"The launch -- the last scheduled one in darkness for NASA's fading shuttle program -- helped set a record for the most women in space at the same time. Three women are aboard Discovery, and another is already at the space station, making for an unprecedented foursome."
Since my last post may have been interpreted as "less than celebrating" the opposite sex, I'd like to take this opportunity to earn at least a portion of your trust back again. Even now, as you read this, there are more women in space than EVER BEFORE! This is a big deal! And this isn't some sort of lame housekeeping (no pun intended) mission, its a full on expedition. They're resupplying the International Space Station, adding on additional sleeping quarters, a darkroom, and installing a 3D theater so they can watch Avatar.
Though the general U.S. population may be over its love affair with space travel, I think its safe to assume that it hasn't EVER lusted after mid-level management positions either. Yet we remain interested in the statistics regarding issues such as the glass-ceiling, gender equality in the workplace etc.
I suppose what I'm getting at is that its good to see that even bureaucratic, government funded, mega-organizations like NASA seem to be taking steps towards ending the "good ole' boys" era of space flight.
Then again, I may have spoken too soon. Maybe the following is a more accurate inference of what is driving this event.
"Astronaut Dave, space basically sucks. Don't you think it would be a LITTLE bit better if there were some ladies up here?"
"Well Astronaut Jim, I think you're right. Lets call the boys downstairs and see if we can do something about it. Oh, and see if we can get some cold ones up here too"
NOTE: Again, just as I approach decency, I stray and take two steps back...
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