chemistry ROCKS!

For the first time in at least two years, I attended an ACS function.
Why so long away?
The local chapter had taken to having all of their meetings on Wednesday evenings.
All of them.
I was sure to note that when I paid my national dues this past year, but deliberately did not pay those for the Coastal Empire section.
Maybe my words helped bring about the change.
Here's what I can tell you for a fact: we had at least thirty-five people in attendance tonight.
That's at least twice the regular number of folks who show up for these meetings!
I want you to notice another thing: this is a Tuesday.
Hooray for the change to their scheduling!

In honor of the 30th Anniversary of National Chemistry Week, the American Chemical Society had provided "Chemistry ROCKS! Program In a Box" kits to local sections throughout the country and Canada. That made the event inexpensive, as well as allowed us to feel part of the greater group. That's always a plus!
The interactive webinar was broken into several sections. A video host provided trivia questions about gemstones, taking responses from all the audiences. These games and informative tidbits about rocks (get it?) added a note (get it?) of levity to the proceedings. In addition, there were two topics which were discussed by experts.
Primarily, the focus was placed squarely on the issue of global warming due to excessive amounts of carbon dioxide.
One expert spoke of the use of carbon dioxide sequestration in terms of fracking. Basically, the carbon dioxide is pumped into the ground, fracturing the strata and releasing burnable fuels. The carbon dioxide is then trapped in the rocks and water as a result.
Another expert talked about upcycling the greenhouse gas to make calcium carbonate cement. In other words, taking the problem out of the air and again placing it on the ground, but this time as a construction product.
The problem is this: billions of tons of carbon dioxide need to be managed if we are to save life on this planet. Both of these methods are only capable of converting a few millions of tons of the gas.
Honestly, it seems the song has come true. We've paved paradise to put up a parking lot, decimating the flora (carbon dioxide consumers) and creating more fauna (carbon dioxide producers).
Meanwhile, tonight was a very enjoyable occasion with folks I don't often see.
Hooray!
i thank You, God!

ps Cathy and Donna and I miss you, Chris Schuberth.
You were the only geologist I ever knew, and were part of my high-school STERI experience back in 1974 and 1975.
Thank you, kind sir.