Perks

Miguel Llanos from MSNBC left McMurdo today and
when he departed, he left me and two of my
co-workers MSNBC caps and a grateful thanks for
a pleasant experience. I've come to believe that
who you know or what position you are in on the
Ice determines what kinds of perks you get. If
your job lets you hobnob with the VIPs or grantees,
a vast array of trips awaits you. If you are a
Dishwasher (DA) or a Janitor, your Antarctic
experience is a great view of a pot sink or a
toilet. Hardly seems fair somehow. I wouldn't
say I get to rub elbows with the rich and famous.
So far this year, these are the perks I've received:

* A MSNBC cap
* A SAFAIR bumper sticker
* A dinner at Scott Base

More than some, less than many.
I'll keep my fingers crossed. Supposedly there is
some "magic list" at the Chalet (our headquarters
building) that doles out perks and trips. Hopefully
the perk gods will be smiling on me.