Paleo Happenings in the News

The Kennetts have finally go around to publishing their work on the theory that a large comet impacted North America during the Ice Age and that caused to the extinction of the megafauna and the collapse of the Clovis culture. A summary and review can be read here. To read the actual article you need a copy of Science magazine, which sadly I don't own.

I've been following this theory as closely as possible without access to a university library or colleagues that work with the Ice Age. I first learned of it when their story was featured on a television show a few years ago.

Until I can either read their publication or put my hands on their evidence and examine it for myself I will be reserving judgment. I will say that when I first heard about their postulate that I did think they might be onto something. I will be trying to locate a copy of Science this week... when I have the car.

I will also say that I'd give my eye teeth to be working with them. I would give almost anything (not FH or my critters or my health) to be there working with them. This kind of work is like the Superbowl for Ice Age paleontologists. The last time something about extinctions was postulated it was the meteor that killed the dinosaurs. Hats off to Alvarez for "T Rex and the Crater of Doom." Yes, that's a real book. It's very well written and factual. More about the science and less about the scientist...unlike some more recent books. *cough* Gorgon! *cough*

-Addendum-

Just got off the phone with a friend who's trying to locate a copy of the article via our university, where he still happens to work. He has also been following the television spots. Huzzah for scientific cooperation!

President-elect Obama

Well. I didn't think I would see this day so early in my life.

It is almost in describable when I watch history being made. The big things I've seen so far in my life are: the Challenger explosion, Reagan being shot, the Berlin Wall coming down, the Gulf War, Steve Fossett's adventures, the bombings in London, the attacks on the World Trade Center building and the Pentagon, the execution of Saddam Hussein, the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan... just to name a few.

The beginning of the list dates me I guess. That's ok.

I figure let's all take a deep breath, as a country. We will let it out slowly and remember that this is America. We're all Americans with dreams. That's what makes this country special. We all have dreams. Let's watch and see if the man can help make our dreams come true. His predecessor has certainly shattered some of our dreams. So let's just sit back, have a breath and maybe a cool drink of something, and see what this man can do.

Currently there are two things I hope I do not see. 1) Him forgetting that he promised his daughters a puppy. That's not a forgivable thing for a father to do once he has said it. 2) The Bill of Rights being forgotten about again, in a different way. Leave our guns alone.