Congress Reaches Agreement ... On Helium
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Despite the wrangling that's resulted in a government shut-down, Congress managed last week to agree on one thing: Helium. Reader gbrumfiel writes: "The U.S. holds vast helium reserves which it sells to scientists and private industry. According to NPR, a new law was needed to allow the helium to continue to flow. Congress passed it late last week, but only after a year-long lobbying effort and intense debate (and in the end, Senator Ted Cruz opposed the measure). Can a new bipartisanship rise out of this cooperation? Or will hot air prevail on Capitol Hill? (Insert your helium joke here.)" Apparently, helium is not yet so scarce that it's not available in balloons at the grocery store.
Re:Balloons (Score:5, Funny)
What could be more worthwhile than sounding like a chipmunk for 10 seconds?
Re:Balloons (Score:3, Funny)
sounding like a chipmunk for 20 seconds.
Re:Balloons (Score:5, Funny)
Laughing at the guy who tried to sound like a chipmunk for 30 seconds, but passed out and fell over!
Re:Balloons (Score:5, Funny)
As you know, gases are composed of atoms or molecules that are constantly bumping into one another. After a while these collisions can cause dents in the atoms causing them to lose their shine. While ok for balloons and such, medical and aerospace applications require new shiny helium atoms.
Re:YAY! I'm going diving next month. (Score:5, Funny)
We should sneak in at night and scoop it up. The sun will never know.
Re:republicans should just shut up and play nice.. (Score:4, Funny)
"I'm cranky and off-topic. Listen to me because of how much I hate those I disagree with"
Re:republicans should just shut up and play nice.. (Score:5, Funny)
"I'm cranky, off-topic, and immediately conclude people who aren't as dumb as me are a category of people I hate."
Re:Dispensing our reserves? (Score:5, Funny)
This is America. Competition among hospitals is a big part of what makes our healthcare system the envy of the developed world.
Re: Balloons (Score:2, Funny)
Please. If I have to sit through another Alvin and the Chipmunks movie I'll scream!
... in a high-pitched voice.