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Letter From Truman

Truman’s Letter October 2020

Hi, Kids! We all know that recycling is important, but did you know that the earth does some recycling of its own? The water cycle uses the same molecules over and over. Have you ever wondered about the energy source that makes the water cycle work? Find out all about it in the “Connections” section. The wettest place on Earth is in India. And do you know what is made in India? Silk! This super smooth fabric is made of fibers that come from cocoons. It’s true! Find out more about it in the “Cultural Connections” section. Ari Sarsalari is a digital on-camera meteorologist at The Weather Channel. He gets to tell people the weather forecast, which often involves rain and snow, both important parts of the water cycle. He shares a fun fact about heat lightning, too. Read about it in the “What’s It Like to Be …” section.

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Movie Reviews for Kids by Kids

Movie Review September 2020

These wonderfully animated episodes are interesting and teach a lot of social skills. You can learn a lot of things science-wise, plus you can learn things about being confident, telling the truth and knowing that you are beautiful and unique. There are very deep messages in this series, which is awesome, but the animation lacks detail. In each episode, Mily has a different question that she wants answered or a different problem to be solved. She travels her neighborhood, goes to her friends, asks her family and learns as much as she can. Eventually, she understands and gets her questions answered. The director, Alexis Ducord impressed me by how he developed the plotlines, the different personalities of the characters and the types of questions that Mily asks. The questions are appropriate questions for the targeted audience. I love how the questions are answered. You get a deep understanding, most of the time. Sometimes the question is not fully answered and leaves you hanging. But most of the time the answers are great. The animation comes up short when the characters talk; either their mouths don’t move in sync with the words or sometimes the audio is late. I love all the facial expressions and the body language that indirectly portrays emotion. My favorite episode is number 3, when Mily isn’t accepted onto the swim team. She says to herself that she will never set foot in a pool again and gives up her dream of swimming. But she soon realizes that to succeed you have to make mistakes. Sometimes you might not get accepted, but you should keep trying and not give up. This episode is a deep one and gets the message across very clearly. The DVD Mily Miss Questions: Season 1 has great educational, animated episodes that I recommend for kids ages 5 to 9. This series teaches a lot of valuable morals in a very interesting way. I give this DVD 3 out of 5 stars because some questions aren’t fully answered and the animation could use improvement. I still enjoyed watching this DVD and you should too. You can find it on DVD .

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Around The World

Around The World September 2020

We celebrate Labor Day on Sept. 4 this year. For many, Labor Day marks the end of the summer season, but there is another reason we take off work on the first Monday in September. It is a day dedicated to celebrating the U.S. worker and the contributions workers have made to the success of America. Labor Day was first celebrated in 1882 in New York City. It was the Central Labor Union that first acknowledged this holiday. In 1887, Oregon made it an official holiday. In 1894, it became an official national holiday. Based on the astronomical season, Sept. 22 marks the first day of fall in the northern hemisphere. Meteorologists use a different method to determine seasons, a method based on temperatures. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, there are several folktales and sayings about this season. A few of them include: “Trees snapping and cracking in the autumn indicate dry weather;” “If, in the fall of the leaves in October, many of them wither on the boughs and hang there, it betokens a frosty winter and much snow;” “Spring rain damps. Autumn rain soaks.”

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What’s It Like To be

WILTB September 2020

…A Woodcarver Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself. How did you become interested in this work? I was trained by a German woodcarver named Frederick Brunner and trained at the studio of Cascieri and diBiccari in Boston, Massachusetts. I learned both clay modeling for bronze statuary work as well as woodcarving anything from ornaments to fine art. I got interested in woodcarving when I was in junior high school. At that time, my best friend had a summer house and an uncle who lived on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I went down to visit them, and he said to me, “Let’s go to my uncle’s shop.” He did not tell me what his uncle did, but when we walked in, I smelled the scent of pine, saw a man carving a sign and I said, “What a wonderful way to spend the day.” I stayed there all afternoon. At the end of the week, I went home, forgot about it and went through many more years of school. During college, I did some woodcarving as a hobby while taking my school classes. After I graduated college, I interviewed with a woodcarver and became an apprentice. What does a woodcarver do? I do a variety of work, from carved ornaments for colleges and public buildings to wood-carved shades for massive pipe organs found in churches to lettering work at colleges and private institutions. I also do fine art woodcarving and sculptural projects, such as carvings above fireplaces, and statuary work. What is your favorite kind of wood to work with and why? I like to use butternut, which is a local wood and is air dried. It is a handsome wood, carves well with a beautiful grain and is my favorite wood. That said, I do carve a lot of different woods because I often have to match existing wood in the building I am working in when I am designing. When I teach classes, I have my students carve in sugar pine because it is easy to carve for a beginner who is learning new hand carving techniques. What is one thing you wish everyone knew about woodcarving? I would want people to know that woodcarving can be looked at as a modern art. It is often associated with antique furniture and old folk art. Like the English language, which has been used from early American times and to the present, woodcarving can be reinvented with a newness to represent the styles of the present as well. What is your favorite thing about your job? I do a variety of things at my studio. That’s what I like — the variety. I really like doing different aspects of woodcarving and sculpture projects in my studio. I like teaching and writing articles on the woodcarving and sharing the skill, given my unique training. The variety keeps me interested just like you like going to different classes in school.

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Kids

Space Place September 2020

On July 4, 1997, NASA’s Mars Pathfinder landed on the surface of Mars. It landed in an ancient flood plain that is now dry and covered with rocks. Pathfinder’s mission was to study the Martian climate, atmosphere and geology. At the same time, the mission also tested lots of new technologies. For example, the Pathfinder mission tried a brand-new way of landing on Mars. After speeding into the Martian atmosphere, Pathfinder used a parachute to slow down and drift toward the surface of the Red Planet. Before landing, Pathfinder inflated huge airbags around itself. The spacecraft released its parachute and dropped to the ground, bouncing on its airbags about 15 times. After Pathfinder came to a stop, the airbags deflated. Before Pathfinder, spacecraft had to use lots of fuel to slow down for a safe landing on another planet. Pathfinder’s airbags allowed engineers to use and store less fuel for the landing. This made the mission less expensive. After seeing the successful Pathfinder landing, future missions used this airbag technique, too! Pathfinder had two parts: a lander that stayed in one place, and a wheeled rover that could move around. The Pathfinder lander had special instruments to study Martian weather. These instruments measured air temperature, pressure and winds. The measurements helped us better understand the climate of Mars. The lander also had a camera for taking images of the Martian landscape. The lander sent back more than 16,000 pictures of Mars. Its last signal was sent to Earth on Sept. 27, 1997. The Pathfinder lander was renamed the Carl Sagan Memorial Station. Carl Sagan was a well-known astronomer and science educator. Pathfinder also carried the very first rover to Mars. This remotely-controlled rover was about the size of a microwave oven and was called Sojourner. It was named to honor Sojourner Truth, who fought for African-American and women’s rights. Two days after Pathfinder landed, Sojourner rolled onto the surface of Mars. Sojourner gathered data on Martian rocks and soil. The rover also carried cameras. In the three months that Sojourner operated on Mars, the rover took more than 550 photos! Pathfinder helped us learn how to better design missions to Mars. It gave us valuable new information on the Martian climate and surface. Together, these things helped lay the groundwork for future missions to Mars.

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Weather

Weather September 2020

Fall can be an exciting season, as we go back to school and anticipate fun fall events such as Halloween and Thanksgiving. But fall also brings dangerous weather hazards, and it’s important to be aware of that. Let’s look at some of the fall weather hazards. Drought is a normal feature of our climate. Caused by a lack of rain or snow over an extended period, it can happen nearly everywhere. In some cases, drought can develop relatively quickly and last only for a short period of time, exacerbated by extreme heat and/or wind. If the area you live in is affected by drought, it is important to be vigilant. Conserve water by taking shorter showers, practice fire prevention by not burning trash or brush and follow instructions from local officials. Flooding is caused by heavy rain. During a flood, water levels and the rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change, so it’s important to get to higher ground if a Flood Warning is issued. Never walk into floodwaters — it only takes a few inches of flowing water to knock you off your feet. Hurricanes are a dangerous weather hazard that often occur in the fall. If you live in an area that can be affected by hurricanes, it’s important that your family has an emergency supply kit that includes at least three days of food and water per person. To find out more about what your family should put in their emergency supply kit, visit www.ready.gov/kit Wildfires are another weather hazard to watch out for in the fall. Wildfire smoke can harm you in multiple ways. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. If you spot a wildfire, you should walk or drive away from the fire immediately and call 911 to report it. Wind can be a danger as well, as strong storms with whipping winds commonly impact the U.S. during the cooler months. Each year there are reports of trees and power lines that have been knocked over and homes that have been damaged. Trim trees and shrubs and repair loose siding or shutters around your home well in advance of a storm. When a High Wind Watch or a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is issued, secure outdoor items such as patio furniture, sports equipment and trash cans, as even the most common items become dangerous objects when picked up and carried by the wind. Winter hazards also can appear as early as the fall. When cold weather hits, it’s important to dress properly. Bundling up in layers and staying dry is one of the best things you can do to stay safe and avoid getting hypothermia. Make sure your pets avoid prolonged exposure to the cold as well. Make sure they have a warm, dry place to rest with plenty of food and water. This is just a small sample of the many weather dangers we face in the fall. For more information about fall weather hazards, please visit The National Weather Service’s Fall Safety.

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Come Out and Play

Come Out & Play September 2020

Kukeri is an ancient celebration that is still practiced in Bulgaria. The festival has been traced back to some of the first people who settled in the region, the Thracians. However, it is thought that the settlers may have brought the pagan festival with them from Greece. There are similar festivals in surrounding areas called the Balkans. Kukeri is thought to come from the Latin word cuculla that means “hood.” To celebrate, people wear special costumes and masks. They dance and play games to welcome the spring and keep evil spirits away. The largest Kukeri Festival is celebrated every year in the Bulgarian town called Pernik. A big part of the festival every year is a parade that happens over two days. Thousands of people participate. People in the parade wear costumes made of goat fur and brightly-colored clothes. They also wear giant masks made of papier-mâché (paper mixed with glue). These masks are supposed to scare away evil spirits that could bring bad luck during the year. The festival was named a UNESCO site of intangible cultural heritage in 2015. There are costume contests and traditional dancing. Dressed in wild costumes, the characters also perform plays. Many of the female roles are played by men dressed as women because for a long time, women were not allowed to participate. Another ancient tradition is The Survakari. Groups that look like wedding parties go from house to house and chase out evil spirits by performing blessings. The ritual looks like a wedding ceremony that takes place inside the house where everyone in the house is blessed by a priest. These wedding ceremonies/blessings sometimes take place in public so anyone can participate and be blessed. Some ceremonies also include people jumping over bonfires to be purified. The Kukeri tradition is an ancient one. There are large aspects that have remained the same over thousands of years, but every town has its own version of the festival. Regardless of the differences, this is a fun way for people to celebrate the new year and enjoy their culture together. For more information, visit the following sites: Learn more here. Additional information can also be found here.

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Where in the World

Where In The World September 2020

Bulgaria is a country in Eastern Europe. It is named after the first people that settled it, the Bulgars. They settled in the area around 200 AD. Bulgaria was first united in the 600s AD. It became a kingdom in 893 AD. Bulgaria has always been a small country, and since its beginning, it has been threatened by much stronger and larger neighbors. The first invaders came from the Byzantine Empire in 1018. The Ottoman Empire ruled for the longest period: 500 years. After World War II, the area was controlled by the Soviet Union. The Bulgarians reclaimed their independence in 1989. Bulgaria has a population of 7,741,000. The capital is Sofia. The official language is Bulgarian, but Turkish and Roma are also popular. The currency is the Lev. The area is 42,855 square miles, slightly larger than Tennessee. The main river is the Danube. 83 percent of the population is Orthodox Christian. 12 percent of the population is Muslim. Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007. Bulgaria is one of the least-densely populated countries in Europe. Bulgaria borders the Black Sea. The country is famous for producing yogurt and rose oil. It takes 1,000 roses to make 1 gram of rose oil. Rose oil is often used in perfume. The highest point in Bulgaria is 2,925 meters above sea level at Musala. The Danube is the main river. One-third of Bulgaria is forest. Sofia is the second oldest city in Europe; it was founded 7,000 years ago. The European Union, or the EU, is a group of European countries that have all agreed to share similar rules. People can move freely between the countries without special passports or permission. Goods can also be transported between the countries without extra taxes. Sharing these special rules allows the countries to improve their economies together. They can trade easily, and citizens can easily move to different countries for jobs or family.

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Wildville

Wildville September 2020

The European marbled polecat is a small mammal and carnivore that lives in Bulgaria. Its name says European, but they can also be found in parts of Asia. One interesting part of the animal is its fur; the unique fur patterns on their backs are what give them the name “marbled.” Their faces and undersides are a dark brown, almost black, fur. Their foreheads have a light-colored band usually made of light yellow or white fur. Their backs are a light brown or yellow fur with irregular dark brown or red patches. It makes them look spotted, or marbled. There are other similar types of polecats in Europe, but this species is known for its unique and beautiful fur patterns. The average marbled polecat is between 29 and 38 centimeters long. They weigh between 370 and 715 grams. They live in burrows that they dig for themselves. Polecats usually live in grasslands, but some can live in deserts. These mammals are carnivores and eat smaller mammals, birds and reptiles. They hunt using their extremely strong sense of smell. They have poor eyesight. Some shopkeepers have been known to keep them to kill rodents. Their legs are short but very strong for digging and hunting. They usually live for about eight years. They have sacs under their tail that hold a strong-smelling secretion that they will release when threatened, like skunks. Their unique fur might be a warning to predators about this stinky defense system. Even though the European marbled polecat has a large range, meaning it can be found from Bulgaria to China, it is rare and vulnerable. It has no natural predators, but many are killed by cars and the reduction of their natural habitat. They are especially vulnerable in Europe, which is where they have lost the most habitat. The largest populations of European marbled polecats may be in Asia now. For more information, visit the following sites: Learn more here. Additional information can also be found here.

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Kids

Cultural Connections September 2020

African music sounds different from Finnish music. Middle Eastern food is different from Nordic food. Traditional Brazilian clothes don’t look like traditional Russian clothes. Why? A lot of it has to do with resources and culture. The resources in Africa and Finland are different, and the people in each country use what they have to make musical instruments. Because their climates are so different, things that live and grow in the Middle East don’t usually live and grow in Norway and vice versa. So, people use what they can grow and catch to feed themselves. Brazil and Russia have different climates. People use the resources they have to make clothes that suit their environment. A person in Brazil has no need for a heavy coat most of the time, just as a person in Russia would be very sad in a lightweight Brazilian outfit during the cold Russian winters. Just as resources shape the way people live, the ways groups of people live shape their beliefs and culture. For thousands of years, most people did not travel beyond the borders of their town, much less their native country. They lived in one place, and most of the people around them shared their way of life and customs. Today, that is not the case. It is common for people to travel from country to country, bringing with them their cultural traditions, beliefs and values. In some ways, that can be scary. Meeting someone who looks different, speaks a language you don’t understand, wears clothes that you’ve never seen before and eats food that you don’t recognize can be intimidating. It’s scary being the person who doesn’t fit in, too. But it can be a lot of fun learning about how people from other cultures live and sharing with them how you live. Exchanging food, music, ideas and traditions gives everyone involved a chance to learn something and better understand someone else’s perspective. Differences aren’t always bad. In fact, they are often opportunities to make new friends.

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