GOODBYE PLUTO!

For how many years have we, and our children, been taught of the solar system and it's 9 planets?
Well ALL science books will need to be re-written since now we are only recognizing 8 planets.
So our 9th planet has been rejected, and what about Walt Disney's famous dog named Pluto? Will he be taken out of orbit too?(lol) After all, he was named after our "last" planet in our solar system.
If Pluto where to land here, on our planet, it could fit nicely into the USA, since it is smaller. HEY maybe a few hundred years down the road we Amnericans will become PLUTONIANS, (he he he...)
Who knows, we may soon find yet another "unknown" celestial body, bringing it back to 9, and even 10 or 11 or 12..... etc.

ALL ABOUT PLUTO *Pluto's day: 6.4 Earth days. *Pluto's year: 248 Earth years. *Average distance from sun: 3.7 billion miles, or 5.9 billion kilometers. *What's in a name? Pluto is also the name of the Roman god of the underworld. It was suggested by many people, but credit was given to an 11-year-old girl from England. Giving Pluto The Boot: PRAGUE, Czech Republic (Aug. 24) Leading astronomers declared Thursday that Pluto is no longer a planet under historic new guidelines that downsize the solar system from nine planets to eight. The decision by the prestigious international group spells out the basic tests that celestial objects will have to meet before they can be considered for admission to the elite cosmic club. For now, membership will be restricted to the eight "classical" planets in the solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Much-maligned Pluto doesn't make the grade under the new rules for a planet: "a celestial body that is in orbit around the sun, has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a ... nearly round shape, and has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit." Pluto is automatically disqualified because its oblong orbit overlaps with Neptune's. Instead, it will be reclassified in a new category of "dwarf planets," similar to what long have been termed "minor planets." The definition also lays out a third class of lesser objects that orbit the sun -- "small solar system bodies," a term that will apply to numerous asteroids, comets and other natural satellites.

Say "Yes" to Cilantro

     Adding chopped cilantro to your salsa could help keep illness-causing bacteria to a minimum.
     Cilantro contains antibacterial compounds that may help inhibit Salmonella choleraesuis, a common culprit in food poisoning.
     The best safeguards against food-borne illness are still frequent hand washing and safe food handling practices.
     However, serving meals with a side of cilantro-seasoned salsa may be both a nutritious and protective bonus.

Dissed Soda?

NEWS + TRENDS (health)
Liquid Candy Gets "Dissed"
By Amy Paturel, M.S., M.P.H.

Soda sales are down for the first time in 20 years in the United States. Given soda's reputation as the Darth Vader of drinks, a sales slump is good news according to American nutritionists.

"Soda, whether regular or diet, offers no health benefit besides the water it contains," says Milton Stokes, M.P.H., R.D., of the American Dietetic Association. In fact, the nation’s leading nutrition researchers recently issued guidelines urging Americans to cut back on soda, while allowing up to 40 ounces of coffee and tea per day -- and a little room for alcohol, too.

So, if you're a die-hard Diet Coke fan, what's the best thirst-quenching alternative? Here's a look at some options:

Alcohol:
That's right. Alcohol may help slow the absorption of food and keep blood sugar levels in check (pasta with Chianti anyone?) And research shows that moderate drinking (one drink per day for women and two for men) may increase circulating leptin, a natural hormone that curbs the appetite for sweets. The drawback: Alcohol can lower inhibitions -- potentially zapping your ability to resist caloric temptations.

Water:
Can’t get jazzed about the plain stuff? Try seltzer. It provides pizzazz without the calories. Or add orange slices or strawberries to a pitcher of water for a fruity, refreshing flavor.

Milk:
Skim or low fat, milk is quite possibly the most nutrient dense beverage available, says Stokes. "With nine essential nutrients, it’s a true powerhouse. And there’s emerging research suggesting that calcium from dairy may promote weight loss."

Coffee:
America’s no. 1 source of antioxidants, coffee is linked with a reduced risk of several chronic diseases. Just be careful not to sabotage your diet by pouring in tons of sugar and cream.

Tea:
Research shows that green tea may promote weight loss. "It's not the answer to obesity, but it’s a healthful addition to your diet," says Stokes. Don't bother with green tea supplements though. Just drink the actual tea. And if you use mint tea to placate your sweet tooth, you may be able to skip dessert.

Some soda substitutes are better left on the shelf altogether:
Vitamin Waters:
"Skip ‘em," says Stokes. "You’re better off buying a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement and drinking plain water."

Energy Drinks:
These concoctions are for endurance athletes, not the average American working out to lose weight.
In fact, some energy drinks have as many calories and sugar grams as soda, and a hefty dose of caffeine, too.