STANDING IN THE MERIDIAN -- Just a Minute Radio for Friday 100430

            G’day… it’s FRIDAY again… and for this particular week it could not have come at a better time. (J)

 

            Two nights ago it was the ‘full “pink” moon’ – I don’t know where that designation came from – except this is the time of year when azaleas (among other floribunda) really grace the southern urban landscapes.  As to why the ‘moon’ namers picked ‘pink’ – maybe that’s just what came to mind first.

 

            [Oh… I just found out ‘floribunda’ applies to a special profusely blooming rose which has been brought into prominence by hybridizing … I didn’t know that… something new learned today… Thanks.]

 

            There are some things we don’t often think about.  For instance I had forgotten that back in 2006 an international conference of astronomers met to resolve the question of “Is Pluto a planet?”  It has normally, since 1930 when it was first discovered, been so regarded. But it is so distant, so small and follows such a peculiar orbit… it strains the definition of what a planet is.

 

            The conference was held in Prague and the resolution before the group planned to drop Pluto and reduce the planets in our solar system to eight similar bodies.  But there were astronomers or scientists who held dissimilar views – and they proposed a definition of “a massive, spherical body orbiting a star.”  Well and good – but there are scores of obscure chunks of rock – or something – that would meet that more ‘generous’ definition.  Some held that expanding the definition would ‘cheapen’ the designation – sort of like how many ‘Starbucks’ can be fitted into one city or county.  It’s mind bending. 

 

            The monthly essayist in the Old Farmer’s Almanac – from which I got this plethora of facts – says  the only one to gain from such a debate will be the “publishers of astronomy text books.” – To which I think we might add – “Or Almanacs.”

 

            Drop me a line with your opinion and I”ll post  it here – or Perhaps you’d rather tell me whether Charlie Crist is going to win  the primary in Florida shortly.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Jack Buttram

 

Delayed audio link:

http://www.wmuu.com/blog/category/audio/just-a-minute/

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

STANDING IN THE MERIDIAN

            Just a Minute: -- My Tidewater Virginia history instructor said -- late during the “waw b’tween th’ states” there was a young recruit who, -- not wishing to be identified with either army -- convinced some cohorts to don a uniform guaranteeing safety.  So, they attired themselves in ‘butternut’ grey shirts – as worn by Confederate Soldiers; and dark blue pants – the uniform of Union troops.

It took but one skirmish to reveal their mistake. Rather than being viewed as non-combatants in ‘no man’s land’ -- the “Billy Yanks” shot ‘em in the shirts -- and the “Johnny Rebs” shot ‘em in the pants.

Charlie Crist, Florida’s sitting governor, may well encounter the same reaction.  Having embraced Mr. Obama’s stimulus plan, his poll numbers began to slide about a year ago until yesterday in his hometown of St. Petersburg he declared he’ll hold on to Republican registration -- but appear on the Florida ballot as a Non-affiliated office seeker. 

Pennsylvania’s Arlen Specter, was more honest a year ago, but recently expressed other thoughts.  

            What noble motive moves Mr. Crist now to take such action?

            <>I’m Jack Buttram. (END)

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