Wednesday, 10, June, 2020
World’s first deep-sea astronaut; treasure hunt mania; World Cup here we come!; and Percy Jackson on TV.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
THE LOWDOWN
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Kathy Sullivan is a one of a kind. And when I say that, I mean it quite literally. The 68-year-old American was yesterday being celebrated as the first person in the world to walk in space AND visit the deepest known spot in the Earth’s oceans.
At the weekend, Kathy and her fellow deep-sea explorer, Victor Viscovo, spent 90 minutes at the very bottom of the ocean – 11 kilometres beneath the surface, deep down in a muddy depression in the famous Mariana Trench – which itself lies in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, about 4000 kilometres north of Australia.
After making the four hour-long journey back to the surface, Kathy’s first order of business was to telephone astronauts aboard the International Space Station – 400 kilometres ABOVE the surface of the Earth.
Kathy leapt to the world’s attention back in 1984 when she became the first American woman to walk in space, as part of a space shuttle Challenger mission.
Now that’s a life well-lived.
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What were we all doing in lockdown? You only have to look at retail sales to get an idea of how we all, as a nation, spent our time and money. And according to the company that owns Bunnings and Officeworks – we spent a large amount of both on hardware and stationery. Both chains yesterday reported a significant spike in sales during the coronavirus lockdown as we all got busy with home improvements and kitted out our home offices.
SPIN THE GLOBE
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Each day we give the world globe a spin and find a news story from wherever it stops … and today we find ourselves in the Rocky Mountains, in the United States – where the greatest treasure hunt of modern times has finally come to an end.
A writer, adventurer and famed collector of art and antiquities called Forrest Fenn, buried a bronze chest filled with gold and jewels in a forest over 10 years ago. He then published a poem, giving hints to the treasure chest’s whereabouts.
In the ten years since it was buried, thousands of dreamers have hunted for the chest – some quitting their jobs, others spending their life savings.
But finally, a few days ago, a mystery man who has not yet been identified, found the chest and claimed the treasure inside it.
When asked why he’d created the treasure hunt in the first place, 89-year-old Fenn said he simply wanted people to experience an old-fashioned adventure.
SPORT TIME!
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Our chances of hosting the 2023 Women’s Soccer World Cup just took a huge leap forward yesterday when one of our main rivals, Brazil pulled itself out of competition.
Australia and our cuzzy bros in New Zealand have submitted a joint bid to host the prestigious event, which would see teams from all over the planet come together to battle it out for the title of best in the world.
Our main competition now is Japan and the South American country of Colombia – who are also vying to host the World Cup.
A final decision will be made on June 25 – which is just over two weeks’ away. Fingers and toes crossed people!
POP CULTURE CORNER
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If you’ve read author Rick Riordan’s ‘Percy Jackson’ series of books, and then seen the movies and been disappointed – it turns out you’re in excellent company.
Riordan himself has just revealed that he was deeply unhappy with the film versions of his books – and cannot wait for them to be updated and consigned to history when a TV series based on the books is released some time next year.
The movie of Percy’s first book, The Lightning Thief, was heavily criticised when it came out when producers of the film made Percy 17 years old instead of 12, as he is in the book.
ROSIE’S RECIPES
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Every Wednesday, we stick our head into the Squiz Kids kitchen to see what Rosie’s been cooking this week.
And will you look at that … she’s coming over all wintry this week, preparing a recipe sent in by Sophia from Melbourne … Sophia’s Crispy Rosemary Potatoes. Rosie says it’s a recipe which is perfect for these cool winter nights we are having .. and the smell of rosemary, she says, makes the whole kitchen smell scrumptious.
The recipe plus photos of the process and finished product are all on the Squiz Kids website.
Don’t forget: if you have a favourite recipe that YOU like to cook that you’d like Rosie to try… AND to feature in this segment – be sure to send it to: [email protected].
And a huge thanks to all of you who have sent in recipes so far – we’re working our way through them and will get to you all as soon as we can – promise!
THE S’QUIZ
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This is the part of the podcast where you get to test how well you’ve been listening …
- What is the name of the trench at the bottom of the ocean which is the deepest spot on Earth?
- Name one of the two countries left in competition with Australia’s bid for the 2023 World Cup?
- Which popular kids’ book series by author Rick Riordan is being made into a TV series?
SHOUT OUTS
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It’s June 10 … if it’s your birthday today, you share it with Prince Philip – the Queen’s husband who turns 99 years old! It’s also the day that Wizard of Oz actress, Judy Garland and ‘Where The Wild Things Are” author, Maurice Sendak were born.
And it’s a special day for these Squiz Kids celebrating a birthday … Hugo from Double Bay, Ethan from St Leonards, Jack from Minnamurra, Alfie from Ferntree Gully, Eloise from Upper Kedron, Rose from Leichhardt, Mia from Putney, Aarav from Erskineville, Tyler from Munno Para, Ciara from Inverell, Tyler from Macquarie, Brianna from Orange, Angelica from Wollongbar, Leo from Sydney, Zac from Casino, Max from Canberra, Eli from Tweed Heads, Eva from Newcastle, Kira from The Gap, Chiara from Narraweena and Sienna from North Sydney.
And some belated birthday shoutouts… Tyson from Perth, Josh from Boorowa, Lakya from Kempsey, Skye and Sam from Launceston, Sandy from Carlingford, and Elliot from Abbotsford.
Happy birthday to you all.
Today’s classroom shoutouts: Miss Harcourt and 5/6H at Dubbo North Public School, St Augustine’s Primary School, class 5/6R at St John’s Primary School in Mullumbimby, St Mary’s Primary School in Moruya , and Class 5G at St Pius Primary School in Banyo, where Mrs Chisholm turns 50 today.
And a big thanks to all the Squiz Kids who have written in asking for a classroom shout out. We get dozens of requests every day. If you haven’t heard yours yet – hang in there – we’ll get there eventually.
The S’Quiz Answers:
- Mariana Trench
- Japan or Colombia
- Percy Jackson