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A Modern Day Marvel

The Titanic was built in Belfast, Ireland over the course of three years. It cost 7.5 million dollars and took 3,000 men to build the 882 foot ship. Watertight compartments made it “unsinkable” in the event of a collision, and the four funnels were made to make the ship look more grand than most ships of the time.

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Iceberg, Right Ahead

During the Titanic’s maiden voyage, its first across the Atlantic, Captain Smith received warnings about dangerous icebergs. On April 14, 1912, at 9:20 p.m. Captain Smith went to bed. The last iceberg warning came in around 9:40, and he never received it. At 11:40 p.m. lookouts spotted an iceberg, and 37 seconds later, the ship scraped the bottom of the berg. By 12:45 a.m., lifeboats began lowering into the freezing water. At 2:20 a.m. on April 15, the Titanic sank to the bottom of the ocean. Survivors in lifeboats were not rescued until 4:10 a.m. On April 18, 1912, the 705 survivors from the Titanic docked in New York.

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A Closer Look at the Sinking

While many had believed the Titanic was unsinkable, it floundered on April 15, 1912. Although it looked like the ship would miss the iceberg, because bergs are wider underneath, the ice scraped the ship under the water, causing several holes. Even though watertight compartments could take in water and the ship would stay afloat, only four could be flooded. Water spilled through the compartments, causing five to be flooded, and ultimately, the Titanic to sink.

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Keeping Clean

When flu season begins in the fall, staying healthy can become a challenge. Missing out on work and play is never on anyone’s to-do list, so avoid the flu by following a few simple steps. Some people get the flu vaccine to prevent illness. Steer clear of the bug by washing your hands with warm water and soap several times a day. The less you touch your nose, mouth, and eyes, the less likely you are to come down with the flu.

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The Common Cold or the Dreaded Flu?

The common cold and the flu have a lot of similar characteristics, but they are different illnesses caused by different viruses. Even though many of the symptoms, such as fever, tiredness, and a cough are the same for a cold and the flu, symptoms of the flu are usually much worse. When someone suffers from a cold, they usually continue their daily lives, going to work or school. However, the side effects of the flu are so severe that people often stay home from work or school. Colds usually cause a runny or stuffy nose, where the flu is less likely to cause such symptoms. The flu must be diagnosed with a special test from your doctor’s office.

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Is the Flu “bugging” you?

When someone is struck by the flu, they are often downright miserable! To help the symptoms of the flu, your doctor can prescribe medications, but home remedies can help you feel better, too. Try taking warm showers or baths, and drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated. If your throat is aching, or you can’t catch a break from the dry cough the flu causes, try sucking on a hard candy and snacking on chicken noodle soup. Above all, staying home to rest can help your body fight the virus!

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Inside the Flames

Many wildfires occur in “wild” areas such as forests and hills, they are called wildfires because they are uncontrolled and can destroy everything in their path. Wildfires can be extremely large and change the weather. On average, 1.2 million acres burn every year because of wildfires.

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The “Perfect” Combination

A train, a campfire, a match, leaves, and lighting. What do all of these have in common? They can all cause a devastating wildfire. When conditions are ripe for a wildfire meaning the temperature is hot and the air is dry it does not take much to spark a fire. A spark from a train’s friction with the track or smoldering embers from a leftover campfire can quickly turn into an out-of-control fire. Piles of leaves and other natural material can become so hot they combust and start a fire. Weather can also cause fires, with ten to twenty percent of all lightning strikes causing fires. And finally, humans can cause fires, on accident or on purpose, with matches and other fire starters.

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Taming the Beast

When a wildfire breaks out, there are several steps to stopping it before it can spread further, called wildfire suppression. First, teams attack the fire by applying fire retardant on flames and around unburned areas. This prevents the treated land from catching fire when the fire travels that direction. Then, firefighters on the ground fight fire with water, by removing as much fuel as they can (like leaves, furniture, or anything else that may catch fire), and by digging trenches that flames can’t jump. When the flames go out, firefighters “mop up” the land by cooling areas that are still smoldering.

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Picking Peculiar Pets

Have you ever wanted to own a pet other than a typical house pet such as a dog, cat, fish, or bird? An exotic pet might be the choice for you! Flying squirrels and sugar gliders are becoming popular exotic pets. Although they seem similar, a flying squirrel is a better pet. Their diet consists of a simple parrot food along with other fruits and veggies you may already have in your fridge. On the other hand, sugar gliders require a complicated and well-balanced diet, including nectar and special proteins like bug mix or mice. While sugar gliders mark their territory with a musky smell, flying squirrels have no scent glands and don’t leave any odor. Flying squirrels are also a better choice since sugar gliders require constant attention, unlike squirrels who are more independent.

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