We’re firmly grounded

News that Atlantis may need yet another repair in space (http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/07/06/11/100wir_a3atlantis001.cfm) makes us think astronauts are overdue for some sort of bravery medal. We once wanted to be astronauts ourselves, but now we’ve decided we’d do almost anything to avoid leaving the planet, including:

Hang upside down on a roller coaster for 30 minutes the way a group of people in Arkansas had to when the power went out during their ride

(http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/07/06/11/100wir_a2coaster001.cfm). In the future, the only thing they’ll risk gagging on at amusement parks is hot dogs and cotton candy.

Clean years of bird doo off the roof of Everett’s historic Mission Building, as work crews did recently (http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/07/06/11/100loc_b1dome001.cfm). Judging by the state of our car’s windshield, we’ll get our chance sooner rather than later.

Ride across the country in a tank of water aboard a military transport plane, like the Point Defiance Zoo &Aquarium’s young beluga whale did Sunday (http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/07/06/11/100wir_b6whale001.cfm). It would be a unique opportunity to get airsick and seasick at the same time.

In today’s Street Smarts, Lukas Velush mentions a gadget for cars that lets parents track their teenagers’ speed and location (http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/07/06/11/100loc_b2smarts001.cfm). The device is a great deal for parents looking to save money on gas and insurance, since it’s a surefire way to get teens to rediscover their bicycles.

— Katie Mayer, Herald staff