How Amusement Turns to Masochism When There is Nowhere to Go

In our little hive on an ice sheet here, we have a gym, a screening room, a pool table, a library and an arts&crafts room.  That's about it.  One cannot come here and hope to be taken care of and entertained.  One must come with the idea of taking care of things themselves and creating their own fun.  So first-timers here tend to end up  either very disappointed, or very resourceful and creative.

Ms. Tomato grew up locked in her bedroom most of her youth (not her choice) and had a good deal of early training in the ways of self-amusement.  Therefore we like to think of ourselves in the latter  group.  When Cinco de Mayo showed its face this year, around the same time South Pole Greenhouse Farmer Joe presented us with a large baggie of fresh jalapenos, a plot virtually hatched itself. 

Here you see big doings at the South Pole - two sturdy science nerds attempting to outdo each other in a Jalapeno Eating Competition.  Dr. Erik, who oversees science this winter,  (photo #1 at above right)  won with a total of 20 raw jalapenos, a mixture of red and green, which he ate like so many apples. 

Runner up Ross, left, who is a cosmologist with the South Pole Telescope project, didn't fare quite as easily..after choking down 13 exclusively green peppers, he looked so green himself we ran for a bucket.  No loss of points for giving up the goods, however, as the wave passed, 'though he did offer a few large burps.

Happy times, happy times.

Comments

[Dawn Smith]

Mexican hats are awesome.

[Podcast Directory]

Mexican hats are real great.

[Dr. Sardonic]

Of all the equipment ever shipped to the South Pole, surely the most remarkable must be Mexican hats. ¡Ay carumba!