m21198@mwvm.mitre.org (John McHarry) (07/12/90)
#insert tongue.in.cheek The choice of name for Motorola's proposed "Iridium" satellite cellular phone system is amusing. Putatively, it comes from the number, 77, of satellites involved, and the atomic number, 77, of the element Iridium. On the other hand, isn't iridium the signatory element of the sedimentary layer marking the demise of the dinosaurs, which allegedly succumbed to the effects of the raining down of some sort of fire from the heavens? Perhaps it is hoped that this, slightly higher, Iridium layer will mark the sudden extinction of the wireline "dinosaurs" we all know and love today. Disclaimer: Not intended to be taken seriously! John McHarry (703)883-6100 McHarry@MITRE.ORG