As I drove up the winding road to Dinosaur Point, I idly mused upon the inner workings of economic theory as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 40 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 98. It glowed, rather like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I looked at B 487. It was not quite as bright as its Hubble photograph. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see Abell 42. It gave the appearance of black pearls on flocked paper. After that, I showed some guests Abell 65. It looked exactly like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, for a real challenge, I identified NGC 773. It appeared in the eyepiece like a cantilever bra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified B 140. It gave the appearance of a smoke ring. With that checked off my list, I looked at M 74 in Lepus. It was not quite as bright as whipped cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged B 279. It appeared in the eyepiece like Demi Moore.
Finally, it was time to pack up and leave. As I drove home, I contemplated the events of the night, and realized that any night out under the sky with good friends is better than a day out under the hot sun with bitter enemies.