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Pluto Decision Meets with Frustration
fuzzybunny writes "The BBC reports that the IAU's controversial Prague vote on demoting Pluto from planet status was irregular. 'There were 2,700 astronomers in Prague during that 10-day period. But only 10% of them voted this afternoon.'" On a less serious note, lx writes "Nonplussed by Pluto's recent downgrade from Planet Status, Fox News's own John Gibson does an incredible Stephen Colbert impersonation to correct the 'revisionist history' of the IAU's decision. Exemplifying 'truthiness,' from the article: 'Long ago I learned it was a planet and I see no reason to unlearn it. Why should I?' "
He must have a hard time when we elect a new President.
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The BBC reports that the IAU's controversial Prague vote on demoting Pluto from planet status was irregular.
Well then, it sounds like they need more fiber.
The theory of relativity doesn't work right in Arkansas.
So wait.. let me get this straight. Fox News is trying to copy a show that is a direct parody of the Fox News network? There's got to be some irony in there somewhere.
There's probably a patent being violated somewhere...
summon the army o' lawyers!
A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
'Long ago I learned it was a planet and I see no reason to unlearn it. Why should I?'
Don't fret it. Long ago Romans learned it was a god. They didn't have to unlearn it. Their empire simply collapsed.
Innovation makes enemies of all those who prospered under the old regime... -- Machiavelli
We keep the new definitions, but still call Pluto a planet, just as an honorary title.
Much like how the United States still refers to Canada as a soveriegn nation, instead of a 51st state.
The theory of relativity doesn't work right in Arkansas.
Don't worry, Diebold has just announced the results of the recount, and 3,134 of the 2,700 delegates voted to make Pluto stay as a planet.
I'm scared of numbers that can't be written as a fraction. It's an irrational fear.
To: Pluto "luto@planets.org"
From: Punctual D. Industrious "fastdegrees@spam.net"
Subject: PLANETARY STATUS FAST based on your LIFE EXPERIENCE
Are you being held back because you don't have STATUS? Is NASA ignoring you? Not getting name recognition you deserve from grade schoolers?
You may already qualify for PLANETARY STATUS based on your LIFE EXPERIENCE. Prestigious non-accredited astronomy associations want to give you the life you deserve.
Gas Giant or Terrestrial Body status available. Acceptance guaranteed. No exams or essays. Fast delivery of official certificate worldwide.
Toronto-area transit rider? Rate your ride.
Wait, I'm confused. Is this guy copying Colbert or slashdot?
AccountKiller
Another thing I'd add: why is everybody even listening to a socialist astronomer's union meeting in a former Soviet republic? Next thing, the UAW will be telling us a pickup truck isn't a truck anymore. Personally, I'll listen to American astronomers, who are good enough at their profession they don't need to join a substandard organization like the IAU.
Well, I have to rethink my teenage stoned idea that maybe the solar system was a neon atom in a beer sign. Now it's a flourine atom... It's just not as cool.
A later vote downgraded the Earth, Mars, Venus and Mercury to asteriod status due to insufficent mass to be considered a planet. A final vote at the end of the day declared that the gas giants can't be considered planets due to their lack of a solid surface. At the end of the conference it was found our solar system in fact had no planets. All members were pleased with the final result since we now have a firm definition of what consitutes a planet. We still have high hopes of finding a planet somewhere in the Universe. Next we plan to attack the question of what constitues life. All are anxcious to find if there is infact life in our solar system but the lack of planets leaves that in doubt.
Let me get this straight, instead of "your anus" you want the planet to be called "our anus"? How exactly is that an improvement?
I know of a way to end this debate once and for all, lets blow up pluto
Urectum?
Seems "My! Very educated morons just screwed up numerous planetariums." would be more appropriate. ;-)
If J.K.R wrote Windows: Puteulanus fenestra mortalis!
9planets.org?
boy are they pissed. time to get a new domain eh?
There's nothing Intelligent about Intelligent Design.
and look at the positive side of it: when we get old we can say things like, "you kids today, you don't even remember when Pluto was a planet!"
...the future crusty old bastards are already drinking the Kool-Aid.
Think of the children.
The last thing we needed in this debate.
Oh wait. Mentioning Nazi's too. These IAU guys are acting like nazi's in their ruthless decision process, aren't they?
OK, I'm done.
Beware: In C++, your friends can see your privates!
I guess he's using the definition of "percent" that ended as a draft proposal, because it was "better".
Beware: In C++, your friends can see your privates!
Alright here it is: we build a big "laser" and blast the planet/pluton/dwarf to smithereens. No Pluto = no controversy. All can, and will, be happy then. We can even get it a memorial plaque. It could say something like this:
In memory of Pluto, 1930-2006
Beloved 9th planet of our solar system, dwarf planet, and now intercosmic dust, we will remember you...
Dwarf unions ? Santa claus sure is in a heap of trouble !
Freedom is strength, Ignorance is peace, War is slavery.
When I read that Pluto was being downgraded to "dwarf planet" status, I thought, "it'll always be Yuggoth to me," and I broke out in song...
(Sing it to the tune of "Always a Woman to Me" by Billy Joel)
They can harp on its size
They can call it a dwarf planet
And they can say that it's wise
To just keep on ignorin' it
They can say it's remote
And just too hard to see
They can talk about Pluto
But it'll always be Yuggoth to me
No, the Mi-Go are far
from concerned what we say to it
Put your head in a jar
And they'll fly you away to it
And you'll learn how to speak
Buzzing just like a bee
Blame it all on Lovecraft
'Cause it'll always be Yuggoth to me
This sig, aah-ah, is comin' like a ghost-sig...