Nicolas Dory has joined the ranks of our Interactive Department. [Zeke can’t stop grinning] Naturally, now that Nicolas is working among us, he must face the tough NKOTAB questions.

So Nicolas…

How long have you been in the Yukon? 7 months (since last October)

First impressions? I experienced a wonderful winter: photography, backcountry skiing, dog sledding, ice fishing…and people are very open minded unlike in big cities in France, I like it!

Where were you living and working before Whitehorse? I was living in Lyon (France) and I was working in Clever Age (a French and Polish consulting company specializing in Web architecture)

What's the best trait you bring to your work here at Aasman? My motivation and desire to share my knowledge

And now for the really important questions:

Favourite sandwich?  “Le parisien” -– french baguette, white ham, salad, salted butter

Best tunes to work by?  Heavy and metal songs

Most exotic travel experience? My life in the Yukon…otherwise 2 months with seabirds in Shetlands islands for a photo report about the wildlife of Scotland

Snowboard or Skis?  Nordic backcountry skiing

Beverage you can't live without?  >>> coffee-addict

...that would be the New Kids on the Aasman Block. In the past three months, we've said a teary farewell to Sandy, and a cheery hello to three new Aasman team members.

What's up new guys? Give us the lowdown on all things YOU.

Corey Bradbury, Production Coordinator

How long have you been in the Yukon?   Approximately 4 months.

First impressions?   "Where did summer go?" followed by "What happened to fall?"

Where were you living and working before Whitehorse?   Halifax, Nova Scotia, NS Provincial Government, Democracy 250 Campaign

What's the best trait you bring to your work here at Aasman?   My height, there are some really short people working here, I help to balance the scales.

and now for the really important questions:

Favourite sandwich?   The Turkey Pesto sandwich from the Tall & Small Cafe in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. It's a perfect sandwich. It's on focaccia bread, with free range turkey breast, pesto, mayo, feta cheese, sprouts and cucumbers.

Best tunes to work by?   It all depends on my mood. I can go from listening to Wintersleep to Django Reinhardt, but when it's crunch time nothing beats LCD Soundsystem or some Hot Chip to keep me focussed.

Most exotic travel experience?   Definitely Whitehorse, seriously...

Snowboard or Skis?   Snowboard, but a beginner.

Beverage you can't live without?   Coffee or Guiness, tough call.

Any final thoughts you'd like to share with us at this time? This question feels too much like a goodbye. I just got here!

Douma Alwarid, Production Coordinator

How long have you been in the Yukon?   Since 1985

First impressions?   The most beautiful place on earth!

Where were you living and working before Whitehorse?   We lived in, argh, Yellowknife...

What's the best trait you bring to your work here at Aasman?   A never-ending supply of energy (and sugar)

and now for the really important questions:

Favourite sandwich?   Shakir's feta, tomato and onion sandwich

Best tunes to work by?   Gangsta rap, classical music

Most exotic travel experience?   Hiking in Nepal

Snowboard or Skis?   Snowboard

Beverage you can't live without?   Diet Pepsi, I know, I know...

Any final thoughts you'd like to share with us at this time? I can't believe that they actually hired me! Especially after all of the stalker complaints that they filed against me. Suckers...

Eleanor Rosenberg, Designer

How long have you been in the Yukon?   Two weeks and four days.

First impressions?   This is a magical place. Every night when I come home to my cozy apartment and hang out in my long johns, I feel like I'm on a family ski trip. My family isn't here, but people's warm smiles and helpful advice make up for that. My world here feels small and that's great.

Where were you living and working before Whitehorse?   Last year I was designing for a multinational tour provider in Berlin, Germany. It's sure a change being here! Luckily, I had a few months of transition in Vancouver to visit with family and friends and get used to Canada-speak, confusing politics and the great outdoors.

What's the best trait you bring to your work here at Aasman?   I've got an ear for understanding what people's needs are. "I hear ya." And I have an over-active imagination that will interpret those needs into visual magic. Remember how I said the Yukon is magical? Well I reckon me being here is a good match.

and now for the really important questions:

Favourite sandwich?   hmmm... BLT. Crisp refreshing iceburg lettuce and tomatoes, not too crispy juicy bacon and mayo on toasted brown bread. I'm getting hungry.

Best tunes to work by?   Oh, that's hard to say. Depending on the work and my mood, I can thrive with fat dub beats. Other times I'm keen to sing along to some melodic folk songs.

Most exotic travel experience?   I'm not even sure where to begin here. Last year, my brother and I bought a canoe in the most northern province of Loas and drifted/paddled for ten days down the Nam Ou River. Every day was incredible adventure. Sinking boats, sleeping on the beach, saving a baby goat, breakfasts with villagers, the jungle...wow. Seriously, don't even get me started. Actually, it's pretty exotic being here. It's like nothing I've ever experienced.

Snowboard or Skis?   A crazy carpet! I used to be a downhill skiier but haven't done much in ages. I'm ready to take on cross country.

Beverage you can't live without?   Water. Really. Love the stuff. Rum and egg nogs are pretty good with a pinch of nutmeg.

Any final thoughts you'd like to share with us at this time? My toes are froze. Because it's only -27 today (warmer than usual), I thought I could get away with my lesser boots...not the case. I miss you Rona, you're so far on the other side of the building.
Oh, and Merry Christmas!

It's said being in a strange environment is conducive to creativity.

That sounds about right to Eleanor, our new designer and first-time Yukoner. A native Vancouverite, her thoughts are normally as saturated with creativity as the city is with rain. Now, suddenly surrounded by a sparkling winter wonderland, she expects her artwork and ideas to reflect the magic and inspiration of her new-found northern home.

"Let if flow. Let it flow. Let it flow."