When is a Kilogram not a Kilogram?!

Thanks to Kate A. for this one:

Monsieur Kilogram, comment vous avez maigrit! The official kilogram housed in France is losing mass, and scientists around the world are very upset. This Wall Street Journal article focuses on speculation as to why Le Grand K is losing mass and the redefinition of metric quantities. In addition, the article hints at a number of careless actions scientists neglected in the past. They are only now realizing the full implications of their decisions. For example, many speculate cleaning might have caused the 50 microgram slim... Great job being responsible, internationally renounced scientists. These men should have realized that cleaning their precious kilogram may have changed its properties.
Nevertheless, I applaud the scientist of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures for attempting to find new methods of determining all metric units. Learning about the use of Planck's Constant proved especially interesting. Hopefully, there will come a time in the future where humans do not have to rely on physical entities for exact measurements. Until then, it is great that our scientific leaders are using modern technology to take responsibility for the future of all measurements.

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052748704062604576106094010476886-lMyQjAxMTAxMDEwMzExNDMyWj.html