What's New

Bob Park "What's New?", 30th June:

1. NASA: DISCOVERY SET FOR LAUNCH TOMORROW, BUT JUST IN CASE...
The mission is to see if the modified shuttle works. Everybody
watches their fuel tanks these days, but NASA watches closer.
The plan is for the crew to take refuge on the ISS if they find
any damage when they get there. But what about the shuttle? It
cost a few billion bucks, never mind what's it's worth. No
problem! They rigged a 28-foot cable so flight controllers on
the ground can throw the switches. I called Ann Thropojinic, a
veteran astronaut we have relied on in the past, to explain these
things. "Does this mean the only function of the crew is to
throw a few switches?" I asked. "Not at all," she replied, "the
crew is there to do weightless tricks for the cameras."

2. CERVICAL CANCER: FEDERAL ADVISORY PANEL RECOMMENDS VACCINE.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)is the most common sexually transmitted
disease. By protecting against four strains, Gardisil prevents
most cervical cancer. The vaccine is expensive, however, and
the disease is most prevalent among the poor. Still, vaccinating
girls from 11-18 would cost less than the flight of Discovery.
The recommendation was unanimous, but the vote to make Plan B
available over the counter was also overwhelming. Why would
anyone object? "Because," a spokesperson for Focus on the Family
snarled, "You don't catch it, you have to go out and get it."

Posted By: Arizona Bay, Jul 3, 14:47:44