Wine Tasting

7/21/2007


So even though we have a limited selection of wines and nothing truly exceptional to placate the palate. We still can try to uphold a formal methodology of wine evaluation, or it can be just another excuse to dress up, socialize, and imbibe.

My old college buddy Wade & I

Live Earth

7/7/2007

Upon coming down to Antarctica I see more an more environmental awareness going on. Here I am on the continent where the 'ozone hole' was discovered and which appears to be the center of attention for Global Warming. Now Al Gore has launched Live Earth, trying to have 'live' rock concerts on every continent.

When we all heard about this endeavor, we shook our heads, thinking, "are they crazy"? Once again even the powers that be fail to realize that it's winter down here. It's extremely difficult not to mention ridiculously expensive to fly personnel and equipment down here. A band 'Nunatek' at the BAS Rothera station was chosen. I don't know the reasoning behind that. McMurdo is the largest base on the continent, and the best one to provide a live satellite video uplink. 'Nunatek' was filmed months before this actual event. In addition it was all fake. None of the instruments were plugged into amps nor were they actually playing since it was done outside where it's way too cold.

Still I guess it served it's purpose to bring environmental awareness.

Blue Moon Run

7/1/2007

I think I've participated in more organized running events in Antarctica, than back home. First it was the 'Race Around the World' then 'Scott's Hut Race'. This time it's the middle of winter, in a cold, dark, desolate place. Out of the 119 souls down here, I think about half actually ran the event. They're mostly the ones in the gym working out. It was good to get outside for exercise instead of doing the treadmill. I'm not in the shape I once was, but I finished.