The Perceived Value of the Poles

Christian Science Monitor published a thorough article on the Poles, 1/12/14.  My hope is that by 2048, when the mineral and mining policies expire, the demand for natural resources will have changed.  China and other countries are ready to pounce on the mineral rich areas of Antarctica.
What solutions might emerge to balance our need to mine, with a balance of protection for all life on the planet?

Current reality at the Poles--great summary slide show. http://bit.ly/1hT6UBT


AND today, George W. Gibbs, Jr, made history by landing on Antarctica in 1940. He was the first man off the ship and became the first person of African descent, in the world, to land on the continent.

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.

Will Icebergs Become a Thing of the Past?

Gorgeous photos by explorer Camille Seaman from the Artic and Antarctica. Camille, is amazed by these "unique, almost alien, natural features" that may soon become a thing of the past. - from the U.K. Telegraph

100th year anniversary of Captain Scott's expedtion reaching the South Pole

It's sad to think about Robert Falcon Scott's Antarctic expedition and the death of the men. These are photos they never got to see. Today is the 100th year anniversary of them reaching the South Pole, after Roald Amundsen's expedition.

Today in 1940 Gibbs set foot on Antarctica!

From George W. Gibbs, Jr's journal January 14, 1940
"Jan. 14 Anchored this morning in the Bay of Whales at the South Pole and digging holes in the ice with picks and shovels. This was the only way of tying the ship up along the ice. There aren’t any docks at all, was I surprised?? When the Bear came up to the ice close enough for me to get ashore, I was the first man aboard the ship to set foot in Little America and help tie her lines deep into the snow. I met Admiral Byrd; he shook my hand and welcomed me to Little America and for being the first Negro to set foot in Little America."

Byrd's Diaries

Admiral Richard E. Byrd noted in his diaries that he was not the first person to fly over the North Pole (only the South Pole). This was known before finding this journal entry,but to see that he wrote about it, says something about his character.

Michael Ashley Professor of Astrophysics at University of New South Wales

Here's a blog from astronomer Michael Ashley, who recently started his six week journey to Antarctica!

@hottopicnz Twitter Hot Topic
South Pole had its warmest ever Christmas Day: max was a sweltering -12.3C. Previous record -17.2C in 1978.