posted 02-02-2003 07:00 PM            

Hi Bill
 
So did Bush down the shuttle then?  Even Julie thinks it is just a bit too convenient for keeping Iraq out of the News.  And with an Israeli on board?
 
Tim
 
PS  Did you hear that 50 people were killed in an explosion in Lagos, Nigeria today?  There was 45 seconds of coverage about this on BBC News earlier...  I guess they don't matter because they weren't white. 
 
PPS  there were three auctions for Columbia debris on eBay when I looked - no I had no intention at all of buying, I was just curious.  All ended now, and so I should think.

posted 02-02-2003 07:38 PM            

CATASTROPHE IN THE SKY
Ads for shuttle debris yanked from eBay
But online auctioneer offers wide variety of Columbia items

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Posted: February 2, 2003
1:00 a.m. Eastern

© 2003 WorldNetDaily.com

It didn't take long for many Americans to try to cash in on the space shuttle Columbia disaster, with numerous postings of shuttle memorabilia on eBay – with some claiming to be actual debris.

Columbia radio offered on eBay

The online auctioneer yanked a handful of listings purporting to be remnants of the orbiter which disintegrated yesterday morning during its descent into the atmosphere.

EBay's Kevin Pursglove says executives are considering reporting the sellers to federal authorities who are looking to gather Columbia's pieces for their investigation.

It's a federal offense to take pieces of an aircraft involved in an accident, with penalties up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

"Over the years we have learned to keep an eye out for individuals who might want to list items once a tragic event has occurred, the best example being pieces of the World Trade Center and Pentagon," Pursglove told the Associated Press, referring to the targets of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Meanwhile, a large number of legitimate items connected to Columbia or the space program are being offered up to bidders, including photographs, stamps, coins, toys, and jewelry.

"Space Shuttle Columbia radio works great and comes in original box!" wrote one seller, who started the bidding at $1, and saw the price rise to $70 by 11:30 p.m. Eastern time.

A Columbia brass urn, salt-and-pepper shakers and even a Christmas tree ornament were among other specialty items offered.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=30823