Beyond the Bricks: Week of October 26

Hurricane Patricia Hits Mexico, Inflicts Damage but No Loss of Life

On October 23, Hurricane Patricia made landfall in Mexico causing damage to thousands of homes. The storm, which was closely monitored, was suspected to be one of the most devastating in recorded history.

With winds of up to 165 mph, the hurricane swept through the Mexican coastline near the town of Cuixmala, damaging anywhere between 3,000 and 3,500 homes located in the small town, according to Mexico’s president, Enrique Pena Nieto. One resident of Cuixmala described the experience as “the longest five hours of my life,” according to the Weather Channel.

Doctors have so far treated cuts and wounds sustained from falling trees and power lines, but there have been no storm-related fatalities. Although the initial extent of the damage has been done, analysts are concerned about possible landslides in the region, as the massive torrents of water could bring much of the soil into the town.

President Nieto urged residents to stay in their homes and be cautious of any more natural events that may occur.

Uber Tour Hits Rochester

Uber, in an effort to allow its business to operate in New York, has hosted a rally in Rochester aiming to show lawmakers that they wish to do business in the area. If the ride-sharing app gets approval, they’ve announced hiring 1,000 drivers in the area to help people get around.

In addition to the rally, Uber will also be hosting a jobs fair to advertise the benefits of allowing them to do business in the area. 

“We predict more than 1,000 jobs in Rochester will be created in Uber’s first year alone,” Uber stated on a fact sheet. This will allow the company to perform over 500,000 trips a month in the region.

Uber faces an uphill battle with its competitor, Lyft, as they compete to be allowed to operate in the region as other livery companies oppose their introduction into the market. Uber expects to see legislation passed in January, when the government reconvenes.

NASA Orbiter Recons Enceladus for Possible Signs of Life

 On October 28, NASA Orbiter Cassini took to the “skies” above Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons, in an effort to learn about the possibility of life underneath its icy crust. Enceladus shoots up icy plumes from its frozen surface; an analysis of these plumes could aid scientists in finding out what sort of materials are found underneath, and if any hydrothermal activity is taking place.

Hydrothermal activity is important, as interactions between the ocean that lies underneath the surface and the moon’s rocky core could help circulate nutrients necessary for life.

NASA has mentioned that they will not discuss their findings until a couple months from now, as those findings could potentially be revolutionary in our understanding of life in our solar system.