Pluto.

I was disappointed to hear that the International Astronomers Union voted to demote Pluto from its planetary status. I understand the dilemma that modern technology has raised in finding other Pluto-like objects orbiting the sun, but demoting Pluto is not the answer. The new objects should be called "Plutons" recognizing what kind of objects they are, but don't make them planets. This elevates Pluto, which, like Ringo Starr has never got the respect it deserves. In 2016 the 700 million dollar space probe finally reaches Pluto and after we have some pictures of Pluto, ideally with methane based snowpeople waving a welcome with primative tools, then maybe this kind of decision can be properly debated. I think the astronomers are over thinking this in a forest for the trees scenario. For example, the fact that we could land a space ship on Pluto but not on Jupiter illustrates that one set of criteria won't define what a Planet is. Also, ". . . according to the science. . ." our planet should be called Water, not Earth. An aside, if/when the aliens come and they ask why we're called Earth when its over 70% water, my response would be " Well, that's human Irony ".

The Latest War in an seemingly Endless Spirial.

Talking about the Middle East, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in particular, is boring. As long as the killing goes on, all of it so frustrating needless, I really can't be anything but bored. I've been sad, angry, hopeful about it all my whole life. The Palestinians more radical elements have found a way to get at their enemy with a powerful army. Suicide Bombings are effective. In southern Lebanon, still recovering from its civil war, Hezbollah and its Militia have been allowed to grow strong and arm themselves with rockets. Israel has decided to use this moment to rid Lebanon of Hezbollah the way they kicked out the PLO 25 years ago. It was the same logic the UN and the UN Security Council used for going into Afghanistan. Its heart breaking to hear about the civilians dying. So, how can the 'West' combat this new weapon, this so-called smart bomb. Now comes the time of the Diplomats. Engage all parties diplomatically. Hezbollah and Hamas have political wings. The British Government engaged with Sinn Fein and we have an ongoing truce, cease-fire or de-arming with the IRA. Someone needs to step up and start this ball rolling. The Isreali Goverment needs to grant right of return and address the plight of the returning refugees either with land or money. Make Jerusalem the new home of the UN. Let New York join Vienna as important satelite city. Then Jerusalem isn't the capital of Palestine or the the capital of Israel--its the world capital. All those diplomats and support staff are going to want their dry-cleaning and lattes and blah & blah. Talk about job creation. The very first thing of course is bringing true democracy to the region. I really don't care who they vote in as long as 4 or 5 years later they get to have another vote. Beacause I believe 66% of the world is moderate and if they get a chance to express their will it'll be either centre-left or centre-right, anyway, more or less in the middle.