Weekly MUSE: Tornados

Photo by: Matthew Straubmuller

This weekend I saw the movie, Oz, the Great and Powerful. I LOVED IT!

In this story, we learn the backstory of the wizard character from the classic story, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, written by L. Frank Baum and published in 1900.

I won’t tell you too much about this movie, but while watching the movie, I did find this week’s MUSE!

TORNADOS!

Not only does Dorothy ride her way into OZ on a tornado, so did the wizard. Dorothy took a house. The wizard took a hot air balloon. Take a look at the tornado in the movie trailer.  

Tornados are sometimes referred to as “twisters” or “cyclones”. They are violent, dangerous, rotating columns of air that reach down to the ground from a thunderstorm cloud.

They are formed when cool dry air from the Rockies collides with warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico. This happens in the plains area between the Rocky Mountains and Appalachian Mountains. This area is also known as Tornado Alley.

Take a look at this video to see some footage of real tornadoes and to learn more about how the form.

The deadliest tornado in U.S history happened on March 18, 1925. This tornado ripped through, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. It killed nearly 700 people.

While meteorologists can predict when weather conditions are prime for tornados to occur, they cannot actually predict when or where a tornado will form. But after a tornado has struck, scientists collect data to see how they will rate it. They use the Fujita Scale. F-0 (the mildest and least destructive) to F-5 (the fiercest and most destructive).

An F-5 tornado can grow up to 2 miles wide and spin winds over 300 miles per hour. This is enough force to throw cars like bullets and sweep houses off their foundations.

So, what do you do if you are ever in the path of a tornado? The best place is underground. If you have no basement or cellar, then go to the center-most room of your house away from windows. In most houses this would be a center bathroom. If your house is more than one story, make sure to go downstairs.

If you are outside and cannot seek shelter, find a ditch and lie flat on the ground with your hands covering your head. Do not stay inside a car.

With that new knowledge, what kind of story could you write? Maybe these “what if” questions will help you get started.

What if a tornado was a gigantic cotton candy machine?

What if you were sucked up by a tornado and transported to a new land like Dorothy and Toto?

What if you had a super power to create tornados on command or stop them on command?

The possibilities are endless! And please leave your own “what if” questions in the comment section below. I’d love to see what you come up with.

Grab a cup of hot cocoa, a piece of paper and a pencil, and let’s begin. With your imagination, we can go anywhere! I look forward to seeing where you take us!

With Imagination,

Professor Watermelon

P.S. The word of the week is “meteorology”. Here is the definition: the study of the Earth’s atmosphere, especially of weather forming processes and weather forecasting.

Weekly MUSE: Suspension Bridges

The Golden Gate Bridge

After visiting San Francisco this weekend, I was reminded that our country has some stunning examples of suspension bridges.

The Golden Gate Bridge has become the symbol of San Francisco. The Brooklyn Bridge is a New York City icon, and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge is simply notorious.

Creative Writers, we have found another MUSE: SUSPENSION BRIDGES!

So, what is a suspension bridge?

A suspension bridge is named for the cables that “suspend” from the bridge’s towers to the bridge’s deck. The weight of the deck is supported from the suspension cables above rather than a structure built from below the deck.

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the entrance of the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. It took just over four years to build the Golden Gate Bridge. Building began on January 5, 1933, and the bridge opened on May 28, 1937. At the time, this bridge was the largest suspension bridge in the world.

The color of the Golden Gate Bridge is actually International Orange. The bridge is not called the Golden Gate Bridge because of its color. Its namesake is actually the body of water beneath it, which is called the Golden Gate.

The Golden Gate Bridge is constantly being repainted. The paint protects the steel from being damaged from the salty air. The bridge has a team of nearly fifty ironworkers and painters who handle the daily maintenance of the bridge.

The Brooklyn Bridge
Photo by: Sue Waters

Another famous suspension bridge in the United States is The Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. This bridge spans across New York’s East River, connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn.

The Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883. And it was also the largest suspension bridge of its time. The main difference between the Brooklyn Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge is the building material. While the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge are made of steel, the towers of the Brooklyn Bridge are made of stone.

In order to show the public that the Brooklyn Bridge was safe to cross, P.T. Barnum, a famous showman of the time, had 21 of his elephants parade across the bridge. What a sight!

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge
Photo by: Mic Watson

Much closer to home is the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, a set of twin bridges that spans the Tacoma Narrows strait of Puget Sound. Neither of the bridges you see today are the original Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The original bridge was nicknamed “Galloping Gurtie” because it rippled in the wind. This design flaw would eventually cause the bridge to collapse.

Here is some of the original footage of the collapsing bridge. Only one car went down with the bridge. Take a look at the video below.

Amazing, huh?

The Aurora Bridge

Legend has it that a gigantic Pacific octopus lives under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. At any time it could reach one of its arms out of the water and snag a car from above. How creepy is that? I think somebody is using their imagination, don’t you?

Another bridge close to home has an occupant who lives underneath. While the Aurora Bridge in Seattle is not a suspension bridge, it has become quite famous for the troll who lives under it. Looks like this fellow has snagged a car from above, too!

The Freemont Troll under the Aurora Bridge in Seattle
Photo by: Tony Kent

With this new knowledge, what kind of story could you write? Maybe these WHAT IF questions will help you get started.

WHAT IF an a gigantic octopus really DID live under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge? What would it want more than anything in the world?

WHAT IF the Golden Gate Bridge was made of solid GOLD?

WHAT IF the Brooklyn Bridge suddenly vanished, and it was your main character’s job to figure out how it simply disappeared? Did somebody steal it? Where did it go?

The possibilities are endless, and please leave your own what if questions in the comment section below. I’d love to see what you come up with.

So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, a pencil and a piece of paper, and let’s begin. With your imagination, we can go anywhere. I look forward to seeing where you take us.

With Imagination,

Professor Watermelon

The word of the day is “notorious”. Here is the definition: widely and unfavorably known.

 

BOOKWORM BOOKMARKS! Three is a CROWD!

Dear Creative Writers,

Three Bookworm Bookmarks have inched their way into the MUSEBOX! What a GOOFY crowd! Here is your Creative Writing Challenge! Can you give them each a name? Also, what are these bookworms' favorite books?  Please use the comment section below to answer these questions.

With Imagination!

Professor Watermelon

MUSEBOX: Luck of the IRISH!

Dear Creative Writers,

Look at what I found in the MUSEBOX! A charming Leprechaun! I am totally stealing his sparkly clothes (chuckle). Here is your Creative Writing Challenge: Can you take this ordinary leprechaun and make him extraordinary? What does he have in that barrel? Magic frogs?

Write a paragraph and bring this LEPRECHAUN to LIFE! This challenge is worth $10 Melon Dollars!

Luck be with YOU!

Professor Watermelon

Weekly MUSE: Marbles

Cat's Eye Marbles

I’ll trade my Cat’s Eye for you Bumblebee!

No, not the stinging type, the MARBLE type!  Those little glass balls that come in hundreds of different designs and colors. Take a look at the picture. Aren’t they beauties?

Well, it’s time to knuckle down, because we’ve found another MUSE!

MARBLES!!!

Kids have been playing MARBLES for hundreds, maybe even thousands of years. Some people think that cavemen played with marbles made of clay.

While marbles have also been made of metal and wood, the most popular marbles are those made of glass.

Take a look at this video and see how marbles are made. This is SUPER cool!

Most marbles are made in other countries, but one American company is holding on strong.  One MILLION marbles a day are made at the The Marble King factory in Paden City, West Virginia. They’ve been making marbles since the 1930’s. Click here and take a look at their website to learn more.

Marble King is also the sponsor of The National Marble Tournament. This tournament has been held in Wildwood, New Jersey every summer for over 90 years. Kids from all over the country compete for national honors, college scholarships, and prizes.  Click here to learn more about this tournament.

The most popular marble game is called “Ringer”. Would you like to learn how to play? If so, take a look at the video.

Something I’m most fascinated with is the different colors and designs of marbles. And each design has a special name. The Cat’s Eye is probably the best known marble.  But have you heard of Oxbloods, Galaxies, Tigers, Onionskins, Corkscrews, Rainbows or a Swirly? That’s just the beginning.



The large marble is the "shooter".

Most marble collectors know exactly what kinds of marbles they have. First of all, some of them are worth more than others. And if you are playing “keepsies”, you better know the value of your mibs and shooters.

Oh, you are probably wondering what “mibs” and “shooters” are. When you play “Ringer”, you shoot your BIG shooter marble at the smaller target marbles. The target marbles are called “mibs”.

Marbles are often used in other games, too. Have you ever played Chinese Checkers? What about Hungry Hungry Hippo? Several board games use marbles as game pieces.

But… Did you know that the little ball that BING-BANGS inside a spray paint can is also a marble? It sure is!

WARNING: Collect your marbles, play with your marbles, BUT just don’t LOSE your marbles. (Chuckle)

With this new knowledge, what kind of story could you write? Maybe these WHAT IF questions will help you get started.

WHAT IF your main character gets lost in a marble factory?

WHAT IF your main character lost his/her favorite marble? Did somebody steal it? How much was it worth?

WHAT IF a genie was stuck inside a marble?

The possibilities are endless, and please leave your own what if questions in the comment section below. I’d love to see what you come up with.

So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, a pencil and a piece of paper, and let’s begin. With your imagination, we can go anywhere. I look forward to seeing where you take us.

With Imagination,

Professor Watermelon

The word of the day is “scholarship”. Here is the definition: a sum of money or other aid granted to a student, because of merit, need, etc., to pursue his or her studies.

 

Weekly MUSE: Clementine Hunter

Clementine Hunter

February is Black History Month, and before this month is over, I want to share one of my favorite African American artists with you!

Clementine Hunter!

Looks like we have found another MUSE! And I hope you are inspired!

Clementine (pronounced Clemen-teen) Hunter was born in the Cane River region of Louisiana in either 1886 or 1887. She was the granddaughter of a slave.

Around the age of fifteen, Clementine moved to Melrose Plantation. For many years, she worked there as a cotton picker, cook and housekeeper. She gave birth to seven children.

Melrose Plantation
Photo by: Matt Howry

In later years, Melrose Plantation became a hotspot for visiting artists, mostly writers and painters. It wasn’t until Clementine was in her fifties that she tried her hand at painting.

One of the Melrose artists had left behind some tubes of paint. Clementine took these tubes and started painting on anything she could find: pieces of wood, gourds, plastic milk jugs and a variety of other things.

Zinnias

Her art attracted the attention of the other artists and the plantation owner. They liked Clementine’s work because of her bold color choices. She also painted scenes of what life was like on a plantation.



Some of her most prized paintings are of African American weddings, funerals, births, baptisms and hard work. She also loved to paint flowers, especially zinnias.

Take a look at this slideshow to see some photos of Clementine Hunter and her paintings.

Eventually, Clementine’s art became very popular among art dealers. While art dealers were selling Clementine’s painting for top dollar, Clementine would either give her paintings away or sell them for next to nothing.

Clementine’s work was shown in many galleries, and in 1955 she was the first African American to be given her own display at the New Orleans Museum of Art.

What I love about Clementine’s art is that she painted from her heart. She taught herself how to paint, and her goal wasn’t to impress anybody. She just wanted to share her memories and inspiration the best way she could.

Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the USA
(1977-1981)

She even turned down an invitation to the White House by President Jimmy Carter

Clementine Hunter died in 1988. She was either 101 or 102 years old. And she painted all the way to the end of her life.

If you would like to read a picture book about Clementine Hunter, look for this book at the library or purchase it here.

With this new knowledge, what kind of story could you write? Maybe these WHAT IF questions will help you get started.

WHAT IF your main character was a boy or girl who lived at Melrose Plantation while Clementine Hunter was painting?

WHAT IF your main character found out that his/her grandmother was a famous artist?

WHAT IF Clementine Hunter was still alive and your main character got the chance to interview her?

The possibilities are endless, and please leave your own what if questions in the comment section below. I’d love to see what you come up with.

So, grab a cup of hot COCOA, a pencil and a piece of paper, and let’s begin. With your imagination, we can go anywhere. I look forward to seeing where you take us.

With Imagination,

Professor Watermelon

The word of the day is “plantation”. Here is the definition: a usually large farm or estate, especially in a tropical or semitropical country, on which cotton, tobacco, coffee, sugar cane, or the like is cultivated, usually by resident laborers.

Weekly MUSE: Chocolate

Theo's Chocolate (Seattle)

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and I can’t help but think about CHOCOLATE! I love love love CHOCOLATE, and I bet many of YOU do, too! But where does this velvety goodness come from, and why does it taste SO good?

Cupid, we’ve found our MUSE!

Chocolate can be found in many places: candy bars, cookies, cakes, truffles and pies. You can drink chocolate. You can dip your favorite food in chocolate (I like chocolate covered pretzels). Some people eat chocolate covered insects. YUM!

No matter how you eat your chocolate, the journey it takes from its origins to your mouth is quite AMAZING!

Chocolate comes from the Cacao (Ka-Kow)Tree. This tree grows in tropical regions along the Equator. Costa Rica (South America), Ghana (West Africa), and Indonesia (Asia) are some of the largest cacao growers.

The cacao tree grows large fruit, and inside these fruit are cacao beans and pulp. The fruit is chopped open with a machete, and the beans and pulp are taken out. The rest of the fruit is left on the jungle floor to rot, which helps the soil stay rich. Take a look at this man harvesting cacao fruit.

 

The cacao beans and pulp will now be fermented. Fermentation will change the sugar in the pulp into acids which changes the taste of the beans. This is how the chocolate taste forms. In the video below, you will see men dumping cacao beans and pulp into crates. They will then place banana leaves over the beans to capture heat. As the fermentation begins, the temperature will raise up to 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

This farmer is drying the fermented cacao bean in the sun.

Once the beans are finished fermenting (about 5 days), the farmers will the dry the beans in the sun. Once they are completely dry, the beans are ready to be processed. They are shipped in 200 pound bags to CHOCOLATE FACTORIES around the world.

Once the cacao beans arrive to the factory, they are roasted. When this is finished, they are put in a “winnowing” machine. This takes off the outer shell, leaving the good part behind. We call the good part “nibs”.



These are cacao "nibs" from Theo's Chocolate
Factory.

The nibs are put into a milling machine. This machine grinds the nibs into thick liquid called “chocolate liquor”. Chocolate liquor has two parts: cocoa solids and cocoa butter.

Now it is time to make CHOCOLATE as we know it! To make dark chocolate, chocolate liquor is mixed with sugar and other minor ingredients such as vanilla. To make milk chocolate, chocolate liquor is blended with milk and sugar.

From this point, the chocolate is refined, mixed, and then tempered. That means that the chocolate is heated, then cooled, then re-heated. This makes the chocolate ready to be poured into molds.

Once the chocolate is poured into molds, it is placed into a cooling chamber. After it has cooled, it is ready to be packaged, packed and shipped! And better yet, this chocolate is ready to EAT!

My favorite chocolate comes from Theo’s Chocolate Factory right here in Seattle. Not only do they make the best chocolate, but they make organic and fair-traded chocolate. That means that the chocolate is grown without harmful chemicals, and the farmers are paid a fair price for the work. Their children are also able to go to school.

Sadly, many other cacao famers are not treated in the same way. And instead of going to school, their children have to work long hours farming the cacao, which becomes most of the world’s chocolate. As much as I can, I like to support Theo’s Chocolate factory. Click here for their website.

Speaking of AWESOME chocolate factories, I cannot forget my FAVORITE fictional chocolate factory. This factory is found in Roald Dahl’s story, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This book has been made into a movie not once, but twice. Take a look at the movie trailer below.



 With this new knowledge, what kind of story could you write? Maybe these WHAT IF questions will help you get started.

WHAT IF your main character was a chocolate dragon?

WHAT IF your main character built a chocolate castle?

WHAT IF your main character opened their own chocolate factory?

The possibilities are endless, and please leave your own what if questions in the comment section below. I’d love to see what you come up with.

So, grab a cup of hot COCOA, a pencil and a piece of paper, and let’s begin. With your imagination, we can go anywhere. I look forward to seeing where you take us.

With Imagination,

Professor Watermelon

The word of the day is “pulp”. Here is the definition: the soft juicy edible part of a fruit.