Astronomers cite the cloud as evidence of star formation in the galaxy. Astrophysicists point to clouds of organic material as proof that complex molecules can form in outer space. Biologists wonder if such clouds of organic molecules might provide the beginning of life. And those of us in the sporting crowd (read: drunks) want to know if we could get plastered by breathing the air in that part of space.

The Associated Press story explained that it was "methanol ... a cousin of ethanol, which is found in alcoholic beverages" and that the cloud is "not suitable for human consumption." But I think they should let the experts be the judge of this. Finally, progress we can all appreciate. Once we perfect long-distance space travel, experts sent to the field will include an astrobiologist named Dr. Plankenheimer, a pilot named Col. Reggie "Buzz" Strongman and a local drunk named Norm. They'll film the whole thing for reality TV, pay per view only, and the episode in which Norm spacewalks into the alcohol cloud will be among the highest rated shows in television history. The future is now.