Serenity" was delivered/supported/connected by the "Co-Orbitial Longitudinal Binary Exponential Rapid Truss" (COLBERT) or some other nonsensical acronym.
So your saying i shouldn't post this link here?
http://www.mystae.com/streams/gnosis/otiii.html
The airport to nowhere!
You misspelled "from".
I know why he did it, but I still hate his guts for showing this kind of disrespect for science, and for getting his trashy mouth-breathing fans to weigh in on a SPACE STATION MODULE, something they would not otherwise care about. Please maintain six inches of separation at all times between science and Colbert's fan demographic!
I'll never watch Colbert's show now, or fail to trash him most harshly should his name come up in conversation.
NASA will take into consideration the results of the voting. However, the results are not binding on NASA and NASA reserves the right to ultimately select a name in accordance with the best interests of the agency, its needs, and other considerations. Such name may not necessarily be one which is on the list of voted-on candidate names. NASAâ(TM)s decision shall be deemed final.
... I don't think it can be named after a living person. Now if Mr. Colbert went into space and re-entered in just his skivvies with no braking, the name could be used. I suspect he's not up for that.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29863574/
"Come on, Serenity?" Colbert said on his March 10 show. "That's not a space module, that's a Glade plug-in."
hatemail in 3....2....1....
my karma will be here long after I'm gone