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Rain in Colorado

It's Friday the 13th, 2013.  My friend from New Orleans who's family survived Katrina says, "I never imagined that my sister would be calling to see if I'm OK because of rain."  My taxi driver makes a joke about the rain here-- "Since it'll be raining for 6 days total, we've got 34 days to Noah's ark"  I say, "Stay dry" to my friends in harms way. Do you know that a 5,000 pound car can float away in 12 inches of water?  If this rain were heavy, wet snow, we'd have 10 feet.   This is the largest amount of rainfall, in a September, for Boulder.  Also, it's the most rainfall ever, in one day there.  Our Colorado norm for humidity it 24%.  No doubt the earth is changing.
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If You LIke it, Keep Doing It

The Blog Book looks great.  My conclusion is if it's fun and you like it, keep doing it.  I'm reflecting on a story from 2005 that started me on the serious journey of compiling my father's story. This led me to a passion about Antarctica.  I've got to continue this. More soon :-)
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My Blog in Book Form

Although not a prolific blogger (122 posts since December 2011), I've compiled the entries using http://blogspot.sharedbook.com/blog2print/googleblogger/index.html.

My copy arrives on September 5th. Perhaps I'll make copies available. Please let me know of your interest. The Antarctica project for the USAE (United States Antarctic Expedition of 1939-41) is still my focus.  I'm now wondering if more blogging will help or hinder my work.  What do you think?

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy your end of summer or winter.  Thanks for reading.
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Tropical Antarctica

I'm looking for the date when humans discovered Antarctica to be tropical.  This article about turtle bones found on the continent, in 2010, is one of many that make it sound like this is a recent discovery.

In 1930, a book review for Antarctica Adventure and Research was published in New York Times.  The reviewer stated his critique for author, Griffith Taylor, who makes an understated mention of the coal discovered during Byrd's first expedition.

My excitement builds, as I uncover historical timelines related to Antarctica.
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Laurence McKinley Gould - Antarctic Explorer

Laurence McKinley Gould was born today, August 22 in 1896. During my recent research, I discover the Antarctic-Minnesota connection with  Gould.  
As the first geologist to set foot on Antarctica's interior, he was Admiral Byrd's second-in-command for Byrd's first expedition to the South Pole.  From 1945 to 1962, he was President of Carlton College.  He loved Minnesota as much as my father, George W. Gibbs, Jr did.  Quote from an unofficial Carlton College site:  "I feel best in weather that makes me shiver." - On moving to Minnesota.- Laurence M. Gould

I'm inspired by Antarctic stories and connections such as this. Please write me if you have a connection to share.

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10,000 days to the Renegotiation of the Antarctic Treaty-Robert Swan 2041


Robert Swan and 2041 posted on Facebook today, August 16, 2013
"10,000 days from today, it will be the year 2041. What will you be doing for the next 10,000 days to ensure that we leave one place alone- Antarctica?"  
I believe this is critical for the future of humanity and the planet.  Let's leave one place on earth where wilderness is mostly untouched.
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Antarctic Bedrock Revealed

It was 1929 when Admiral Richard E. Byrd navigated the first flight over the South Pole, with Bernt Balchen as pilot.  Here's what we know about Antarctica now from a team lead by the British Antarctica Survey:




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World Climate Change Milestone

Have you seen this news?  It's an important milestone for us all to take note.  I call this a climate game changer!  Our sea, the animal kingdom, our weather and numerous consequences are upon us.  Be kind, stay aware.  What if our thoughts and feelings influence how we successfully shift this potential threat to the planet, and therefore ourselves?

In a first in human history, "it looks like the world is going to blow through the 400-ppm level without losing a beat."

- Andrea Germanos, staff writer

Published on Monday, April 29, 2013 by Common Dreams
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Stories about George Gibbs, Jr.- News from the Rochester Post Bulletin

Today the Rochester Post Bulletin printed an article about my book progress. They highlight the challenges and opportunities I face, as a researcher and writer.  Telling a historical story to make it relevant to today is my goal.  I'm exploring his journals, papers and other expedition members information to create the story of Admiral Byrd's III expedition to the South Pole.  It's a little known story that needs to have it's place in history. 

In the actual newspaper, (not the online version), Mike Dougherty asks on my behalf, to send me stories and experiences about my father. George has many admirers, many of whom I've never met.  Others have stories I've not heard.

If you knew him or know someone who had an experience, please email me with your experience at contact.leilani (AT) beingandliving.com.  The moment the article came out, I received my first, heartfelt story.  This is very exciting!


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Weather!

At 7am, it's -4 degrees F at McMurdo station. BUT it's 0 degrees F in the Rocky Mtn. April 10th!!

Where else in the world is it 0 degrees or below besides Antarctica and Colorado :-) ?  Is this climate change?
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Captain Scott's Final Words Released

The Byrd Polar Society posted a link to Scott's Final Letter.   It's dated March 29, 1912.  The full letter has never been revealed until now, as reported by the University of Cambridge in the UK.
I went to an exhibit in 2011 called Scott-Amundsen: Race to the End of the Earth in New York 
Since his practices seemed inferior to Amundsen, at the time I didn't feel sorry for him.  Now I have empathy, upon doing more research. For example,  the expedition faced unusually severe weather conditions.

His Final Words:

Captain Scott apologized for this writing. "It's -40 and has been for nigh a month"



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Most people don’t understand climate change very well- including me

I'm learning as I go, in order to better understand Antarctica and Climate Change.

Here's a short article, from Grist ( a Beacon in the Smog)--widely Tweeted and Liked on Facebook about why we need to pay attention.

AND from TakePart.com

The provocatively-titled new film- ‘Greedy Lying Bastards’ takes on America’s anti-science movement.

AND  1 in 5 students say they understand climate science from NPR.org

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