Slashdot Mirror
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.
This tagline is copyrighted material. Please send $10 for an affordable replacement.
'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"
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Are you being held back because you don't have STATUS? Is NASA ignoring you? Not getting name recognition you deserve from grade schoolers?
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Toronto-area transit rider? Rate your ride.
Wait, I'm confused. Is this guy copying Colbert or slashdot?
AccountKiller
I know of a way to end this debate once and for all, lets blow up pluto
Seems "My! Very educated morons just screwed up numerous planetariums." would be more appropriate. ;-)
If J.K.R wrote Windows: Puteulanus fenestra mortalis!
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.
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...
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...