A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

"Vague and insignificant forms of speech, and abuse of language have so long passed for mysteries of science; and hard and misapplied works, with little or no meaning, have, by prescription, such a right to be mistaken for deep learning and height of speculation, that it will not be easy to persuade either those who speak or those who hear them, that they are but the covers of ignorance, and hindrance of true knowledge."
--John Locke, philospher (1632-1704)


What’s in a name?  The rejection of planetary status for Pluto by the International Working Group for Planetary Systems Nomenclature stands as a chilling example of our 20th Century twisted thought process.  “Planet” is a very old term which means “wanderer,” thus any heavenly body which failed to conform to Aristotle’s theory which required precise orbit around the Earth every 24 hours.  Like all other bodies in the solar system, Pluto qualifies as a planet, despite what contemporary revisionist scientists may say.  It’s our language, not theirs!  

It is particularly ironic that the original meaning of the word "Planet" from the Greek... meaning 'wanderer', was a celestial body which did not behave conforming to theory.  The planets were the objects which wandered from the normal 24-hour rotation observed for most objects in the heavens.  Pluto's nonconformity with current planetary theory is all the more reason for it to merit the designation.

Nowadays, of course, thanks to science fiction depicted on movies and TV, the word has come to mean, for common English speakers, a spherical orb in space in orbit around a star, to which expectation Pluto entirely complies.

Pluto’s failure to “clear its area,” and instead to live in peace with its neighbors, was the criterion which modern scientists used to demote it.  Similarly, the pesticides, herbicides and irrigation utilized on inflated value Appellation real estate leads to flatter wines which all taste the same.  Yes, Appellation is the enemy of terroir!

The original artwork design for Planet Pluto Meritage was done by the internationally acclaimed artist Nancy Worthington, whose unique and controversial style has attracted thoughtful connoisseurs the world over with a gravity all its own.   Her insightful and courageous art distills the essence of complex themes, sometimes social, sometimes political, sometimes romantic.  The Planet Pluto re-rendering of a Hubble telescope image addresses all three realms as we stretch to reconcile science, tradition and our love for the ninth planet.

Great wine is made by skilled hands from prime fruit grown in special vineyards, often in undiscovered areas.  Appellations just increase prices, and are thus the enemy of value.  If it tastes great, do you care if it’s grown in Lodi, or even on the ninth planet?