from the WSJ: "Pluto's Demotion Divides Astrologers, Troubles Scorpios"

[madbaker]

For weeks, astrologers have been buzzing about the proposal approved yesterday to demote Pluto to a new class of solar-system bodies called dwarf planets.
"Whether he's a planet, an asteroid, or a radioactive matzo ball, Pluto has proven himself worthy of a permanent place in all horoscopes," says Shelley Ackerman. Ms. Ackerman criticized the IAU for not including astrologers in its decision.
Others warned that Scorpios should be especially cautious in the coming days because the sign is closely associated with Pluto.

I'll have to be careful. Because it makes sense that gravitic perturbations in other planets' orbits, or nomenclature changes, would affect me - along with everyone else on the planet born in the same thirty days but in completely differing years. These effects should be far greater in my life and those of other Scorpios than, say, my genetics, upbringing, culture, socioeconomic status, free will, and so forth.

[/sarcasm]
What the heck, Bill Watterson said it far better than I ever could.

CALVIN: I decided I believe in astrology and horoscopes.
HOBBES: Really?

CALVIN: You bet. It only makes sense that every facet of our daily lives should depend upon the position of celestial bodies hundreds of millions of miles away. Look here. Today I'll have "Key policies implemented". I get to have my way!

HOBBES: Oh those mischievous planets.
CALVIN: The newspaper couldn't print it if it weren't true!

Comments

[fionnbharro.livejournal.com]

Oh, Man! I hadn't even thought about Astrologers -- they never even crossed my mind.

Probably because I hold them in such low redarg.

I'm hoping nobody I know *ever* falls for such superstition. Knock on wood.

[fionnbharro.livejournal.com]

Crap!! I meant "in such low regard."

[aimeric.livejournal.com]

Something just occurred to me. If Pluto's been demoted, then what about Rupert?

[hyla-regilla.livejournal.com]

thanks! You'd think the astrologers would rejoice...
they didn't lose one, they gained two!
now they just have to argue about which planetoid belongs to which sign...

Irony

[blkeagl.livejournal.com]

It also irritates me to hear the press talk about the "planet formerly known as Pluto".

Ha ha (also heavy sarcasm)

More like "Pluto, formerly known as a planet". So much idiocy over a what simply amounts to a classification system. Now the solar system has 8 planets, (at least) 2 dwarf planets, many asteroids, etc. etc.. *sigh*

What's the big deal?

[cvirtue.livejournal.com]

Most astrologers have ignored science for years; I don't know why ignoring this little pronoucement of scientists is difficult.

[albionwood.livejournal.com]

For yet another take, see this. (http://willscommonplacebook.blogspot.com/2006/08/pluto-not-planet_115651388855176936.html)

You probably already read Making Light (http://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight/) and so have seen their links to SF writers bloggin on the Pluto thing (http://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight/archives/007874.html#007874), which has some pretty hilarious stuff, including an opinion by a little girl with a plush Cthluhu doll.

[madbaker.livejournal.com]

I've read Scalzi's books, but I hadn't seen the clip of his daughter before. Plutonic Cthulu takes on the haters!

[ptigris.livejournal.com]

*clowning* I'm the product of a renegade celestial body! YAY!!