When asked to comment, some of the remaining planets described Pluto as a "cold and distant outsider" and "prone to erratic behavior." Others closer to the ex-planet described Pluto an "uppity Kuipper belt wannabe." When notified of the results, Pluto was quick to place the blame for decision squarely on Saturn, who was described as the "ring leader" of the movement, and Jupiter, who Pluto referred to as an overblown gas bag with a liquid metal hydrogen core. When asked to respond, Jupiter called Pluto's comments both unfortunate and accurate, the intended sarcasm not withstanding.

Closer to home the impact was immediate as literally "10's" of disgruntled, Pro-Pluto Astronomers rallied outside the International Astronomical Union (IAU) located in the Czech Capital of Prague. The Pro-Pluto supporters contend that the secret vote conducted earlier that day a secret vote, was a clear violation of the "Deplanetization Accord of 1972." Despite the protest, the decision surrounding Pluto's status was concluded and was marked by the traditional release of white smoke from IAU's "Hall of Space" building. Merely hours after the protest commenced, the Pro-Pluto rally was abruptly dispersed when a Coopers Mini ran into their midst and parked for several hours while driver took advantage of the local shopping.

Despite this, many are calling for an investigation to determine whether the tumultuous events leading to this decision qualifies it as the most boring and pointless discussion in all of recorded history, rivaled only by the ongoing dialogue surrounding the pronunciation of the word "tomato." All among those currently pondering this very question have privately confessed that they were shocked an amazed that people can, in fact, base a career on the relative "planetness" of the now humiliated Pluto. Even now, some have hinted that IAU may drop yet another dubious bombshell as it considers changing Pluto's name to "Spot".

Meanwhile, the repercussions of the recent decision are still being evaluated. Many are now concerned that the much anticipated mass extinction promised by the Sumerians and hinted at by the Mayans for the year 2012 are in jeopardy. The Sumerian prophesy rests largely on the reappearance of "Nibiru", the 12th planet. The Sumerians, it appears were far less picky about bestowing planetary status and counted the Sun and the Moon as planets thereby, making Pluto the 11th planet. Now that Pluto /Spot has been excised from the planetary rolls this prophesy finds itself one planet short of a catastrophe, with little time left.

According to the Sumerians, Nibiru's elliptical orbit takes about 3600 years, and is due to return around the same time the Mayan's stopped their latest calendar. Though many have argued that the termination of the Mayan calendar had more to do with the lack of engaging monthly pictures, then an end of the world cataclysm, others disagree. These dissenters point to arrival of Nibiru and the inevitable havoc that a "failed star" somewhere between the size of Jupiter and Earth will have when it blunders through the inner planet's orbits, upending coffee mugs and de-magnetizing refrigerator magnets.

On another note, under the new guidelines for bestowing "planet" status, a number of our more corpulent actors and opera personalities now qualify as meeting the criteria for a "planet" designation. Indeed, many have already begun the requisite paperwork to do so in order to take advantage of the tax benefits. If successful, each of these planetary pledges will need to complete the rituals and rites of initiation, including the hazing period where they will be required to maintain a fixed orbit around the IAU while covered with shaving cream for a period of 7 years.

In the coming days, the shocking loss of Pluto will be continue to be felt. Already, elementary school teachers across the globe are struggling to come up a replacement question on their next astronomy tests. The burning question; is there enough time? Meanwhile, the ever vigilant IAU has already begun to tackle the next great issue of our time. Should we find another name for the universe?