Coffee Klatch

A new planet has been discovered! No, it can’t replace Pluto, since it’s about 450 light-years from Earth, orbiting a star in the constellation Lacerta. It is the largest and least dense of the 200+ planets discovered so far.

Astronomers describe this new planet as “puffy” and have determined that it is so light and NOT dense that it would float on water. Another unique characteristics of this planet, named HAT-P-1, is its tiny and fast orbit. It orbits its parent star at about 1/20th of the distance that Earth orbits the Sun from, and this planet really MOVES–it takes only 4.5 Earth days for it to orbit its sun (about 81 times the speed of Earth’s revolutions).

For more information, read the articles on FoxNews, Reuters, or Astrobiology Magazine.

(Oh, and the almost-planet that has been called “Xena” has finally been given an official name: Eris.)

[tags]planets, astronomy, discoveries[/tags]

You are Mahogany

Stable and decisive, you lack the hyper energy of most orange colors. You’re still energetic, but you tend to project a peaceful, relaxed vibe. You love to feel cozy. You often rather wrap up in a blanket than go out for the night.

You Are 76% Cynical

You’re a full blown cynic… and probably even skeptical of these results. You have your optimistic moments, but most likely you keep them to yourself.

You Should Drive a Toyota FJ Cruiser

A true adventurer, you’re always up for trying the latest new thing. And you need a car that will take you anywhere, because there are no roads where you’re going!

You Are 0% Redneck

I’ll slap you so hard, your clothes will be outta style. You ain’t no redneck - you’re all Yankee!

Your Geek Profile:

Academic Geekiness: Highest Movie Geekiness: High Gamer Geekiness: Moderate Internet Geekiness: Moderate SciFi Geekiness: Moderate General Geekiness: Low Music Geekiness: Low Fashion Geekiness: None Geekiness in Love: None

You Communicate With Your Ears

You love conversations, both as a listener and a talker. What people say is important to you, and you’re often most affected by words, not actions. You love to hear complements from others. And when you’re upset, you often talk to yourself. Music is very important to you. It’s difficult to find you without your iPod.

[tags]personality tests, blogthings[/tags]

The other day I was leaving work and I saw a van that was obviously a business vehicle for a chimney sweep company. The van was in nice condition and it had the usual advertising and contact info on the sides and back of the vehicle.

The name of the business was Ash Wipers. Ash Wipers! Full name actually: Ash Wipers Chimney Service. I looked at that… and looked at it more… and was just speechless. I couldn’t think of anything to say about it.

Who would name their business something like that? I guess it’s supposed to be light-hearted or humorous or something, but to me it sounds like one of those names that college buddies come up with at 2 in the morning after way too many beers and/or coffees. “Wouldn’t it be funny if we started a chimney sweep business and called it ‘Ash Wipers??’ Ha ha ha!” Except most people don’t act on the crazy ideas.

Now we’ve got a business that sounds half-assed, pardon my pun and language. How much trust would you place in a company with a semi-rude name? Granted, you’ll remember it, but would you want them cleaning your chimney?

They’re going to have to work extra hard to build up a fantastic local reputation to overcome their name. That’s starting your business with an unnecessary handicap. And when I end up spending money on getting MY chimney cleaned, I think I’ll be going with a more reputable-sounding company.

[tags]chimney sweeps, business names, foolishness[/tags]