5/14: When the opportunity for chatting with Kathryn Samuels arose, recently hired assistant professor at University of Maryland and US-Norwegian Fulbrighter this year in Tromsø, there was no possibility of missing the appointment.

We met at the Fram Centre to discuss Kathryn’s emerging work on the Arctic and energy heritage, for the moment, beginning a project in Svalbard, and just recently having submitted a proposal to the US National Science Foundation. As an anthropologist, she is interested in examining different forms of production in the Arctic, beginning with whale oil harvesting in the previous century, and looking at the constructed remains, discursive and material, that continue to inform the Arctic landscape.

Here is a handsome diptych of Kathryn, below, sipping tea.

Afterward, at University of Tromsø, a fascinating presentation by none other than arctic political scientist, Gunhild Hoogensen Gjørv, talking on her newly published manuscript that branches out to a new region, and on Ashgate press, titled, Understanding Civil-Military Interaction.

The talk was well attended, with fellow colleagues from the sociology/political science department, including Stuart Robinson.

Here, in this image on your right, Gunhild stands beside a powerpoint image to demonstrates the different types of groups involved in civil rebuilding.

She points out that while policy perspectives suggest a “civil-military” dichotomy, on the ground experience often reveals that these boundaries are less transparent, especially by folks living in the area.

University of Tromsø, arriving

The Troms in grand style. We had a delicious panini upon arrival at Kaffebønna downtown troms, then headed over to greet the smart-looking Hege Fokedal who provided an office key to get started.



A quick stop to the library for coffee and oj.


The flight was straight forward and quick. Had us up and working in the latest writer’s grotto before having had a chance to give a second thought.


Just now completing a first draft book manuscript on energy experts who develop Arctic futures, tentatively titled, ENERGY ESTATES: FROM NATURAL MONOPOLY TO A CULTURE OF EXPERTISE.

The weather is marvelous, though indeed, a bit taciturn.

Well, what the heck, with so much sunlight, on average, 16 hours per day, it can snow for 10 hours, and still be gone in a flash.












Images from the Sky Train.







Panini forest.