VOL. 116 NO. 8 Aug 12 26 10 Features 12 l Innovation Nation Cutting-edge ideas, people and trends 26 l Thor Without Borders Thor Heyerdahl steered his own creative course Departments 4 l Velkommen Simplifying Our Dues Structure 7 l Nordic Life 10 l Finance Bridging the Gap 32 l Member Matters 36 l District Happenings 44 l In Loving Memory 46 l Ambassador's Insights Cover photography by Fernando Volken Togni The mission of Sons of Norway is to promote and to preserve the heritage and culture of Norway, to celebrate our relationship with other Nordic countries, and provide quality insurance and financial products to our members. * Sons of Norways misjon er å fremme og ivareta norske kulturtradisjoner, å feire vårt forhold til andre nordiske land og samtidig tilby de beste forsikrings- og finansprodukter til våre medlemmer. PHOTOS BY (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) DAVID B. TORCH / THE NEW YORK TIMES, SHUTTERSTOCK, MICHEL LIPCHITZ / ASSOCIATED PRESS (BOTTOM LEFT) 2019