Reflections on 2006

Thought I would add a rant Adam posted on another blog towards the end of 2006. They asked him to write about something that frustrated him during last year. Apparently, my husband was a little miffed about some debate over the scientific definitions involving planethood. Who knew?
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The Year of Planet Subtracting or Pluto to the IAU: “Eh, kiss my ass.” by Adam Anderson

Undoubtedly you have heard and quickly forgotten by now that on August 24 of this year, the International Astronomical Union voted in favor of demoting Pluto from its previously enjoyed planetary status. This meant that when you went to bed on August 23rd, there were nine planets in your solar system; when you woke up the next day, there were eight. And you used to get pissed when you lost your car keys.

The reason I am annoyed is simple: the world at large just doesn’t give a rat's batootie. During that month at work, I went up to people in their respective cubes and asked them what they thought about Pluto. Puzzled, they would ask,“The dog from the Disney cartoons?” Sigh. “No, doof. The planet farthest away from our Sun. You know, the one about one-fifth the mass of the Earth’s Moon.” Science-less heathens.

Now that 2006 is closing and 2007 is beginning, you’re bound to see all kinds of “year in review” specials for 2006. I guarantee you one thing: Pluto won’t make the cut. Oh sure, you’ll hear about the war in Iraq, Tom Cruise’s couch-jumping, or Britney’s crotch-jumping, but there will be no respect given for “the little planet that could.”

Look I understand. Really, I do. Pluto becoming unplanetized doesn’t affect how you drive to work, biggie-size your fries at Wendy’s, or make the wait in line for the new Nintendo Wii any less unbearable. But have some respect. The entire celestial landscape changed this year. And, although I am no astronomer, I do know one thing.

That crap never happens.