Month: March 2023

Alien Paleobiology

Research into Terra’s lost history by an alien species…

‘…the Anthropocene is characterized by extensive layers of vitreous plastic and…’

Meanwhile, back in the 21st Century:

By Sergio Queiroz — TRINDADE ISLAND, Brazil (Reuters) March 15, 2023 — The geology of Brazil’s volcanic Trindade Island has fascinated scientists for years, but the discovery of rocks made from plastic debris in this remote turtle refuge is sparking alarm.

Melted plastic has become intertwined with rocks on the island, located 1,140 km (708 miles) from the southeastern state of Espirito Santo, which researchers say is evidence of humans’ growing influence over the earth’s geological cycles.

“This is new and terrifying at the same time, because pollution has reached geology,” said Fernanda Avelar Santos, a geologist at the Federal University of Parana.

Santos and her team ran chemical tests to find out what kind of plastics are in the rocks called “plastiglomerates” because they are made of a mixture of sedimentary granules and other debris held together by plastic…

Photo / graphic by Roman.

Chicago Votes

use it or lose it

Illinois holds its municipal elections apart from the general elections held on even years. This year will feature elections in many towns and other units of local government. I don’t know what percentage of Yip Abides’ audience lives in Chicago or even in Illinois, but it would be a fair guess that the two categories are a plurality at best. If you inhabit Illinois or most especially Chicago, this public service announcement is for you.

In Illinois generally, these local elections will be held April 4, 2023. Consult your county’s Board of Elections for more information.

In Chicago, early voting for the April 4 election began Monday, March 20, in all 50 wards in addition to two “super sites” in Chicago’s Loop. For more information, go to the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners.

Because the election for Mayor of Chicago is still unresolved (no candidate in the primary had a majority of the votes), there will be a contest in every ward of the city, so the turnout will be greater than it would have been if the only unresolved contests had been the usual scattering of aldermanic elections. Still, the turnout will not be great so those who do vote will have a greater say than usual.

My mayoral preference is Brandon Johnson, but you can find more information at Block Club Chicago’s election page.

Lost Marbles

Photo / graphics by Roman.

I lost my marbles the other day.

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Photo by Roman.

I threw them all away.

Never did play them much anyway.

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Photo by Roman.

They were nicked and dusty

And by lost packets interrupted

From the platonic ideal.

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Photo by Roman.

Their kaleidoscope magic dimmed

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Photo by Roman.

For it was light from other days.

Yip

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Lost marbles in the light of other days. Photo / graphic by Roman.