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John Stewart, author of Antarctica; An Encyclopedia

I was delighted to speak with John Stewart on my radio show 6/15/ on KGNU.  It's archived here.  Have you ever been introduced to anyone who's written an encyclopedia?  This is volume II.  The first book had over 20,000 entries and over one million words.  Not only that, John has written 2 more books, since last fall.  He's featured on Everett Wiggins's blog post, a reference librarian.
Great show. John's wonderful storyteller.
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One of the last Survivors from the USAS Expedition

Yesterday, I reconnected with Anthony Wayne, a seaman from the USS Bear.  I visited him on Veteran's day, 2010.  He has vivid memories of the expedition.  I am speaking with him more frequently to get his details.
Here are some articles about his story.  Tony remembers my father as a very nice man, who served the crew well from the galley.



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My Travel to Chile

Part of my research about the United States Antarctic Service Expedition (1939–1941) takes me to Valparaiso, Chile.  The USS Bear stopped at several port cities on the way back to the U.S., in 1940.  Today, while meeting with a colleague, we found an entry in my father's journal that talks about his adventures in Chile. I realized I'll be able to visit the area to see O'Higgins Hotel, in Vina Del Mar, built in 1936!  Admiral Byrd stayed there.  Here's another journal excerpt from George W. Gibbs Jr.,


April 23(1940) At Valparaiso Chile.  Was up this morning early to get the ship in shape for visitors and do my daily routine.  This morning at eleven we were anchored off from the dock about two hundred feet and I went ashore in a taxi.  Bought a watch and went to Vina Del Mar, which is eight miles from Valparaiso.  Went sight seeing and had dinner at the Hotel Higgins where the Admiral is staying.  In the U.S. it would have been impossible for me to be as welcomed (as I felt there).


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