Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Pluto Decision Meets with Frustration

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the tiny-grey-different dept.

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?' "

11 of 464 comments (clear)

  1. No reason to unlearn it? by Snarfangel · · Score: 5, Funny

    He must have a hard time when we elect a new President.

    --
    This tagline is copyrighted material. Please send $10 for an affordable replacement.
    1. Re:No reason to unlearn it? by Tackhead · · Score: 5, Funny
      > He must have a hard time when we elect a new President.

      Pluto downgraded. President still fucking Goofy.

  2. I learned everything I need to know on Fox News by klenwell · · Score: 5, Funny

    '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
  3. Pluto: Neptune's Canada by User+956 · · Score: 4, Funny

    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.
    1. Re:Pluto: Neptune's Canada by agent_no.82 · · Score: 4, Funny

      I thought Israel was the 51st state?

  4. Recount by kirun · · Score: 5, Funny

    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.
  5. Re:How about this? by s20451 · · Score: 4, Funny

    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.
  6. Re:...wait... by yali · · Score: 4, Funny

    Actually I don't know why Pluto got itself unmade as a planet. I didn't even read the rest of the story, frankly. The headline was all I needed...

    Wait, I'm confused. Is this guy copying Colbert or slashdot?

  7. Dear Stephen Colbert... by Vellmont · · Score: 4, Funny
    Here's a copy of a letter I sent off to myword@foxnews.com. I wonder if anyone there will get it:

    That article about Pluto not being a planet has to
    be one of the funniest things I've seen you produce yet.
    I couldn't stop laughing! The notion of having to
    "unlearn" something just kills me. What a perfect
    example of Truthiness, and how appropriate that it
    appears on your print version of "The Word".

    I also have a question for you. How long have you
    been writing under the pen name "John Gibson"? Or
    is John Gibson your real name, and Stephen Colbert
    is your stage name? Just curious.

    Keep up the good work, and I'll be sure to catch
    you on The Report.
    --
    AccountKiller
  8. Way to end the debate by Aqws · · Score: 5, Funny

    I know of a way to end this debate once and for all, lets blow up pluto

  9. Re:Pluto by treeves · · Score: 4, Funny

    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.