What Caught My Eye Today

Air Travel - Historically, my view of the the French has not been overly positive, but after reading this story, my opinion of at least these 90 French nationals has become decidedly more positive. Some 90 irate passengers staged a nearly five-hour sit-in on a Ryanair plane in Belgium, refusing to leave their plane after it was diverted to Belgium. The French tourists who were supposed to land near Paris after returning from holidays in Morocco, refused to come out of the aircraft even after the crew had left it at the Liege airport in southern Belgium. The flight had left Fes, Morocco, three hours late at 7:15 pm local time but had been unable to land in Beauvais, France, because by that time the airport there had closed. According to Ryanair officials the crew left "the aircraft when passengers became disruptive," adding it is "standard safety procedure" for airlines to divert to another airport when weather closes the destination airport. At first glance, it would appear that the passengers -- all of them, mind you -- took leave of their senses and threw a collective temper tantrum. That is until you read the end of the article. The plane didn't land in Beauvais but in Liege without notifying the passengers. Honestly, how difficult would it have been for the pilot to take 30 seconds to tell the passengers that the plane was being diverted? I salute those brave passengers for taking a stand for passenger rights. A little extreme, sure, but you sort of have to respect them nonetheless.

Asteroids - In these troubled times, I thought I might lighten things up a bit by revisiting one of my favorite topics--asteroids ramming into the Earth. A car-sized asteroid that whizzed 28,000 above Singapore recently--a near miss, as these things go--was too tiny to be a threat to humanity. Pity. I guess I'll have to keep my day job. While the chances of death by asteroid are lower than low, it is nice to know the risks. These are the 10 most dangerous asteroids, based on size, proximity and impact probability.

101955 1999 RQ36 - 1837 feet in diameter; 1 in 1,400 chance of impact; most likely to hit between 2169 and 2199

2007 VK184 - 427 feet; 1 in 3,000; 2048 thru 2057

99942 Apophis (2004 MN4) - 886 feet; 1 in 140,000; 2036 thru 2103

1994 WR12 - 361 feet; 1 in 11,000; 2054 thru 2106

1979 XB - 2,254 feet; 1 in 3 million; 2056 thru 2086

2010 AR85 - 3,609 feet; 1 in 53 million; 2015 thru 2106

2000 SG344 - 121 feet; 1 in 770; 2068 thru 2106

2006 QV89 - 98 feet; 1 in 3,100; 2019 thru 2042

2008 CK70 - 102 feet; 1 in 3,500; 2030 thru 2031

2007 RY19 - 361 feet; 1 in 15,400; 2024 thru 2107

I appreciate science as much as the next guy, but does it have to be so boring? How are you supposed to get all worked up over "101955 1999 RQ36"? Yawn. Maybe if they sexed up the names a bit. How about something like "Widow Maker" or "Planet Buster"? You know, something that has a chance at stirring up some widespread panic and paranoia.

Blood - I started donating blood earlier this year...4 pints and counting. Curious sort that I am I wanted to educate myself on the various blood types to see where I fit in. Leave it to the Japanese to come up with something completely out of left field. - There is a popular belief in Japan that a person's ABO blood type is predictive of their personality, temperament, and compatibility with others. Discussion of blood types is widely popular in women's magazines as a way of gauging relationship compatibility with a potential or current partner. The scientific community dismisses such beliefs as superstition or pseudoscience.

Type O

You are the social butterflies. Often popular and self-confident, you are very creative and always seem to be the center of attention. You make a good impression on people and you’re often quite attractive. Organized and determined, your stubbornness will help you reach your goals. You make good leaders. Lovewise, O is most compatible with O and AB. Common career choices: banker, politician, gambler, minister, investment broker, and pro athlete.

Type A

Type As may seem calm on the outside, but inside, you’re filled with anxiety and worry. You’re perfectionists and often shy and sensitive. Usually introverted, you’re stable and thoughtful. You make good listeners and are sensitive to color and your surroundings. You like to be fashionable and are up on the latest trends, but never flashy or gaudy. You like romantic settings and often shun reality for fantasy worlds. A is most compatible with A and AB in the love department. Common career choices: accountant, librarian, economist, writer, computer programmer, and gossip columnist.

Type B

You can be very goal-oriented and often complete the ambitious tasks set before you. Outgoing and very charming, you’re good at reading people and providing support. Though critical of appearance (but not your own), you aren’t picky and are unlikely to dwell over the little things. Type Bs are impulsive individualists who often create their own path in life. You are very strong and optimistic. B is most compatible with B and AB lovers. Common career choices: cook, hairdresser, military leader, talk show host, and journalist.

Type AB

Not surprisingly, ABs can be quite dualistic, possessing both A and B traits. You may be shy and outgoing, and hesitant and confident. You often stand out from others, don’t like labels, and are nice and easy going. You are logical and determined to do things correctly. Usually trustworthy, you like to help others. You often speak in a serious manner. Your patience, concentration, and intelligence are admirable. AB can find a soul mate with any other blood type. Common career choices: bartender, lawyer, teacher, sales representative, and social worker.

I think the message here is pretty obvious. Donate blood, save a life. Oh and by the way, maybe you'll find a job you like and someone to love.