Abstract
In this article, the writer argues that the main theme of T. Coraghessan Boyle's short story "Chicxulub,"-- which provides parallel stories about the death of a child and a civilization-ending meteor, is to get meaning out of life by appreciating the moments with loved ones.

From the Paper
"There are few scenarios worse imagining in life than those offered by T Coraghessan Boyle in his New Yorker short story Chicxulub. The title refers to the first scenario as it is the name given to the giant asteroid that struck the earth millions of years ago and caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. In Chicxulub a civilization-threatening meteor hitting the earth is one unimaginable scenario offered. The second scenario relates to Ted and Maureen Biehn who get a phone call late at night telling them their ..."

Tags:humanity, theme, Boyle, short story, epiphany, allusion, symbolism

Abstract
This paper explains how there is proof that earth has been bombarded by meteors in the past. These meteors have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs, provided iron to jump-started the Iron Age, and caused a crater in Arizona. The possibility of a 1 km-sized meteor striking Earth, or even Duluth for that matter, is slim. This paper discusses the possible ramifications of such an event in the future.

From the Paper
"Earth is a target for destruction, but it's not aliens or terrorists who are planning its ruin. Meteors have assaulted the Earth ever since our home planet came into existence, and they continue to bombard the Earth with broken pieces from asteroids and comets. Some of these results have been disastrous, and some have furthered along human development. In my essay, I hope to show that these meteors have crash-landed on Earth in the past, that meteors do pose a threat to Earth, and evidence for the need for protection against them."

Tags:canada, chicxulub, crater, destruction, dinosaurs, impact, iron, meteorite, nickel, ocean, peninsula, shock, wave, yucatan