Happening in Antartica : Vodka comrade?

Drinking is fairly ubiquitous, especially in places where people are seriously bored. Antarctica is no exception. The 1991 Russian invasion of both NSF and the USAP, roughly coincident in time with Man-induced Global Warming (MIGW), has provided a new twist. See Phil Jacobson's blog for this McMurdo story. Actually there are many watering holes in McMurdo. The booze is fairly inexpensive, it keeps you warm, and helps you sleep, right?

One geological field group repeatedly ordered cases of booze and were only sporadically answering radio check-ins. After several months of this word was getting out: NSF might have to do something. They were stressing supplies.

For the uninitiated, here are the sites in McMurdo one can go for a few drinks, to relax and dream about Antarctica. You might note that alcohol is not transported far from the boats, prior to consumption. McMurdo is reminiscent of an old mining town, except there is no mining. Its a good place for a gay old time though. Penguins and seals, by virtue of the Antarctic Treaty, are forbidden to participate, unless they obtain a variance.