Science Explorations

Reaching the North Pole

            Robert E. Peary was the first person to get to the North Pole. It is also said that Fredrick A. Cook was the first one. It is hard to tell for sure who was the first one because there isn’t much evidence to look at except their word. The North Pole is also a sea with a bunch of floating ice, so there isn’t really a way to mark that you’ve been there. It was so hard to get there because compasses don’t work and much of the Arctic and Antarctic weren’t even mapped. You have to use a chronometer and a sextant to tell where you are. A chronometer is an instrument used to keep time accurately, and a sextant is an instrument that is used to determine latitude and longitude by using the sun.

            Fredrick announced that him and two Inuit companions had reached the North Pole on April 21, 1908. They supposedly had a hard time coming back south because of bad weather and drifting ice, and they had to stay in an ice cave. Robert announced that he had reached the North Pole a week later with his companion Matthew Henson. Robert claimed the Fredrick was a fraud. Robert had the big sponsors New York Times and the National Geographic Society. Fredrick was ok with sharing the spotlight with Robert, but Robert wasn’t ok with it. He was a very driven man that had tried three times to get to the North Pole.

            What made it questionable about Fredrick was that he claimed to be the first one to reach the top of Mt. McKinley in Alaska. He had been called into question for it. Critics felt like if he lied about Mt. McKinley that he could lie again. Robert’s claim didn’t take long to cover up the claim of unknown Fredrick. When they both got back, they both wrote books about their journey, and they both became bestsellers. These books also fueled the debate between who got there first.

            Without modern technology explorers had to keep a well-detailed diary with navigational calculations of their travel. They had to go to the nearest town to even be able to share their discoveries since radio transmission was limited. It has been researched over 90 years and they still don’t know who actually made it. The world may never know.

http://beyondpenguins.ehe.osu.edu/issue/polar-explorers/who-got-there-first-the-north-pole-controversies

Reaching the South Pole

            Roald Engebreth Gravning Amundsen was the first to get to the South Pole. He was a powerfully built man that was born into a family of merchant sea captains in Norway. When he was young he slept with his window open so it prepared him for the Arctic air. To establish him as a sailor and an explorer he successfully led a 70-foot boat the entire way through the Northwest Passage. The Northwest Passage is a route that goes between Canada’s Arctic islands and Northern Canada’s mainland and is full of ice. It took three years for him and his crew to get all the way through because they had to wait for ice to thaw.

When he got back to Norway, he heard that Englishman Ernest Shackleton was going to try to get to the South Pole. Shackleton however didn’t make it all the way to the South Pole. He had to abandon his journey 97 miles away from making it. Amundsen studied Shackleton’s journey so he could prepare for his own journey. When he started preparing for the journey, he made sure that his crew members would be suitable.

By August 1910, he was ready to leave for the South Pole. He was keeping it a secret that he was going to the South Pole. Everyone thought that he was going to the North Pole, but he already knew that Robert Peary and Fredrick Cook had claimed to make it. He even kept it secret from the Norwegian government because he didn’t want them to make it a race against Great Britain, whom they were dependent on. When he was off the coast of Morocco, he announced that he was going to the South Pole.

Since sled dogs were a crucially part to the journey, he made sure that he got dogs that were a good fit for being in the Arctic. They even called them their children since they were the ones to determine if they got to the South Pole or not. On October 18, 1911 Amundsen and his crew set off from the Bay of Whales for the final stretch. On December 7^th Amundsen got pass the point where Shackleton had to turn back. On December 14, 1911 Amundsen put the Norwegian flag in the ground at the South Pole at 3 p.m. It took 99 days and 1,860 miles to get there after they left the bay. On January 25, 1912 they got back to their base camp.

That wasn’t Amundsen’s only Arctic journey. In 1926 he flew over the North Pole in a dirigible. The Arctic also claimed his life too. He went on a rescue mission in 1928, and Amundsen’s plane went down into the Arctic Ocean killing him. That same year Amundsen talked to a journalist about his love for the Arctic. He said, “If only you knew how splendid it is up there, that’s where I want to die.”

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/ice/peopleevents/pandeAMEX87.html

Crazy Businesses

            In this PPOW I will be discussing some crazy businesses that you never knew existed. Who knows? You might just want to use one of them now.

Cuddle Party-

            If you like to cuddle but don’t have anyone to cuddle with, this is something that could help you. Cuddle Party is an organization that hosts events for people to cuddle at. I know it sounds really weird for adult strangers to go and cuddle. You can go to the events that there is a bunch of people at. You can meet new people and talk with them, and of course you can cuddle. They have a mission to teach boundaries, consent, affection, communication, and non-sexual touch. They have events in the U.S. and Canada, so if you enjoy cuddling you can find an event near you!

My Friend Smells-

            If you ever thought that one of your friends smelled? Here is your solution! My Friend Smells lets you send a cologne wipe and a note to whomever you want anonymously. It costs $1.99 for one wipe and $4.99 for four wipes. You put your credit or debit card information to pay for it. You can put a note with it also that is not mean and contains no profanity. There is no way for them to link the package back to you. You can send them to a boss, co-workers (these two might not be the best), classmates, siblings, friends, and other people. So if you know someone that might need a little freshening up, just go to MyFriendSmells.com.

Booster Fuels-

            It may be a hassle for some people to go to the gas station to fill up their car. This is the perfect company for those people. Booster Fuels can come to you and fill up your gas tank. You have to park and leave the gas cap open when you contact them to come to you on your phone. They work with large businesses to offer the on-demand service. The app lets you know the delivery time and allows you to pay. How much gas you need will change the cost. It is mostly offered in Texas right now where it started. If your ever in Texas and need gas, just get the Booster Fuel app.

Something Store-

            Have you ever had some money that you wanted to buy something with, but you didn’t know what? Go to the Something Store! You can get something cool for cheap. You pay $10, and they will send you something cool. It could be shiny gadget, rare book, party game, handmade necklace, reverse clock, box of gourmet chocolates, portable table tennis set, pashmina scarf, set of kitchen knives, pair of handmade earrings, garden tool, kitchen appliance, electronic equipment, fine crafting tool or an office supply item. You don’t even have to pay shipping! Even if you just like surprises, go to the Something Store, and you can have a surprise come to your door.

YourNovel.com-

            Do you like romance novels and have that special someone in your life? You can go to YourNovel.com and you two can have your own story. You pick what book you want and give them some information about yourself. Then they will insert you in your own novel. You can also put a picture on the front of you two if you want. Husband-and-wife writers, Kathy Newbern and J.S. Fletcher, created it. They were talking about Newbern’s upcoming romance book when one of their friends wondered how it would be if you read a book with your name in it. That’s how they came up with the idea. Paperback books are $49.95 and $74.95 with your picture on it. It is $94.95 for hardback and $119.95 for one with your picture on it. I would only recommend for you to buy this if you are married.

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel-

            Do you love dogs and sledding? You can take a dog sled ride in Jefferson, New Hampshire all year round. You can take a 20-minute trip or an overnight voyage through the mountains. They have over 100 sled dogs including Alaskan Huskies, Siberians, and Malamutes. They let you interact with the dogs, and you can learn about the culture. They offer clinics if you want to become a musher (the person that guides the dogs). A four-hour class costs $525 for a couple. It costs $745 for an eight-hour tour per couple. So go to New Hampshire if you ever want to go dog sledding.

Superfan Suits-

            Are you really enthusiastic about cheering on your sports team? At Superfan Suits you can get spandex suits in your favorite teams colors. There are different patterns of the suits that you can get. There are suits to make it look like you have actual clothes on, open faced suits, and there is accessories to go with the suits. They cover your whole body from your head to toe. The suits cost from $30-$60. Go get yourself a Superfan suit even if it isn’t for a sport.

Fantasy Dating Company-

            If you’re interested in dating and are competitive, you can go to the Fantasy Dating Company. It is kind of like a fantasy football league. You get points for flirting with guys, slipping them your number, and going on actual dates. The site is to empower women to take charge of their life and gain confidence. So go out there and start getting your points today!

http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/8755-strange-businesses.html

Poems

Remember Me

Remember me when I’m gone.

Don’t forget all the memories,

and things we have collected.

I will always remember you,

even when we are long gone.

So remember me,

when I am gone.

All Wrong

I thought I could trust you.

I guess I was wrong.

I thought you were my friend.

I guess I was wrong.

I always thought that you cared for me,

but I was all wrong.

Now I am here lying on the floor

because of what you’ve done.

Please tell me

I took it the wrong way.

For if I did not,

I will never recover

from the damage you’ve done.

Feelings that Linger

I know it will never be the same,

but my feelings will always linger.

For I can’t get rid of them

after everything that I thought had happened.

You felt different,

so you ended it

after I was starting to get attached.

I’m glad it ended then

otherwise I would have been lead on.

The damage has been done,

and we will never be the same.

Don’t think there is ever a chance

that we could go back to normal,

even though I still have feelings that linger.

Dogs

Dogs are my favorite animals.

They are there when you need them.

They don’t judge you

even when you look like crap.

They sit there and let you pet them.

Some can be jerks though

and don’t let you come near them.

Others run to you and jump all over you.

Some like to lick a little

and others lick your face off.
They all have different fur

that is different colors, textures, lengths, and more.

They all are different sizes too,

like really small, small, medium, large, and extra large.

I like all different sizes of dogs.

Just give me a dog, and I’ll have a hay day.

I haven’t met a dog that doesn’t like me.

I know all kinds of dogs.

I have three dogs myself.

Beau is a golden retriever.

He is ten and loves to pant.

He doesn’t stop bothering you

until he gets attention.

Then there’s Sadie that is a miniature schnauzer.

She is eleven and is a spaz.

She always jumps

at any sudden movement or sound.

Coco is a chocolate lab.

She is four and is crazy.

If you ever are sitting on the floor,

you better watch out for her rubbing on you and her kisses.

I love all of my dogs and all other dogs.

Fish

Fish just get to swim around all day.

The only thing they have to worry about is

someone trying to take them out of the water.

We feed them and clean their tank.

My fish are a little jumpy

and don’t like it 

when their tank is disturbed.

Mine like to hide under the boat

that I have in my tank.

I don’t know why they say that fish blow bubbles.

They don’t really do anything.

I don’t even know how they sleep.

Fish are cool either way

because they live in water,

and some people can’t even swim.

Never Forgive, Never Forget: The Sequel

            We had just settled in at the hotel when we heard yelling. Tucker looked outside the door to see what the commotion was. He came back in the room with a weird look on his face.

            “What’s going on?” I asked.

            “I think Gaston is out there,” he said with a bizarre look.

            “Are you absolutely sure?” I questioned.

            “Go look for yourself,” he said as he pointed towards the door.

            What I saw outside the door I wasn’t expecting. Gaston was trying to push through security. He was punching and kicking, but he was no match for the security guards. I couldn’t stand to watch anymore, so I went back in the room.

            “Now do you believe me?” he asked.

            “I can’t believe he followed us all the way here. What does he think was going to happen when he got here? That he could ask what room we are in, and he would just come and say hi,” I said angrily.

            “I don’t know, but it seems like he really wants to talk to you,” he responded as there was some yelling.

            “Yeah. I should probably just go talk to him,” I mumbled.

            “Do you want me to come with you?” Tucker asked.

            “No. I think this is something I should do alone. Just be ready if I need you,” I said anxiously. “I don’t know how he is going to react.”

“Ok. Whatever you say. Just holler if you need me,” he said going to sit on the couch.

I took a deep breath and opened the door. They must have got Gaston to at least stay outside because I didn’t see him in the lobby. I could still hear an argument happening.

“I believe that there is someone looking for you,” the receptionist said from behind the desk. “If you don’t want to talk to him I can call the police.”

“No. I don’t believe that will be necessary,” I quickly responded.

When I opened the door, everyone looked at me. I walked over to Gaston and told the guards that they could go back inside.

“What do you think you are doing here?” I asked Gaston.

“I don’t know. I just thought I deserved some kind of explanation for you just running off in the middle of the wedding,” he looked at me sadly. “Don’t you at least owe me that? I don’t know if I did something wrong, or if you’re just so selfish that you said yes and ran off for no reason.”

“I might have been a little bit selfish running off and not telling you why I left,” I mumbled. “I will tell you that I didn’t want to change my mind at the last minute. Something kind of popped up, and I didn’t know how to tell you I changed my mind.”

            “What could have popped up that suddenly that made you not want to marry me?” he said as his voice starting to rise.

            “Somebody kind of showed up right before the wedding started,” I said looking towards the hotel.

            “Who?” he yelled.

“Your just going to get even more mad at me if I tell you,” I yelled back.

“Well you might as well tell me because I am already mad!”

“Fine! It’s Tucker!” I screamed back.

“That lame guy made you not want to marry me?” he said crazily. “I can’t believe he is the one that you left me for!”

“I think that is enough,” I decided walking to the hotel. “This is just another reason to be glad I didn’t marry you.”

When I got inside the door, Gaston grabbed my arm and yanked me backwards.

“Where do you think you are going?” Gaston demanded. “I didn’t say the conversation was over yet.”

“Tucker!” I screamed into the general direction of our room.

“Good idea,” Gaston grinned. “Let’s see what this guy is all about.”

Gaston was holding me against the wall when Tucker came racing down the hallway. I looked at him desperately and hoped that Gaston wouldn’t hurt him.

“Zola!” Tucker shouted. “What is he doing?”

“I don’t know what more he wants. I told him about you and then he pinned me to the wall,” I squealed trying to get out of his grip.

“I’ve got all I wanted now,” Gaston snickered releasing his grip on me. “I just needed to know what he looked like.”

Gaston ran out the door, and I ran to Tucker. I was hugging him when the guards ran around the corner.

“What happened here? Is everyone all right?” one of the guards asked.

“It’s all ok now. There was just a misunderstanding. No one is hurt,” Tucker answered before I could.

“Ok, just let us know if you need anymore assistance,” another guard said.

We walked back to the room and tried to go to sleep.

“Goodnight Zola,” Tucker whispered.

“Goodnight Tucker,” I whispered back.

A year later I came home to find Tucker dead on the floor in the kitchen. I collapsed onto the floor and cried. There was blood and glass everywhere. I noticed one of our knifes missing from the counter.

After the police had come and gone, I went upstairs to my bedroom to go to bed. I went in the bathroom to brush my teeth and noticed something sticking out from behind the shower curtain. I pulled part of the curtain back, and Gaston jumped out with the same bloody knife that killed Tucker.

I watched as Gaston jumped out the window while I lay there dying.