Derek Lyons wrote:


I call them astronauts because they *are* astronauts, by common
definition


You call them 'astronauts' because of the lingering effects of the
Steely Eyed Missile Man - and because it would spoil your fantasy of a
Glorious Future. We don't call passengers on an aircraft 'airmen', or
passengers on a ocean liner 'seamen'.


But you're right, there's a difference between an operator (who spends
most of his time keeping the facility running) and a visitor (who has a
lot more time to pursue other goals, whatever those might be). Yet
another reason for the Japanese (or Indian, or Brazilian, or whatever)
astronauts to appreciate a commercial facility.


ROTFLMAO.

What's the big deal about calling a passenger an astronaut? You're
making a lot of fuss over a trivial argument on the meaning of words.

You make a boring observation and then laugh your ass off. Reminds me of
Chomko or McCall.

Hop