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Stories from the bottom of the planet
Sean Thomas
Seals, icebergs, extreme weather, glaciers, presidents, scientific exploration and, of course, penguins; these are all a part of a day in the life of the Antarctic explorer. Since the very discovery of the Antarctic continent, Russia's tradition of icy exploration of the region has been a strong one. Traveling for RT, Sean Thomas is officially registered as part of the Russian Antarctic Expedition stationed at the Bellingshausen Base on King George Island. Here Sean writes about daily life around the base, the important research being undertaken there now and some extra bits from behind the scenes that may surprise you.
4 March, 2011, 17:47
Three explorers, one discovery and a treaty!
If you ask representatives from three different countries, the United States, the United Kingdom and Russia who discovered Antarctica you are most certainly going to get three different answers. If you are to believe the folks from the US, a captain of a whaling ship, Nathaniel Palmer first discovered this southern-most land in November of 1820. A Brit would counter that assertion with the fact...
26 February, 2011, 21:19
The elephant seal in the room…
Whether you call it global warming, climate change or just plain nonsense, chances are you are aware that there is a worldwide argument going on as to what is actually happening. Some say it is a load of B.S., while others claim it is the most urgent issue facing our planet today. Blockbuster movies have been made about it, attributing this phenomenon to the end of the world, and great scandals...
23 February, 2011, 21:24
The planet Hoth from Star Wars really does exist!
One of the highlights of this journey has been our trip to the Chilean O’Higgins Base on the Antarctic Peninsula. We were able to go there on a whim, and the experience was fascinating and memorable. Patricio was telling Stan the cameraman about different flights that were scheduled to come in and out of King George in the coming weeks. We had mentioned our desire to get to other locations, so...
21 February, 2011, 15:43
Steak, karaoke and Chinese beer…
The Chinese have ANTARKTIK beer!!! No seriously, this is something that I find quite fascinating and a bit disturbing at the same time. They have a “smooth and mild” beer called “Antarktik” that claims to be brewed with real water from Antarctica. How do I know this? Well, while I was visiting the Chinese “Great Wall Station” just down the way they gave me some. They explained that each year...
18 February, 2011, 15:40
Not one, but two Presidents come to town!
I have proof that cultivating good relationships and connections can pay off in ways that you could have never thought possible. The success of this adventure of ours I completely owe to Stan, who as you are quickly figuring out is the real superstar of this journey. (Also, another tip… it pays to be nice to the person who frames you on screen… thus you will hear many wonderful things about Stan...
16 February, 2011, 14:59
More than just penguins…dive-bombing skuas and tenacious terns
Reverse sexual dimorphism, now is that a phrase or what! I mean, seriously, that is something that could be really fun to throw out there at a cocktail party. It just seems very smart. It is one of the things that Jan, part of the team of German ornithologists, is studying here in Antarctica and for those of you who are curious as to its meaning, it refers to when the male of a breeding pair is...
14 February, 2011, 15:10
Arts, culture, entertainment and religion…in Antarctica
Given the fact that this continent is so far removed from the rest of the world, it may seem like the most unlikely place for the arts to thrive. Then again, given the fact that this continent is so far removed from the rest of the world, you might think this is the perfect haven for artists to come and commune with nature and themselves… to explore their process, if you will. Let me take a...
12 February, 2011, 13:27
Penguins…and what you can learn from penguin poop!
I could stand and watch penguins for hours! No seriously… in simple terms, they are just plain cute. It is impossible not to anthropomorphize them and try and figure out exactly what they are thinking. I mean, they walk a little bit like humans, they stand up a little bit like humans. The only thing is they are nothing like us. That does not stop me from putting little thoughts into their heads...
11 February, 2011, 19:38
When things go wrong!
Antarctica is stunningly beautiful. The harsh climate and the extreme weather have created landscapes that you can only find here. Icebergs float through crystal blue waters. Jagged and sharp volcanic rock shoots out from the ocean, creating barren islands where the waves crash violently. Somehow, amidst this stern backdrop, life not only survives, but thrives. Seals and penguins interact with...
10 February, 2011, 19:13
Captain Copepod!
Let me tell you about one of the heroes of the Bellingshausen Station, Captain Copepod! By day he is a mild mannered interpreter and general fixer around the base, but by night he transforms into his superhero identity to save the planet and Antarctica, using his ability to communicate with copepods! Ok that bit was sort of a stretch, but like many of the workers down here who have spent the...
