One Less Planet in the Solar System

Yes, its true. Some dorky, 40-something...well, actually 2,500 dorky, 40-something astronomers from 75 countries who still live in their parents' basement have all of a sudden decided to redefine what a planet is. According to the Associated Press, it concluded a "...tumultuous week of clashing over the essence of the cosmos."

Contemplating the "essence of the cosmos" constitutes a tumultous week? Are they serious?

Heck, a tumultuous week for the other 99% of us working stiffs is getting a speeding ticket followed by a flat tire on the freeway driving home from work after getting chewed out by your boss. Two days later, you kids get sick and by Friday, they've passed on their illness to you just in time for the weekend. That's a tumultuous week. But I digress.

Here is their new definition of a planet:

"A celestial body that is in orbit around the sun, has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a ... nearly round shape, and has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit." After "careful" deliberation, these same astronomers have concluded that Pluto is not a planet any more. Instead, it will be classified as a "dwarf planet" similar to astroids and comets.

Guess what? No one really gives a damn.

Look, I am the king of science dorks. I've memorized PI to 75 decimal places, read books on cosmology and in my spare time, I've been known to dable in formulating new ways to express baseball statistics. But herein lies the difference between me and the aforementioned astronomers:

1) I am aware that my interests are on the dorky side. Most of these astronomers are clueless about their level of dorkitude.

2) My wife is hot.

3) I am athletically inclined.

Sure, I am stereotyping a bit but don't tell me that these stereotypes aren't true 90% of the time.

I know, mom always said to respect everyone for who they are. I get that.

I'll even admit, maybe I'm being a bit harsh. But I can tell you this: I won't be redoing my 3rd grade planet project made out of spray painted styrofoam balls taking into account the now defunct planet. Honestly, I don't know if the restructuring of the Solar System is bigger news or knowing that their are more than 2,000 astronomy science geeks who have never kissed a girl.

No, we haven't gone belly-up

For those of you who have been wondering why there haven't been any new postings in recent weeks, wonder no more.

Yes, the Evening with Sabs writing staff is still here and in business. However, I like to give the employees a break during the dog-days of summer to recharge their creative minds. This year, I gave them 3 weeks of paid vacation--many have called it a sabbaticle of sorts.

Some take this time for internal reflection. Others go to Vegas and gamble. I, on the other hand, went on vacation with my family to South Carolina (Pictures Forthcoming).

Now more than two weeks removed from vacation and my time for reflection is complete, here are a few of my realizations on the experience:

1. Unlike most adults, my 13 month old son can control 10 people

2. My mom swears when she plays miniature golf

3. Unlike at home, you'll pay triple for water on vacation when your really hot

4. Sand is difficult to wash out of your child's curly hair

5. Minivans still suck