the media and uncle bob

I was working today when my coworker, Dave, started talking about the irony of the last name of this guy who posted a comment on the NBC website regarding the coverage of Ann Curry's visit to Antarctica. The last name matched that of mine and Laura's and Dave thought it was funny that some Rips used the same fossil fuels that the media took advantage of to get down there. It turns out, it was my uncle. I suppose Laura and I serve a specific function as part of the operations in Antarctica to legitimize all our release of carbons in the atmosphere in the name of "science," right?

I do find it ironic that a station so dedicated to science and environmental studies runs on fuel for energy. It seems like we have enough available natural resources (geothermal heat, solar energy, and plenty of wind) to operate this place with minimal fuel usage. I suppose squeezing money from the government for the National Science Foundation is like trying to milk a shrimp in an ice cube, but it would pay off in the long run. Our fuel is rumored to be over $30 per gallon by the time it gets here.

Part of the research and work that goes on here needs to be financed by something and the media is an outlet of education to people who allocate funds this direction. To their immense credit, this group from NBC has stepped into the every day life in McMurdo. Ann Curry is regularly sighted in the galley eating among us. Yesterday, they opted for a regular transport out of my building; rather than a special door-to-aircraft commute allowed for special "distinguished visitors." I was sorry their South Pole flight was cancelled due to weather conditions at The Pole. It will be curious to see what sort of report comes out of Antarctica live on November 5.

ps. I did have a small conversation with Ann Curry in the galley at dinnertime a couple days ago.