Mike on the Ice: June 2012

T3 (one of the thyroid hormones) is a mental affliction that affects most winter-over persons. Forgetfulness is one of the symptoms. The thyroid gland produces hormones which help to regulate your metabolism – how the body uses energy and at what speed. Researchers believe that living in Antarctica causes the muscles to hoard thyroid hormones in order to warm the body – at the expense of the brain. And whenever the concentration of thyroid hormone in the blood dips too low (hypothyroidism), the metabolism slows down and fatigue, poor memory, weight gain and depression set in. Those that work in the Antarctic can experience a decline of thyroid hormone products accompanied by dulled thinking, lethargy, and mood disturbances – the symptoms of polar T3 syndrome.

It is increasingly common to see someone sitting in the galley staring off into the distance for minutes at a time, seemingly oblivious to everyone around - it is called the "Antarctic stare". It is actually kind of funny because people will just look and say "T3". I do find myself "waking up" while sitting and wondering what I was doing as I wasn't really napping or asleep and I do notice that everyday tasks take longer. Sometimes I just stop and think about what I am doing. It is all very interesting but I think I am okay.

On Thursday evenings I host Surfing Night in McMurdo at the Coffee House Theater. The evening has become popular and quite a hoot. It is uplifting to see the sun and surf. Coming this Thursday:

Thursday, June 28^th .

Lunch in the Greenhouse: 12:00-1:00pm, Greenhouse (sign up on the rec board)

Dinner at Scott Base: Nine people per week are invited to have dinner at Scott Base. Sign up in the Rec Office or send Cindy and email with your date request

TV Night “Wonderfalls”: 6:00-7:00pm, Coffee House

Yoga with Kenny: 6:30-7:30pm, Chapel of the Snows

American Night at Scott Base: 7:00-11:00pm, Scott Base

Surf Movie “Stop the Wave, I Want to Get Off!”: 7:00-8:30pm, Coffee House

TED Talks: 8:00-9:00pm, Galley

Craft Room: 8:00-9:00pm

Gear Issue: 6:30-7:30pm

Library: 6:00-10:00pm

Coffee House: Open, Staffed from 6:00-8:00pm

Gallagher’s: Open 7:00-11:00pm

From 1965

On Monday I am presenting "My Adventure with the Space Shuttle" as part of the Science Lecture Series.

Upcoming Events:

*Craft Fair—July 1^st

*Science Lecture Series “My Adventure with the Space Shuttle” by Mike Rice—July 2^nd

*4^th of July Carnival and Auction—July 6^th

*VMF Horseshoe Tournament—July 7^th

*McMurdo Science Theater 3000 presents Breakin 2 Electric Boogaloo—July 8^th

*Bingo with Marsha and Wes—July 11^th

*Stanley Kubrick Film Series “Full Metal Jacket”—July 12^th

*Live Music at Gallagher’s—July 14^th

*Winter Film Fest 48 Hour Filming—Aug 4-5

*Winter Film Fest Viewing/Voting—Aug 11^th

My friend Matt Nelson took this timed exposure of Hut Point yesterday. Winter Bay Quarters is filled in and McMurdo Sound looks icy but it is still really thin. The winds this winter have not really let up so the ice that does form is continually blown out to sea. A good week of light wind is needed to set up the sea-ice. In the past this area is a sea-ice runway starting in late August (winter-fly in). So we don't know if we will have a runway here this year.

After my Sunday morning gym workout I went to the Coffee House to check in for the one mile run. I was dressed in four layers with a balaclava, neck gaiter, hat, goggles, along with stabilicers on my running shoes. All runners were required to have a headlamp. The weather was cool at a -35 degF and 20 mph wind. The first third of the course was uphill and into the wind. Running on the volcanic rocks and ice was a bit tedious but with short strides I safely made it to the first check point without rolling an ankle. After that I increased my stride until the last uphill portion. I don't think I have ever run such a slow mile at 15:47 but I finished 26th out of 31. I have never been the oldest in anything before. Yes, I was the oldest runner - I guess I'm getting old.