Author Archives: paleololigo

Scientist (Paleontology, Geochemistry, Geology); Writer (Speculative and Science Fiction, plus technical and non-technical Science); Mom to great boy on the Autism spectrum; possessor of too many hobbies.

On Hawks and Chickens

Today when I got home from picking up the boy, I decided to check on the chickens like I always do. All was quiet, and I thought nothing of it. The wind had blown the coop (actually a converted camper-trailer) door shut.

Momma Red and her chicks were huddled inside, tucked in a hollow that was once under the dinette table. I thought it a little strange that they were all hiding so quietly, but whatever.Continue reading “On Hawks and Chickens”

I Am That Parent, and My Son Is That Kid

Prior to becoming a parent, I had visions of being a model parent with a model kid. People told me – and I believed them – that I’d be a great parent because I was quirky and fun. I expected to be the mom that my mother was to me: sometimes not my favorite person, but always there and up for a good game.

I would observe other parents with their kids. Oh, I’d do better than them. Why can’t they just control their children? That kid having a temper tantrum? Yeah, I would just talk to my kid and the problem would be averted. In my mind, all any kid ever needed was a good rational explanation. My kids would be perfect.Continue reading “I Am That Parent, and My Son Is That Kid”

Costuming for Professional Paleontologists

In less than two weeks is the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology’s annual meeting. This year, the meeting will be held in Los Angeles, the home of earthquakes, tar pits, and Hollywood.

Crazy though it may seem, one thing I do in preparation for the meeting each year is come up with some manner of wacky costume to wear while there, as part of my professional service.Continue reading “Costuming for Professional Paleontologists”

Frustration Happens

Today has been a day of frustration. My anxiety level is high. Nothing seems to be going right.

Well, it’s actually not that bad. I mean, the water analyzer finally decided to work correctly, and my classes went smoothly. And (and this is totally crazy), I actually did my homework before going to class. Yes, I taught the class, but we all needed to work through an exercise in advance, including me – and I did. It seldom actually works out that way.Continue reading “Frustration Happens”

What Do You Wish To Reach For?

For giggles I’m responding to a prompt from Jamie Ridler Studios. It’s called Wishcasting Wednesday and the question is ‘What do you wish to reach for?‘

It’s kind of a strange question to me. It’s not the same as ‘What do you reach for?’ but ‘What do you want to reach for?’ (It is possible I’m over thinking this a bit. I’m a scientist after all.)Continue reading “What Do You Wish To Reach For?”

Pangaea, Rodinia, and Their Oceans

I was asked a question via Twitter the other day that I thought warranted its own blog post.

The question was in regard past supercontinents, like Pangaea, which existed during the time of the dinosaurs (forming about 300 million years ago and lasting until about 70 million years ago), and the much-older Rodinia (existing between 1.1 billion and 750 million years ago). At these times (and probably other, even earlier times) all of the Earth’s major continents were combined into one huge continent.

The supercontinent of Pangaea, with the modern continents’ positions within the landmass outlined. Credit: Keiff CC 3.0 sa

Continue reading “Pangaea, Rodinia, and Their Oceans”