I would just like to take some time out of my day to write a post thanking all the Veterans out there. I am referring to all past, present and future Veterans, but I will try to stick with the present tense in this post.
You are doing a job that I know I could never do. I don't think that you get enough credit for the sacrifices you make everyday. To be away from home for great lengths of time, not able to see your friends and family, that alone is tough enough. Add to it the fact that your life is in danger on a daily basis, that you have to shoot at people, get shot at, deal with bombs, landmines, IEDs and the fucking ice capades. Those two simple truths are enough to make me realize that I could never do what you do. You are all very brave and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I know that I sometimes take my freedoms for granted. Everyone does, at one time or another. Without you though, I wouldn't be able to say whatever the hell I feel like saying. I wouldn't be able to do whatever I feel like doing. I wouldn't be typing this right now. These are all things that I enjoy doing, and without you, I wouldn't be able to do them. So I thank you for that.
And no matter how unhappy I am sometimes, about life and the way the world works, I know that I have it pretty good in this country. It isn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, and I don't always like it, but I know that I wouldn't be as happy somewhere else. This is the country for me and I'm happy to have been born here. Thank you to all the Veterans for making this country a great place to live. Without you, that most certainly wouldn't be the case.
I'm sure everyone knows at least one Veteran, so be sure to thank them today. They need to know that what they do does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. We must recognize the sacrifices they make for us and today is the day to recognize those sacrifices. That's not to say that you shouldn't recognize those sacrifices any other day, but today it is especially important to recognize the Veterans and to thank them.
In closing, thank you to all the Veterans out there!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Monday, November 09, 2009
My apologies to Billy Mays
It has recently come to my attention that Billy Mays did NOT, I repeat did NOT, die from a cocaine overdose. I made a joke in my previous post, and while it was a joke, I feel the need to clear Billy Mays' good name.
The Mays family disputed the conclusions of the autopsy and paid for an independent examiner to review it. The independent examiner found that cocaine did not contribute to Billy's death, so the initial conclusions made by the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner were wrong.
I'm sure most people will remember the initial report of Billy dying from a cocaine overdose and forget about what actually happened. Billy dying from a cocaine overdose was sensational news to the media, so they jumped all over reporting it. However, the actual facts weren't as good of a story, so they briefly mentioned that he did not die from a cocaine overdose and moved along to the next story.
I am not blaming the media entirely, so don't get me wrong. It is also my fault for not waiting for all the facts to come out and jumping to conclusions. However, I just find it funny that I didn't hear anything about the retraction made by the media, yet I heard a lot more about the initial reports of a cocaine overdose. Remember, this is coming from someone who rarely watches the news, so it just goes to show you how the media operates.
I would also like to say that, even though I made the joke in my previous post, I have always liked Billy Mays. In my opinion, his death was more tragic than Michael Jackson's death. At least Billy was still at the top of his game, unlike MJ who was many years on the decline. And even if Billy did do coke, at least he didn't molest little boys. Maybe I'm wrong about that too though, maybe MJ didn't do that either.
Anyway, I'll leave you with my favorite infomercial done by Billy Mays.
YouTube Video
The Mays family disputed the conclusions of the autopsy and paid for an independent examiner to review it. The independent examiner found that cocaine did not contribute to Billy's death, so the initial conclusions made by the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner were wrong.
I'm sure most people will remember the initial report of Billy dying from a cocaine overdose and forget about what actually happened. Billy dying from a cocaine overdose was sensational news to the media, so they jumped all over reporting it. However, the actual facts weren't as good of a story, so they briefly mentioned that he did not die from a cocaine overdose and moved along to the next story.
I am not blaming the media entirely, so don't get me wrong. It is also my fault for not waiting for all the facts to come out and jumping to conclusions. However, I just find it funny that I didn't hear anything about the retraction made by the media, yet I heard a lot more about the initial reports of a cocaine overdose. Remember, this is coming from someone who rarely watches the news, so it just goes to show you how the media operates.
I would also like to say that, even though I made the joke in my previous post, I have always liked Billy Mays. In my opinion, his death was more tragic than Michael Jackson's death. At least Billy was still at the top of his game, unlike MJ who was many years on the decline. And even if Billy did do coke, at least he didn't molest little boys. Maybe I'm wrong about that too though, maybe MJ didn't do that either.
Anyway, I'll leave you with my favorite infomercial done by Billy Mays.
YouTube Video
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Ken's Guide to Keeping Away Vampires
With the rapid approach of Halloween, I'm often asked how to keep away vampires. Oh, and before we begin, we're not talking about those lame-ass "sparkling" vampires from the Twilight series of books. We're talking about real, blood sucking, obsessive-compulsive, garlic-fearing vampires. So, if you're looking for a foolproof way to remain among the living this Halloween, read on.
Please have the following items on hand (in order of use)
Okay, before we begin, please make sure you're in a room that has enough space to do stuff. Don't do this in your closet or something. If you're a little squeamish, you might need a friend who is not to do this part.
First things first, bring your goat into the room (any livestock will work really, I just prefer to use goats). Put on your Snuggie and grab your knife (this is the gross part). Slit the goat's throat and let the blood drain onto the floor. If you can't bring yourself to kill the goat, put the goat outside and just use the piece of chalk for the next part (the ritual won't work as well, but it should work well enough).
Find a space of floor where you can draw something on it (preferably in the center of the room). You will be drawing a pentagram on the floor with goat's blood (or chalk, if you chickened out). If you don't know what a pentagram is, go and Google it, I'll wait. Okay, so you're back? Draw the pentagram on the floor and let it sit for five minutes (go feed the goat a tin can or something, since I know you didn't kill it).
Place your revolving chair over the pentagram. Go and grab your mirror, sit in the chair, and start spinning counter-clockwise. I know some of you kids don't know what counter-clockwise is, with the advent of digital time, so just spin (again, the ritual won't work as well if you spin clockwise, but it will work good enough).
Now, the next part is very important. You must shout the name BILLY MAYS three times (because we all know that three is the most magical number). Remember to keep spinning as you're shouting. If you did it right, the angel of Billy Mays will appear beside you (notice how oxiclean made his wings whiter and his halo brighter).
Stop spinning and go and get the bulb of garlic. Offer it to Billy (the coke will still be in his system, he'll probably think it's an apple). After Billy is done eating the garlic, tell him that you read that the ShamWow is better than the Zorbeez. This should get him to shout at you the virtues of the Zorbeez, filling the room with a garlicky smell. Let him go on for about 20 minutes, or until you think your room smells enough like garlic. Tell Billy that God is calling, and he'll zip straight back up to heaven.
I hope you enjoyed my instructions on how to keep away vampires. I guarantee it will work, or your money back!
Please have the following items on hand (in order of use)
- A goat
- A Snuggie (or some type of robe)
- A knife
- A piece of chalk
- A chair that spins
- A mirror
- A bulb of garlic
Okay, before we begin, please make sure you're in a room that has enough space to do stuff. Don't do this in your closet or something. If you're a little squeamish, you might need a friend who is not to do this part.
First things first, bring your goat into the room (any livestock will work really, I just prefer to use goats). Put on your Snuggie and grab your knife (this is the gross part). Slit the goat's throat and let the blood drain onto the floor. If you can't bring yourself to kill the goat, put the goat outside and just use the piece of chalk for the next part (the ritual won't work as well, but it should work well enough).
Find a space of floor where you can draw something on it (preferably in the center of the room). You will be drawing a pentagram on the floor with goat's blood (or chalk, if you chickened out). If you don't know what a pentagram is, go and Google it, I'll wait. Okay, so you're back? Draw the pentagram on the floor and let it sit for five minutes (go feed the goat a tin can or something, since I know you didn't kill it).
Place your revolving chair over the pentagram. Go and grab your mirror, sit in the chair, and start spinning counter-clockwise. I know some of you kids don't know what counter-clockwise is, with the advent of digital time, so just spin (again, the ritual won't work as well if you spin clockwise, but it will work good enough).
Now, the next part is very important. You must shout the name BILLY MAYS three times (because we all know that three is the most magical number). Remember to keep spinning as you're shouting. If you did it right, the angel of Billy Mays will appear beside you (notice how oxiclean made his wings whiter and his halo brighter).
Stop spinning and go and get the bulb of garlic. Offer it to Billy (the coke will still be in his system, he'll probably think it's an apple). After Billy is done eating the garlic, tell him that you read that the ShamWow is better than the Zorbeez. This should get him to shout at you the virtues of the Zorbeez, filling the room with a garlicky smell. Let him go on for about 20 minutes, or until you think your room smells enough like garlic. Tell Billy that God is calling, and he'll zip straight back up to heaven.
I hope you enjoyed my instructions on how to keep away vampires. I guarantee it will work, or your money back!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Yo Obama, I'm really happy for you, I'mma let you finish...
but Al Gore had one of the best Nobel Peace Prizes of all-time.
I know I said, just yesterday, that I don't care about politics, but this has bothered me ever since I first heard about it. Let me start off by saying that I don't watch the news. I can't stand it, it does more harm than good, in my opinion. I mention the fact that I don't watch the news because I know some people may think that I heard it from a certain news source, or news channel, or what have you, and they will then assume that my opinion is effected by a certain media bias. Let me assure you though that this is not the case. I heard about this from people's statuses on Facebook.
With that out of the way, let me tell you what really bothered me. The people who were complaining about it, which were quite a few. Now, you may be saying to your self, "self, why is Ken complaining about people complaining about something he doesn't care about?" That is a very valid question. The reason for that is this. I don't think any of the people complaining can name five Nobel Peace Prize winners in the last 10 years. Probably not even 5 out of the last 50 years, but I use the 10 year time period to compare it to something (oh, and no being a smart-ass and Googling it either).
In the last ten years, I can name you five teams that won the Super Bowl:
2009: Pittsburg Steelers
2008: New York Giants
2007: Indianapolis Colts
2006: Pittsburg Steelers
2005: New England Patriots
In the last ten years, I can name you five teams that won the World Series:
2008: Philadelphia Phillies
2007: Boston Red Sox
2006: St. Louis Cardinals (This one hurts to remember)
2005: Chicago White Sox
2004: Boston Red Sox
Now, you may be saying that I merely looked these up on the Internet, but I can assure you that I did not. I wrote them down on a piece of paper, and then I went on the Internet to verify that I was right (I was). You may also be saying that I only named teams from the last five years, which is true. However, the reason for that is simple. I didn't really get in to football and baseball until around five years ago, give or take. So, to quell your opposition, I'll give you the following example.
In the last fifteen years, I can name you five teams that won the Stanley Cup:
1995: New Jersey Devils (THE PAIN)
1996: Colorado Avalanche (Ditto)
1997: Detroit Red Wings
1998: Detroit Red Wings
1999: Dallas Stars
Oh, and if you're not happy with the Detroit Red Wings being in there twice:
2000: New Jersey Devils
2001: Colorado Avalanche
2002: Detroit Red Wings
At this point, you're probably wondering what this has to do with anything. Well, I'm going to tell you. I actually care about football, baseball and hockey. Those of you who complained about Obama, however, do not care about who wins the Nobel Peace Prize. You probably care more about who is going to be on Dancing With the Stars or who is sleeping with who on [Insert TV Show You Watch Here]. Not that there's anything wrong with caring about those things, they just aren't the things that I care about. Just like who wins the Nobel Peace Prize isn't one of the things you care about, so why complain about it?
You may now be saying that Obama didn't deserve to win it, I know some people said that on Facebook. How would you know though? Do you know what it takes to win the Nobel Peace Prize? I highly doubt that you do, seeing as how you probably couldn't name five people who won it in the past. I know that I couldn't name five myself, so I guess you could argue that I'm just projecting myself onto other people, and drawing conclusions from it. I just don't think that's the case though.
I have two final things to say before I end this entry. My grandma told me that Obama is planning on donating the money he's receiving for this to charity. So, before you complain some more in my comments, think about that. And finally, check out this amusing video I found on YouTube a few weeks ago:
YouTube Video
You know what they say, always leave them laughing.
I know I said, just yesterday, that I don't care about politics, but this has bothered me ever since I first heard about it. Let me start off by saying that I don't watch the news. I can't stand it, it does more harm than good, in my opinion. I mention the fact that I don't watch the news because I know some people may think that I heard it from a certain news source, or news channel, or what have you, and they will then assume that my opinion is effected by a certain media bias. Let me assure you though that this is not the case. I heard about this from people's statuses on Facebook.
With that out of the way, let me tell you what really bothered me. The people who were complaining about it, which were quite a few. Now, you may be saying to your self, "self, why is Ken complaining about people complaining about something he doesn't care about?" That is a very valid question. The reason for that is this. I don't think any of the people complaining can name five Nobel Peace Prize winners in the last 10 years. Probably not even 5 out of the last 50 years, but I use the 10 year time period to compare it to something (oh, and no being a smart-ass and Googling it either).
In the last ten years, I can name you five teams that won the Super Bowl:
2009: Pittsburg Steelers
2008: New York Giants
2007: Indianapolis Colts
2006: Pittsburg Steelers
2005: New England Patriots
In the last ten years, I can name you five teams that won the World Series:
2008: Philadelphia Phillies
2007: Boston Red Sox
2006: St. Louis Cardinals (This one hurts to remember)
2005: Chicago White Sox
2004: Boston Red Sox
Now, you may be saying that I merely looked these up on the Internet, but I can assure you that I did not. I wrote them down on a piece of paper, and then I went on the Internet to verify that I was right (I was). You may also be saying that I only named teams from the last five years, which is true. However, the reason for that is simple. I didn't really get in to football and baseball until around five years ago, give or take. So, to quell your opposition, I'll give you the following example.
In the last fifteen years, I can name you five teams that won the Stanley Cup:
1995: New Jersey Devils (THE PAIN)
1996: Colorado Avalanche (Ditto)
1997: Detroit Red Wings
1998: Detroit Red Wings
1999: Dallas Stars
Oh, and if you're not happy with the Detroit Red Wings being in there twice:
2000: New Jersey Devils
2001: Colorado Avalanche
2002: Detroit Red Wings
At this point, you're probably wondering what this has to do with anything. Well, I'm going to tell you. I actually care about football, baseball and hockey. Those of you who complained about Obama, however, do not care about who wins the Nobel Peace Prize. You probably care more about who is going to be on Dancing With the Stars or who is sleeping with who on [Insert TV Show You Watch Here]. Not that there's anything wrong with caring about those things, they just aren't the things that I care about. Just like who wins the Nobel Peace Prize isn't one of the things you care about, so why complain about it?
You may now be saying that Obama didn't deserve to win it, I know some people said that on Facebook. How would you know though? Do you know what it takes to win the Nobel Peace Prize? I highly doubt that you do, seeing as how you probably couldn't name five people who won it in the past. I know that I couldn't name five myself, so I guess you could argue that I'm just projecting myself onto other people, and drawing conclusions from it. I just don't think that's the case though.
I have two final things to say before I end this entry. My grandma told me that Obama is planning on donating the money he's receiving for this to charity. So, before you complain some more in my comments, think about that. And finally, check out this amusing video I found on YouTube a few weeks ago:
YouTube Video
You know what they say, always leave them laughing.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
HE'S BACK
Well everyone, I've decided to start updating the blog again.
I was re-reading a bunch of my old blog posts and I got the itch to start it back up.
Man, how things have changed with me. I can't believe I used to care so much about politics, lol. I guess it was that Political Science class I took back in 2004. Now? I couldn't care less about it. Oh, and looking back on those posts, I am kind of embarrassed by it a little bit. I probably wasn't as well informed as I thought I was, and I kind of sounded like a guy wearing a tinfoil hat, paranoid about the government.
Consider this dusey of a claim:
"...if Bush is reelected (and I use the term reelected here loosely), there will be a draft during his second term. If I am wrong, you can come back here and ridicule me. Don't worry, I can take the heat." - Me
I made this claim on October 19th, 2004. Boy, was I wrong. I don't even remember typing this. Luckily, not many people read my blog, lol. This brings me to the reason I'm starting it back up. I know not many people will read it, but I'm doing it for me. I thoroughly enjoyed re-reading my old posts, even though I cringed at some of them. They showed me how I thought, what I thought, and how I have changed today. I guess that is the purpose of a journal/diary, which is what this is, except it is for all the world to see (if they so choose).
Now, I'm not saying that my thoughts are groundbreaking, earthshattering, or anything like that. I know that I'm probably not original or special in anyway whatsoever. But even so, I used to enjoy doing this and I'm going to try doing it again! So until next time, you stay classy San Diego.
I was re-reading a bunch of my old blog posts and I got the itch to start it back up.
Man, how things have changed with me. I can't believe I used to care so much about politics, lol. I guess it was that Political Science class I took back in 2004. Now? I couldn't care less about it. Oh, and looking back on those posts, I am kind of embarrassed by it a little bit. I probably wasn't as well informed as I thought I was, and I kind of sounded like a guy wearing a tinfoil hat, paranoid about the government.
Consider this dusey of a claim:
"...if Bush is reelected (and I use the term reelected here loosely), there will be a draft during his second term. If I am wrong, you can come back here and ridicule me. Don't worry, I can take the heat." - Me
I made this claim on October 19th, 2004. Boy, was I wrong. I don't even remember typing this. Luckily, not many people read my blog, lol. This brings me to the reason I'm starting it back up. I know not many people will read it, but I'm doing it for me. I thoroughly enjoyed re-reading my old posts, even though I cringed at some of them. They showed me how I thought, what I thought, and how I have changed today. I guess that is the purpose of a journal/diary, which is what this is, except it is for all the world to see (if they so choose).
Now, I'm not saying that my thoughts are groundbreaking, earthshattering, or anything like that. I know that I'm probably not original or special in anyway whatsoever. But even so, I used to enjoy doing this and I'm going to try doing it again! So until next time, you stay classy San Diego.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Crocodile (Hunter) Rock(ed)
"[My] whole passion to be on this planet is to educate people about wildlife," he said in 1998. "I will die doing that. I have a gift."--Steve Irwin
You sure were right about that one, Stevo. At least he died doing what he loved though. I mean, he probably didn't love it too much at the time or anything. But hey, we should all be so lucky. I hope one day that can be said about me. At least then I'll be assured of death by masturbation.
Speaking of masturbation, I want everyone to know that I've recently decided to name my penis genius. That way, whenever I beat off, I'll have a stroke of genius. I know all of you were dying to know that. I'm just throwing it out there, so to speak.
In other news, I went to the dentist on Thursday. Every single time I leave that place, I feel like I've been raped. That's figuratively speaking people. Don't get any ideas involving nitrous oxide, rubber gloves, dental floss, and my asshole, you faggot. Anyways, the procedure took two god damn hours to complete, and after it was done, I had a nice bill of around 500 dollars waiting for me at the receptionist's desk. Oh well, it could have been worse. If I didn't have insurance, it would have been closer to 1,000 dollars. Yeah, that's looking on the bright side....
Okay, that's all I've got to say today. Before I go though, I'd like to dedicate a song to Steve. This one's for you man.
I remember when Steve was young
He and Terri had so much fun
Holding snakes and skimming stones
Had a day time emmy and a show of his own
But the biggest kick he ever got
Was doing a thing called the crocodile rock
While the other guys were filming round the clock
They were hopping and bopping to the crocodile rock
Well crocodile rocking is something shocking
When your feet just can't keep still
He never knew him a better time and I guess he never will
Oh lordy mama those Friday nights
When Terri wore her khakis tight
And the crocodile rocking was out of sight
But the years went by and the guy just died
Terri went and left him for some foreign guy
Long nights crying by the T.V. machine
Dreaming of his emmy and his old khaki jeans
But they'll never kill the thrills he got
Burning up to the crocodile rock
Learning fast as the weeks went past
I really thought the crocodile rock would last
Well crocodile rocking is something shocking
When your feet just can't keep still
He never knew him a better time and I guess he never will
Oh lordy mama those Friday nights
When Terri wore her khakis tight
And the crocodile rocking was out of sight
I remember when Steve was young
He and Terri had so much fun
Holding snakes and skimming stones
Had a day time emmy and a show of his own
But the biggest kick he ever got
Was doing a thing called the crocodile rock
While the other guys were filming round the clock
They were hopping and bopping to the crocodile rock
Well crocodile rocking is something shocking
When your feet just can't keep still
He never knew him a better time and I guess he never will
Oh lordy mama those Friday nights
When Terri wore her khakis tight
And the crocodile rocking was out of sight
RIP Steve Irwin. Cricky, we hardly knew ye.
You sure were right about that one, Stevo. At least he died doing what he loved though. I mean, he probably didn't love it too much at the time or anything. But hey, we should all be so lucky. I hope one day that can be said about me. At least then I'll be assured of death by masturbation.
Speaking of masturbation, I want everyone to know that I've recently decided to name my penis genius. That way, whenever I beat off, I'll have a stroke of genius. I know all of you were dying to know that. I'm just throwing it out there, so to speak.
In other news, I went to the dentist on Thursday. Every single time I leave that place, I feel like I've been raped. That's figuratively speaking people. Don't get any ideas involving nitrous oxide, rubber gloves, dental floss, and my asshole, you faggot. Anyways, the procedure took two god damn hours to complete, and after it was done, I had a nice bill of around 500 dollars waiting for me at the receptionist's desk. Oh well, it could have been worse. If I didn't have insurance, it would have been closer to 1,000 dollars. Yeah, that's looking on the bright side....
Okay, that's all I've got to say today. Before I go though, I'd like to dedicate a song to Steve. This one's for you man.
I remember when Steve was young
He and Terri had so much fun
Holding snakes and skimming stones
Had a day time emmy and a show of his own
But the biggest kick he ever got
Was doing a thing called the crocodile rock
While the other guys were filming round the clock
They were hopping and bopping to the crocodile rock
Well crocodile rocking is something shocking
When your feet just can't keep still
He never knew him a better time and I guess he never will
Oh lordy mama those Friday nights
When Terri wore her khakis tight
And the crocodile rocking was out of sight
But the years went by and the guy just died
Terri went and left him for some foreign guy
Long nights crying by the T.V. machine
Dreaming of his emmy and his old khaki jeans
But they'll never kill the thrills he got
Burning up to the crocodile rock
Learning fast as the weeks went past
I really thought the crocodile rock would last
Well crocodile rocking is something shocking
When your feet just can't keep still
He never knew him a better time and I guess he never will
Oh lordy mama those Friday nights
When Terri wore her khakis tight
And the crocodile rocking was out of sight
I remember when Steve was young
He and Terri had so much fun
Holding snakes and skimming stones
Had a day time emmy and a show of his own
But the biggest kick he ever got
Was doing a thing called the crocodile rock
While the other guys were filming round the clock
They were hopping and bopping to the crocodile rock
Well crocodile rocking is something shocking
When your feet just can't keep still
He never knew him a better time and I guess he never will
Oh lordy mama those Friday nights
When Terri wore her khakis tight
And the crocodile rocking was out of sight
RIP Steve Irwin. Cricky, we hardly knew ye.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Pluto No Longer A Planet
Yes folks. You heard it here first. Oh, what's that? You didn't hear it here first? My bad. This is such big news though, it has forced me to post two days in a row. Here's my take on the "controversy":
Ever since grade school, I've had a problem with Pluto as a planet. I think it all started in the second grade. We were learning about the planets one week and we had to take a test at week's end. One of the questions on the test was to name all the planets. Well, guess what planet I forgot to name? That's right, Pluto. I was so pissed, that one question fucked me over. I could have gotten 100%, but nooooooooo. I forgot Pluto. But NOW, now that Pluto is no longer a planet, I get the last laugh. You know what. Getting the last laugh isn't enough. I should march down to my elementary school, punch my second grade teacher in her ovaries, and demand my grade to be changed. I deserved that 100%, and if it wasn't for some wannabe planet, I would have gotten it right then and there. An injustice was committed and I shall have my revenge. Oh yes, I shall have my revenge....
In all seriousness though, I agree with the decision. In high school, my favorite class was astronomy. Mr. Toll, that was my astromony teacher's name, was also one of my favorite teachers. He gave us a list of reasons why Pluto shouldn't be considered a planet. Well, being since astronomy was my favorite class, I kept all my notes from high school. I'd like to repost the reasons he gave the class, partly because it brings back memories, and partly because I find it interesting. Here are the reasons he gave us:
Reason one: It should be large like the other gas giants, but it's small.
Reason two: It should be gas like the other gas giants, but it's solid.
Reason three: Pluto's orbit is very eccentric, it is more similar to an asteroid than a planet.
Reason four: It does not orbit on the same plane of the solar system as the rest of the planets.
Reason five: It does not follow Bode's Law.
The thing I like about astronomy, and science in general, is that it's self correcting. It's ever changing, always working towards the correct answer. It is never perfect, and probably never will be, but it isn't afraid to change. This is where science greatly difers with people. People are afraid to change. People are nostalgic. People like tradition. People remember learning about Pluto in grade school, and there is a sort of attachment to it. Take John Gibson for instance.
"But no, you can't unmake Pluto as a planet.
Long ago I learned it was a planet and I see no reason to unlearn it. Why should I?"
Imagine this guy, or a guy like him, when it was finally acknowledged that the Earth wasn't the center of the universe.
"But no, you can't unmake the Earth as the center of the universe.
Long ago I learned the Earth was the center of the universe and I see no reason to unlearn it. Why should I?"
Or how about back when just about everybody thought the Earth was flat? How would a guy like this react when people finally accepted that the Earth was round?
"But no, you can't unmake the Earth as flat.
Long ago I learned the Earth was flat and I see no reason to unlearn it. Why should I?"
According to his logic, we shouldn't unlearn anything we learn. Everything we've ever learned is the truth and will always be the truth. Not even new information can change it. Well, John Gibson. If that journalism thing doesn't work out for you, I think you have a future in the Bush administration. ZING!
One question still remains though. Why should we change now? Well, as I've illustrated, new information is always a good reason for change. Better technology has allowed us to discover that Pluto isn't as unique as we thought it was. Back when it was discovered in 1930, we obviously didn't have the technology that we do today. We thought Pluto was unique, a one of a kind "planet." Come to find out though, it isn't so unique. There are probably hundreds of "planets" like it beyond Neptune. Should we really have hundreds of planets in the solar system? (Planets like 2003 UB 313, which is basically just a bigger version of Pluto.) Should seniority be given to Pluto because it's been around for 70+ years? Is Walt Disney rolling over in his grave? How about the guy who discovered Pluto, Clyde Tombaugh? How you answer these questions is up to you.
Oh, you say you want my personal opinions? Well tough shit, I'm going to give them to you anyway. Eight is enough, no seniority should be given, and yes to both Walt and Clyde rolling over in their respect graves.
I've rambled on for far too long, it's time for me to go. If you made it this far, thank you for taking the time out of your day. I hope you were at least somewhat entertained or intrigued. If not, see my disclaimer. Once you've read it, you can't unread it.
Ever since grade school, I've had a problem with Pluto as a planet. I think it all started in the second grade. We were learning about the planets one week and we had to take a test at week's end. One of the questions on the test was to name all the planets. Well, guess what planet I forgot to name? That's right, Pluto. I was so pissed, that one question fucked me over. I could have gotten 100%, but nooooooooo. I forgot Pluto. But NOW, now that Pluto is no longer a planet, I get the last laugh. You know what. Getting the last laugh isn't enough. I should march down to my elementary school, punch my second grade teacher in her ovaries, and demand my grade to be changed. I deserved that 100%, and if it wasn't for some wannabe planet, I would have gotten it right then and there. An injustice was committed and I shall have my revenge. Oh yes, I shall have my revenge....
In all seriousness though, I agree with the decision. In high school, my favorite class was astronomy. Mr. Toll, that was my astromony teacher's name, was also one of my favorite teachers. He gave us a list of reasons why Pluto shouldn't be considered a planet. Well, being since astronomy was my favorite class, I kept all my notes from high school. I'd like to repost the reasons he gave the class, partly because it brings back memories, and partly because I find it interesting. Here are the reasons he gave us:
Reason one: It should be large like the other gas giants, but it's small.
Reason two: It should be gas like the other gas giants, but it's solid.
Reason three: Pluto's orbit is very eccentric, it is more similar to an asteroid than a planet.
Reason four: It does not orbit on the same plane of the solar system as the rest of the planets.
Reason five: It does not follow Bode's Law.
The thing I like about astronomy, and science in general, is that it's self correcting. It's ever changing, always working towards the correct answer. It is never perfect, and probably never will be, but it isn't afraid to change. This is where science greatly difers with people. People are afraid to change. People are nostalgic. People like tradition. People remember learning about Pluto in grade school, and there is a sort of attachment to it. Take John Gibson for instance.
"But no, you can't unmake Pluto as a planet.
Long ago I learned it was a planet and I see no reason to unlearn it. Why should I?"
Imagine this guy, or a guy like him, when it was finally acknowledged that the Earth wasn't the center of the universe.
"But no, you can't unmake the Earth as the center of the universe.
Long ago I learned the Earth was the center of the universe and I see no reason to unlearn it. Why should I?"
Or how about back when just about everybody thought the Earth was flat? How would a guy like this react when people finally accepted that the Earth was round?
"But no, you can't unmake the Earth as flat.
Long ago I learned the Earth was flat and I see no reason to unlearn it. Why should I?"
According to his logic, we shouldn't unlearn anything we learn. Everything we've ever learned is the truth and will always be the truth. Not even new information can change it. Well, John Gibson. If that journalism thing doesn't work out for you, I think you have a future in the Bush administration. ZING!
One question still remains though. Why should we change now? Well, as I've illustrated, new information is always a good reason for change. Better technology has allowed us to discover that Pluto isn't as unique as we thought it was. Back when it was discovered in 1930, we obviously didn't have the technology that we do today. We thought Pluto was unique, a one of a kind "planet." Come to find out though, it isn't so unique. There are probably hundreds of "planets" like it beyond Neptune. Should we really have hundreds of planets in the solar system? (Planets like 2003 UB 313, which is basically just a bigger version of Pluto.) Should seniority be given to Pluto because it's been around for 70+ years? Is Walt Disney rolling over in his grave? How about the guy who discovered Pluto, Clyde Tombaugh? How you answer these questions is up to you.
Oh, you say you want my personal opinions? Well tough shit, I'm going to give them to you anyway. Eight is enough, no seniority should be given, and yes to both Walt and Clyde rolling over in their respect graves.
I've rambled on for far too long, it's time for me to go. If you made it this far, thank you for taking the time out of your day. I hope you were at least somewhat entertained or intrigued. If not, see my disclaimer. Once you've read it, you can't unread it.
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