What's In A Name?

[full_frontal_occlusion]

NASA are in a bt of a pickle over the name of a new module due to be installed on the International Space Station.

The new module executes human waste re-cycling and environmental conditioning, electrical power distribution and a panoramic earth observation window.

A NASA organised on-line public voting competition to name the new node ended in March. However, a US TV comedian (Colbert) conducted a compaign through his weekely television show, urging his viewers to vote for his own name and hence win the competition to name the module after him.

The voting concluded with Colbert wining 230,000 votes (19%) and Serenity the next name coming in with 190,000 votes (16%). Over 1,200,000 votes were cast for all entries.

Question is: should NASA honour Colbert as the outright winner even though its arguably not the spirit or intent of the competition? Bear in mind that clause 4 of the published competition rules states, NASA is not bound by the vote outcome to use the vote winning name (presumably to prevent an inappropriate name).

On the other hand, Colbert has given publicity for the ISS and perhaps reached a section of the public that previously had no knowledge or concept of the ISS.

And what does it say for the power of celebrity to manipulate an outcome through ego?

NASA is due to make an announcement on the Colbert show tonight.

ffO

[Essan]

Easy. In recognition of the publicity he's given the ISS, name the module Serenity and the toilet Colbert. And in centuries to come he'll be remembers in the phrase "the Colbert in this place stinks"

[full_frontal_occlusion]

At 0330 GMT today, NASA announced the new node will be called Tranquility - joining the other nodes Harmony and Unity.

Colbert does get his name and face on the stations new exercise treadmill though.

http://www.space.com/news/090414-colbert-s...ation-node.html

ffO.

[Methuselah]

What's wrong with good old Crapper!

[Louby]

What's wrong with good old Crapper!

:lol:

Although tranquility isn't bad, don't you blokies go to the loo for some tranquility?

[full_frontal_occlusion]

Although tranquility isn't bad, don't you blokies go to the loo for some tranquility?

I often contemplate Spoonerisms. i.e. Sit and think. :o

Edited April 15, 2009 by full_frontal_occlusion