The Copenhagen Post, June 24-30

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Perched in surroundings that could be out of a Karin Blixen novel, the elegant Hotel Hornbækhus is a hidden gem not to be spurned

With Africa charging ahead into green transition, Denmark remains poised to contribute with its expertise and technology

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DANISH NEWS IN ENGLISH VOL 19 ISSUE 24

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CPHPOST.DK 24 - 30 June 2016

NEWS Sydhavn school may have a water safety problem

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NEWS

KEEP YOUR HAND ON THE PRIZE

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Earning their keep Denmark heading for another EU dust up over benefits

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German traffic to frustrate vacationing Danes SHIFA RAHAMAN

H NEWS Uncover some royal secrets in the city’s latest treasure hunt

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INOUT

Celebrating 400 years Hamlet returns home to Elsinore Castle

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smooth sailing might just want to prepare for the worst, reports Ekstrabladet.

Border controls and road work TWO MAIN reasons for the situation are the newly introduced border checks, and roadwork on the stretch of highway from the

northern part of Autobahn A7 to well past Hamburg. Some predictions say that the 166 km between Flensburg and Hamburg may take up to eight hours to traverse. ADAC recommends that Danes avoid travelling over the weekends in July as traffic will be at its worst then. Other recommendations are to avoid driving during rush hour times and to plan alternative routes over Autobahn A9 instead of Autobahn A7.

Nordea capital bomb

Danish UN sales way up

Busting backhanded banks

NORDEA has underestimated the amount risk in its corporate lending to the tune of some 30 – 60 billion kroner, according to the Swedish newspaper, Svenska Dagbladet. According to the report, the note suggests that if Nordea deliberately underestimated the risk in its lending, there could be a major scandal brewing for the embattled Nordic bank.

DANISH companies selling to the UN organisations such as Unicef, UNDP and WHO have seen a 33 percent increase in sales compared to last year. Danish companies sold for about 3.7 billion kroner to the UN last year and Denmark has now jumped from ninth to seventh in the world in terms of being a UN distributor. The UN’s total procurement budget is at about 113 billion kroner.

THE FINANCIAL supervisory authority Finanstilsynet (FSA), in connection with its ‘Panama Papers’ investigation, is asking eight banks for an explanation of activities that hint at their possible involvement in money laundering and tax evasion. The government told parliament that they are looking to bring anyone found to have violated the law to justice.

OPE FOR the best but definitely prepare for the worst Things are not looking good for the million Danes who are hoping to drive through Germany en route to their European vacation spots this summer. The German motorist organization, ADAC’s, 2016 traffic forecast makes for frightening reading and Danes hoping for

Bottleneck ADAC, which continually monitors the traffic situation on German roads, has warned Danes to factor in more time than they think they’re going to need driving through Germany. “Traffic over the summer will be heavy this year. There are over 500 road work projects currently in progress on major German

Shipping firms reported FIVE INTERNATIONAL shipping companies have recently been reported to the Ministry of Environment and Food for flouting regulations that relate to the levels of sulfur in fuel used by ships. Samples of the fuel used by the companies contained levels of sulfur well in excess of regulations – anywhere from 20 percent in excess of the set limit to nine times over the limit.

roads,” said Diana Sprung, from ADAC’s press office. Combined with the high density of cars seen especially from mid-July to mid-August, ADAC recommend that drivers factor in significantly more drive-time.

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THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

24 - 30 June 2016

Parents say playground at new school in Copenhagen is unsafe

ONLINE THIS WEEK

JJW ARCHITECTS

Police raid Pusher Street COPENHAGEN police continued their efforts to slow down the cannabis trade in the socalled free town of Christiania over the weekend. A total of 37 stalls were removed, and police seized five kilos of hashish, four kilos of skunk, a knife, three cans of pepper spray and some fireworks. Four men were detained.

CPH to recycle bio-waste CITY HALL is looking into whether all households should be obligated to sort out and recycle their biodegradable waste, or whether the municipality should invest in an innovative solution that would convert bio-waste from some households into bio-gas, while it would be obligatory for other households to recycle. Parents are concerned that there is no fence between the school and the water

Downpour floods roads A NUMBER of main roads in Copenhagen were flooded following the heavy rain that hit the capital on Thursday. Police said the sewers were been unable to handle the increased water volume and drivers were urged to stay away from a number of roads, including Tuborgvej by Ryvangs Allé, Lersø Park Allé and Dalgas Boulevard.

Playground built next to the harbour has no fence between children and two-metre deep water

“Imagine how that will play out in the winter when the water is icy and kids are wearing heavy winter gear.”

RAY WEAVER

An expat problem? HARRINGTON said that parents have been informing the municipality of their concerns for nearly a year, and the response has been to “stop worrying so much”. Part of the problem, Harrington continued, is that some city officials seem to consider the whole thing more of a case of overprotective foreign parents than a real danger. “A city official I spoke with yesterday morning literally told me that foreigners ‘don’t understand water’ the way that Danes do,” said Harrington. However, some Danish parents with children attending the school have also expressed concern about the lack of fenc-

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COPENHAGEN’S deputy mayor for health, Ninna Thomsen has vowed to look into the possibility of banning all bodyshaming advertisements in Copenhagen. The deputy mayor will look into guidelines for ads displayed in Copenhagen and stressed a need to represent a diverse range of bodies in the media.

ARENTS with children attending both the European School and the Danish section of the award-winning Skole in Sydhavn would not give any awards away for the design of the school’s playground. The school is built on the harbour, and the play area in question – where children as young as 5-years-old will be spending their free time, often unsupervised – runs up to the water’s edge, with only a small bulwark between the kids and an unexpected swim. “There is no safety rail or anything else to prevent a child from falling in,” said Professor Brooke Harrington, a Sydhavn parent.

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ing between the playground and the water.

should and should not do,” she said.

Learning by doing? THE SCHOOL prides itself on its natural and maritime profile, and takes the position that it is part of a student’s education to learn how to be safe around the water with no fences to give what it calls “a false sense of security”. “All of the children know where the bulwark is,” said Morten Biering, the school’s head teacher. “We work from the idea that there is a mental fence in the heads of the children that they understand.” Pia Allerslev, Copenhagen’s deputy mayor for children and youth thinks the design of the school is just fine as is. “For me, this is a way for children to learn how to be close to water and what they

Unequal education HARRINGTON said that logic does not apply to the students at the European School at Sydhavn. “While the students at the Skole in Sydhavn get schoolsponsored swimming and water safety training, the children of the European School receive no swimming or water safety training from the school,” said Harrington. “The idea of putting fences ‘in the minds of the children’ simply does not apply to a large segment of the children attending the school.” The parents involved say that they will continue to press the school and the municipality for greater safety measures to prevent children from falling in the water.

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24 - 30 June 2016

EU citizens face benefits dilemma ISTOCK

Denmark on another collision course with the EU over a social benefits issue CHRISTIAN WENANDE

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HE DANISH government is working on a proposal that would make it more difficult for EU citizens to receive social benefits in Denmark. According to Kristian Jensen, the foreign minister, EU citizens should be forced to earn the right to benefits by working for a period of time. “I think it’s only fair for there to be earning requirements in order to obtain social benefits,” Jensen told Jyllands-Posten newspaper. “I think it will foster a better understanding in Denmark for labour being dynamic and something that moves around.” In the pipeline JENSEN lamented an earlier EU decision that ruled the Danish earning principle for the child

ONLINE THIS WEEK

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FULL STORIES AT CPHPOST.DK

US link supported

Lethal Canada fall

DENMARK’S close alliance with the US has the backing of the majority of its citizens, according to a Megafon survey. The survey showed that 64 percent of Danes either ‘completely agreed’ or ‘predominantly agreed’ that Denmark’s close relationship with the US was critical to the nation’s welfare and security. Just 14 percent said they ‘completely disagreed’ or ‘predominantly disagreed’.

A 30-YEAR-OLD woman who was part of a group of 20 Danish teachers, instructors and guides lost her footing on slippery terrain and fell to her death near Azure Lake in British Columbia in Canada. Canadian police reported that at about 4 pm last Friday the woman fell about five metres and due to nightfall, rescue efforts could not start until the next morning.

Take more refugees, Europe Murder in Medellín

Foreigners may have to ‘earn’ their keep

allowance benefit, ‘børnecheck’, was against EU legislation. The European Commission ruled in 2013 that all EU citizens should be entitled to the quarterly child support benefit as soon as they are legally registered in the country.

The government has yet to reveal a specific proposal regarding social benefits for migrant and expat workers in Denmark, but aside from the child allowance, the unemployment benefits ‘kontanthjælp’ and ‘dagpenge’ are also part of the plans.

COPENHAGEN POST

THE FORMER Danish PM Helle Thorning-Schmidt’s new position as head of the international charitable organization, Save the Children, seems to have softened her stance on immigration issues. Though her government sought to tighten Denmark’s asylum laws, Thorning-Schmidt now believes Europe has the capacity to accept a further one million refugees.

A 41-YEAR-OLD Danish freelance journalist met with an unfortunate end in the Colombian city of Medellín while on holiday last Thursday. Tomas Willemoes, was walking home after having purchased groceries when he was shot at close range a few blocks away from Parque Lleras, the city’s central square popular with tourists. Police have yet to identify the killer or the motive.

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THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

24 - 30 June 2016

Studying in Denmark: The simple life or a tough nut to crack? International students weigh in on their experiences, the Danes and life in Denmark KIMMIN JUNG

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NOTHER year is coming to a close for Denmark’s university students, but for many exchange and inter-

national students, it is not just the end of a semester, but the final chapter of their memorable time abroad. Few are likely to forget their time in the happiest nation in the world and Denmark has been attracting more international attention and curiosity in recent years.

We decided to take a moment to hear what some students had to say about their stay in Denmark, and to see the country through their eyes.

DAVID SCHWEIGER EMILY HEYWARD Nationality: New Zealander Studies: Corporate Communication at Danish School of Media and Journalism in Copenhagen

WHY DID YOU COME TO DENMARK?

I received a scholarship to study in Copenhagen for a semester. My decision was also influenced greatly by the open-minded and accepting culture that exists in Denmark in regards to the LGBT community. I was in the process of coming out and was seeking a place to escape to so the combination of these factors impacted my decision to come to Denmark.

WHAT WERE YOUR EXPECTATIONS OF DENMARK AND HOW WERE THEY MET?

I thought Danes would be friendlier based upon the ‘happiest nation in the world’ notion. However I have discovered that the Danes are reasonably reserved so making Danish friends has been more difficult than I had previously imagined.

WHAT ABOUT DENMARK HAS SURPRISED YOU?

I can’t quite get over how it is completely normal to have a beer at lunch time and how everyone goes to parks and cemeteries to drink. Yet despite the excessive drinking and smoking, people seem to be super healthy and fit. I was initially surprised at the number of people cycling and running around in tight lycra, even in the depressing winter months. That’s another thing, the grey clouds seemed like that were never going to dissipate – it must be their Viking history giving them the strength to endure the long winters. I’m not sure how else they can get through it year after year. I didn’t expect it to be gloomy every single day. However, it feels like a whole new city during the spring and summer months – something that I am loving!

Nationality: German Studies: Global Development at the University of Copenhagen)

I HEARD YOU ARE STUDYING DANISH?

Danes speak perfect English. Initially, it didn’t seem too appealing to learn Danish except for the purpose of integration into the culture and country, and for the purpose of developing a sense of belonging to something that extends beyond a handful of human relations. In fact, it’s obviously useful and I guess at some point inevitable.

WHAT HAVE YOU NOTICED ABOUT DANISH CULTURE AFTER BEING ABLE TO SPEAK THE LANGUAGE?

Danes, when you come from the US or the UK, may seem decidedly less formally polite – there are fewer expressions for ‘please’ – so when Danes ask for something, they say ‘can I have this? Thanks’. To the non-Dane, including me, it sometimes seems rude. And yet they are not unfriendly or impolite people.

ANY INTERESTING DIFFERENCES YOU HAVE NOTICED IN DENMARK COMPARED TO GERMANY?

One important difference for me would be interactions with public officials. My experience with public officials, not including the police, in Germany has been 85 - 90 percent negative, but in Denmark that has not been the case. Overwhelmingly, I have been met with friendly faces, postive attitudes and good experiences overall.

WHERE IS HOME FOR YOU?

It took me a long time to get used to Copenhagen, especially since I came from a life-changing experience in London. But once I settled in, I really started to appreciate it. I love how easy it is to cycle everywhere. I feel at home here now. I didn’t know I would like Copenhagen this much before I arrived and Copenhagen has, in a way, replaced the feeling I had for London.

JOCELYN PORTER Nationality: American Studies: TV Journalism and Foreign reporting at the Danish School of Media and Journalism in Aarhus

WHAT DID YOU KNOW ABOUT DENMARK BEFORE ARRIVING AND HOW WERE THOSE EXPECTATIONS MET?

I didn’t really know a lot about Denmark. I heard that it was pretty cold.

WHAT ARE THE INTERESTING DIFFERENCES YOU HAVE NOTICED BETWEEN THE US AND DENMARK?

In Denmark a lot of people bike, in all types of weather, whereas at home people are more prone to drive or take public transportation. A lot of the people I have met here don’t even have cars, which is so bizarre to me.

HAVE YOU ENDURED ANY CULTURE SHOCKS?

One of my friends pointed out to that Danes tend to be very reserved. At the introduction meeting for Danish lessons the lady said Danes are like coconuts that are difficult to crack. I went to a football game that had a concert at the beginning, and none of the people sang or clapped although the singer was trying to get them to participate. At home people dance, sing and clap. at concerts or whenever music comes on, but here they don’t.

WHAT WILL YOU MISS WHEN YOU GO HOME?

Cinnamon snail pastries. Definitely. I have fallen in love with them and don’t know what I will do when I have to go back to the regular cinnamon rolls at home. I really like this country and Aarhus is a great city to live in. I wouldn’t trade these past five months for anything and I will probably come back to Denmark in the future. I will also miss their obsession with pizza. There is a local pizza joint on every corner. At home we have more chains, but I love how it is here.

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24 - 30 June 2016

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YEEUN PARK Nationality: South Korean Studies: Teaching Education at University College Capital in Copenhagen

WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND YOUR DECISION TO COME TO DENMARK?

MANABU MASUDA Nationality: Japanese Studies: Dentistry at Aarhus University

If I had followed my plan, I would have been a teacher by now, but I felt I wasn’t quite ready. Since north Europe’s education system is considered advanced, I had a high expectations. I was also curious about Denmark because it is often referred to as the happiest nation. There are a lot of reasons that make it difficult for South Korean students to be happy, but the reality is that I could see that the Danish educational system has its own problems.

WHAT IS INTERESTING ABOUT THE DANISH EDUCATION SYSTEM?

I do research in Orofacial pain and Denmark is advanced in this field, so coming here to study was a good fit.

The respect teachers and students have for each other and classes being conducted on the basis that students and teachers are on the same level. It made me feel that teachers have a great trust in students. Students are also not afraid to ask questions.

WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING ASPECT OF DANISH SOCIETY?

WHAT ARE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESS OF THE DANISH EDUCATION SYSTEM?

WHAT LED YOU TO COME TO DENMARK TO STUDY?

I feel Danes are very humane. They are willing to go to great lengths to help others and they are happy to do so. In Japan, people are ‘too busy’, and overwhelmed by what they are expected to do. They don’t have the time to help others. Danes seem to have more room in their minds to help others. Compared to Danes, the Japanese tend to be told what one shouldn’t do instead of being praised about what they could do. It is not always negative, but it gradually discourages people from having space in their minds for others.

YOUR RESEARCH INVOLVES WORK, HOW DOES THE WORK CULTURE HERE DIFFER FROM JAPAN?

What surprised me at work is that people go home at five. I think Danes consider time with family very important. As a human and a family man, I think it is so important. However, when it comes to the amount of work, maybe Japanese do more. Of course it depends on the person, but actually I think the Japanese have too much on their plate.

HOW WAS THE EXPERIENCE OVERALL?

I would say my decision to come to Denmark was the best choice I have made in my life. I can say that this year in Denmark has changed how I think and helped me grow as an individual.

Freedom is the Danish education’s greatest strength but simultaneously also its weakness. For instance, students have the right to choose whether to attend the class or not. In South Korea, a phone call would be made to check, but in Denmark, classes begin before it is checked who is present. Also, some classes in Danish schools are conducted via iPad and ThinkPad, but control over their use was not always well regulated, so they were often used for other purposes. Some teachers were afraid of students disliking them and others argued it was the students’ choice, so they did nothing about it. Of course students’ choices are important but I believe teachers also have a responsibility.

WHAT CAN SOUTH KOREA LEARN FROM THE DANISH EDUCATION SYSTEM?

I feel Danish students think deeply. This is because they are used to sharing and expressing their own opinions, compared to the more indoctrination-based style of education in South Korea. I envy this aspect of the Danish system. I believe helping students to think on their own is more useful in current society. Knowledge is already on the internet. The ability to think is unique to humans and not something that can be replaced or simulated.

FARAH HANY TAWFEEK Nationality: Egyptian Studies: TV journalism and Foreign reporting at the Danish School of Media and Journalism in Aarhus

SOME PEOPLE SAY THAT DANES ARE NOT AS FRIENDLY AS THEY HAD IMAGINED, BUT YOU SAY YOU LIKE THAT?

Everyone is really friendly in Egypt but when you live there, you will realise sometimes that it can be suffocating and a little too much. So I enjoy the private space people give each other here. Danes are very helpful but you have to ask for help, they don’t approach you which I find rather comforting.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT DENMARK?

I enjoy the nature here because Egypt has a desert climate. I really like how the lifestyle here is generally less stressful.

HOW DO YOU FEEL WRAPPING UP YOUR SEMESTER HERE?

I don’t want to go home. I am excited to finish my university work and enjoy my vacation but I want to spend it in Denmark. I feel like I belong here, that I fit nicely with the system and even the culture, even though I don’t drink.

HOW HAS DENMARK CHANGED YOU?

Denmark is where I realised my true potential – that I am capable of taking care of myself and living alone. In Egypt, you never get the experience of living alone because it is something society frowns upon, but Denmark has provided me with that opportunity.

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NEWS

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

ONLINE THIS WEEK Fewer Bullied EDUCATION minister Ellen Trane Nørby held a meeting with educational experts and children’s organisations on Tuesday as part of the government’s anti-bullying efforts. A recent report on the situation has revealed that while the number of children being bullied in Danish schools is down, one in five is still targeted.

Bornholm access IT SHOULD be easier to travel to and from Bornholm. That is the message Ystad Port director Björn Boström had for both Swedish and Danish politicians as this year’s Folkemødet wrapped up. About 96 percent of all travellers to and from Bornholm make the trip through Sweden and sail from Ystad Harbour to Rønne.

Summer comeback FOR THE first time in about two weeks, daytime temperatures in Denmark will once again feel summer-like. A warm front slowly moving in from the south and southwest will send temperatures in some places up to 25 degrees. While the last time the weather was so warm was June 7, the warm temperatures do not guarantee sunny skies.

24 - 30 June 2016

Masses flock to Bornholm for Folkemødet “We are all Bornholmers this weekend” said Lars Løkke Rasmussen RAY WEAVER

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ENMARK’S annual political extravaganza, Folkemødet, was an idea posited by the culture minister, Bertel Haarder in 2011. Five years later and the ‘People’s Meeting’ just keeps getting bigger. The 2016 edition was the largest ever, despite a downpour of biblical proportions putting a damper on some of the close to 3,000 events that took place in and around Allinge. Some 30,000 people descended every day on Allinge Harbour to attend the events and over 160 tonnes of cement was trucked in to secure the hundreds of tents dotting the area.

Lars weighs in IN KEEPING with tradition, Bornholm Mayor Winni Grosbøll took the stage first at the opening of Folkemødet 2016. Keynote speaker was none other than Prime Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen. As he took the stage, the PM took a photo of the crowd with his mobile phone. “You know how it is these days,” he quipped. “If it is not on Twitter or Instagram, it didn’t happen.” Not just for politicians BUT WHAT began as a meeting for political debate has spiralled into far greater now and hundreds of NGOs and other organisations were there desperately trying to get their message heard above the noise Børnehjælpsdagen is one

such organisation and it has banded together with three other organisations to shed light on the plight of socially exposed children who have been denied culturally normal interactions with the rest of society. Børnehjælpsdagen has a unique approach for getting kids who may not be accustomed to expressing their thoughts to open up. “We ask them about their dreams,” said Ida Lissau Jacobsen, a volunteer for Børnehjælpsdagen. “The things they wish for.” “Some of the children we work with come from environments filled with violence or sexual abuse. That they can still sit down and say ‘I want to do this with my life’ is pretty amazing,” she said.

Danish government agrees that circumcision is a human right No legislation will be passed on the issue CHRISTIAN WENANDE

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by a doctor,” Jane Heitman, a spokesperson for government party Venstre, told Metroxpress newspaper.

“Venstre doesn’t want a ban on circumcision, but it is paramount to us that the practice is in line with Danish law and that it is performed by a doctor”

is a doctor present in the room. It can take place anywhere. About 1,000 to 2,000 boys are circumcised in Denmark every year – primarily the children of Muslim and Jewish parents. The circumcision of girls is strictly prohibited in Denmark and can lead to a prison sentence.

ONLINE THIS WEEK Anaesthesia shortfall PATIENTS waiting for operations in hospitals in Denmark face further delays due to hospitals nearly running out of the doctors’ preferred anaesthesia. The hospitals are low on the favoured anaesthesia brand Ultiva due to production issues in Italy. Alternative anaesthesias are being used, but patients on Ultiva wake up faster.

Going the distance THE GOVERNMENT has suggested that the unemployed should look for work across the country and relocate if it means getting a job. Venstre suggested changing the current rules that only require the job seekers to look for jobs within a threehour radius from their homes. Instead, the party would like them to look for work further afield if necessary.

Organic farming boost THE BLUE bloc parties are ready to invest 310 million kroner to support Danish farmers in their efforts to expand their organic food production or to help them convert to organic farming. Since the 1990s, the state has received about 200 applications for organic farming subsidies annually, but interest took off last year with 1,028 applications.

A 29-YEAR-OLD man from Haderslev is facing possible jail time for making threats against Konservative MP Mai Mercado. The threats were made on Facebook last Friday, after Mercado expressed her satisfaction with police action against cannabis sales in Christiania. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Wednesday.

ESPITE the vast majority of the Danish population being in favour of banning the circumcision of boys, the Danish government has said that it will not be passing any legislation on the issue. In a report to the UN regarding human rights issues in Denmark, the government agreed with an Egyptian contention that it is a human right for parents to be able to circumcise their male children. “Venstre doesn’t want a ban on circumcision, but it is paramount to us that the practice is in line with Danish law and that it is performed

Up in arms A YOUGOV survey from 2014 showed that about three out of every four Danes were against the circumcision of boys. But the circumcision of boys remains legal in Denmark as long as there

Vehement opposition A NUMBER of opposition parties, including Enhedslisten and Liberal Alliance (LA), and children advocacy organisations, such as Børns Vilkår, are vocally against circumcision. “It’s grotesque,” said LA spokesperson Merete Riisager. “It’s not a human right to cut into one’s children. It is a human right, however, to wait until a person is an adult and can decide for themselves.”

Sadist trial begins

Aalborg berry battle

DFU apologises

The train’s all right

Gang memberships down

THE TRIAL of a 58-yearold man who sexually abused a 14-year-old girl during the period from December 2014 to August 2015, using torture and what he called a ‘slave contract’, began in Odense today. The man reportedly used a van belonging to the Red Cross for his unlawful and sadistic sexual activities.

THE OWNERS of a strawberry stall in the town of Gandrup in Jutland have received a letter from Aalborg municipality demanding they dismantle the stall within the next 14 days. The municipality stated that the letter was sent because the owners failed to seek permission to build the stall in a rural area.

DANSK Folkepartis Ungdom (DFU), the youth branch of the Danish right-wing party Dansk Folkeparti (DF), has apologised for a song it created during last weekend’s Folkemødet political gathering on Bornholm. The youngsters performed a song which referred to US President Obama as a ‘negro’ and said that “he ain’t no bro”.

THE VAST majority of train passengers in Denmark are satisfied with their experience, according to a new study by the consumer council Forbrugerrådet Tænk, which surveyed 12,365 DSB, Arriva, Nordjyske Railways and Metro passengers. Eight out of 10 passengers even said they were ‘very’ satisfied with their trip.

ACCORDING to a new report from the Justice Ministry, membership numbers at gangs and motorcycle gangs is at its lowest for five years. The report found that some 1,400 people were currently registered as gang members in Denmark – about 500 fewer than was the case four years ago when membership numbers peaked.

MP death threats

Ex-minister punched MORTEN Bødskov, the former justice minister, was assaulted while watching a Euro 2016 match in Copenhagen on Tuesday night. Bødskov was at an outdoor screening of IcelandPortugal at Islands Brygge when he was punched by a young man in what appeared to be a politically-motivated attack.

NEWS

24 - 30 June 2016

More Danes calling poison control over cannabis use ONLINE THIS WEEK ISTOCK

According to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Danish marijuana is Europe’s strongest

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AST MONTH’S annual report by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction has revealed that Danish cannabis is Europe’s strongest by a far. However, Metroxpress reports that according to figures it has obtained from Giftlinjen, Denmark’s poison control hotline, the use of marijuana has resulted in the number of Danes calling poison control centres to skyrocket in recent months. Puff, puff, pass (out) THE FIGURES revealed that last year, Giftlinjen received a total of 203 calls concerning cannabis overuse. The number of Danes seeking help at hospitals for the same reason has also increased. Henrik Rindom, an expert who specialises in drug addiction, believes two factors explain

the spike in numbers. “Marijuana has become much stronger than before. But another factor could be that doctors have become more observant,” he said to Metroxpress. “There may now be a tendency to identify marijuana as the actual cause when people come in complaining of other reasons.” Bad trip MARIJUANA abuse can cause

a host of physical and psychological side-effects, according to some experts. “The physical symptoms can be heart palpitations and dizziness due to low blood pressure,” said professor Kim Dalhoff from Giftlinjen. “Cannabis can also result in psychological symptoms, including short-term memory loss, hallucinations and paranoid psychosis.”

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Holy mackerel, Greenland

Danes favour LED lights

JUST A few years ago, the mackerel had never been seen in the sea off Greenland before, but now it makes up a quarter of the island’s export income. Scientists said it was an example of how climate change can impact the economy of an entire nation.

WITHIN the last year, 74 percent of all Danish households have switched to energy-saving LED lights. The numbers have risen from 13 percent in 2014. Key reasons are falling prices, better quality and EU laws.

Cops: Yay to DNA spray

Doctor Greenthumb has strong medicine in Denmark

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MAX IV inaugurated

THE NATIONAL police force has found that a new DNA spray system is proving an effective deterrent for theft at banks, and other institutions. In some cases the spray has dropped theft rates by 65 percent.

THE NEW MAX IV research facility was inaugurated in Lund, Scania on Tuesday afternoon. The facility’s main claim to fame is its 528-metre long particle accelerator, which studies the properties of matter at a molecular level.

Costly internet upgrade

TDC sells to Tele2

A NEW REPORT has revealed that it will cost upwards of eight billion kroner to upgrade Denmark’s internet infrastructure. Providing access to 95 percent of households will cost 3.5 billion kroner, but the other 5 percent will come at 4.5 billion.

TDC HAS announced that it has sold its Swedish assets to the Swedish telecom company, Tele2 for 2.3 billion kroner. TDC expects to earn some 800 million kroner on the deal after tax. Tele2 will take over TDC’s Swedish infrastructure and customers.

Free access to 73 museums and attractions Free transport by train, bus and metro in the entire metropolitan area one adult can bring along 2 children under the age of 10 for free www.copenhagencard.com

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NEWS

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

ONLINE THIS WEEK Historic discovery THREE amateur archaeologists have uncovered one of the most important viking treasures in Danish history. The trio made the unique find – six golden arm bangles and one in silver – in a field in Vejen in south Jutland near Kolding using metal detectors.

Korean quiz show IN CONNECTION with the 2016 Copenhagen Kimchi Festival, the Embassy of South Korea is on the hunt for a Danish contestant to take part in an international TV quiz show about the Asian nation. See the fun at Torvehallerne at 2 pm on Saturday June 25.

Street food boom IN JUST five years, the amount of food sold on Copenhagen’s streets by mobile vendors has shot up by 300 percent, according to new figures from the city, Copenhagen Municipality approved 520 permits to sell on the streets in 2015.

24 - 30 June 2016

Royal treasure hunt in Copenhagen

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ATHLETICS SAT JUN 25, 10 AM AARHUS NORDIC CHALLENGE CERES PARK & ARENA, AARHUS CRICKET SUN JUN 26, 10 AM AB - ISHØJ SKOVBRYNET, BAGSVÆRD

Stranger than fiction DANISH history is nothing

if not interesting, and this is what the event organisers want to bring to the forefront. “There are so many stories and secrets from the Kings’ lives that we can reflect on and learn from – and often these stories are wilder than ‘Game of Thrones’,” said Christian Irgens, deputy director of Mystery Makers. The English version of the treasure hunt is set to take place in two weeks and 100 people have already pre-booked spots – so check outmysterymakers. dk to join the action. (SR)

Lions going crusading

Nordic EL battles

A Danish Leaf

FC COPENHAGEN are heading for Belfast next month after drawing Northern Irish champions Crusaders FC in the second qualifying round of the Champions League next season. The Danish champions are away for the first leg on July 13 and back home for the return leg on July 20.

IT WAS an all-Nordic affair in the Europa League draw with all three Danish teams this week. SønderjyskE drew Strømsgodset (Norway) in the second qualification phase, while Brøndby and FC Midtjylland drew Valur (Iceland) and Suduva (Finland) in the preceding round.

FREDERIK Andersen looks set to become the best-paid Dane in the NHL following his trade from the Anaheim Ducks to the Toronto Maple Leafs this week. The net minder, who compared the Leafs to the NY Yankees of hockey, signed a five-year deal worth about 8 billion kroner.

F YOU’RE in the mood for some intrigue this summer, renowned Danish event and games company, Mystery Makers has got you covered – join them in the heart of Copenhagen, at Kongens Have, as they hunt for royal secrets. The new concept, which invites guests to uncover royal skeletons by solving riddles and mysteries, might just lead them to discovering a thing or two about themselves along the way.

BEACH SOCCER SUN JUN 26, 10 AM BEACH SOCCER CHAMPS 12-15 YEARS AMAGER STRANDPARK, CPH S RUNNING PART MARATHON MON JUN 27, 6.30 PM PART MARATHON STAGE 1 OUT OF 5 HAVNERINGEN, CPH

POSTCALENDERS.DK

THIS WEEK’S DATES 24 JUNE: SANKT HANS

AFTER labouring through the long and gloomy winters, Scandinavians cheer up in the long summer evenings by heading to festivals or any other sort of outdoor celebration. In Sweden, Midsummer is considered the wildest party of the year. Today, Danes celebrate their version with Sankt Hans, congregating at beaches and fields across the country to cheer on the longest day of the year with campfires and cold beer.

JUNE 25: DEATH OF KING NIELS

ON THIS day in 1134, King Niels of Denmark died during the civil war in Schleswig after 30-years of unstable ruling, aged 68-69. The accurate birthday of Niels remains unclear. After the death of his brother King Eric Evergood, Niels became the last surviving son of King Sweyn II Estridson to ascend to the throne. King Sweyn II is often considered to be Denmark’s last Viking king.

ACCESS ALL THE EVENTS – GET ALL THE NEWS – REACH ALL THE CLUBS – SEE MORE AT POSTCALENDERS.DK

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BUSINESS

24 - 30 June 2016

Danish companies top Europe for work ISTOCK

Great Place to Work Institute ranked 18 firms operating in Denmark

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CCORDING to the global research and consulting organisation Great Place to Work Institute, a number of companies in Denmark have been listed among the top places to work in Europe. The institute surveyed 700,000 workers across Europe about their workplace well-being, and 18 companies operating in Denmark made the 100 shortlisted across three categories. In the category ‘Best Small & Medium Workplaces’, for which 50 companies were listed, the Centre for Social Psychiatry in Lolland was ranked 10th while Middelfart Sparekasse (25), Delegate (31), Mjølner Informatics (34), Hartmanns (40), Abakion (42), Lodam Electronics (43), Pentia (45) and Herning Municipality Dental Services (48) also made the cut.

Loving those 37-hour work weeks

Multinationals thriving IN THE category ‘Best Large Workplaces’, for which the top 25 were listed, energy provider EnergiMidt was ranked 4th and Beierholm was ranked 6th. And among the 25 companies listed in the category ‘Best Multinational Workplaces’, candy producer Mars was ranked 1st, while EMC (3), Adecco (5), Abbvie (8), Hilti (10) and H & M (11) also scored well.

ONLINE THIS WEEK

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FULL STORIES AT CPHPOST.DK

Maersk picks Uggla

Business-friendly Jutland

Water deal in China

ROBERT Uggla, 38, is the new head of AP Møller Holding, a major owner in the shipping giant AP Møller- Maersk. Described as one of the top jobs in the Danish business world, Uggla is now in charge of a company that had turnover of more than 262 billion kroner in 2015. He is the son of Ane Uggla, the daughter of Maersk founder, Arnold Maersk McKinney Møller.

JUTLAND, and particularly the municipalities in central Jutland, is the most business-friendly place in Denmark, according to an analysis done by Dansk Byggeri, the Danish construction association. Higher taxes and longer processing times as some of the reasons that municipalities in and around Copenhagen are considered less welcoming to businesses.

CHINESE investors from Yishui County in the eastern part of the People’s Republic have inked a 5.6 million kroner deal with a Danish water tech group that will upgrade the local groundwater supply system to match international standards. The facility will deliver a groundwater-based solution with a capacity to supply 80,000 cubic metres of water a year.

Curbing Chinese pollution

Infuser wins new prize

Lego donation

DANISH company Haldor Topsoe has invested nearly 600 million kroner in an advanced catalytic converter plant in China’s Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area. The plant produces advanced catalytic converters that clean the exhausts from heavy-duty diesel engines in trucks, buses and other vehicles. Topsoe has been operating in China since the 70s. “Topsoeis strongly committed to China,” said company head Bjarne Clausen.

THE CLEAN-TECH company Infuser was Copenhagen’s number one in innovation at the first-ever presentation of the new business prize, Københavns Erhvervspris. The company manufactures air cleaning systems based on technology from the University of Copenhagen. In the space of a few years, Infuser has attracted over 70 million kroner in international investments, and opened offices in several countries.

DANISH toy giant Lego has donated 600 million kroner for a new building at Copenhagen’s Rigshospitalet that will provide a ‘world class’ facility for children, young people, women in labour and their families. As of now, treatment for children and their families is spread over nine separate buildings. The Capital Region has kicked in an additional 1.4 billion kroner. The new Childrens hospital is scheduled for completion in 2023.

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YOGA AT THE KING’S GARDEN

In connection with the 2nd International Day of Yoga (June 21), The Embassy of India organised an event on 19 June 2016 The event was celebrated in open spaces in the iconic location known as the King’s Garden with the Royal Castle in the background. The event was well publicised which resulted in more than 450 yoga enthusiasts attending, probably the largest yoga event organised in Denmark. Lone Dencker Wisborg, the Danish state secretary, was the guest of honour and she was accompanied by some officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The program was initiated by the Indian ambassador to Denmark, Shri Rajeev Shahare, who in his welcoming remarks, highlighted the Indian origin of yoga, its benefits etc. Shahare also participated in the yoga session that followed. The program lasted about an hour and was conducted under the

supervision of yoga expert, Rahul Alinje, and included an overview of the benefits of yoga and a demonstration of its important asanayas and postures. The program was arranged to spread awareness of yoga in all arenas, both for the uninitiated

as well as the seasoned practitioners. The attendees were represented by a broad cross section of Danish society from regular yoga enthusiasts and students to prominent members of the Indian diaspora and representatives of yoga institutes,

such as Natha Yoga, Art of Living, Bikram Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Danish-India Association and International Yoga Sports Federation. The event enjoyed wide coverage in the Danish media thanks to the embassy collabo-

rating with local organisations like Wonderful Copenhagen and international partners like UNDP. Overall, the event was well received and served to highlight the importance of yoga, as a part of a healthy all round regimen.

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BUSINESS OPINION THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

IVANKA RUSKOVA CPH CAREER Ivanka (Vanya) Ruskova is a senior business analyst with experience in IT, investment banking and the service industries. She currently works with graduates entering the job market in Denmark, offering extensive CV and application assistance, personal coaching and counselling. For more information and bookings visit: cphcareer.com

THOMAS N HORSTED STARTUP COMMUNITY Thomas (@thomas_hors) is the co-owner and managing partner of Startup Guide (startupguide. world), working to inspire and empower people to become entrepreneurs through in-depth city guides. As an entrepreneur with an academic background in media studies and kaospilot, he understands the combination of praxis, reflection, creativity and theory needed to bring startup projects to life.

The digital economy MORE AND more Danes are turning to freelance employment. The digital economy is here to stay and many enjoy the benefits of being ‘free birds’, who can decide when, where, how long and for whom they work. These workers are in search of productive spaces to work from and conduct business. One major solution to this growing problem is co-working spaces – communal offices that are shared by new businesses, digital companies, freelancers and entrepreneurs.

on the rise for a few years now, it looks as if 2016 may be the year that co-working will become mainstream. The number of small and large co-working spaces in Copenhagen is continuing to grow. It is only a little more than a year ago that Rainmaking Loft –Denmark’s largest co-working space – opened its doors to 350 people working mostly in scalable digital startups. The space was recently awarded the Best Office Space Award at the Nordic Startup Awards. Just a week ago they announced a partnership with Tryg regarding the opening of a large new space in Ballerup called The Camp.

Not such a bane for companies after all

above, contrary to the beliefs of US companies, the greatest benefit for the employer is that they don’t need to pay benefits or salary – it is all on the government – so their only requirement is keeping the work space open for their employee to eventually return. There’s even a cherry on top for women of international origin. Every HR department is looking to cover diversity in Key Performance Indicators

(KPI) based on background, education, gender and more. The great part about being a non-Danish female is that ‘you kill two birds with one stone’ in those KPI files! So, focus on male-dominated industries with companies that are either already international or are looking become so. They will definitely be keeping a watchful eye out for highly-educated internationals, who also happen to be women.

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HEN YOUR home isn’t conducive to concentration and cafés are too loud and crowded, where is the freelance professional supposed to work? Productive workspaces are vital to conducting your business.

months, often a year, removes all feelings of guilt amongst employees, giving them a sense of fulfilment once they return to work (often when women in other countries are forced back to work, frustration and guilt take over as employees begin to doubt whether their efforts are worth it. Win-win – replacing that person temporarily for a year opens the door for new employees and develops a new pool of talent for the company. For the employee on leave it instils a sense of security and reciprocates loyalty, and in return they are happy to come back to work. Two for one – Spending resources to train a new employee is not a waste, since the new employee can be rotated into a different job. The same applies to the resources invested in the employee on leave, who is encouraged to return. Benefits galore – in all of the

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ENDER equality in the office is understandably a common subject dealt with in columns like these. In the USA for example, if you are a female it is virtually impossible to have a family and a career at the same time, since you are forced to come back to work barely two months after delivery. Some 99 percent of all companies consider maternity and paternity leave as a waste of time and resources. Women often have to sacrifice their career for the family, leaving them with a bitter taste of dissatisfaction and under-appreciation. For those of you who already know that Denmark is a paradise in regards to balancing your work and home lives, there is an extra sweetness. The greatest difference between Denmark and countries like the US, where female leave is not approved, are: Lengthy leave – having maternity leave for at least nine

24 - 30 June 2016

A workspace can be so much more than an office chair

Increase in Copenhagen WHILE co-working has been

Reasons o’ plenty ONE OF the obvious benefits of working in a space with other companies and professionals is the ability to network, collaborate, and forge business

connections. Operating out of a shared workspace is a way to offer your employees the company culture of a larger business without the operating costs that come with it. For freelancers, the co-working model offers an outside opinion or a brainstorming session to which they otherwise wouldn’t have access. Whether you’re a start-up, a

freelancer or an established company, co-working is proving to be beneficial for a growing number of people who are aiming to get more out of their workspace. Do you use a co-working space? Have you considered visiting a co-working space near you? If you haven’t, 2016 might be the perfect time to take the jump.

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Why Innovation?

Mind over Managing

Living in an Expat World

From Struggle to Success

Union Views

Danish Capital in 2016

Business needs Talent

The Valley of Life

Give Yourself a Chance

Trading Kingdoms

mmunity

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CAREERS

24 - 30 June 2016

DAVID PARKINS 21ST CENTURY ALCHEMY 21st Century Alchemy is a weekly Q&A column for career-minded professionals, entrepreneurs and small businesses written by David Parkins, a business (re)development specialist, company culture strategist, career coach, and IMCSA speaker (ep3.dk).

HAVE YOU RUN OUT OF IDEAS? STRUGGLING FOR INSPIRATION? NEED SOME MOTIVATION? PLEASE SEND YOUR CAREER OR COMPANY QUESTIONS TO CONTACT@ EP3.DK OR @EP3DK.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS INTERVIEW QUESTION

Why should we hire you? Why they’re asking – This question seems unfair, perhaps outright intimidating, but if you’re asked it, you’re in luck: There’s no better set-up for you to sell yourself and your skills to the hiring manager.

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F YOU’VE been living in Denmark for a while and still haven’t found meaningful employment, your situation is similar to what the ‘long-term unemployed’ face (i.e no-one will touch you). Conventional wisdom says that the long-term unemployed are bad hires, but that conventional wisdom is plain wrong! These are the rather pathetic excuses that you’ll get from HR managers and prospective employers: I can’t find the right applicants IF YOU can’t find them, it’s because you’re focusing on the wrong things and looking in the wrong places. There are plenty of people willing to work hard and make you a profit. There’s no lack of people, just a lack of vision. Why do you think recruiters do so well? Because they’re profiting from your poor hiring practices. Empower your leaders to hire outside the box and/or ‘walk’ into a job search group or employment office and interview a few people there. You’ll find the people you’re looking for. They’re lazy SOMEONE who’s been desperately looking for a job for months to years, someone who’s given up on their own dreams and career ambitions and settled for anything that puts food on the table and a roof over their heads, has learned skills that every company will benefit from. If they’ve worked hard at jobhunting, don’t you think that they’ll work hard at their job? Do you really think that any problem your company faces is a bigger obstacle than what they are or have gone through?! They have the character and strength that’s found in only the most dedicated employees (e.g persistence, flexibility, resourcefulness, resilience) and you’d be an absolute idiot not to hire

How do you answer – Your job is to craft an answer that covers three things: 1) Not only can you do the work, but you can deliver great results; 2) that you’re a really good fit with the team and company culture; and 3) that you’d be a better hire than any of the other candidates. Again, whenever you make a point, describe what you mean and give specific, succinct and concrete examples as illustrations.

Good employees don’t always come tailor-made and often they’re investments

someone who’s proven to be that unbreakable. They don’t have current skills YOUR BUSINESS won’t be doing what it’s doing now so if you’re hiring for current skills, your business will fail, and if you’re only hiring employed people, you’re not considering all your options. Business cycles are quickly shortening, so in order to maintain a healthy pipeline and correctly respond (not react) to a rapidly evolving market, your company needs to be constantly looking forward. What you’ll need to remain competitive are problem-solvers and people who can still think when everything’s falling apart. That’s the reality of the long-term unemployed. They’re going to leave when they get a better offer YOUR STAFF will turnover more than you want and, sadly, you’ll probably lose a lot of your best employees. People care more about new opportunities/experi-

WORKPLACE QUESTION

Okay, so I don’t want to be an ass, but a co-worker in our accounting office always ends up crying at some point of the day. It’s not like he’s had some difficult personal loss (we’ve all talked to him about what’s going on), but he just starts crying about something! We’ve all talked about it and most of us find it disturbing and dis-

ences, professional development and career growth than pay so unless you’re giving them the former, then they won’t give a damn about the latter (you can’t buy someone’s soul). So give them a reason to stay by focusing your development programs in those three areas and you’ll create a good working environment, retain your staff and make money in the process (the best fruit always come from the healthiest plants). They’re too old or too young SOMETHING that companies are quickly forgetting is the amplification effect produced from teams that are diverse (something that Nova Nordisk has been doing for years). The best staff mix is multi-generational and experientially-diverse so never discount people because they’re too young or too old, too experienced or too inexperienced, or simply too different culturally or professionally (i.e unqualified). You need a team that sees your customers or your ruptive, even manipulative (I hope it’s unintentional). I say manipulative because some of us have talked to our boss about it and she’s turned a blind eye. A very unscientific online survey in the US showed that 80 percent of women (4 of 5) and 33 percent of men (1 of 3) have cried at work. In the same poll, 71 percent of women and 53 percent of men don’t think poor-

market on many levels. You can always teach the necessary skills, but can you find the necessary thinkers and doers? You might find that a philosophy or sociology grad is more appropriate than another business grad. Their brain has been trained to think and they know how to effectively communicate. They need to be trained YOU COMPLAIN that they’ll need to be retrained. Are you seriously leaving the future of your company and the quality of your future staff in the hands of the government or a competitor? You’re your own worst enemy if you’re waiting for someone else to do your work for you. Don’t you want new employees to do things the way you want them done? Do you honestly believe that a company that’s invested its time and resources in its employees will lose them to a company that’s hasn’t?! Hire people with the right attitude, people who are hungry and invest in them. ly of someone crying at work. But obviously it can be distracting. But workers in typically high-stress careers (healthcare, law, finance, teaching etc) simply disappear over time (quit, fired etc). Instead of focusing on what he’s doing, focus on what the team can do to lower the pressure he’s feeling and ask your boss what she’s specifically doing to support him.

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OPINION

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

24 - 30 June 2016

Folkemødet: A new democracy

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within the realms of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. It is peaceful. Some security is present to prevent some lunatic from spoiling the party, but they are discrete and smooth. Last year the provocation came in the form of controversial Dutchman, Geert Wilders, but even that passed by largely unnoticed. The most remarkable outcome of Folkemødet is that it brings politics down to earth again. Over the years the common man has felt more and more estranged from the elected politicians and the political process. Debates in the oft half-empty Parliament are televised for all to see and citizens are unimpressed. Political parties have lost more than half of their membership and the younger generation, in particular, is increasingly politically inactive – for a number of reasons. TV has deteriorated the debate by reducing it to one-liners or by using TV hosts who seem to be doing more interrogating than interviewing. But on Bornholm this gathering somehow manages to restore the intended version of democracy over a long weekend. In ancient Athens, citizens gathered in public squares to debate and Folkemødet has shown that people care for the society they live in. They are curious and well spoken. Organisations and businesses are developing creative new ways of presenting their message and they’re getting immediate responses as the competition for attention skyrockets. Long live Folkemødet! (ES)

Join the chat WWW.CPHPOST.DK WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/COPENHAGENPOST WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CPHPOST WWW.TWITTER.COM/CPHPOST

Mishra’s Mishmash As a regular contributor to the Times of India, the country’s largest newspaper, Mishra is often sought-afer by Danish media and academia to provide expertise on Asian-related matters, human rights issues and democratisation. He has spent half his life in India and the other half in Denmark and Sweden.

BERTIL S-SON ÅBERG / SVT

N DENMARK, democracy came to light more than 160 years ago when the sovereign king gave or accepted a constitution in which his role was practically symbolic. In the time since then, democracy has flourished. Women won the right to vote in 1915. Labour unions were established, as were cooperative production units, public schools and NGOs. It is said the average Dane is a member of at least five different associations. Several referendums have integrated Denmark into the EU, and regardless of the outcome of the British referendum this week, most Danes know that Denmark is far better off in the EU. Scepticism is ever-present, but that’s most Danish mentality for you. The latest development was at Folkemødet festival in Bornholm last weekend. Its location deep into the Baltic Sea makes the island Denmark’s eastern frontier. What started some years ago with a random group of people meeting to debate and hang out in this remote part of Denmark has developed into a massive gathering of more than 40,000 participants of all political denominations. All lobby organisations are there, as are all the NGOs and businesses. And most important – all politicians are present, speaking and mingling with the general public as they sip beer and coffee while the media laps it up in their columns. All the leading media outlets are there to catch and broadcast it all. Social media experts are also in action

MRUTYUANJAI MISHRA

Olof Palme’s assassination: the beginning of the end

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LMOST half a century ago, the Swedish PM Olof Palme had the idea to give a political speech during his summer holiday in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland. It gradually became a tradition to use the vacation for political dialogue and communication with the common man, who could walk up to a famous politician and ask simple or difficult questions. For the last three decades, all the political parties in Sweden have visited Visby to deliver speeches that have had a huge impact on election results. Anything you can do ... WHAT STARTED out as an attempt to put top politicians into contact with the common man has become an annual event, which is heavily covered by the Swedish media. Thousands of arrangements, conferences and seminars are organised each year, and many non-governmental organisations now participate on an equal footing, with plenty of debates to follow as well. Danish politicians, too, have been inspired by this annual festival of primarily political meetings, and this past week thousands of Danes went to Allinge on Bornholm, a beautiful island in the Baltic Sea, to

participate in a tradition similar to the one started by the Swedes. This is becoming the Scandinavian way of practising politics. Unique in its simplicity, it gives an opportunity to the common man and woman to comment and ask questions in small tents and halls, where the atmosphere is both genial and kind and there is no attempt to win. One PM and his dog TO THOSE of us who come from other democracies, this proximity might look strange. In Denmark and Sweden, it still is possible to meet a politician biking on the street – or, as was demonstrated last week, at the outdoor screening of a football game. It couldn’t be more different from the US or India where the roads are closed to let a huge caravan of police wagons and bulletproof cars carrying prime ministers and presidents pass by with roaring sirens. Close democracy, as the Danes love to call it, makes this a unique feature of Scandinavia, and if you’re here long enough, you’ll probalby meet a few former prime ministers and ministers taking the train, riding a bicycle or just out in public. Some years ago when Poul Nyrup Rasmussen was the prime

minister of Denmark, I met him while I was taking a walk. I’ll never forget how he had time to stop and say hello and told us to enjoy the weather. No bodyguards, either. Closeness still intact THEN AGAIN, that was before 9/11. And the assassination of the aforementioned Olof Palme in 1986. Things have changed in Denmark too. Now you cannot walk into the Parliament as you could then. And chance meetings with the prime minister are probably less likely too. But still, when every single country is tightening its terrorism laws, Scandinavian countries still maintain a closeness between the common citizen and the political elite that represents them in Parliament. Despite the fact that Danes and Swedes have fought each other for centuries, they have now started learning from each others’ experiences. These ‘people’s meetings’: ‘folkemøder’, as they are called in Danish, are the best political democratic exercises I have ever seen. I hope other countries can get inspired and their politicians could take a week off to communicate with their audience without wearing ties, relaxing with a beer or a cup of coffee in their hands.

OPINION

24 - 30 June 2016

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NEXT ISSUE

VIVIENNE MCKEE

Crazier than Christmas Vivienne McKee, Denmark’s best-known English entertainer, is this country’s most beloved foreign import. Over the last 34 years, hundreds of thousands of Copenhageners have enjoyed her annual Crazy Christmas Cabaret show at Tivoli, marvelling at her unique, wry Anglo wit and charm.

An Actor’s Life IAN BURNS

You’re Still Here KELLY DRAPER

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IN 2 ISSUES

Fashion Jam JENNY EGSTEN-ERICSON

Straight Up ZACH KHADUDU IN 3 ISSUES

Prospects of the City PER SMIDL Come on Denmark, show us that happiness will ya?

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HIS COULD be you up here on the stage … this could be where you belong!” These were the lyrics of the opening song at the Tony Theatre Awards in America. On the same evening I went to the Reumert Theatre Awards that annually celebrate the best plays and musicals in Denmark. The opening number of each show could not have been more different, revealing so much about each country’s culture. Tears, laughter, emotion THE AMERICAN song took us on the host’s journey from being a fat kid going to the theatre with his parents to his eventual participation in the shows that fuelled his love for theatre. The stage design was a wonderful cliché of red velvet curtains, glittering lights and impossibly glamorous performers. Throughout the evening the host praised the art of theatre and the award winners each had their moment in the spotlight to say their words of thanks and support for their profession. Many of them mentioned the appalling massacre in Orlando. People cried. People laughed.

Tawdry, litter, demotion WHAT A contrast to the opening of the Danish Theatre Awards! This year the Reumert show was held in the Opera House with its facilities to create breath-taking opera productions. On this occasion, however, the host entered on an empty stage holding a lantern, singing a cautionary song about why the theatre was not a good idea to enter as a profession. During the evening the stage became littered with furniture, popcorn and discarded award envelopes. The hosts appeared to be unsure of what should happen next (this was supposed to be funny) and winners picked their way through the debris to collect their awards for ‘Best Actor ‘, ‘Best Show’ etc. Backstage technicians shuffled onstage to push furniture around. At one point seven grand pianos appeared! A potentially spectacular moment, but instead of pianists in tails magically gliding across the stage in a blur of smoke and stunning lighting effects, the pianos were shown to be mounted on wheels and pushed across the stage by heavy trucks whilst be-

ing played by men in shirts and braces. Totally lacklustre promotion THE DANISH show seemed to take pains to remove the wonder of theatre and make the experience down to earth. Like the kind of modern architecture that shows all the pipes on the outside of the building, perhaps it was meant to be a fashionable ‘deconstruction’ of theatre. But it resulted in being disrespectful to the winners and to the audience, including Princess Mary, who dressed up to attend. Worst of all, if I had been one of the thousands watching at home on TV, I would think twice about buying a theatre ticket in the future. A Danish friend attended the awards show with his new American wife. I asked her how she was getting along living in Denmark. She said she found it difficult. Why? Because the Danes mute their happiness, she said. It is embarrassing for them to show their feelings and welcome people with warmth and joy. I agreed. They would never sing: “This could be where you belong.”

A Dane Abroad KIRSTEN LOUISE PEDERSEN IN 4 ISSUES

‘Mere te’ Vicar? DARREN MCCALLIG

The Director’s Cut DAVID NOEL BOURKE IN 5 ISSUES

Straight, No Chaser STEPHEN GADD

Brick by Brick STEPHANIE BRICKMAN

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COMMUNITY

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

24 - 30 June 2016

ABOUT TOWN

PHOTOS BY HASSE FERROLD

The US secretary of state, John Kerry, was in Denmark on Thursday June 16 as part of an official visit focusing on co-operation in the Arctic region, climate issues, the conflict in Syria against Islamic State (IS), and the situation in Ukraine and trade. Kerry was hosted by the foreign minister, Kristian Jensen and he also managed to meet with Queen Margrethe II and prime minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen. The secretary of state also found time in his tight schedule to visit Game Streetmecca (centre and right photos) a project in Copenhagen which aims to help integrate socially vulnerable youths into society. Following his visit to Copenhagen, Kerry flew on to Greenland to discuss issues pertaining to the island in regards to the Arctic, climate change and the plight of the indigenous community.

The Embassy of Nepal hosted a farewell reception on Friday, June 3 for the ambassador of Nepal, Mukti Nath Bhatta, who is departing from his post in Denmark. The diplomatic core, including Russia’s ambassador Mikhail Vanin (left photo: on the right) and Chinese ambassador Liu Biwei (left on the left), turned up in force to bid Bhatta (left: center) adieu after his four years of service in Denmark.

The Russian Embassy and ambassador Mikhail Vanin celebrated Russia’s national day (June 12) with a reception on Friday, June 10. Among those present was the first Dane in space, Andreas Mogensen (centre: right) and Prince Dimiti Romanov, who received an Honorary Diploma of the Russian government

Queen Margrethe II, noted choreographer Yuri Possokhov and musician Oh Land took part in a press meeting on Tuesday, June 21 to showcase Tivoli Ballet Theatre’s upcoming production of Cinderella. The Queen’s set designer gig is her seventh on bahalf of Tivoli

EU officials gathered at the Grundtvig statue in Vartov Courtyard on Wednesday, June 8 for the transfer of the presidency of the EUNIC from outgoing president Rafael Rodriguez Ponga (centre left with beard) to Michael Metz Mørch (centre right)

The Embassy of Romania held a reception on Thursday, June 9 to honour the Romanian ambassador Viorel Ardeleanu (centre), who is departing from his post in Denmark. Slovakian ambassador Boris Gandel was ready with a sterling bouquet.

MARKETPLACE

24 - 30 June 2016

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Lecture by John Adams, CSB New York, USA Saturday April 9th 2016 3:00 p.m. in English and 4:30 p.m. in Danish (free entrance) Hotel Imperial – Vester Farimagsgade 9, 1606 CPH V John Adams is an international lecturer, teacher andpractitioner of Christian Science. He was healed of serious drug abuse by studying Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. This started his healing mission. THE LECTURE IS SPONSORED BY THE CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST IN COPENHAGEN - KRISTENVIDENSKAB.DK

Join the American Club in Copenhagen, and take part in our exciting and interesting events and excellent networking opportunities! This is a great way to meet others from the international community in Copenhagen! For further information: www.americanclub.dk or contact Vibeke Henrichsen at 3961 7375

Living Church is an international church family – a visionary congregation with a genuine passion for God. Our worship is joyful and vibrant. You will find a church family and a home with us. Sunday Service 12:00 with Children’s Church (ages 2-14); Home Groups Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Femagervej 39, 2650 Hvidovre (Close to Hvidovre Station) For more information see: www.levendekirke.com; facebook.com/levendekirke

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COMMUNITY

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24 - 30 June 2016

OUT AND ABOUT

PHOTOS: GABRIELE DELLISANTI

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HEN HEADING from Aarhus’ central station to Northside Festival, you will most likely walk through the ‘Camino’, a canal-side path where locals showcase their artsy creations, from pop up cafes to the tasting of fried worms (the snack of the future, apparently). Anyone walking through the Camino will realise that Aarhus

is not just a smaller version of Copenhagen, but a dynamic hub for creative Danish youth. Aarhus was selected as the 2017 European Capital of Culture, and the city hall has been working non-stop on turning Denmark’s city into an inspiring destination for travellers. Northside is no exception to Aarhus’ hip-ness, and it attracts a

large number of locals and internationals every year. Many think of the festival as a cleaner version of Roskilde: good music minus the grossness of ‘pee dust’ (yes, it’s a thing) and muddy camping. All age groups attended Northside this weekend, from youngsters with rolled up trousers and striped black and white t-shirts to families with

children wearing sound-proof headphones. This year’s lineup included US punk legend Iggy Pop, who may be known for his shirtless performances, but eventually had to pick up a Nike sweater tossed on stage by a concerned fan as temperatures dropped after sunset. Beach House, Duran Duran, Flume and many

more acts were also there. Jamie XX was the big Saturday night act and Sigur Ros, the Icelandic post-Rock band, put up a great show with impressive graphics. If you are not into the full camping festival experience, Northside is a great option to consider for next summer and the perfect excuse to visit Aarhus, Denmark’s ‘City of Smiles’.

GABRIELE DELLISANTI OFELIAPLADS.DK

Located in the canal in the heart of Copenhagen, Ofelia Beach’s transformation into Ofelia Square is over. You are invited to the opening, where exhilarating events are planned all day, from jazz, opera concerts to games (June 29, 15:00; Kvæsthusbroen 15, Cph K; free adm; ofeliaplads.dk)

Come to Copenhagen Kimchi Festival and sample various South Korean specialties for free at Torvehallerne. There’s also a drum show, a Taekwondo performance and a quiz competition on South Korea (June 24, 10:00- June 26, 17:00; Frederiksborggade 21, Cph K; cphkimchifestival.dk)

The old Carlsberg Brewery Courtyard materialises into a Friday bar with funky groovy melodies, zesty barbecue, and of course ... ‘probably the best beer in the world’. It opens every Friday until the end of August (June 24, 16:00- 22:00; Gamle Carlsberg Vej 11, Cph V; free adm; visitcarlsberg.dk)

Come celebrate the 5th birthday of Trampoline House, a cultural center for refugees and asylum seekers. There will be cakes, barbecue and live music. Children care services available (June 24, 15:00-01:00; Thoravej 7, Cph NV; free adm; trampolinehouse.dk)

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Swing by CPH Food Space at Kødbyen and seize the rare chance of enjoying the well-known Japanese savory pancake Okonomiyaki (‘grilled as you like it’). Food tickets must be purchased in advance (June 27, 17:30- 20:30; Slagtehusgade 11, Cph V; billetto.dk)

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CARLSBERG

COMING UP SOON

Namaste Yoga Lovers! You are invited to celebrate International Yoga Day, where experts will lead you through soothing, reassuring journeys. Bring your own yoga mat (June 25, 10:00- 13:00; Bellmansgade JUNYI QI 5A, Cph Ø; free; facebook.com)

SCHOOLS

24 - 30 June 2016

FREE CphPost APP IN EVERY EXPAT'S POCKET! Denmark's leading source for news & events in English is now also available as practical service-information App on your smartphone and tablet.

SECONDARY TEACHERS Positions: We are seeking two Secondary Teachers from August/September 2016 and invite applicants with a range of subject specialisms: Lower Secondary: History, Geography, Science, Mathematics Upper Secondary: IGCSE Physics, History, Global Perspectives

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The teacher(s) employed to cover the following subjects will be temporary, to cover maternity leave: Science, IGCSE Physics. The successful candidate(s) will: • Have qualified teacher status • Have permission to work in Denmark • Be committed to maximizing the achievement of all students • Have sound subject knowledge • Have a sound understanding of the theory and practice of roviding

effectively for the individual needs of all students • Be able to actively engage students in their own learning • Be able to support students in becoming independent and reflective learners. • Know how assessment is used to support learning • Be able to plan collaboratively and supportively within the Secondary team • Be open to new challenges Applicants should send a cover letter and current CV for the attention of Head of School Karen Bøttger nggi@ngg.dk We are looking to make an appointment as soon as possible. Ansættelse sker i henhold til organisationsaftale af fællesoverenskomst mellem finansministeriet og Lærerne Centralorganisation. Skolen bestyrelse har besluttet, at ansættelse sker under forudsætning af ren straffeattest.

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SCHOOLS

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

24 - 30 June 2016

ØIS IT wizards LUCIE RYCHLA

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ARLIER this month, Østerbro International School students, Ivan Davydov and Qassim Al-Nasheet, won a bronze medal at the 14th Infomatrix Computer Contest world final in Bucharest, Romania – with their Østrobot 1.0. Davydov and Al-Nasheet competed in the line-follower robotics category and their task was to navigate a robot along a complicated line track as quickly and accurately as possible. Trimming time THEY MANAGED to speed up their performance from 255 seconds in the first round to 74 seconds in the final round. InfoMatrix is an international computer project competition that brings together the world's best IT students and at the same time promotes inter-cultural dialogue and cooperation.

Ivan Davydov and Qassim Al-Nasheet (bottom right) proudly show off their bronze medal in Bucharest

Student jobs pay off Investigating corruption

DTU most innovative

Cracking the top 20

T Paying off in wages and for their futures

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AVING a study relevant job during your education in Denmark makes it is easier to find a job after graduation and also tends to result in higher salaries, according to a report by the Danish Evaluation Institute (EVA). This is particularly true for students in social sciences, where those with a relevant student job earn on average 3,839 kroner more a year after graduation compared to their peers who solely focused on their university studies. Moreover, their chances of getting hired within a year after graduation increased by 17 percent if they had managed to find a qualified student job.

Networking and experience MEANWHILE, students in the natural sciences, who had a study-relevant job during their education, have a 10-percent higher chance of finding work a year after graduation and will get about 1,500 kroner more in monthly wages. According to Mette Fjord Sørensen, the education and research policy director at the Danish Chamber of Commerce, relevant student jobs help young people expand their networks and give them practical professional experience and subsequently higher salaries.

CBS helping shed light on biased reporting

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TUDENTS from Copenhagen Business School (CBS) has helped Transparency International investigate how 30 of Denmark’s largest corporations report on subjects relative to transparency and anti-corruption. The students talked to companies such as Arla Foods, Pandora, Lego and Novo Nordisk and this was the second time CBS assisted the international NGO with research on corruption in Denmark.

Whetting the appetite THEIR findings were used for the new ‘Transparency in Corporate Reporting’ analysis that was released last week. "It has been interesting to work with an NGO like Transparency International Denmark because I would like to work in the NGO world," said Sophie Ferdinand Ellgaard, who studies International Business and Politics at CBS.

HE TECHNICAL University of Denmark (DTU) features among the top 20 most innovative universities in Europe, according to Reuters’ recently published ranking of world's top 100 innovative universities. DTU made the top 20 in Europe along with the EuroTech Universities Alliance, which consists of three other higher education institutions – Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Eindhoven University of Technology and Technical University of Munich. KU … in Leuven THE UNIVERSITIES were assessed on the volume of published academic papers and the volume of patent filings. The top-ranked innovative university in Europe was KU Leuven in Belgium.

DEVELOPMENT

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Africa is counting on Denmark to lead it to greener pastures Akinwumi Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank, visited Copenhagen this month GABRIELE DELLISANTI

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ENMARK has long been at the forefront in the development of green energy solutions and is often referred to an example to follow. Together with its neighbour Sweden, the Danes have reached a level of reliance on renewable energy sources that many countries look up to. The continent of Africa is no exception. A Dansk admirer LAST WEEK, Akinwumi Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), visited Denmark for the first time and expressed admiration for the popular use of bicycles as the primary transport in the capital. The AfDB was established in

1964 and serves to extend loans and grants to African countries in order to reduce poverty and promote sustainable economic growth across the continent. Akinwimi Adesina stepped in as the bank’s president in 2015. “I am great admirer of Denmark. It has good human capital, which is fantastic” Adesina told CPH Post Weekly. “Denmark has hugely supported Africa over time, specifically in green energy growth and the reduction of inequality among its fragile states.” Adesina’s visit came in the wake of the introduction of Denmark’s strategic plan in engaging with AfDB over the next three years. Currently, electricity tops the bank’s main concerns for the African continent, and it will be working closely with its Danish partners to reach its goals. Denmark has emphasised that funding green energy solutions will be its top priority

and Adesina believes the Nordic nation will play a “leading role” considering its outstanding achievements in this sector. Half a billion in darkness AFRICA’S current situation regarding energy is bleak and Adesina described it as being “not acceptable”. Right now, 56 percent of the African population has no access to electricity. That’s the equivalent of around 645 million people being without electricity, or roughly ten times the population of the UK. To put things in perspective, the African continent accounts for over 16 percent of the world’s population. “Africa is tired of being in the dark; it should be ready to unlock all its potential and take advantage of its renewable energy resources,” said Adesina. “I like to compare electricity to the blood in our body: if you have blood you have life, if you

Akinwimi Adesina sees a bright future for Africa

don’t have blood you don’t have life. No economies grow without electricity.” Patience not a virtue AFDB’S goal is to encourage and fund the production of ten gigawatts of renewable energy by

2020 and a further 300 gigawatts by 2030. Denmark, he contends, will play a pivotal role in realising those targets. “I’m impatient for change, I am impatient for results and I think Africa has waited too long.”

Somali Diaspora mobilising in wake of World Humanitarian Summit Abdulkadir Ga'al describes having Ban Ki-moon’s ear and current issues ALESSANDRA PALMITESTA

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8 YEARS ago Abdulkadir Ga'al fled the horrors of civil war in Somalia and ended up in Denmark. Since then, he has built a career as an employment advisor at the Copenhagen Municipality and he has been elected three times to the advisory board of the Danish Refugee Council’s Diaspora Program. "Somalia is in need of emergency humanitarian assistance, health care, food security, water and sanitation," Ga'al told CPH Post Weekly. "In March, the drought exacerbated by El-Nino hit Somalia with force and Somali Diaspora mobilised in order to organise fundraising events and send money and remittances to the people affected in those areas." Invaluable commitment ACCORDING to the World Bank, in 2015 remittances were estimated to reach a total of 9.25 billion kroner in Somalia and support 23 percent of the nation’s GDP. These numbers give

a clear glimpse of the massive aid and effectiveness provided by Somali Diaspora. Ga'al's commitment towards his home country has recently been facilitated by the DEMAC project. In May, he was been selected, along with four other members of the Somali Diaspora in Denmark, to represent the DEMAC Diaspora Delegation at the first World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) in Istanbul, Turkey. The two-day summit had an agenda for five core areas of humanity: prevent and end conflict, respect rules of war, leave no one behind, working differently to end need and invest in humanity. Banter with Ban DURING the first day, Ga'al had the opportunity to interact with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon. Pointing out the goal of leaving no one behind, Ga'al conveyed his concern to Ban Ki-moon about the Kenyan government's plan to close the Dadaab refugee camp, which hosts around 350,000 people. Ga'al stressed that Somalia doesn't have the capacity to receive refugees back home as the country doesn't have the

Ban Ki-moon had his ear (and feet) to the ground in Istanbul

resources to relocate the people. "Ban Ki-moon understood the issue, while he highlighted the Kenyan government's security concern. Being such a populated camp, it could be infiltrated by the terrorist group, Al-Shabaab,” said Ga'al. Unique local insight KI-MOON pledged to speak with the president of Somalia and the deputy president of Kenya about Ga’al’s concerns. Moreover, while speaking with Peter de Clerq, the deputy head of the UN’s Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM),

Ga'al underlined the need for international humanitarian actors to recognise the Diaspora’s engagements in humanitarian aid as complementary actors, not as competitors. "We have geographical knowledge, we speak the local language, we have access to local community partners, we have relevant and timely information and we are able to provide direct support." said Ga'al. Consolidating forces DURING the summit, the Diaspora delegates gave speeches at the plenary sessions and inter-

acted with several representatives of NGOs, civil society, conventional humanitarian actors and world leaders. Ga'al realised that the first step needed is to co-ordinate all the various organisations representing diaspora in Denmark and linking up with other diaspora groups from post-conflict nations, like Sierra Leone. "It is very important to have one strong voice and establish a platform in order to push ahead and be recognised as official partners and influencers in the humanitarian and development arena,” he said.

20 Cosy din-dins with Tintin in Denmark’s Saint Tropez HOTEL

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

24 - 30 June 2016

HOTEL HORNBÆKHUS

Skovvej 7, Hornbæk; double bedroom with breakfast: 1,395kr; 4970 0169, info@hornbaekhus. com; hornbaekhus.com KAMILLA STOFFREGEN

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ET ON A road populated by villas and rarely-tested Land Rovers, Hotel Hornbækhus emerges majestically from the shade of the tall trees surrounding its beautiful structure. The first thought that comes to mind is that the building belongs to a colonial age where the likes of Karen Blixen used to seek retreat. But this is neither a farm in Africa nor the Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi. While the legendary Danish author never actually visited Hornbækhus, an impressive lineup of artists, both Danish and international, have been drawn to this gem of a hotel in a region of the country quietly earning itself a reputation for being the Saint Tropez of Denmark. Tintin’s father Hergé was a guest here once. As a token of thanks, he left a drawing of the Belgian globe-trotting detective, Captain Haddock and Snowy on the beach at Hornbæk with a comment on the excellent food and catering, and how the schnapps was an especially nice experience. Particularly for Haddock, I would imagine. Snowy would like the beach IT WAS on a Friday evening that we, a company comprising two adults and two mature children, arrived and parked in front of the rambling, red guesthouse. Shortly after ringing the bell in the small reception area we were met by a smiling, softly-spoken waiter who checked us in, informed us the next serving of dinner was at 7 pm and directed us to our rooms. We took our overnight bags upstairs to a spacious room complete with a bathroom door with an old-fashioned keyhole that my son would later wrestle with to unlock from the inside. Standing for more than a century in gracious ‘Gustavian’ Swedish Manorhouse style, Hornbækhus has perhaps seen better days, although a flat-screen TV and a

Unless stated otherwise, the meals in these reviews are paid for by the venue.

curious digital alarm-clock on the bedside table clearly indicates they are keeping up with the times. Since there was half an hour before dinner, we took a walk to the beach, which is only a few minutes away. We marvelled at the summery feeling of the homes we passed on the way, and then as the sea came into view, the children made a run for it. Had it not been for the dinner ahead and the excellent wind-surfing conditions, the youngsters would have probably torn their clothes off and run straight into the sea. … and the bread WE WERE seated in the middle of the airy, well-lit dining room. Elegantly laid, the table displayed the most beautiful Royal Copenhagen porcelain plates. At the bottom of each, the characteristic tree-logo of the hotel is painted in green. True to the

artistic nature of the place, the logo was designed by the Danish architect Steen Eijler Rasmussen in appreciation of free lodgings in the post-war 1940s. For starters, and to the tune of melodies from the ‘40s, we were served scrumptious scallops: one oven-baked, the other deep-fried, with a single white asparagus steamed in elderflower. Cream of cucumber, pickled sea buckthorn and pea foam is arranged delicately around the plate and adds a touch sophistication to the dish. of Another delicious detail is the butter to go with the very white, soft bread, in which mustard seeds and oregano are mixed. Everything was eagerly devoured by

the four of us. Keeping up with sipping the fine glass of elderflower-like white wine after a welcome glass of bubbly – elderflower juice for the children – proved to be a challenge. But the ever present and conscientious waiter answered my request for water, before I even voiced it. Silverside beef marinated in red wine and cut in healthy slices made up the main course. The somewhat sinewy, yet juicy meat makes chewing worthwhile because, as with the first course, the combination of summer greens and thyme fully complement the course.

A children’s favourite “MY MOTHER said there’s no dessert for those who don’t eat up,” the waiter teased the youngest. Only the youngest scoop up every last bit of the vanilla panna cotta, burnt white chocolate and raspberry. No, we all do (the tarragon granita topping being the only part scooped away by the young lady). The next morning, well rested and really well catered to, my son and I walked through the Danish Saint Tropez (equipped with designer shops and even a funky coffee shop) after a luscious breakfast buffet. After a leisurely wait at the station we caught the train, also known as ‘grisen’ (the pig) in Danish, towards Helsingør. From there we took another train straight to Copenhagen. By 12:30 we were back in the city.

INOUT: WHAT’S ON

24 - 30 June 2016

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

ends Aug 31, open daily 10.00-17.00; Kronberg Castle, Helsingør; 140kr, kids 70kr; kongeligeslotte.dk ANNA CLARKE

THE PRINCE of Denmark is returning home to Elsinore Castle to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. Hamlet Live – which will see the likes of Ophelia, Claudius and Polonius take up residence for two months at Kronberg – will give audience members a unique immersive take on a classic tragic tale. This year’s festivities also mark the 200th year since Hamlet was first played at the UNESCO world heritage site, which makes it the world’s longest-running Shakespearian tradition. Placed in the authentic surroundings

JOE SATRIANI Mon 27 June, 20:00; Amager Bio; 395kr JOE SATRIANI is a living definition of the phrase ‘prolific guitarist’. Having toured with the likes of Mick Jagger and Deep Purple – as well as collaborating with various stars including Queen guitarist Brian May – Satriani has certainly made his mark in

of Kronberg’s splendid castle grounds, the audience will get treated to eight scenes from the iconic story acted out in different areas of the sumptuous castle, not discounting the dungeons! Peter Holst-Beck, the composer of the piece, expertly uses immersive narrative to mix the play’s dramatics within an authentic historical backdrop. He calls Hamlet Live “a truly unique experience that will warm and excite your hearts.” Among the cast is Ian Burns, a noted English-language actor and director in Copenhagen, who will be sharing the part of Polonius with Andrew Jeffers, the Dame in the Crazy Christmas Cabaret. The audience themselves will also take on a significant role in the theatrics, playing the all-important function of the eyewitness Horatio, Hamlet’s friend and confidante. the world of music. That’s before you even consider his personal achievements. Satriani has rocked up over 10 million album sales. Another achievement of Satriani’s is the fact he has the third most Grammy Award nominations without ever winning one, coming in just behind Brian McKnight and Snoop Dog. (DM)

ARE YOU ready for three days of hell on Earth when Copenhell for the sixth time transforms the harbour area at Refshaleøen in the city centre of Copenhagen into Denmark’s biggest and wildest metal festival?

MUSIC

RYAN BINGHAM

Sun 26 June, 19:00; Lille Vega; 190kr The LA-based singer-songwriter used to ride for the rodeo in the American Southwest. Now he’s hopped out of the saddle and into the world of music where he’s done well, winning the best song Oscar for he main track of 2009 film Crazy Heart. (DM)

MUSIC

BETH HART

Tue 28 June, 20:00; Amager Bio; Sold Out The LA-born singer gained prominence with her single ‘LA Song’ from her second album Screamin’ for My Supper. Hart has had two number one singles in Denmark and a platinum selling album, Leave The Light On. (GD)

KIDS

SCIENCE IN THE CITY FESTIVAL

daily until June 26, 10:00-20:00; Carlsberg Byen, Cph V; free adm; scienceinthecity.dk You are guaranteed to learn something at this valuable yet free science festival. With hundreds of events, be ready to get your curiosity satisfied, while exploring science in an interactive and accessible way. (JQ)

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DIGNITY DAY

June 24, 15:00; Kongens Have, Øster Voldgade 4A, Cph K; free adm Show your support against torture by spending a nice day in the park at the King’s Garden. Enjoy live music and loads of Danish and foreign guest speakers while enjoying a beer and snacks from the World Street Food pop-ups . (NØ)

June 23-25; Refshaleøen, Refshalevej 185, Cph K; 1,170kr; copenhell.dk

Black Sabbath, The Scorpions, Megadeth, Alice Cooper and others will take over the three stages Helvíti, Hades and Pandæmonium. Make sure you visit the biergarten, where the infamous parties have already obtained legendary status, and an area called ‘Smadreland’, where you can let loose your aggression and go crazy on a car with a big hammer or totally smash a TV like a real rebel. (NØ) ARTIST’S FACEBOOK PAGE

PARTY

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ARTIST’S FACEBOOK PAGE

OFFICIAL FCEBOOK PAGE

TRACKING ALEXANDER THE GREAT

ends 26 June, Tue-Sun 14:00-19:00; Gallopperiet, Christiania, gallopperiet.dk In the late 1960s, Ingrid Borum and Piero Morandi started an expedition to Kalash Kafiristan, looking for traces of Alexander the Great in Hindu Kush. Their documentation is on display with photots by Italo Bertolasi. (JQ)

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EXHIBITION

HASSE FERROLD

HAMLET LIVE

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INOUT:FILM

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

24 - 30 June 2016

Dropping the deuce: A failed resurgence

INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE

Dir: Roland Emmerich; USA, Scifi/Action 2016, 120 mins; Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Jessie Usher PREMIERED JUNE 23 PLAYING NATIONWIDE

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HEN DISASTER master Roland Emmerich first cast the shadow of Independence Day across our cinemas, it promised 80’s kids like myself something in the region of Top Gun meets Aliens. An entire generation of nerds were united in their anticipation of the cinema event of summer ‘96. What we got was much more divisive. My own recollections centre around the cigar-smoking Will Smith, strutting over to a fallen spacecraft to punch an alien pilot on the nose and utter the immortal line “Welcome to Earth”. While much of the audience were erupting into wild cheers, no doubt the response Emmerich had intended, others were experiencing an acute

AT CINEMAS HAVEN’T we’ve lived our lives for two whole decades without once pondering that which the world lacks - and landing on the answer, Independence Day 2? Speaking for myself, the prospect of a sequel to Roland Emmerich’s alien invasion schlock-fest barely registers as a shrug of the shoulders but I know that view isn’t shared by everyone. With all but Will Smith returning, conspicuous by his absence, find out if he was right to refuse the gig and we were right not to ask for it (and for those who’ve been looking forward, find out if the wait was worth it) in this weeks review. Also out in cinemas is I Saw The Light, in which Tom Hiddleston is brilliantly cast

disconnect from rest of the room. Difficult sell THE PROBLEM then was mainly tonal; Independence Day was heavy on spectacle and light on substance - all of which would be fine if it weren’t for Emmerich’s insistence on pseudo-earnestness. Ultimately the film suffered from an identity crisis - falling between two stools. Emmerich was asking you to invest emotionally in his protagonists while knowingly have them do and say supremely silly things (not least defeating an entire alien fleet while armed only with Windows ’95). Pulling that off would’ve required the kind of tonal dexterity that John Landis’ American Werewolf In London had in spades - a horror comedy that shifted seamlessly between genuinely frightening and genuinely funny. Independence Day wasn’t ‘genuinely’ anything.

INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE

MARK WALKER FILM EDITOR

Boats don’t seem to benefited much from the alien technology in this sinker

whether you wanted to forget it. While Independence Day: Resurgence shares all of the above faults of its predecessor, it is utterly indistinct.

Empty husk PERHAPS the Emmerich faithful would defend the film for its tongue-in-cheek sense of fun (I’m guessing) - but his sequel will surely test that love. Independence Day might have lacked sincerity but it did have character, no matter how amorphous and flawed. It was memorable, regardless of

Finishing off THE CENTRAL conceit is that the characters are living in an alternate 2016 to our own, one where the aliens who were defeated in 1996 left us with alien technologies that have advanced our global defences and allowed us make incredible scientific leaps, ushering in an unprecedented era of world peace. However, unbeknownst to Earth, the defeated aliens

as legendary country-western singer Hank Williams. The film chronicles his rise to fame and its tragic effect on his health and personal life. Unfortunately, thus far, reviews have been less than flattering. Cinemateket (dfi.dk/Filmhuset) has started an excellent series of Film Noir - featuring classics of the genre in newly restored, high quality prints. This friday at 19:00 you can see Jules Dassin’s Night And The City in which a smalltime London grifter tries to become a big-time wrestling promoter and ends up in a world of pain. On Wednesday at 19:00, there’s also Jacques Tourneur’s unforgettable Out Of The Past in which Jane Greer stars as a femme fatale who, with a chance meeting at a gas station, changes the

fate of Robert Mitchum’s station attendant forever. Cinemateket also continues its series on the polish master Krzystof Kieslowski - the highlights this week being A Short Film About Love on Friday at 21:15 and Blind Chance on Tuesday at 21:30. As part of their series on Iranian cinema - Iran 1960-90 - on Saturday at 12:30 you can see the much celebrated Where Is My Friend’s House by renowned director Abbas Kiarostami. And finally, Fik Du Set Det, Du Ville? - is a series of second chances to see the years best films. This Saturday at 21:30 you can see George Miller’s gloriously bonkers return to the franchise that made his name - Mad Max: Fury Road - an absolute must on the big screen. (MW)

sent out a distress signal so that, ever since, a whole new fleet has been steadily making its way across space to finish the job. Melting pot IT’S A WELCOME return for the ever-affable Jeff Goldblum who is joined by Charlotte Gainsbourg, doing her best to lend some credibility to the proceedings - but they’re both undermined by the time spent on prize fighter pilots Liam Hemsworth, the wet white dreamboat and Jessie T Usher, the banal black beefcake. Most of their dialogue is used to give us status updates on the plot.

There’s also a plethora of notso-subtle attempts at appealing to the Chinese market, with the Hong Kong actress and model, Angelababy, being chief among them. She also plays a seasoned fighter pilot which, of course, ticks at least two boxes in one. In fact, Independence Day: Resurgence covers demographics so aggressively that it’s essentially an automated inclusivity exercise with little in terms of gender, ethnicity or sexuality left unrepresented - and watching it is as lively and vibrant an experience as witnessing someone cross off items on their shopping list.

Second Run – Second Chance. In case you missed them, experience 12 of best films of 2015 on the big screen in June and August: ‘The Hateful Eight’, ‘Amy’, ’45 years’, ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ and many more... We present some 50 films with English dialogue or subtitles every month. See what’s on at cinemateket.dk CINEMATEKET / GOTHERSGADE 55 / CINEMATEKET.DK

INOUT:TV

24 - 30 June 2016

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

MISSISSIPPI BURNING DR3, TUE 22:00

PICK OF THE WEEK

THIS CLASSIC from the late 80s follows the story of two FBI agents in their investigation of the murder of three civil rights activists in Mississippi by the Ku Klux Klan. The script was inspired by the real-life investigation into the murders of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner in Neshoba County, Mississippi in 1964. Willem Dafoe plays the

Hackman loves a good razor, even taking time off the set to show people how to shave

WITH DENMARK’S submission to host three stages of the Tour de France sometime in 2019 or beyond, the sport could take centre stage in the near future. It’s certainly on the agenda this Wednesday when DR2 shows Pantani: The Accidental Death of a Cyclist at 23:05, a feature-length doco that takes a hard look at the life and premature death of Marco Pantani – one of the most flamboyant riders in cycling history and Tour

de France winner in 1998. Descend from the dizzying peaks of France to the hard streets of Yorkshire in Black Work (DR2, Sun 21:45) where a bereaved policewoman is determined to uncover the murderer of her husband, an undercover officer. If the TV menu demands a less grizzly animal, then Our Zoo (SVT1, Wed 18:30) a drama series about the family which founded Chester Zoo in the

1930’s will likely be your beast of preference. Keeping in line with nature, the nature doco Wild Patagonia (DR2, Thu 20:00) goes to show that Argentina has a great deal more than Lionel Messi to be proud of. Elsewhere, sneak under the covers with The British in Bed (DR2, Sun 23:05) or get into the Wimbledon swing of things with Serena Williams (DR2, Tue 20:45 & Thu 23:05) (CW)

The Cody family - not the biggest fans of smiling

EURO 2016 continues this week with DR and TV2 no doubt offering up some tasty matchups in the last 16 and quarter-finals. The last 16 games will be shown at 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00 on June 25-26 and 18:00 and 21:00 on June 27. The first quarterfinal match will be aired at 21:00 on June 30. Elsewhere there’s also Wimbledon and the Copa America final. (CW)

They also don’t like wearing shirts, apparently

DR2, Wed 23:05 Pantani: The Accidental Death of a Cyclist

RELEASED on June 14, Animal Kingdom is an American drama television series by Jonathan Lisco, based upon the 2010 hit Australian film of same name. Animal Kingdom follows the life of Joshua ‘J’ Cody (Finn Cole), a 17-year-old boy that moves in with his relatives after

the death of his mother due to a drug overdose. But the Cody family is actually a criminal clan led by matriarch Smurf (Ellen Barkin), who has three wild sons and a protégé, Baz, who all combine to produce a dangerous thieving cocktail loaded with explosive family dynamics. ALESSANDRA PALMITESTA

SPORT OF THE WEEK DR1 & TV2, Sat-Mon & Thu ...Euro 2016

TV3 Sport 1 & 2, Mon 12:30 Wimbledon

FILM OF THE WEEK

DR1, Sat 01:00 The Wild Bunch

straight-laced FBI agent investigating the atrocities along with the tough and uncompromising Gene Hackman, who doesn’t shy away from crossing the line of justice himself. The movie is set in 60s, when the civil rights movements across the US gained prominence and momentum. It won an Oscar for best cinematography in 1989. The film sheds a light on a very important development in US history and it is worth a good couch session. GABRIELE DELLISANTI

ALSO NEW

Animal Kingdom

COMING SOON

23

TV2 Zulu, Fri 20:50 Drive

TV2, Sun 12:25

Africa United

Viaplay, Sun 02:00 Copa America final

IF YOU are a western connoisseur, you can’t miss Sam Peckinpah’s gritty The Wild Bunch, a runaway stagecoach of a film laden with classic scenes and lines. Elsewhere, Ryan Gosling nails it as the quiet-but-tough type in Nicolas Winding Refn’s smash hit Drive, while there’s more football and laughs on the horizon with Africa United. (CW)

Learn DANISH in the centre of COPENHAGEN At Studieskolen we help students break down the wall between their own culture and the Danish way of life. We are language teachers! Our new Danish courses start July 4th and August 15th.

The pace is fast and you learn a lot quickly. Register today and you will get close to Danish culture in no time. Read more at studieskolen.dk.

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