How to use intern()? - newbie

[Wm. King]

Hi:

I am Curious about this:

intern("ASTRING") -- puts that string internally in a table...
1. How do you access any string put away using intern().
2. How would you put this function to good use / or what is
    its purpose.
3. Python Quick Reference - says interned strings are "immortals".
    Does that mean for the duration of running program only?

Thanx