Nazy, just aware of the definitional change is particularly appalled by Pluto’s demotion from planet to ‘dwarf’ status. She telephone to complain.
“Pluto has always been a planet, Dan.”
“It wasn’t a planet before it was discovered.”
“Pluto has always been a planet, Dan.”
“It wasn’t a planet before it was discovered.”
“What does that mean?”
“If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to..”
“Dan, you are missing the point. Pluto should be ...”
“… a dog?”
“Dan..”
“Oh, right, you didn’t grow up with Mickey, Donald and, eh, Pluto.”
“Dan?”
“The Astronomers came up with a defensible, scientific definition, my dear. It has to do with gravity, orbital mechanics and spheroids.”
“Nevertheless, it seems..”
“It has set the stage for the next big fight – in the area of geology.”
“Geology?”
“Of course. Do you think Europe is a real continent?”
“Europe?”
“It is attached to Asia. It is a tiny appendage on a huge land form. There is no scientific reason to call Europe a continent – and I’m ready to lead the way toward change.”
“They could call it Eurasia.” Nazy was trying a rational approach.
“They could, but I think ‘Asiape’ is more realistic. Anyway, after I eliminate Europe, I will move to have France redesignated as a haughty hamlet.”
“The whole country?”
“Precisely, my dear,” I replied. Nazy wasn’t convinced.
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