Bob B. You're way ahead of the game, regardless of the roots of the name. Most people who ask me about Antarctica want to know what it's like "up there." They make me smile a lot! I can tell you I've never seen an ant down hear, although an occasional ladybug or fruit fly makes it in with the produce.

Jeri: "We're mostly insane here." I think insanity's a prerequisite for deployment to Antarctica! You have to walk the fine line, crazy enough to want to come here, but sane enough to do your job!

Naemenson: You won't catch me down here this winter! I'll be following the sun north next month. The 3-1/2 month long night might be conducive to romance, but I gotta get out for some sun and bar-b-que, for gawd's sake!

re: my tagging WyoWoman an eccentric. Now honestly aren't all who frequent a site called "mudcat" at risk of being called eccentric? Eccentric beats the hell out of crazy, and you'll never be accused of being boring!! Oops.....phone's ringing! Gotta go.