The Best Gift and the Worst

First Korean Astronaut Switched to Woman

A 29-year-old female mechanical engineer was belatedly filled in Monday as the first South Korean in space, after Russia's space authorities dismissed Seoul's original choice on security rule violations ahead of next month's mission.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology told a news conference that Russia's Federal Space Agency asked for Ko San's replacement, as the 31-year-old repeatedly broke training protocol by taking sensitive training material outside of the Russian space center. Back-up candidate Yi So-yeon will take over.

``The main reason for the cut is Ko made two consecutive security violations,'' said Lee Sang-mok, the head of the ministry's space technology bureau, adding that both events appeared unintentional.

He explained that the Russians regard abiding by the rules as critical since even a small and innocent mistake could lead to serious consequences in space.

Paik Hong-yul, president of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, said local authorities made the final decision early Monday to tap Yi after Moscow sent an official request for a switch on Friday. Read More...

This Ko San guy sounds like a knucklehead to me!!! What a stupid way to lose a chance at going to space! Ko San apparently, on one occasion, he "accidentally" mailed a manual....not meant to leave the Russian base....back to South Korea...then he fucked up again and removed some other crucial documents! I have to admit that this makes me feel good. I originally thought the only reason he was given the seat to space was due to gender! Now...I think I am correct....doesn't sound like he won the spot on due to his "shining" intellect!!!! hehe Well, it's really nice to see a female taking such an important role....especially when it is the person who desreved the role in the first place.


Now...here we go....officially the WORST graduation gift ever!!!! WTF!???

Pupils polish potties as elementary school graduation gift

SAZA, Nagasaki -- Dozens of 6th grade pupils from Saza Municipal Elementary School got barefoot and cleaned the toilets at their school as a mark of gratitude for the six years of learning they obtained there.

The 68 pupils scrubbed the restrooms following an idea from local volunteer cleaners and worked under a motto of "scrubbing up your toilet will also scrub up your heart."

Initially, some children complained of the smells, but eventually most became absorbed by the task as they ground away at the cisterns with a scrubbing brush.

There was one reluctant girl chided for being "gutless" and another boy who remained frightened until the very end of the exercise to come into contact with a urinal, but another pupil was delighted when the job was over.

"It was like I could wash away my cowardice of the past together with the water we used," the pupil said. Original


Wow...a story that answered so many of my questions!!
Japanese scientists discover traffic jams are caused by too many cars!