30 minute max

I've only got a bit of time before the tv gets started for the night. Finally we get grown-up Jeopardy! again. Followed by NBC's Monday night lineup.

So, I was reading about volcanoes and meteorites. I was wondering if like an impact crater might pop out like a volcano. Maybe not in the same place, or even the same time, but there should be an equal but opposing reaction. If the Earth was made of rubber, it would seem obvious I think.

At the same time that I was reading these things, I read a little about geology. Apparently we are living in the Quaternary period as far as geologists are concerned. Essentially, the fourth age. I don't know off hand what the first three were, probably the different continental layouts(Pangaea et cetera). Now, knowing what we do about the tzolkin calender, and the coming date of December 21st, 2012, this proved interesting.

The ancient Maya believed also that we were living in the fourth age of the Earth. Furthermore, their calender system predicted a time when we would move from the fourth to the fifth age of existence. Are we seeing any correlation among unrelated fields? An ancient civilization conquered by Spain in the late 17th century corresponding with current geological thought. After some quick consulting, the thought might not be so current, but no one has suggested that we have moved to the fifth age yet.

And the Maya had predictions for dates after December 21 2012, so, don't get too worried.

Obsidian is a form of volcanic glass. Thousands of years ago, stone age man made primitive weapons using the sharp edges of broken obsidian. Now, modern man uses obsidian, a material used before metal, to perform cardiac surgery. The blade is much sharper than even surgical steel, even when viewed under an electron microscope. It may even produce less noticeable scars and inflammatory cells than steel. How's that for full circle?

All done with minutes to spare. I think I covered everything I wanted to. Oh shoot, the call of duty 'tetris-effect'. I'll mention that next time.
\m/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsidian#Current_use
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetris_effect