-----Forwarded Message-----
>From: What's New <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Sent: Jun 30, 2006 1:19 PM
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: [BOBPARKS-WHATSNEW] What's New Friday June 30, 2006
>
>WHAT'S NEW Robert L. Park Friday 30 Jun 06 Washington, DC
>
>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."
>
>3. SENATE: IT WAS ANOTHER WEEK DEVOTED TO SAVING OUR DEMOCRACY.
>The Iraq War continues unabated, the deficit soars, the ice caps
>melt, and the Senate voted on whether a constitutional amendment
>to ban flag burning should go to the States for ratification. It
>was the fourth time the Senate has rejected such an initiative
>since the Supreme Court ruled in 1989 that flag burning is
>protected free speech. It failed by one vote. As a threat to
>the nation, flag burning may be as dangerous as gay marriage. An
>amendment to ban gay marriage had failed earlier.
>
>4. HOUSE: BILL IS PASSED TO END MORATORIUM ON OFFSHORE DRILLING.
>The moratorium has been in effect for 25 years to protect shore
>areas; this is apparently how long it takes for people to forget
>the environmental cost of the 1969 leaks off Santa Barbara.
>Compared to imports, the amount of oil involved is trivial.
>
>5. NONEVENT: IT'S MY LAST DAY AS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC INFORMATION.
>The only title I have ever aspired to is Professor of Physics.
>That title has not changed, nor will What's New, nor anything
>else I can think of. As you know, What's New is now supported by
>the University of Maryland Department of Physics, which has made
>it my major teaching assignment; the APS allows me use the office
>in the National Press Building as a base to write it with help
>from a wonderful staff; and I continue to get up every morning to
>battle the Philistines, secure in the knowledge that when I get
>it wrong, WN readers will straighten me out.
>
>THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND.
>Opinions are the author's and not necessarily shared by the
>University of Maryland, but they should be.
>---
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