The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey.
Alaska Christian College.
Start working on dinner.
Israel.
Musk ox! It’s about freaking time! They’re on a slow, multi-century path at the Musk Ox Farm.
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree.
What charity or cause are you passionate about?
St. Baldrick’s [foundation for childhood cancer research]. I actually shaved my head when I was a kid.
Is there a skill you’re currently developing or have always wanted to learn?
Printmaking… I’ve already bought the printmaking kit. I’m going to start small.
What vacation spot is on your bucket list?
New Zealand.
If you could domesticate a wild animal, what animal would it be?
Honey badger.
Off the Cuff
lifelong interest in chemistry led JR Wilcox to study at UAF to become an environmental chemist, aiding oil and gas companies in regulatory compliance. Better, he thought, than pursuing nanotechnology in hot, humid Texas or doctoral research in atmospheric chemistry.
An industry shakeup in 2009 opened a niche for Wilcox to create Cook Inlet Energy, soon acquired by Miller Energy Resources and dissolved in bankruptcy court. Still, the experience set Wilcox on the path to establish Baxter Senior Living, Quantum Laundry, and a project that broke ground in May: Alyeschem, the first petrochemical plant on the North Slope.
By the way, “JR” doesn’t stand for anything, he says, but Wilcox stands for this: The North Slope has long-term potential, so it needs long-term infrastructure.
JR Wilcox: Cross-country skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.
AB: Is there a skill you’re currently developing or have always wanted to learn?
Wilcox: I would like to speak Russian better.
AB: What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
Wilcox: When I worked maintaining weather towers… There was one outside of Endicott, and I had to fix a windspeed sensor when the chill factor was -100°F.
AB: What are you superstitious about?
Wilcox: No, not a superstitious guy.
AB: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
Wilcox: Bear Tooth.
AB: Dead or alive, who would you like to see perform live in concert?
Wilcox: I had tickets to the White Stripes concert when they were coming to Anchorage, and Meg threw in the towel… I’ve always felt cheated, so I’d put Meg and Jack back together.
AB: What’s your greatest extravagance?
Wilcox: Um, I went to Tokyo with my wife for her fortieth birthday… I don’t know if that counts.
AB: What’s your best attribute and worst attribute?
Wilcox: Good at thinking of creative solutions to things? And worst attribute is, uh… I can get impatient.
