Failure is an option. But fear is not. © J. Cameron

1. In his childhood, James Cameron was a kind of explorer with an 'insatiable sense of curiosity'. He was 'a science geek' according to his own words. He did like to read sci-fi and was often absorbed in a book, in some imaginary worlds, but it seems to me he was rather lonely in the real one. I can hardly imagine that a boy from this mould could be popular with his peers, he's a black sheep as a rule. As for me, I would have been much more pleased with my school life if I had had such a friend, we would have got on with each other perfectly.

2. & 3. The 60s was a period of numerous epoch-making discoveries and achievements, exploring of both depths and heights. Progress influenced world generally and young Cameron in particular. Thanks to Jacques Cousteau shows he knew, that there was a 'rich and exotic' alien world right here on Earth, in the ocean. Thus he decided to become a scuba-diver when he was fifteen. He was as well keen on drawing characters of sci-fi books he read - thus he could give an outlet to his imagination. But diving was something different; it allowed to see 'alien world' de visu.

Personally, I can't say my time influences me greatly, I'd rather say I try to avoid its influence by all means. :) There are some periods I've been verily enraptured with - from crusades up to 1970s - but the time I live in has never impressed me very much. As for important activities, I've had a number of them, but there are a couple of enduring values - reading, writing, learning foreign languages and dreaming, of course.

4. I haven't seen these films and it's very unlikely I will see them sometime. Unfortunately, I can't even watch the trailer up to the end. While working at 'The Abyss', Cameron used computer generated animation, and although the film wasn't very successful, he was inspired with the reaction of the audience. People were mesmerized, because such special effects resembled magic.

5. Although Cameron says, that your imagination can create a reality, it seems to me that he was really captured with the process of exploring. It was really amazing to watch this gray-haired man telling about the expeditions, about the wrecks of Titanic, etc. with such enthusiasm. He looked like a boy playing his favorite game. It seems to me his childhood dreams have come true at last.

6. All these experiments and expeditions helped him to form a philosophical view on life, I think. He’s learned to do something not for money or glory, but for the process as such, for the difficulties to overcome and ‘the thrill of discovery’ to feel (one of the acutest pleasures, to my mind), for the sense of fellowship and mutual respect. There are some Cameron’s statements which are worth taking into consideration:
- curiosity is the most powerful thing you own;
- imagination can manifest a reality;
- the respect of you team is much more important than all the laurels in the world;
- don’t put limitations on yourself and take risks.
These words can be printed out and hung over my desk. And followed, of course. :)

My map

Questions & answers

1. Honestly speaking, I can hardly imagine how allowing cameras inside the Supreme Court might influence news coverage. But still, I'd prefer cameras to be forbidden there. The progress is driving forward at a breathtaking pace, there are few tradinions left, and, I think, they should be treated with deeper respect than ever before. Moreover, drawings are much more amusing, than formal pictures.
2. To my great emberassment, I can't make up the answer to this question (and doubt I would be able to do it even if it were a question of our country. I'm absolutely helpless in everything dealing with domestic politics). I can only agree with the judges who think it would be better to discuss the issue later. Two years is a long period, there certainly are some urgent matters.
3. This crowd waiting for Pope Benedict XVI in Mexico impressed me very much. I know that many Mexicans are strong Catholics, but I've never seen how passionate they are. Although Pope's sermon was not very original (for South-American countries have been struggling with grug trafficking for many decades and no end to it is seen), it's vitally important for people to see the symbol they believe in. 
4. I usually memoraze new words like this: read them aloud five times, then try to write them down from memory. Then check them and correct mistakes, and then try to write them down again in some hours. If the words still slip my mind, I repeted the operation the next day, and, finally, I repeat it in three days time, thus the words usually take roots and remain in my memory forever. One of the most useful tips I've heard of is learning poetry by heart, especially poetry in an unknown language. It really helps to make memory reliable as a clock.