Seeds inside vault are hotter than they should be
Operational problems are making the temperature inside the Svalbard Global Seed Vault hotter than it should be, according to a note from Barlindhaug Consult. The vault, which has experienced numerous technical problems since opening in February 2008, has failed to reach the intended storage temperature of minus 18 degrees Celsius due to incorrect coolant settings. There are also problems with water flowing into the vault's outer tunnel because permafrost disrupted by construction has not refrozen yet. Officials say both problems do not present a danger to the seeds. Nordgen Director Jessica Kathle said minus 18 degrees is an international standard many gene banks are using, but is not an absolute necessity for preservation. "The last report I received showed minus 16.5 degrees and we are satisfied with that," she said. A permanent pump station is being installed to deal with the water, which is not reaching the vault itself, according to Magnus Bredeli Tveiten, project manager for Statsbygg, which operates the vault.
Whale transmitter begins working after 27 days at sea
A satellite transmitter that initially failed to work when attached to a bowhead whale has started sending signals after 27 days, allowing scientists with the Norwegian Polar Institute to track the rare animal. Christian Lydersen, a marine biologist with the institute, said he believes the lower part of the transmitter was obstructed in the whale's blubber before working its way free April 30. He said they will track the animal as long as possible and it has not traveled far since being tagged, Scientists estimate there are between 10 and 100 bowhead whales of the Spitsbergen stock.
Fiber optic cable for Ny-Ålesund OK'd
An extension of Longyearbyen's fiber-optic cable to Ny-Ålesund is scheduled to begin later this year after the Norwegian government approved 60 million kroner for the project. The 260-kilometer undersea cable extension will allow significantly faster communication transmissions at the scientific research base, where activities include NASA monitoring of even slight variations in the Earth's crust. The cable will also improve reliability of communications, a problem for several days last December when a repeater station between Longyearbyen and Ny-Ålesund lost power.
Tour company hopes to set up tent camp near Mine 3
Tundra Events is hoping to place a large Sami-style camping tent outside Mine 3, but will need permission from Store Norkse to do so. The tour company is asking Longyearbyen officials to approve three tent sites for this summer, with the other locations being near Mine 7 and where the fiber optic cable disappears into a fjord near Svalbard Airport. Dag Ivar Brekke, vice administrative director of Store Norske, said there is a 50-meter safety zone for abandoned mines and open fires are not permitted. Tundra Events Arne O. Bergdal calls the site attractive and notes a mining museum is planned there, "but if it becomes difficult we will look at the other two options."
Store Norske hopes to keep Mine 7 open at least 20 years
Store Norske is working on plans to ensure operation of Mine 7 for at least 20 more years, which it plans to present to its board this fall. The mine has experienced a few ups and many downs since starting operations 35 years ago, and in February the board mandated profitability had to improve or closure was possible. The board also decided no money would be spent on new equipment, but relented last month and approved 13 million kroner for purchases. Mapping of potential production ares for the next two decades is underway and "it is not certain that is it realistic to get out everything, but it gives us an idea of how much coal is left in the mountains," said Leiv Sanden, the mine's manager.
Businesses may pay more for trash disposal next year
An increase in the amount businesses are required to pay for garbage disposal starting next year is being sought by the head of Longyearbyen's waste operations. Private residents pay 3,000 kroner annually to dispose of waste in bins, a higher per-kilo rate than businesses, said Brynjulv Øverby, who will ask the municipal board to approve the increase in December. He also sent out letters to 70 companies in the city two weeks ago about improving sorting and delivery procedures.
Delay of food grinders leads to extension of deadline
The deadline for installing food grinders in all Longyearbyen residents has been extended since they are now scheduled to arrive May 31 instead of the original date of May 3. Officials had approved a July 1 deadline for installation of the devices, but the new target date is "not absolute," said Brynjulv Øverby, head of Bydrift. He said summer holidays can affect when many people are at home, which is more of a problem for individual residences than apartments and similar complexes. Compliance inspections by the Svalbard governor's office are likely to take place in the fall.
May Day celebration called off for first time in 85 years
The traditional May Day memorial ceremony was bypassed in Longyearbyen for the first time in 85 years due to the reorganization of a trade union responsible for the event. Provisional representatives are scheduled to elect board members to Longyearbyen Arbeiderforenings this fall, and the realization there was no planning for the May 1 event was a bit sudden, said Ottar Svensen, the interim leader. Traditional events include a procession through town and speeches at the Skjæringa memorial. A memorial ceremony did take place in the evening at Svalbard Church.
Norwegian, U.S. database to track bear/human incidents
A database of incidents between bears and humans is being assembled by researchers from Norway and the United States due an expected rise in future conflicts. More people are making their way north, more commercial activities are occurring in bears' habitat, and there are more bears on land as sea ice decreases in size and thickness, according to participants at a polar bear conference in Tromsø last year. A decision was made at the conference to prepare the database, with researchers from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Norwegian Polar Institute and Svalbard governor's office among those named earlier this month to work on the project. Among the goals are reducing human/bear encounters and improving people's response if one occurs.
Ancient mammal tracks from Mine 7 get Svalbard name
The 60-million-year-old Pantodonta mammal tracks discovered in Mine 7 now have a name: Thulitheripus Svalbardii. "There are no such footsteps described in any country. Therefore they get their own name," said Jørn Hurum, a paleontologist who co-authored a study about the December 2006 discovery by two workers in the mine. Fossils from the Thulitheri, meaning "large animals from the North," are on display at Svalbard Museum.
Miner hoping to solve the mystery of John Willis
What happened on the northeast side of Rindersbukta and who was John Willis? Stein Arne Ellingsen hopes to find the answers. Ellingsen, who owns a nearby cabin just south of Svea, is trying to discover the story behind a pole with a brass plate bearing the English words "To the Memory of John Willis B.D.S. 13-3-61 – 29-7-85 A Good Friend and Companion." Ellingsen, a machine mechanic for Store Norske, said he doesn't know if Willis died in 1885 or 1985. The "B.D.S." has a current-day meaning for a degree in dentistry, but Ellingsen said he questions if the mystery man could have obtained one by the age of 24.
Spitsbergen Rock to return with new dates and location
The Spitsbergen Rock festival will return for a second year, but with a new location and date, according to organizers. The inaugural festival was several kilometers from Longyearbyen at Endalen, where there was no mobile phone coverage and transporting people proved cumbersome. The tent for this year's event will be at the sailing club facility next to the shore, with additional concerts at Kroa and Svalbar. The event is also being moved from mid-June to the final weekend of May, allowing students from The University Centre In Svalbard to attend while the semester is still in session. Eight bands are scheduled so far to perform at the festival.
Store Norske starts gold drilling on St. Jonsfjorden
Store Norske has started drilling for gold in Svalbard after tests during the past two years indicate there is a high content of the precious metal on south side of St. Jonsfjorden. The rig is on the edge of Holmesletfjella, a few meters away from the steep mountainside. Drillers completed a fourth hole, about 500 meters deep, after three weeks and are now preparing to move the rig about 40 meters away from the precipice. Jørgen Stenvold, executive director of the company's gold operation, said they plan to drill a total of 4,000 meters by the end of June, with excavation planned "for many years" over a seven-kilometer area. "Exactly how much gold exists in the area so far is impossible to say," he said.
Motorist must go to court after rejecting speeding fine
A Longyearbyen man accused of driving 71 km/h on a side street with a 30 km/h limit must stand trial instead of simply paying a fine, according to the Svalbard governor's office. An official spotted and followed the man in his 20s on March 14, seizing the driver's license after stopping him. The governor's office offered him a fine of 8,000 kroner for a violation of driving 60 km/h, but the man refused, requiring the governor's office to prosecute the matter based on the speed clocked, said Lt. Gov. Lars Fause. The hearing is set for June 17 in Nord-Troms district court.
Parking no longer free at Svalbard Airport
Motorists must now pay to park at Svalbard Airport for more than 23 hours, due to capacity problems caused by vehicles being left there for months. Fees, which took effect Monday, are 50 kroner for one day, 250 kroner for one week and 150 kroner for each additional week. Payment is calculated by tickets obtained from a meter machine – with a "free ticket" available for those at the airport less than a day – and motorists without one risk fines or towing, said Airport Director Ole M. Rambech. He said some cars are being left for months until someone picks them up to drive for the summer, and hopes revenue from tickets can be used to expand the parking lot.
Owner must get rid of kennels due to neglect of dogs
The owner of Svalbard Huskies must abandon the business by Aug. 1 due to numerous safety and care violations discovered earlier this year, according to a Norwegian Food Safety Authority ruling. Some of the 45 dogs at the kennels at Mine 6, operated by Niklas Gerhardsson, were mutilated and malnourished after four animals came loose from a chain and began fighting. A woman who saw and photographed the blood-covered animals on New Year's Eve contacted authorities, and investigators said previous efforts to offer guidance to Gerhardsson to improve the kennel's conditions were unsuccessful. Gerhardsson – who had another person care for the dogs while he was away during the holidays – said there are errors in the report, but does not know yet if he will appeal the ruling.
Tourists evacuated from camp stalked by bear
Ten French tourists being harassed by a polar bear at Inglefieldbukta on the east side of Spitsbergen were relocated Sunday by a helicopter sent by the Svalbard governor's office. The bear roamed the area for hours, ransacking supplies in the campers' sledges, and efforts to scare it away with rifle shots and signal flares were unsuccessful.
No 98 octane gasoline at Svalbard Auto until June
Svalbard Auto is out of 98 octane gasoline until at least June as more snowscooters than expected are being filled with the premium fuel, said Frank Jakobsen, project director for LNS Spitsbergen. "On some new scooters it is recommended that 98 octane gasoline be used," he said, although he said he believes many drivers are using the pricier fuel even when it isn't required. Snowscooter dealers said many 98 octane machines and cars should run acceptably with 95 octane fuel, perhaps with reduced performance, but dealers should be contacted to be sure. Jakobsen said sea ice needs to be clear for the tanker ship and the gas station has to wait until its tanks are empty enough to require a full shipment, since a half shipment is too expensive. LNSS' tanks have capacity for 4,100 cubic meters of diesel, 1,000 cubic meters of 95 octane gas and 200 cubic meters of 98 octane gas.
Svalbardbutikken workers upset, fearful of management
Employees at Svalbardbutikken are expressing frustration about inadequate information and poor cooperation from management. New leaders were elected to represent the employees at a regional meeting last month, where suggestions for resolving tensions were also discussed. The representatives and corporate officials in Tromsø agree problems should be discussed at the local level, although some employees have said they are reluctant to express dissatisfaction due to fears of management retribution. Morten Helliksen, the store's administrative director, said "I cannot understand the basis" for the reluctance to discuss matters with him or other management.
Few problems during heavily traveled Easter weekend
A woman had to be evacuated last Friday after injuring herself on a snowscooter in Sassendalen, but generally the highly traveled Easter weekend was free of serious incidents, according to the Svalbard governor's office.
New alcohol policy allows all places to serve at 11 a.m.
Cafes and restaurants in Longyearbyen will be able to serve alcohol on equal terms starting at 11 a.m. beginning June 1 under a new policy approved by the municipal board. Current policy allows sales beginning at 5 p.m. weekdays and 1 p.m. on weekends, except for locations outside the town's center "ring" – Kroa and the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel – will can sell wine and beer at the soon-to-be-universal times of 11 a.m. and liquor at 1 p.m. "It's fantastic. It means a lot to us," said Patrik Jonsson, manager of Svalbar. "We send a lot of people away because they are not allowed to have a drink with their meal."
Harsh winter puts severe
limit on researchers' reindeer
Only 19 reindeer will be caught this year by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research due to a harsh winter, 10 percent of the total they applied for. The Svalbard governor's office set the quota of six calves and 13 females due to poor conditions, but is still open to allowing labeling and treatment of additional animals once the condition of the first 19 are trapped. "If the animals appear to be in good shape it is important that we have a solution," said Audun Stien, an institute researcher. "It is expensive to let the scientists drive and move for several days."
UNIS employees upset with new, pricier housing policy
A new housing policy charging different rents is resulting in complaints by employees at The University Centre In Svalbard. Current employees will continue paying 20 kroner per square meter, while employees hired in the future must pay 65 kroner, and doctoral and post-doctoral candidates must pay 150 kroner for family apartments. Monica Votvik, an employees' representative, said workers feel the decision was made without informing them. UNIS Director Gunnar Sand said employees have been informed about changes and the university must absorb a 12 million kroner budget cut, or about 10 percent.
'Kebab man' arrested in Tromsø for immigration violations
Kazem Ariaiwand, an Iranian known for his red kebab wagon, was arrested March 8 in Tromsø for violating immigration law, according to officials. He came to Longyearbyen in 2003 after failing to receive asylum on the mainland, and has traveled between Longyearbyen and Switzerland the past two years. He was reportedly traveling to Svalbard to settle practical matters before settling into his new home. He is in jail awaiting an expulsion order to Iran or Switzerland.
Woman hospitalized in Barentsburg after snowmobile accident
A woman in her 50s was brought to the hospital in Barentsburg after a snowmobile accident during a March 6 trip with a group to Longyearbyen. She sustained a broken rib and possible spinal injuries. A helicopter rescue was not possible due to high winds and snow. She is scheduled to be transported to Longyearbyen when conditions improve.
Less space available on cruise ships this year
Fewer berths will be offered on Svalbard expedition cruises this year due to a reduction in ships and smaller vessels replacing older ones, said Frigg Jørgensen, secretary-general for Aeco, the area's industry group. Quark Expeditions will replace two ships and not deploy a third, the new Fram will replace the Nordstjernen for Gap Adventures, and Polar Quest will send only two ships because a third no longer meets Norway's certification requirements.
Mine 7 again facing closure after poor 2009
Mine 7, which has operated for years at a loss, may shut down if performance does not improve, said Bjørn Arnestad, administrative director for Store Norske. The mine has repeatedly been threatened with closure since it opened in 1975 and Arnestad said it was the first question he received when becoming head of the company two years ago. But said the mine's deficit in 2009 was not large in relation to the company's overall earnings, and it is considered important to executives and board members. Annual production in the mine is about 75,000 tons of coal, one-third of which is used for Longyearbyen's power plant and the rest sold to Germany. The mine, with about 20 employees, has about five years' of production remaining at the current pace.
more...
Headlines are provided courtesy of Svalbardposten. Full articles at their site can be read using Google Translate, but due to a high error rate we no longer provide direct links here.
|
Ash cloud over Svalbard
An ash cloud from the most recent volcano eruption in Iceland that halted all air traffic in Svalbard at about noon Wednesday is expected to move on from the area tonight, according this forecast chart for midnight Thursday by the United Kingdom National Weather Service. The red areas show higher-than-normal ash levels with no flight restrictions, gray areas where flights are allowed with some safety restrictions and black areas where air travel is banned. Chart by metoffice.gov.uk.
From the print edition (PDF) |
New volcano ash cloud threatens all Svalbard air traffic
Air travel in Svalbard was halted at noon Wednesday due to the most recent eruption of a volcano in Iceland, but officials expect the ash cloud to pass from the area by tonight.
Eight degrees of suffocation
Warnings that Svalbard will be far more affected by global warming than most parts of the planet are nothing new. But now scientists say some parts of the High North will be noticeably hotter than others.
Gulf of Mexico disaster may affect Norway's Arctic oil projects
Hopes of drilling for oil in the Norwegian Arctic may be dimmed by the massive spill from a rig in the Gulf of Mexico as Norwegian authorities say that, at the very least, the industry needs to learn from the accident.
Svalbard: Still strange
Those working at and with the Svalbard Global Seed Vault tend to cringe at its "doomsday" label in popular media, but it's clearly here to stay as a new collection of movies, books and other entertainment continues focusing on the ominous aspect of the two-year-old facility.
• Watch a two-minute excerpt of "Climate of Change"
Fewer people living in Svalbard
Given everything else that declined in 2009, the population of Svalbard might as well be a part of it.
Pole quest a victory over cold, culture
Elham Al-Qasimi sees the insults as just one more part of the triumph in her becoming the first Arab woman to stand at the top of the world.
Pact ends longtime Arctic feud
Norway and Russia resolved a 40-year-old dispute Tuesday over dividing a portion of the seas south of Svalbard, thought to contain a wealth of oil and natural gas that may be tapped cooperatively.
Flights resume, but a new eruption threatens
A huge backlog of stranded passengers is easing and fresh supplies are arriving as flights resume normal operations between Svalbard and mainland Norway. But the relief may temporary as an Icelandic volcano responsible for the disruption is threatening more eruptions.
Svalbard apps fit for a king – or jester
It's not entirely reassuring that Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg's most memorable contribution to this month's nuclear summit is the plausibility of governing a country with an iPad.
Some mainland flights operating again
Flights between Svalbard and mainland Norway are operating again on a limited basis as a massive cloud of volcanic ash has cleared over the northern part of the country. But hundreds remain stranded and those departing are still stuck in the north until at least Monday.
Seed vault sets variety record
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, the world's largest gene bank since opening two years ago, achieved another milestone this week with a deposit giving it the most types of seeds.
Wrecked Petrozavodsk splits in two
A Russian ship deteriorating since it ran aground along the rocky cliffs of Bjørnøya last May has broken in two, making an already difficult salvage far worse, according to officials.
Savoring some serious sun
Who could possibly be unhappy to see the sun return after months of darkness? A lot of people living in Arctic villages it turns out, as recent studies show depression peaks during the months of continuous summer light. But it seems people in Svalbard – here by choice and more active than their northerns peers – don't share that view.
Jawbone reveals evolution of polar bears
Temperatures consider brutal in most of the world are actually a secondary consideration when determining if it's a crummy day in Svalbard. But at some point they have to, um, drop to the forefront.
Minus 23°C? Bah!
Temperatures consider brutal in most of the world are actually a secondary consideration when determining if it's a crummy day in Svalbard. But at some point they have to, um, drop to the forefront.
Ice melting, but Barents Sea stays cool
Less ice doesn't necessarily mean warmer water in the Barents Sea, since tides make it "a robust and effective ocean cooler," according to a new study by four Bergen oceanographers.
Trying to keep tensions low
The Arctic is Norway's most important strategic asset, but more military there doesn't necessarily mean more international tension, according to Minister of Defense Grete Faremo in a presentation this week.
Thaw puts freeze on Svalbard
Relatively high temperatures and record rainfall in January brought flights in and out of Svalbard to a halt for a sizable portion of the month. Groceries, mail, holiday plans and emergency transport were harshly impacted by what some residents called the worst series of cancellations they can recall.
Prices up, but crime way down in 2009
Crime in Svalbard was "historically low" in 2009, including no reported sex, violence or drug incidents, according to the governor's office.
Big finds, small steps of progress
Getting 1.2 billion Google hits in a day isn't a bad start, but Jørn Hurum says he hopes discussion about a controversial fossil discovery is just beginning.
Chiming in on climate
The hope is sending a little heat from the Arctic now will keep people from feeling a lot of it later.
More than a prayer for change
Global leaders say they're abandoning hope of a treaty at next month's climate summit, but scientists still urging immediate action will get a boost locally this weekend from those literally in the business of miracles.
Musical holiday tale a cultural mix of the stars
He's heard his father perform an annually acclaimed Christmas concert of Russian songs numerous times over the years and is a longtime musician himself. But Sveinung Lystrup Thesen has never shared a stage with his dad.
More swine flu vaccine arrives, but availability limited
More vaccinations for H1N1 flu arrived Longyearbyen this week, but shots will be limited to those in at-risk groups, officials said.
Fine for illegal helicopter flight upheld by court
An appellate court unanimously upheld a 50,000 kroner fine Nov. 5 against a Russian mining company for taking a film crew on an illegal helicopter flight in Svalbard in 2007, in violation of a permit allowing non-commercial activity only.
Schei back on stage with new life
Liv Mari Schei hasn't been singing about life in Svalbard the past year so much as discovering it.
• Web exclusive: Download the MP3 "Sporløst Gikk Tiden" from Schei's album Longyear City. Also, hear six full-length songs at Schei's official Web site.
Swine flu spreads, medication arrives as shots run short
An estimated 20 to 30 Longyearbyen residents have been infected with what appear to be H1N1 flu after two local cases of the disease were confirmed last Thursday, officials said.
Swine flu confirmed in Svalbard
The Svalbard govnernor's office reported Friday two residents are infected with H1N1 flu, the first known cases in Longyearbyen since the disease triggered a worldwide health alert earlier this year.
Svalbard island going on tour?
It's not like anybody knew about the island until the ice camouflaging it melted, so surely borrowing it to spread the word about climate change isn't a problem.
'Tax porn' site reveals the riches
If your name is Terje or Marit, there's a good chance you're well off. Such details about Norway's citizens are available using an online database showing their annual income, taxes paid and overall wealth. Residents living in Svalbard, who initially showed up as zeroes in each category, are now part of the list.
Hard times idea for feeling the blues
A global recession is certainly reason to feel the blues, but turns out those asked to play a less lucrative gig at Longyear-byen's biggest music event are still plenty happy to do so.
Church airs climate concerns
The nave glowed dazzlingly and even the bell announcing the beginning of the service rang louder and clearer than normal, at least until a technician lowered the volume on a previously unnoticed speaker.
Same job, but new challenge
When Odd Olsen Ingerø left after his first term as governor, it wasn't because he'd seen enough of Svalbard.
Chilly coal protest leaves hazy impact
Greenpeace staged what may have been Svalbard's first political protest Friday by blockading an 81,000-ton shipment of coal destined for Portugal as several members from a sea expedition climbed onto cranes at the mine. They were removed peacefully by police Saturday and their ship departed the area for Tromsø on Monday with no criminal charges or fines being levied.
Where pink elephants, beer collide
One of the reasons Oktoberfest lasts until its namesake month is the weather remains warm enough in its land of origin to stimulate thirst. That probably won't be the case when Longyearbyen celebrates its first such bash beginning Thursday, but Odd A. Aspås hopes the novelty will compensate.
Governor: A lot done, a lot to do
Svalbard Gov. Per Sefland says his successor is returning to a familiar office after four years, but he will find the job has greatly expanded its boundaries.
Surreality TV
The war in Gaza, the exiled peoples of Tibet, human rights abuses in Cambodia…the ice in Svalbard? It's a logical part of the group – really – say two Hungarian filmmakers producing a television series about places experiencing globally significant events.
Ban Ki-moon calls Svalbard visit inspiring, but alarming
His arrival was marred by a huge diplomatic snafu and he got stranded overnight on a boat when plans to see the effects of global warming in the Arctic went awry due to excessive ice caused by poor weather. But all in all, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called his three-day tour of Svalbard a good trip.
Svalbard voting deadline is Sept. 4 - sort of
Anne Rakel Kristiansen isn't forgetting her "home" town on Election Day. She's hoping Norway's politicians remember the one where she actually lives.
U.N. leader's visit on despite scathing memo
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is coming to Svalbard next week to learn about global warming, but the introduction couldn't have been much icier.
Update: Ban Ki-moon arrives in Svalbard, visits Ny-Ålesund
- Schedule of public events Wednesday in Longyearbyen
Swine flu expected in Svalbard
Tens of thousands of tourists may not have infected Svalbard with A(H1N1) flu this summer, but officials say locals returning from travels are likely to bring the disease with them, posing a greater risk due to their longer and more intimate contact with the community.
1918 flu epidemic brought tragedy, hope of finding answers to Svalbard
When one of the world's worst epidemics struck nearly a century ago, those living in the Arctic were hit especially hard. And in the graves of seven coal miners who died in Svalbard, there was once hope of finding clues to keep it from happening again.
Remaining fuel drained from wrecked Russian ship
The remaining fuel has been drained from a Russian ship nearly three months after it ran aground on the southern coast of Bear Island, but officials say removal of the vessel itself remains risky and don't know when it may occur.
Getting the short end of tourism
The good news: Many places with more tourists this year are recovering from wars and terrorism. And lots of areas having a bad year are going through similar turmoil or other disasters such as the swine flu epidemic.
50 years later, the map has changed
Fifty years after literally putting Svalbard on the map, Bjoern Kraby Svendsen says the landscape has changed.
'Doomsday' for fun and profit
 It seems the Forces Of Evil, when not forging Obama's birth documents and creating more film of the false moon landing, are busy these days plotting the apocalypse in secretive research facilities in the Norwegian Arctic.
Airport traffic down sharply for first half of 2009
Flights at Longyearbyen Airport, after surging in 2008, are down sharply for the first half of 2009, including a 37.1 percent drop in cargo and route charter flights that provide most of the airport's income.
Russian film festival coming to Svalbard
When coming all the way to Barentsburg for a film festival it makes little sense to spend the whole time indoors. History, art and nature tours, plus an overnight boat trip to Pyramiden, are part of this year's Northern Traveling Film Festival scheduled Aug. 14-20.
Balloon tour of Mars?
Don't look for balloons over Mars anytime soon, but Svalbard is offering researchers wanting to know more about the Red Planet the next best thing.
Study: Snowmobiles 'big polluters' in Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen's air pollution during peak snowmobile season in spring is 100 times higher than during the summer, making it comparable to a large European city, according to a new study. But most of it is caused by older machines not expected to be in wide use for long.
Former governor returning to post this fall
Odd Olsen Ingerø, 58, has been named Svalbard's new governor for a three-year term starting on an undetermined date later this year. He served in the same position from 2001 to 2005 before becoming head of Norway's criminal police department.
• Early voting starts for national election; Svalbard residents must cast ballot by Sept. 4
A beach, a bonfire, a BBQ, bikinis - and goose bumps
Inger-Johanne Mørk, 15, goes swimming at the beach once a year - after getting two months to soak up continuous sunlight and another two months to dry out before it sets.
High and hardcore
For Heidi Merethe Lian, it was an evening of pleasant music and an opportunity to dig out the vintage wardrobe. Y'know, the spiked necklace, skull-and-crossbones accessories and ankle-length black denim coat with a black metal band moniker on back.
One of longest helicopter rescues ever saves Greenland man
One of the longest helicopter rescues in history ended successfully Saturday when Svalbard officials flew more than 2,200 kilometers to evacuate a seriously ill 35-year-old man from an expedition on the northern tip of Greenland.
Festival on the rocks
Åsmund Prytz's band seized an invitation to play in the inaugural Spitsbergen Rock festival without the usual debate, but one of their stage trademarks may be hard to deliver.
Captain, first mate sentenced for roles in Bear Island shipwreck
The captain of a Russian ship that ran aground in a Svalbard bird sanctuary was sentenced last week to 18 days in prison and his first mate 40 days for drinking alcohol and other negligence on duty.
More ship accidents in store?
There's a bounty of riches awaiting in the melting waters of the Arctic, but native dwellers may pay the ultimate price as increased traffic means a greater risk of incidents like a Russian ship that ran aground and spilled oil in a Svalbard bird sanctuary earlier this month.
Sweets, salutes and song
 Important as honoring soldiers and children on the national holiday may be, the highlight for some Norwegians this year was a young violinist's "Fairytale."
Feeling a rush to mush
It seems this whole "world's northernmost" thing is really going to the dogs. Groans aside, Svalbard added another category to its lengthy list of such distinctions with the inaugural Trappers' Trail dog sled race Saturday.
Trash cleanup to bring lucky few to Spitsbergen's north shore
It's not hard to imagine the ecstasy of a garbage man winning the lottery. But how about winning the lottery to be a garbage man? For those living in Svalbard, that can also be a dream come true.
Postal error causes customs fees to be sought in Svalbard
Those receiving parcels by mail in Svalbard are erroneously being asked to pay customs fees before the packages are sent from the mainland due an error in new regulations implemented by Norway's postal service, officials said.
Slower, more strenuous tourism season forecast
The North Pole is melting and Svalbard ranks as a top-10 travel destination this year, but there's still going to be a rare decline in tourists this year and operators are working harder to please them.
Arctic tourism promotions go extreme
Feeling guilty you can afford an expensive vacation in a recession? Help save a endangered animal in the Arctic. Tired of feeling guilty? Shoot it.
Making changes to stay the same
Norway's government likes what Svalbard has become, but has serious concerns about where it may be going. Those conclusions are in a long-term policy outline for the archipelago released Friday. The 121-page "white paper" states coal mining should continue and will likely remain the region's dominant economic base for some time, but the growth of tourism, education and research are helping ensure long-term economic and social development.
• Download an English summary of the report
• View a computer translation of the full report (some grammar and wording may be incorrect)
Is the seed vault turning us all into ice zombies?
Thomas Zimmerman didn't have what it took to be a Nazi, but turning into an ice zombie overnight in Longyearbyen was no problem. So he joined others volunteering to act in "The Nighmare Of Noah," a film scheduled for completion this year questioning the role of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
High life, low crime
More than 2,500 people are listed as living in Svalbard for the first time in more than a decade, with those not registered as residents of Norway's mainland accounting for the increase. And if anyone got a traffic ticket, it was big news.
Sunny days in Svalbard again
The day, truth be told, wasn't all that different. The skies were overcast and Longyearbyen was already getting more than 12 hours a day of "twilight," exceeding the sunrise/sunset duration in New York City. Even during a mass gathering at the penultimate moment of the first dawn after a four-month polar night, a scattering of people said they didn't feel a magic transformation.
Airship museum takes flight
The first successful flight over the North Pole wasn't exactly a rousing PR success due to an aborted mission, squabbling over credit and a subsequent trips that resulted in deaths and disgrace. A new museum in Longyearbyen is trying to present what it calls the full version of an often overlooked and inaccurate story, along with the history of other Arctic airship expeditions.
• Museum web site
Review: Tur an improvisational showcase that demands focus
"I don’t find two sips of wine more delicious than one," a fictional assassin tells his nemesis, who's uncomfortable with his host's relative sobriety at a dinner where they sample many bottles. It's a mentality listeners of a new album by a collection of northern Norway musicians should adopt as its improvisational energy is expressed in a multitude of ways that's anything but comfortable.
Seeds of hope, concern after vault's first year
As birthday parties go, it's something of a downer when the conversation is about getting people to worry about a food crisis a century from now when paying for groceries today is a struggle.
• A seedy birthday party in Svalbard
• Really, really against the seed vault
Column
What IS this thing?
You're holding – probably at arm's length – the premier issue of the world's northernmost alternative newspaper. It's certifiable as a collector's item, worthy of space next to the George W. Bush action figure and David Beckham L.A. Galaxy jersey on the shelf.
Blogging Svalbard
Lots of people have blogs, personal sites and forums about Svalbard, the polar regions and other chilly matters. Their rants and ruminations will be noted and commented on our companion blog at http://coolestnewsonearth.blogspot.com/. The blog also serves as a dumping ground for the internal workings happening (or not) at icepeople, plus whatever other verbiage is deemed unworthy of actual ink. Next scheduled print issue is May 18, 2010
|
Where light and dark are the same
Anyone can point out the differences between near and far, science and art, or darkness and light. Catrin Andersson is pointing out the similarities.
Look, but don't touch the bears
Confrontations between polar bears and humans in Svalbard are declining, and fewer visitors are heading into the wilds uninformed. But better education of tourists is still needed as some groups are exposing themselves to danger more than others.
A win-win ski race
That "everybody who finishes is a winner" banality gets condescending by about the age of 6, but it's more true than most races when it comes to the Svalbard Skimarathon.
Springing into racing season
Dogs and coal miners got their chance to compete on long courses; now ski marathoners get their turn.
 (Not quite) seeing the light
The shivering masses shouted their welcomes and the lyrics of "Here Comes The Sun" cut through the wind in the final seconds before the anointed moment at 12:18 p.m.
Interactive Svalbard topo maps go online
A new online interactive map of Svalbard offering views of more than 30 kinds of data – all at once, if so desired – is being offered by the Norwegian Polar Institute. Users can view the entire archipelago or specific areas in precise topographical detail, along with information such as where walruses rest and oil exploration is occurring.
Airport among world's weirdest
Travelers can't play golf between the runways and there's no danger of high tide washing planes off a sand runway into the sea. But it seems flying into Svalbard is just as weird.
Frigid festival a hot ticket
All advance tickets and passes for this year's Polarjazz festival sold out in record time, leaving only a few performances away from the main venue open to listeners hoping to buy tickets at the door.
No malls, but plenty of holiday tussle
Standing outside a door for hours and then trampling your fellow man for cheap TV sets on Black Friday signals the beginning of the Christmas season in certain parts of the world. In Svalbard, where malls are scarce and blackness reigns much longer, grand bargains give way to holiday exertions decidedly less combative in nature.
Polar night brings an appetite for art
Paintings and music nourish the soul, but there's also something to be said about art that illuminates the palate.
An artful start for long night
Sabine Popp came to Svalbard to find tales of life in places of darkness and isolation. So when she enters, say, a decaying cabin filled with trash it really is a treasure.
Sellout or not, a big experience
One great thing about inviting 85 musicians and their families to a festival is there's guaranteed to be an audience.
New big band fest not a 'big' big band fest
The plan is to start small, but just the concept of a big band festival makes that kind of difficult.
Spending change to bring change
There's a boutique open for a few hours a couple of days each week. And the dumpsters. But for the most part secondhand bargain hunting in Longyearbyen is out of season.
CARE bills Greenpeace, looks ahead to next events
Fundraisers say they lost 20,000 kroner to help impoverished women when Svalbard's governor was forced to cancel a day washing cars so he could deal with the Greenpeace protest at Svea.
Showing CARE from far away
Svalbard is about as far as you can get from the impoverished women who are the focus of a global aid program, but residents are again making extra efforts to bridge the distance with support.
Youths face off on the mat as martial arts instructors look for new recruits during the Longyearbyen community activity fair Sept. 3 in Svalbardhallen. Activities including shooting, golf, choir, climbing and team sports are being offered as fall and darkness approaches. More information is available at svalbardturn.no.
'This Is Svalbard' report: Young, wise, wealthy and scooter nuts
High income, low crime and more than one snowmobile in every garage. What more could a person want? Maybe a garage, for starters.
EXCLUSIVE: Free album download
A 17-day trek with a mid-trip gig
Runners hardly expect to post record times during the North Pole Marathon, so Maarten Regtien deserves some slack if he wasn't at his peak coming straight to the piano after an eight-day trek in the Arctic cold.
Store Norske facing deep cuts, layoffs
Sharply lower coal prices and demand are forcing Store Norske into immediate and longer-term layoffs and restructuring, with local officials saying they're uncertain of the impact as they reassess a potentially significant blow to Longyearbyen's economic base.
Starting early on arts of darkness
It's never too early to start thinking about celebrating Longyearbyen's plunge into total darkness. Organizers are already announcing preliminary plans for KunstPause Svalbard, an annual event highlighting local art, taking place this year Nov. 12-15.
New bird observatory attracts traffic
Given that Svalbard is one of the most pristine areas in the world, you wouldn't think one of its best bird-watching spots is a place with lots of vehicles and sewage.
Selling ice to Arctic dwellers proves easy at new kiosk
It's not like there's a shortage of slush in Longyearbyen, but Gry Sneltuedt found herself overwhelmed by demand for it anyhow, churning out 90 liters of a sugar-infused variety from a new machine the first day her Mix Isbjørn kiosk opened in a new and larger location in Lompensenteret.
Challenges in Spitsbergen Marathon go beyond distance
Running a marathon ought to be achievement enough. Especially when challenges like a lengthy trip to the end of the Earth, snow in June and rifle-clad race officials on ATVs watching for polar bears are added.
• Women's winner: Marathon at 78°N a tough act to follow
• Race site and results
Mush a rush despite brush with slush
Sled dog racing started in Svalbard not with a bang or much ballyhoo, but plenty of barks.
Going on a late ski spree
As ski resorts elsewhere were closing down, Svalbard's snow bums were just getting off to the races and lifts.
Healer returns for a spring at the alter
 Maybe it's just a temp gig in the pulpit, but Magne Klingsheim has a lifetime of genes - and jeans - befitting a spiritual healer in a rugged environment.
Svalbard Skimarathon on Saturday
The 16th annual Svalbard Skimarathon, the world's northernmost cross-country ski race, is Saturday beginning at Mine 6.
An ode to blubber concrete
When you're the world's northernmost rock band there's little use for wasting lyrics on "struggles" other acts find "substance" in like bad relationships and drug trips. Especially when your forefathers were boiling whale blubber in a settlement so miserable prisoners refused to spend a season working there instead of serving a life sentence.
• Web bonus: Download "Sysselmannen" MP3 from Schmeerenburgh's Longyear Brenner EP
• Videos, photos and strange tales from the road at Schmeerenburgh's homepage
What's up
April 25
-6 p.m.: Movie: "The Fantastic Mikkel Rev," U.S. animation/comedy with Norwegian subtitles, ages 7 and up. Huset.
- 8 p.m.: Movie: "Breakup," French drama, ages 15 and up. Huset.
April 27
- 10 a.m.: Administation Committee meeting, Næringsbygget 1, Tundra room.
April 28
- 7:30 p.m.: Concert by Jørun Bøgeberg Trio, featuring a blend of country, folks, rock, blues and other styles. Tickets sold at the door. Galleri Svalbard.
May 2
- 11 a.m.: Liturgy. Svalbard Church.
-
8 p.m.: Movie: "En Helt Vanlig Dag på Jobben," Norwegian comedy/drama, all ages. Huset.
May 6
- 2 p.m.: Board of cultural and leisure meeting. Næringsbygget, Tundra room.
- Board of City Operation Authority meeting. Time not specified. Næringsbygget, Smutthullet room.
May 7
- 9 p.m.: Board of growing enterprises meeting. Næringsbygget, Tundra room.
May 9
- 11 a.m.: Liturgy. Svalbard Church.
May 11
- 7 p.m.: Meeting of the local board. Lompensenteret, Mediateket.
May 12
- 7 p.m.: Presentation by filmmaker and author Jan Anders Diesen on Roald Amundsen's South Pole expedition. Radisson. |
|
Russian mayor who escaped trawling charges in Svalbard faces charges in homeland
Arctic expedition a draining experience for South Molton adventurer
Wounded soldiers seek to become first amputees to make unsupported trek to North Pole
Should future U.S. Supreme Court members be raised in Svalbard?
North Pole hike called 'unworldly' adventure
First hole in North Pole ice drilled by explorers
more...
Inside the 'other' doomsday seed vault in India
Cambridge Bay still hopes to get scientific, economic benefits of Nunavut Arctic research center
BP's secrecy keeping facts on gulf spill from public view
U.S. doubts global emission targets in climate deal
Earth records warmest April ever
NASA scientist urges Norway to pull out of Albert's 'destructive' oilsands
Alaska lawmakers united in support of Shell's Arctic drilling, despite spill
Quest for oil leaves a trail of destruction across the globe
more...
View top news
|
