it gets even more interesting, i was reading maxim(the sarah michelle gellar cover), and it seems the straight that would make a quick shipping route way up north is finally thawing enough to allow thru way traffic, resulting in a political stance who owns it, it seems canada and russia have the strongest claims thus far, but some seem to think the eu will get involved soon.
i couldn't find the maxim article on line, but this will do.
Martech Polar - Polar News
i suppose they're all just reminiscening about a time there was more ice up there?