Saturday, March 28, 2009

I [heart] New Yeah

An Op-Ed in today's New York Times discusses the glories of the pun. It's an interesting article, if a bit unfounded (why is a student at Fordham Law writing an op-ed for the NYT about puns?).

Spit Takes is actually in New York City this week, and found this article to be particularly apt, as we are getting ready to depart for lunch in Chinatown at [the?] New Yeah Shanghai Deluxe...a restaurant name that lives in that gray, swampy area somewhere between intentional puns and language barriers. Thai Me Up, a place we passed yesterday, is of course squarely in the pun district. Maybe they offer sub(missive) sandwiches?

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

The Problem with the Write-In Option

Remember when that guy decided to take Stephen Colbert's digitized DNA with him to the International Space Station?

In more ISS/Stephen Colbert news, the AP reports today that the written-in name "Colbert" beat out NASA's other suggested names for the planned new module of the space station. NASA-generated names included "Serenity" and "Venture," either of which would be acceptable in my eyes because of the Joss and Venture Bros. references, respectively (perhaps I'm projecting?). The arm of the Colbert Nation is mighty and far-reaching, though, and write-ins for "Colbert" constituted nearly twenty percent of the final vote.

NASA, of course, is reserving the right to make the final choice themselves. NASA spokesperson John Yembrick said the decision will be made in April, but that NASA will give top vote-getters "the most consideration." Fingers crossed!

Here is Stephen's plea to the nation from March 8, 2009: