10/9/2013, 7:30 pm

As a result of the ongoing government shutdown, not only is NASA's astronomy picture of the day not available, but stargazing has been banned as unlawful "recreating."
With the galactic shutdown comes the need to lay off non-essential personal, so the National Park Service has been tasked to make sure no illegal astronomical activity takes place, even among those with privately owned telescopes or similar optical devices. Further, all citizens will be required to wear rainbow themed umbrella hats to show support for same-sex marriage and to inhibit upward glances that may result in stargazing.
For now, NPS personnel are advised to set their phasers on stun for non-compliant veterans, restaurant owners, elderly tourists, and other threats to national security. "If they don't cooperate now," said an anonymous NPS official, "we'll just change the setting and vaporize 'em."
Blog sites from other solar systems were abuzz with comments on the galactic shutdown.
"I find the behavior of earth's government and the harsh measures of the National Park Service to be illogical in the extreme," said Mr. S from his retirement home on Vulcan.
A spokesman for the Klingon Empire simply said, "This means war!" again.
"The government of earth has failed me for the last time," said a voice message from a caller who may be an asthma sufferer.
ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, and NPR all dutifully quoted Senate majority leader Harry Reid as wheezing, "This unnecessary and reckless shutdown could bring interplanetary war just because TEA Party Republicans want to hold all life forms on earth hostage to their extreme agenda."
Until the issue is resolved, all citizens are advised to stay indoors, especially on clear nights.
