…You ask about phone? I do have handphone but have turn off now to save moneys for apartment. Maybe in next month when move I can turn on again. Can you make call from south of pole? Is amazing to me! Is very much suprise to learn things of such place…
Oh. You ask name of Tasha book? Hmmmmmmmmm… How about name “Tasha’s Magik” Do you like this name?…
Tracker: I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits, as for me, I’m doing much better now that I received a new page in your book. I like the name Tasha’s magic for your book…
Tell me, what part of Moscow do you live in? Is there a nice hotel to stay in, or a rooming house close to you? If so please send me the phone number to it, so I can make some travel arrangements to come there soon.
I’ll be leaving here the 20th of August, I hope to be there sometime in mid-September. How’s that make you feel?…
Your letter this time was very surprising to me, it really didn’t sound like you, compared to your last three letters. Although it was sweet to hear such things from you, and you and your friends can play in that way, that’s very nice.
Let me be the first American to tell you this, American girls do not speak so freely about their sex lives. It is a very personal thing between lovers to keep their sex lives private. It is nice that you and your girlfriends can have such fun with each other, maybe you shouldn’t tell their boyfriends, as for me, it’s ok, I’m not the jealous type.…
I hope to hear from you soon, so take care and stay safe and healthy.
P.S. I like your new photo very much. I would really like you to answer the many other questions I asked you in the other letters.
Natasha: So glad to read your letter. I am so very much sorry for not writing sooner. I have had much things to do and very busy.
I have good news to tell though. I was chosen for the new job AND my friends and I received word that we got the new apartment! All this happen last week and have been so busy with everything… The company I work for is Zenon and is very exciting. It has many things to do with the internet. Internet radio. Internet banking. Email provider. Oh just everything. You can look. www.zenon.net That is company web site.
The moving has been a great stress. So much stuffs we have! I think maybe throw it all away and begin with new. Cost too much moneys though. We borrow a car from the boyfriend of Beta and make so many trip. It is funny sometime because the car does not like to work and sometime just stop. Tamsin says is “Piece of shit!”. I am not sure what it means “shit” but Tamsin says is very high curse word.
I did see about hotel for you. If first time to Russia it be best to stay at Intourist Hotel. It has much experience with foreigners and are able to speak English very well. It is very close the city centre with clubs and stores and sights. Also my new company is very close…
Here is hotel information.
Intourist Hotel
3/5 Tverskaya St.
Moscow, 125124
Russia
So do you see dear [Tracker]? I have been good secretary for you even if bad penpal!:) … Do you really wish to see my country? Where would you like to see? I like Black Sea best. It has many tourist but also lot of small places and town where tourist not go.
You ask so many question I not remember them all. My dress size? I usualy wear small medium. I am 168cm tall and weight 50kg. If you post me something in mail the address at my work is probably best. Mail at appartments is often stole. I will get address for you soon. Oh! Is right here in front of me!
Natasha Petronovich
Zenon
19,1,1st Yamskogo Polys St.
Moscow, 125124
Russia
I have to go. Will write you again soonest. PROMISE!:) I have another picture with this and also suprise picture. It is my good friend Tamsin. She also wishes to meet you and tells me to say hello to you. Is so exciting that you are come to my country.
Lots of love and kisses!!!!
Tasha.
Tracker: Well I see and hear you’re doing fine, as for me, I couldn’t be better. I was very proud to hear you got the job, I’m sure you were proud of yourself too. You have been a very busy girl, moving and things like that. Thank you for the information about the hotel, my little secretary, you did a very good job for me. Yes you have been a bad pen pal, I worry about you too much already. When I don’t hear back from you for a while I think something is wrong… I wish to be a big part of your world, so don’t leave me worrying about you so long. Be a better pen pal and friend, ha ha, just playing with you baby. I really can’t wait until I’m there to see you in person. I anticipate an emotional meeting between the both of us, which is all right. I look forward to it. I hope I’m everything you wish for. I really love your pictures, so I know you’re everything I’m wishing for. You’re a beautiful lady, my heart is warmed of the thoughts of seeing you very soon. Yes, I wish to travel in your country. I hope you are going to travel with me, the Black Sea, it sounds great. I wish to do a lot of shopping for some old art, and I would also like to buy a diamond ring for myself, so if you know anybody that has a nice diamond for sale or any old paintings let them know I’m coming soon, and I wish to see them and maybe we can come to a reasonable price to buy it. Tell your girlfriend that her picture was nice and I look forward to meeting any friend of yours, Tasha, but I’m coming there to see you. Thanks for answering some of the questions I asked you, that will do for now. Let me tell you something, it was 102 degrees below 0 yesterday, I really wished you were here, I think I could have been warmed by you, I don’t think so, I know so, BRRRRRRRRRRRR.
Sincerely Love from the South Pole
[Tracker]
Natasha:… To happy to read your letter. It always make me smile to see your letter awaiting me in email box.
We three girls are busy busy busy on the weekend. We have bought paints and are painting our new apartment. It will be so lovely for you to see! It was funny because we go to disco last night for dancing and some boy ask why I have blue parts in my hair. I use blue color to paints my room and have some in my hair but did not know it! It was funny I think.:)
[The ‘blue hair’ segment is notable in that Tracker’s hairy male co-worker who invented “Natasha” had at this point in the winter tried to dye his hair blue. It worked poorly, but well enough to leave a noticeable blue tint, obvious to everyone, even to Tracker, who nonetheless made no connection when he swaggered into work and proudly read aloud the emails of the blue-haired “Natasha” to his blue-haired coworker.]
…You ask of paintings and diamond to purchase? These things can be done in Moscow. There are many shops and stores. Is better though to buy from some person who is not in store. In Moscow we have what is called Black Market and everything can be purchased this way. Is against our law to do this but everybody does. Even policeman buy things black market. Sometime many things are not in store that you need so just go to black market person and they can find. Black market persons like American dollars and give better price when you have them. As I said, Russia moneys are not good…
Lots of love and kisses from Russia! Stay warm in cold South of Pole. I will send warm thoughts to help you.
Bye for now… Tasha.
[Tracker]
Date: Mon, 13 Aug 2001
Subject: Leaving soon.
It’s me again, how are you doing? I’m doing fine. I hope that this letter makes you happier, you know why? Because I’m leaving in just four more days. My plane is coming on Monday, August 20th. Isn’t that great news? I have a few more questions for you to answer …If I could bring anything, what do you need the most of? Toothpaste or shampoo or soap or makeup, stuff like that? On the black market, can I bring some cigarettes or some jeans or pants, please let me know soon. What sells the best?
From: Tracker
Date: 16 Aug
Well I just would like to say I am getting stir crazy, I would really like to be on the plane right now, if you know what I mean. Everyday I read my e-mail, I am wa
rmed to see your letter there, you are warming me up, up, up, up. I will bring the items you said would be the best to have on the black market for trading things, cigarettes and condoms, I have already seen the doctor here and got two hundred condoms just for you and me, how many more should I bring for the rest of your country. I have a very big smile on my face right now, I hope you do too.
From: Natasha Petronovich
Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2001
Subject: Sunshines and Flowers
So wonderful to read your email! Do you know, when you say that I am most beautiful girl in whole of world it make me so happy. It make me all warm inside and big smile outside! Such a kind thing for you to say… 200 of condoms just for us two? WOW! That is very many! I will need new bed after you visit I think for mine will be all broken!:)
Oh. I talk with Tamsin and Beta my two good friends and they wish to buy all 200 from you. They say that now condoms are two and three American dollare for just one and hope that maybe you will sell to them for less moneys. The boyfriend of Beta does much selling and buying of things and he is most interested. He says however many you bring he can sell very quickly. He also tell me that paintings like you wish can be arrange but may take time. He ask when you are to come and will begin asking. You also ask for diamond? He think this is not problem. He say is “piece of cake” but I do not know what he mean by this. English can be very confusing for me.
… Many loves and kisses and I am counting of the days until I see you! Tasha.
[Tracker]
Date: Sun, 19 Aug 2001
Subject: You won’t believe this one.
I hope this letter finds you in the best of spirits and health. As for me I’m not doing too good. First of all, I made the mistake of deleting your last letter, the one where you thought your legs were too fat, forgive me for saying this, but you could stand to put on some more weight. But don’t get the wrong idea, I like you just the way you are.
Well, there is a snow blizzard blowing here right now, so that means they can’t bring the plane in right now, so until the weather gets better, I’m stuck here … …But it’s coming one of these days soon. No I can’t give you an arrival date yet, but as soon as I know I will let you know. I will try to make it for a Friday afternoon, your time, O.K.
Now for some more bad news, like you haven’t already heard enough. I’m sorry I don’t mean to bring you down, so here goes. I was at a going away party last night, and I broke my left hand. The doctor here says it will get better in a short time, maybe be all better when I can give you a big fat hug, hug, hug. I’m sorry to give such bad news, but it will be better soon. Please send picture soon, will cheer me up, up, up.
Sincerely yours
[Tracker]
[Tracker]
Date: Sun, 26 Aug 2001
Subject: I’m getting closer to you everyday baby.
Guess what. I have left the New Zealand country, and I’m in Australia: Sydney, to be exact. I’m going to the Russian embassy in the morning… My friend Paul is also coming for three days… Keep on smiling, I’m coming. I believe I will be staying for two lovely weeks with the most lovely woman in Russia: you, baby.
From: Natasha Petronovich
Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2001
Subject: St. Petersburg
You are in Australia now [Tracker]? I was thinking you were in the New Zealand. And you are also have friend to accompany you for coming here? Oh this will be wonderful! We can have large party when you come. His name is Paul? Is he handsome like you [Tracker]??:) This is so much good time for the two of you to come. You see, just before I left Moscow Tamsin become in very big fight with her boyfriend and is not together with him now. She wished for me to ask if you had any handsome friend for her to corresponding with. And now you are bringing friend with you! You must can see into my mind and know what I am thinking [Tracker].
I am happy to hear you are to recieve visa for trip tomorrow. I telled you that my country in very friendly to foreigners and welcome all to visit. I did not think you would have problem and now I see I am correct.
… I will be home tonight and make ready the apartment for you and your good friend Paul. Beta and Tamsin will be of so much excited to learn you are bringing friend. Is he also from south of pole?
Must go now. Very many smiles and love. I pray for your safe trip [Tracker].
Very happy now from writing to you.Tasha.
[Tracker]
Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2001
Subject: So very glad to hear your voice.
Yes I did get my visa …Yes my friend Paul is from the same place, the south pole. Yes, I’m looking forward to seeing you very soon… No, I do not think Paul is good looking, but then again I do not look at men. That will be for you and your friends to decide. I will be leaving here tomorrow, so let me say this Tasha, I really look forward to seeing you soon, and may God reach down and touch you on the head and say, future good luck will always come your way.
From: Natasha Petronovich
Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2001
Subject: So exciting!!!
Dearest [Tracker]! So happy to read your letter! Oh I can not keep sitting sometime I become so exciting from the thinking of you coming. Tamsin and Beta both laugh at me and say I am acting as silly girl. I can not help it. I have never had someones to come visit me from so far away as south of pole!
I have clean our beautiful new apartment many time and then see something is not right and clean again. I wish for all to be perfect when you stay with me… Tamsin and I both will be waiting…
Lots of love and excitings from Russia!!!! Tasha.
[Tracker]
Date: Fri, 07 Sep 2001
Subject: Delayed a day
I’m so sorry I can not be there on the day that I said. We missed plane and will be a day later. I’m sorry to put you through such a hassle, but I promise to make it up to you when I get there…If at all possible, I need for you to notify the hotel that we missed the flight… We had a driver that was to pick us up at the airport, unfortunately, he would be there at the same time you would be there. If at all possible, if you could not pick us up, let the hotel know to pick us at airport on Saturday at 1:35 PM. When me and Paul arrive on Saturday, you can come to the hotel if you can’t make it to the airport to pick us up.
I’m so sorry baby, but you must take care of this for me baby, because there is nothing I can do from this end at this point in time. Reply as soon as you get done reading this to let me know if you can take care of these things for me. Looking forward to seeing your beautiful face as well as your beautiful country.
[Tracker]
Date: Sat, 08 Sep 2001
Subject: I’m here in town.
You need to call me as soon as you read this letter, or come see me.
Phone-0952370514 or 9598157 I’m in Moscow, where are you? I’m staying at the Hotel Academicheskaya, room number is 1204. Look forward to seeing you soon. You can call and leave messages at the front desk. If you don’t reach me, I’ll probably be in the restaurant. O.K. I got to go now baby, hope to see you soon.
From: Natasha Petronovich
Date: Sat, 8 Sep 2001
Subject: Re: I’m here in town.
Dear [Tracker],
…I wish you a good time but have to sadly inform you that Natasha will not be meeting you…
I have to thank you though for the past few months. I have really enjoyed writing to you and everybody here in McMurdo has definitely enjoyed reading your letters. You have become somewhat of a cult hero as everybody asks me each day for the latest news of your travels. There is even a fraternity house in Florida that is demanding pictures of you…
I really have to tell you that everybody here was quite impressed with the way you took all the condoms from the bathroom in 155. We really laughed about that. Also the large purchase of cigarettes that you made in the store prior to your departure…
It has been difficult to keep a straight face over the months while you talk about this
girl that we invented in our shop. Oh, I suppose you should be angry with me but when you put an ad on the internet you have to expect to be fucked with a little bit… The sad thing is that once everybody in town knew that the Russian girl you were chasing was just a hoax, everybody laughed about it. Out of 200 people here not one person told me that you did not deserve to be treated in this manner… You came to McMurdo bragging about how bad you are and how good you are at welding and ironworking… Well, I’ll admit that this place is a drag but you could not even deal with six months here. That tells me (and everybody else here) that you are pretty weak. Soft. Pussy. (as in “pussy cat”) Whatever… Getting Paul to go along with you was a real bonus. Please thank him for being stupid also. Got it?
Not missing you here in McMurdo!!!!!
Tasha.
[Attached photo of 30 people in Southern giving the finger]
APPENDIX II
ASBESTOS MEMO 1
Date: July 2, 2001
From: Jim Scott; McMurdo Area Mgr.
To: Tom Yelvington; Program Director
Organization: RPSC
Subject: Asbestos
McMurdo Asbestos Issues
In response to recent asbestos issues at McMurdo, summarized below is an overview of the situation.
BUILDING 165: This building has been undergoing room by room renovations. Most of this has involved “non evasive” work such as removal of drop ceilings, etc., with minimal disturbance to the building structure. Prior to initiating this work, FEMC reviewed the comprehensive AECOM Asbestos Survey Report (1992) in an effort to avoid disruption of asbestos containing building materials. This survey included analysis of sample building materials using phase contrast microscopy with polarized light and dispersion staining. This provides positive identification of asbestos through refractive index, morphology and color analyses.
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