The Copenhagen Post, May 20-26

DANISH NEWS IN ENGLISH VOL 19 ISSUE 19

INOUT

SCHOOLS

Aspiring theatre stars of the future, both on and off-stage, are gathering for the Copenhagen Theatre Circle’s Fringe Festival – back by popular demand 21

Refugee kids are picking up vital skills thanks to a new classroom initiative that inspires them to improve their writing, IT knowhow and ten-pin bowling 18

CPHPOST.DK 20 - 26 May 2016

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NEWS Løkke, Løkke laughs at the White House

SAN DIEG O CHARGE RS 4-5

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NEWS

Worth the weight The lardier we are the longer we live, reports study

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Green card holders to demonstrate in Copenhagen New law proposal fails to consider those already in Denmark via the scheme, argue protesters

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SPORTS CALENDAR Capital all set for the Copenhagen Marathon

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Dynamic in panoramic Danish company making waves in GPS mapping

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OLLOWING the news last month that a majority in Parliament were in favour of scrapping the Green Card Scheme, the Danish Green Card Association (DGCA) is organising a demonstration in Copenhagen on Thursday May 20 at 6 pm at Town Hall Square to peacefully voice their concerns.

Completely unacceptable IN A LETTER to the politicians, DGCA wrote: “The organisation finds it completely unacceptable that the law proposal and subsequent debate do not consider the humanitarian consequences of the proposal

for current green card holders.”

“The organisation strongly urge that the decision regarding the extension of the law §9a part 12 is maintained so that current green card holders can still extend their residence permits on the basis of the already toughened legislation from 1 January 2015.”

Cost of broken dreams DGCA WENT on to write that most green card holders, should they be forced to leave, expect to be at least compensated for their

tax payments to the Danish state so they have the funds to establish their families in another nation or in their home nations.

So far about 500 people have signed up to attend the demonstration via Facebook, and a further 340 have expressed an interest in attending.

The scheme, which aims to attract highly-skilled and specialised foreign workers to Denmark, is on the chopping block because many often end up working unskilled jobs outside their professions. (CW)

Fashion loses loved one

Transgender change afoot

New fighters chosen

Louis CK’s coming!

THE FAMOUS Danish fashion designer Ivan Grundahl has passed away aged 65. Grundahl, who was found dead at home on May 12, was one of the most instrumental figures in Danish fashion over the past 40 years.

He mostly enjoyed designing timeless clothing for women, which he felt allowed him to best express himself with a simple, yet dramatic allure.

DENMARK looks set to become the first country to stop classifying transgender individuals as mentally ill. A political majority reportedly approves of the change. However, attempts to persuade the UN to reclassify transgenderism have failed, and the health minister, Sophie Løhde, has now run out of patience, vowing to go it alone “by other means”.

THE GOVERNMENT is all set to replace Denmark’s old F-16 fighter jets with 27 brand new Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightening IIs. Subject to parliamentary approval, it is believed an order has already been placed with the US manufacturer and that all of Denmark’s F-16s will be phased out by 2024. The total price will be between 20 and 30 billion kroner.

IF THE thought of watching American stand-up comedian and actor Louis CK makes you LiCK your lips, you’re in LuCK. First of all, LoCK the date Saturday August 20 in your calendar, as he’s playing Forum. Our website reported how tickets were going on sale earlier in the week at Billetlugen.dk, so you’ve only got yourself to blame if you still LaCK one.

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The demonstration, ‘Keep your promise Denmark’, has been organised to amplify DGCA’s contention that Parliament’s proposal does not take the situation of current green card holders into consideration.

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THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

ONLINE THIS WEEK Restored chamber opens THE AUDIENCE chamber at Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød has reopened after four years of renovation work. The restoration of the renaissance-baroque hall, which was built for King Christian V in the 1680s, was made possible thanks to a donation of 23.5 million kroner from the AP Møller Foundation.

Fast growing airport OVER THE first three months of 2016, Copenhagen Airport has been the fourth-fastest growing airport in Europe, according to ACI Europe. Passenger numbers soared by 13.2 percent on last year’s figures. The average growth in Europe was 7.8 percent. Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport was number one with 19.5 percent growth, followed

by Dublin (17.5).

Bus switch confirmed

Anti-laundering meet-up ACAMS, the world’s largest antimoney laundering organisation, launched its Nordic chapter in Copenhagen last week. Members of Nordic organisations met with other compliance professionals to discuss corruption and money laundering issues such as the ongoing fallout following the leaking of the Panama Papers.

Sharia zone or media fear-mongering?

Police say there’s nothing new about restive youths harassing business owners in Nørrebro

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OLLOWING on from the government’s alteration of the public information law in a bid to protect democracy in Denmark (see page 6), and reports citing City Hall’s concerns that key Muslim groups have not signed their human rights charter, negative Islam-related news has dominated the front pages this past week.

A visit by Inger Støjberg, the minister for immigration and integration, to a supposed Sharia zone in Nørrebro led to claims the city district no longer answers to Danish law, but there was no hard evidence in the reports to back up the claims.

“Nazi … fascist” HARASSED bar owners in Nørrebro have reported threats, vandalism and harassment, but this is nothing new, according to Copenhagen Police, which blamed the Sharia claims on opportunistic youths eyeing an easy buck.

Standing outside Mucki Bar on Thorsgade, Støjberg was harassed herself by a couple of ethnically Danish women who called her a “Nazi” and, after she asked them to repeat themselves, a “fascist”.

Persona non grata COPENHAGEN Municipality, meanwhile, has informed the Islamic organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir that it is no longer welcome to use state-funded rooms and locations for its dealings.

Will hurt actual Nazis THE CULTURE minister, Bertel Haarder, said that the new law could also be used to curb the notorious Grimhøj Mosque in Aarhus and other extremists, such as neo-Nazi groups.

Hizb ut-Tahrir – which has declared its goal is to replace democratic society with a caliphate and establish the radical Islamic sharia law – has already been banned in a number of countries. (CW/BH).

SIMON Corner, the fugitive boyfriend of a missing British woman in Spain, has handed himself into the police after being spotted by a passer-by hurling mobile phones into Copenhagen Harbour. The Brit has asked to be extradited to Spain, where an arrest warrant has been issued for him. His girlfriend Lisa Brown went missing last November.

Fossil fuel ban passed CITY HALL has passed a proposal that will prevent it from holding investments in companies that gain more than 5 percent of their revenue from coal, oil and gas. Copenhagen is the third municipality in Denmark, following on from Roskilde and Fredericia, to introduce the measure.

Cutting traffic on Amager’s main artery Transformation will provide less space for drivers and more for pedestrians CHRISTIAN WENANDE

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HE TRANSFORMATION of Amagerbrogade from a traffic-laden road into a vibrant vein pulsating with city life has taken its first step.

City Hall aims to make a number of changes to the key road in the Amager district of Copenhagen by expanding its pavements and bicycle paths and also providing more bicycle parking options and space for cafes and shopping.

Work to start in 2017 THE RENOVATION will include the establishment of several expanded bus stop areas to improve safety for those getting on and off buses. Overall,

Alacritous Amagerbrogade is going to get much slower for motorists

drivers can expect longer waits behind stopped buses, and City Hall expects a 10-30 percent fall

in car traffic.

In total, 108.4 million kroner has been set aside for the pro-

ject. The work is scheduled to begin in April 2017 and finish in December 2018.

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“I’m a happy man,” DF’s Carl Christian Ebbesen, the city’s deputy mayor for culture and leisure, told Altinget. “Now we can finally prohibit extremist and democracy-undermining organisations from using the municipality’s premises.”

Fugitive caught

NIELS RYDAHL JENSEN

COPENHAGEN’S buses will make the switch from diesel to electric when current contracts expire in 2019. A total of 385 buses are expected to be replaced covering 33 bus lines. As things stand, the electric buses will cost around 68 million kroner more per year due to the high rate of electricity tax, which is three times the amount payable on fuel tax.

20 - 26 May 2016

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20 - 26 May 2016

Løkke, Lokke laughs at the White House ONLINE THIS WEEK

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CCORDING to US President Barack Obama, the search for the host of next year’s White House correspondents’ dinner is over. Step forward Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

The Danish PM was in fine form at a state dinner for the five leaders of the Nordic nations at the White House on May 13, rattling off a series of oneliners.

Weighty comedy FIRST he ribbed the President about his tendency to repeatedly use the same expression talking about the Nordic nations.

“The first time you invited me into the Oval Office, Mr President, you said that Denmark is punching above our weight. It made me proud,” he told those gathered.

“Now some six years later I understand that not only Denmark, but all the Nordic countries are punching above their weight?”

Fond of the Donald RASMUSSEN then switched his attention to the country’s most famous man. "I have something to admit. I'm very fond of the Donald too," he said.

"I support him as a president.

He's pretty smart, shows great leadership skills, a true visionary. And I'm, of course, talking about Donald Tusk, who is president of the European Council.”

It was timely as Rasmussen met Tusk on Tuesday to discuss handling of the challenges facing the EU, including the refugee crisis and the Russia/Ukraine conflict, after which the pair travelled to Greenland to examine the consequences of climate change in the Arctic.

Not so much of Karl BACK TO the White House and there was more as Rasmussen paid tribute to the many Americans of Nordic heritage originating from the gene pools of Denmark, Sweden, Finland

and Iceland.

"And the Norwegians – well, they gave you Karl Rove,” he added in reference to the Republican political consultant.

Our friends in the north IN SERIOUS business, the US and Nordic nations agreed to step up co-operation in the areas of security, development and aid, jobs, growth and trade, energy, climate and the Arctic, and migration and refugees.

“Around the world America's closest partners are democracies.

And we only need to look at our Nordic friends to see why,” Obama said in his speech.

“We share the same interests and values. We believe that our citizens have the right to live in freedom and security. In their own region and the world, the Nordic countries are a model of co-operation and they consistently punch above their weight in meeting the challenges of our time.”

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Paris signature imminent

Helicopter delivery

THE GOVERNMENT has announced that Denmark will ratify the Paris climate agreement after the summer holidays.

As of now, France is the only EU nation to have signed the climate deal.

DANISH Defence has taken delivery of three MH-60R Seahawk helicopters that will serve with Air Squadron 723. Six more will be delivered according to a contract signed in December 2012.

Arrest in Morocco

Au pair decrease

A 45-YEAR-OLD Danish man has been arrested in Morocco for assaulting an 11-year-old boy near the city of Marrakech, reports Metroxpress. He allegedly tried to lure two boys into a forest.

THE NUMBER of people receiving residence permits to work as au pairs fell from 1,908 in 2014 to 1,623 in 2015. A new 2014 law stipulates they should receive a minimum 4,000 kroner in monthly pocket money.

Stabbed to death

App for midwives

VIBEKE Rasmussen – a 76-year-old Danish female teacher at Quincy College in Plymouth, Massachusetts – has been stabbed to death. Police have launched a manhunt for her neighbour.

THE DANISH Safe Delivery App is helping midwives in developing countries with complicated births. The app, which uses video and animation to give step-bystep guidance, was presented at the Women Deliver conference at Bella Center on Wednesday.

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COVER

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

20 - 26 May 2016

Small beer no longer: More than a celebration, this is domination Ahead of this weekend’s longestablished Copenhagen Beer Festival, the word on every beer connoisseur’s frothcovered lips is Mikkeller

CPH BEER FESTIVAL • The annual Copenhagen Beer Festival is taking place between 19 and 21 May • The festival is hosted by Danske Ølentusiaster, the Danish beer enthusiasts association

DAVID MCQUILLING

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ELL-ESTABLISHED brewers serving samples of fan favourites alongside lesser known experimental brews was the order of the day, as the fifth annual Copenhagen Beer Celebration (CBC) descended on Øksnehallen in Vesterbro last weekend.

Speaking to both brewers and attendees, there was a sense that this is one of the big ones – not just here but in the ever burgeoning craft beer industry in which Denmark, thanks to the likes of the festival’s chief organiser Mikkeller, is becoming a serious player.

10 am – beer o’clock THE FIRST noticeable thing upon arriving was not the 65 brewers – along with food sellers, coffee shops and a tattoo parlour – which had set up stalls for the event.

It wasn’t that the brewers in question had come from, all over the world. And it wasn’t even the variety of beers, wines and meads on offer, which ranged from traditional IPAs to strange, fruity concoctions from Sweden.

No, the most noticeable thing was the queue to get in. It must have snaked backwards for over a mile. And while this was for the first session of the festival, we’re talking 10 am on a Friday, so it was unlikely to be the best attended of the weekend.

Dedicated to the brew ØKSNEHALLEN, a fairly spacious venue, was absolutely packed. The air was filled with noise and a mass of bodies further heated the already warm temperature. Each stall was surrounded by people waving small tasting glasses and awaiting samples.

So Copenhagen is not only the home of one of the world’s most prominent craft beer festivals. It is also apparently full of beer connoisseurs so dedicated they are prepared to skip work and dive in at the deep-end before their breakfast has even settled.

• This year, the festival is in the old locomotive workshop near the Fisketorvet mall • More than 60 brewers are expected to attend this year’s festival • 100kr buys 10 beer tokens that can be exchanged for samples at any of the brewers’ stalls

CBC IN BOSTON

Russ Clarke from Brewdog is a huge fan of the Danish beer scene

• The Copenhagen Beer Celebration will be moving to Boston, Massachusetts this autumn • So far, 32 breweries have confirmed they will be attending • More breweries are expected to join the list in the coming weeks • Several bands including Quebec folk quartet, The Barr Brothers and LA punk band Mariachi El Bronx will be performing

They were queuing around the block on what was a working day

“We love Denmark” DENMARK’S success is also being acknowledged abroad. Russ Clarke, the North of England sales manager for one of craft beer’s greatest success stories, Brewdog, underlined Denmark’s reputation in the world of craft beer.

“We absolutely love the Scandinavian scene,” he told the Copenhagen Post Weekly.

“Especially Denmark – it’s phenomenal here.”

The scale of the festival speaks volumes for Denmark’s burgeoning beer scene. According to Bryggeriforeningen, the Danish brewers’ association, 1,298 new varieties of beer were brewed in Denmark in 2015, an increase of over 8,500 percent this century.

The region’s leader HENOK Fentie of Swedish brewery Omnipollo was another exhibitor present at the celebra-

tion who believes the Danes are in charge on the Scandinavian brewing scene.

“Denmark has been in the lead for many years and I think that is still the case – it’s very hard to catch up,” he said.

Leading the charge SIMON Toft Hansen, the owner and head brewer at Aarhus-based Ølsnedkeren, attributed the success to the organiser Mikkeller and its success with the CBC. “Because of things like CBC, there’s a lot of people from around the world coming to Denmark to enjoy the Danish brewing scene, he said.

More about quality HANSEN believes a change in drinking culture coupled with a growing appreciation amongst the younger generation means the craft beer scene will continue to flourish in Denmark for many

years to come.

“When I was young, I learned about beer with Carlsberg,” he said.

“I had to discover beer could be a lot more later on. We would go out and just drink pilsner.

Now people prefer two or three quality drinks to nine or ten boring beers.”

Enduring appeal THIS ISN’T a flash in the pan as Danish breweries are surviving too. Only three closed their doors last year, of which one was a recent launch.

The rise of the craft brewery has certainly seen the bigger players take note – both in Denmark where Carlsberg has launched its own range and started forging partnerships, and further afield in the leading craft beer nations.

Mikkeller’s expansion into the US could be the first of many.

• Kødbyen-based Warpigs will be setting up shop in the US for the first time ever during CBC Boston

MIKKELLER • Mikkeller currently has a bar in San Francisco and is due to open another in Los Angeles this autumn • Its brewery in San Diego opened in April to help supply fresh beer to their US bars.

• Mikkeller is also exporting the world famous CBC which is due to hit Boston, Massachusetts this autumn • The Danish brewer currently exports its beers to over 60 countries • In addition to its US expansion, Mikkeller also has bars in Singapore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Seoul, and Reykjavik

COVER

20 - 26 May 2016

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If Willy Wonka made beers …

Along with the more traditional, hoppy affairs, the Copenhagen Beer Celebration also played host to all manner of bizarre creations.

Here, in no particular order, are five of the weirdest beers we encountered.

BREWSKI: ‘MR CANDY KING’ Brewski specialises in fruitbased beers, and its owner and head brewer Marcus Hjalmarsson explained how he ended up using fruit instead of hops in his brews.

“I couldn’t get the best hops from the US, so I started to

experiment with fruit because I wanted intense tropical notes,” he said.

Brewski were serving up ‘Mr Candy King’, a raspberry and lime berliner that strikes your tastebuds with a far wider range of flavours than the label suggests.

OMNIPOLO: ‘MANGO SMOOTHIE’ Henok Fentie wanted to be a pastry chef. Instead, he ended up becoming Stockholm-based Omnipollo’s head brewer and his culinary roots clearly play a part in the brewing process.

“One of the beers is inspired by a sort of pecan mudcake,” he said.

The ‘Mango Smoothie’ is an IPA with

BELLS: ‘MANGO HABANERO OBERON’ a unique method of delivery.

“We pass it through a slush ice machine to get a frozen foam on it,” said Fentie.

Given the nice spell of weather in Copenhagen recently, there may be a solid demand for mango IPA smoothies in the near future.

JACKIE O’S: ‘CUCUMBER GINGER’ Ohio-based Jackie O’s ‘Cucumber Ginger’ is an extraordinarily complex berliner.

Loaded with an unpronounceable bacterium and fermented for three months before cucumbers and ginger root are added to the mix, its ‘Cucumber Ginger’ comes out surprisingly refreshing.

On the other side of the hall, we encountered Ohio-based Bells, and boy was its ‘Mango Habanero Oberon’ something special.

But it’s also not as harsh as it sounds.

The addition of the chilli gives it a mild burning sensation, similar to ginger, and accompanies the underlying mango

flavour of the beer well.

Laura Bell, whose father founded the brewery in 1985 during the early days of the craft beer movement, was pleased with how it turned out.

“It’s like you’re eating a chilli pepper, but the balance is something we like a lot,” she said.

MAGIC ROCK: ‘BEARDED LADY CASK’ It is also a fan favourite, so Jackie O’s features it at almost every beer festival it attends.

As brewer Brad Clark explained: “We always bring it to beer festivals, especially these more elite ones. Mainly because it makes people smile.”

‘Bearded Lady Cask’ is a barrel-aged beer with a difference, as it has not actually spent any time in a barrel.

According to chief brewer Nick Zeigler, Magic Rock uses a combination of bacteria and yeast to achieve the sort of flavours barrel-ageing achieves

without the additional expense and effort.

“We’re always trying to push the boundaries,” he said.

“We’re always interested in trying something new and developing, so we try not to reject any natural tool.”

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THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

20 - 26 May 2016

Parliament moves to protect democracy ONLINE THIS WEEK

Some pillar work at Parliament

Culture minister applauds tightening of regulations

means that these associations won’t be able to receive public support or rent/loan rooms in the future.

CHRISTIAN WENANDE

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MAJORITY in Parliament has agreed to alter the public information law in a bid to cripple associations and groups that aim to undermine democracy in Denmark.

The law – which had the support of Venstre, Socialdemokraterne, Dansk Folkeparti, Liberal Alliance, Socialistisk Folkeparti and Konservative –

Tightened supervision “WITH THE changes we ensure that the municipalities won’t be in a situation where they are forced to pay out public funds, or loan or rent out rooms to associations that actively work towards scrapping our democracy,” said the church and culture minister, Bertel Haarder.

“Furthermore, we will tighten

Decline in manscaping

Terror trial begins

up the municipalities’ supervision of associations that receive support. The days of religious preachers propagating hate on the state’s dime are over.”

Silencing hate preachers THE DECISION comes as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to quell the voice of extremist preachers in Denmark.

The government hopes to present a more comprehensive package regarding the issue sometime this autumn.

FULL STORIES AT CPHPOST.DK

Cash stash discovered

Still leaving the church

CENTRAL and West Jutland Police on Sunday found 200,000 kroner buried in the garden of a couple suspected of being drug dealers. Officers were called to sort out a domestic in Hurup and a sniffer dog found the stash, which will now be used to pay off the couple’s arrears.

HIGH NUMBERS of Danes continue to leave the Danish Lutheran Church – 112 a day, according to figures from the Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs – two months into an advertising campaign launched

by Ateistisk Selskab encouraging Danes to save money on their tax bill.

A home at the museum

Mayor’s death shocks town

IN HONOUR of the 20th birthday of the homeless newspaper Hus Forbi, an exhibition has opened at Arbejdermuseet (Workers’ Museum) in Copenhagen. Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, the PM back in 1996, gave the opening speech. The exhibition continues until July 31.

THE TOWN of Tønder is in shock and mourning after the sudden death of its mayor, Laurids Rudebeck, who has passed away aged just 56. Rudebeck, a Venstre party member, was mayor of Tønder for seven years.

He had previously been head of the local police department.

Public sector demos

Asylum worker suspended

PUBLIC sector employees on May 12 demonstrated in 74 towns against the government’s reprioritisation package for the municipalities. The municipalities have been asked to bolster the state budget by 2.4 billion kroner annually by cutting their expenses by 1 percent every year until 2019.

LANGELAND Municipality has put one of its employees on administrative leave pending an investigation after a video, which was obtained by the newspaper Information, showed him using force against a Syrian refugee. Violence against residents can only be used in selfdefence.

DF amount unusual, says EU DF accused by songwriter

Behind the walls

JEFFREY HUNTER

ELGAARD

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“Who nicked my medallion?”

Defendant could get four years

Final bill too high, says DF

As coined in ‘71, almost

Warming to the camera

PUT AWAY the razor, dude. It has become fashionable once again for men to keep their natural hair on their abdomen and chest. The metrosexual man with his manicured and trimmed body is headed to the fashion history books. Hudplejegruppen, a cosmetics outfit in Odense, maintains a separate section for its male clientele, and beautician Sarah Savas says the trend for hairy men has been growing recently. Savas said that it is typically men 35 years old and above who choose to go with the natural style, while younger men still prefer the ‘chest-as-anashtray’ look. (RW)

A 19-YEAR-OLD man from Aarhus is being prosecuted under the terrorism clause of the Danish Criminal Code after threatening on Facebook to kill apostate Muslims and “infidels”.

According to Attorney General Jan Reckendorff from the public prosecutor’s office in Viborg, the man shared videos on Facebook of the executions of people by the terrorist group Islamic State.

“The knife will strike you all and your heads will roll on every road,” read one of his comments.

His trial began at City Court in Aarhus on May 11. If convicted, he faces a maximum of four years in prison. (RW)

MORTEN Messerschmidt, an MEP for Dansk Folkeparti, has been asked by the EU Parliament to pay back 2.9 million kroner that was used “illegally” by his party on political campaigns in Denmark. The EU Parliament has called the amount of money to be paid back in this case “unusual”, reports BT. Messerschmidt maintains that the measures are unfair as the funds were used to campaign for causes specific to Denmark’s relationship with the EU. According to DF party leader Kristian Thulesen Dahl, the party is only willing to pay back 1.6 million of the sum.

(SR)

A SONGWRITER claims the slogan in Dansk Folkeparti’s new campaign, “There is so much we need to look after”, has been taken from one of his songs without his permission, reports Politiken. In 1971, Bjarne Jes Hansen wrote the song ‘Us adults can also be afraid’ about nuclear power, pollution and war. The song featured the lyrics “There is so much one needs to look after.” DF has dismissed the claims as unfounded, saying the closeness of the two sentences is a coincidence. Hansen says he will not sue the party because he doesn’t want to give them the extra publicity. (SR)

AN ABANDONED psychiatric hospital sounds like the set of a bad, 1980s horror film.

However, it is actually Center Roskilde, one of many locations around the country now housing asylum-seekers. British journalist James Ackroyd and three others, including the US photojournalist Jeffrey Hunter, recently visited the centre and filmed several of the refugees. As it was a bank holiday weekend, the centre was not heavily staffed and the journalists were allowed unrestricted access. Although reluctant at first, the refugees soon warmed to the camera and began telling their stories. (DM)

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20 - 26 May 2016

Optimum weight is over I T WAS A good week for the overweight … almost. Just when they thought they had no more health fears, a report from the Institute of Preventive Medicine in Bispebjerg went and ruined it all.

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But ovarian cancer is more likely

ONLINE THIS WEEK

Steady climber ACCORDING to a study by Herlev Hospital and the University of Copenhagen, people with a body mass index (BMI) of 27.0 – those with a score of above 25 are classified overweight and above 30 as obese – live the longest.

In the 1970s, the BMI with the lowest mortality rate was 23.7. And by the early 1990s, it had increased to 24.6.

Spare tyres will slow you down, but prolong your life

to the improved treatment of obesity-related diseases.

More nuance needed “WE CALL those with a BMI of 27 overweight, and they actually live the longest,” study leader Professor Børge Nordestgaard told Politiken. “We need to develop a more nuanced view of weight and being overweight.”

According to Nordestgaard, the increase is most probably due

Ovarian cancer risk BUT THEN came the results of another study that overweight girls have a greater risk of developing ovarian cancer later in life as adults, compared to girls with average weights.

The study of over 155,000 schoolgirls aged 7-13 by the Bispebjerg-based institute and Frederiksberg Hospitals used data from the Danish cancer registry.

An overweight girl aged 7 – one who weighed at least 4 kilos more than average – had a 53

Mysterious hut

Challenging China

percent greater risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to a similarly-aged girl of average weight, the study found.

Height also a factor HEIGHT was also a factor.

Those more than 5.2 cm taller than average had an 18 percent greater chance of developing the illness later in life.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common form of cancer among women in Denmark.

Over 700 women are diagnosed annually. Some 34 percent of all cases worldwide are attributed to the sufferer being overweight.

(RW/CW)

House sparrow demise

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FULL STORIES AT CPHPOST.DK

Our man at NASA

MRSA outbreak

ANDREAS Mogensen, Denmark’s only astronaut, is moving to Houston in September as the European Space Agency’s representative at the US space administration, NASA. He has been appointed to the post for the next 24 to 38 months.

FOUR WOMEN who gave birth at the Lillebælt Hospital in Kolding have been infected with a rare variant of the resistant MRSA bacteria. Three babies have also been infected.

The MRSA variant is the Asian strain that causes abscesses.

Sperm whale sighted

Helping the Orkneys

A SPERM whale has been sighted off the north Zealand coast. Leisure sailors informed Øresund Aquarium, which in between tears of joy confirmed its breed and that it was 12-15 metres long and 18-25 tonnes.

Sperm whales are sighted once every three years in Danish waters.

THE TECHNICAL University of Denmark will assist the Orkney Islands in their bid to become 100 percent sustainable by 2020. It will help the Scottish islands store surplus electricity and convert it into green energy as part of a project called ‘BIG HIT’.

Private maternity popular DANES are increasingly using private midwives and maternity hospitals. In 2014, 80 women chose one, in 2015 some 111, and already in 2016, 115 women have gone private. The country’s only private clinics are located in Zealand in Slagelse, Roskilde and Holbaek.

Student wins video prize A DANISH student’s video documenting the use of mobile phones to track human behaviour was among the winners at this year’s Data Stories. Ulf Aslak Jensen was honoured by the scientific journal Science for his work ‘How People Gather: An Interactive Visualization Approach’.

Partners: like peas in a pod Coastal turbine rethink

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It’s a permafrost poser

Selenium, gallium, the list goes on

“We escaped Mao for this?”

That’s what you call a tube

“Bad news I’m afraid”

THE REMAINS of a stone hut discovered a stone’s throw from the Sermeq Kangilleq Glacier in southern Greenland has stumped archaeologists. Located in a very open and exposed area, the stones turned out to be the top part of a small boat-formed hut, the like of which has never been seen before.

“When you first see it, it doesn’t really make sense,” archaeologist Christian Koch Madsen told Videnskab. “It’s very exposed, out on the tip of a low hill crest, where it is very exposed to wind and weather. And it’s extremely close to the ice.” The find has yet to be dated. (CW)

GREENLAND could soon break China’s near-monopoly on supplying the world with the raw materials used in smartphones and wind turbines. Greenland Minerals and Energy, which started exploration work at the Kuannersuit rare-earth mine in 2007 where it has found deposits of at least 15 rare earth metals, will soon be able to apply for a licence to begin operations. According to its geologists, the incidence of these metals in the site is large enough to cover about 25 percent of the world market’s needs for generations to come. China currently holds an 80 percent share. (LR)

HOUSE sparrow numbers have halved to about 1.8 million in the last 40 years in Denmark, reports Kristeligt Dagblad. According to the ornithologists association, the birds have been disappearing – particularly from suburbs, small towns and the countryside – mainly due to the increased use of pesticides and more airtight-closed farms restricting their access to food.

Lash and skylark numbers have also tumbled. However, the Eurasian tree sparrow species, which is better at adapting to the changes, has doubled in number to about 1.3 million. (LR)

ARCHITECTURE firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has been named as a design partner for the futuristic Hyperloop One link between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The infrastructure project has attracted over 520 million kroner from investors so far and BIG is delighted to be part of a link that aims to propel passengers in magnetically-levitating pods between the two cities in under 30 minutes at speeds of up to 1,200 km/h.

The project is the brainchild of Canadian-US business magnate Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla Motors and PayPal. (CW)

IN MOVE that is expected to knock an annual 8 billion kroner off the PSO tax, which goes to supporting sustainable energy, the government wants to scupper 2012 plans to establish wind turbines along its coastline. The move could results in lower energy bills for consumers and also satisfy the EU, which contends that the PSO tax goes against its legislation and must be changed by the end of 2016.

In total, the PSO tax is expected to cost companies and private energy consumers in Denmark some 70 billion kroner over the next decade. (CW)

READ THE REST OF THESE STORIES AT CPHPOST.DK

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NEWS

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

ONLINE THIS WEEK Another Dane in the NHL PATRICK Russell, 23, has been picked up on a two-year entrylevel contract by the NHL side Edmonton Oilers. Originally from Gentofte, the forward will be sent out to the Oilers’ farm team, the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL.

Mormons on their way DET NY Teater has confirmed that its next big musical will be ‘The Book of Mormon’, the religious satire created by the same team behind ‘South Park’.

Performed in Danish during its 2017/18 season, the musical has been a sensation since its Broadway debut in 2011.

Volbeat top again DANISH heavy metal band Volbeat are currently top of the ‘Mainstream Rock Songs’ American Billboard chart with ‘The Devil’s Bleeding Crown’.

The single is the first from their album ‘Seal the Deal & Let’s Boogie’, which is due out on June 3.

20 - 26 May 2016

Capital braced for the Marathon CHRISTIAN WENANDE

O

N SUNDAY May 22, runners from all over the world will descend upon the capital to take part in the 37th annual Telenor Copenhagen Marathon.

Starting and finishing at Islands Brygge, the marathon commences at 9:30 am and the course will lead runners across the city through Østerbro, Nørrebro and Vesterbro.

Unfortunately, it’s too late to sign up to run, but the route will be off limits to traffic, and temperatures are expected to creep up to around 20 again, making the event ideal for spectators (unless it rains of course).

Explore the route CHECK out copenhagenmarathon.dk to explore the interactive map of the marathon route and all the recommended sights and areas of entertainment that spectators can enjoy along the way.

The website is also the place to visit for those hoping to find a route to drive their car through the city on Sunday.

Participants and spectators are urged to use public transportation to move around the city from 7 am to 4 pm.

FOOTBALL: SUPERLIGA (M) FRI 20 MAY, 18:00 SYDBANK ARENA, HADERSLEV SØNDERJYSKE VS OB CRICKET: ELITEDIVISIONEN (M) SAT 21 MAY, 10:00 BRØNDBY STADION BESKRIVELSESVANHOLM VS AB RUGBY: DIVISION 1 EAST (M) SAT 21 MAY, 14:00 FREDERIKSBERG IDRÆTSANLÆG FREDERIKSBERG RK VS CRS NANOK US FOOTBALL: NATIONAL LEAGUE (M) SUN 22 MAY, 14:00 AMAGERHALLEN AMAGER DEMONS VS TRIANGLE RAZORBACKS

POSTCALENDERS.DK

Worst Eurovision ever

FCK win double

Icemen make quarters

DENMARK could not have had a worse Eurovision. In last Thursday’s 18-nation semi, they finished 17th. And then on Sunday it emerged that jury member Hilda Heick cocked up her voting slip, meaning that overall winners Ukraine only won by nine points, not 23.

FC COPENHAGEN on Sunday sealed the double, winning the Superliga at Parken with three games to spare thanks to a 2-0 defeat of FC Nordsjælland.

It is their first title since 2013, but their tenth this century. Earlier this month they beat AGF to win the cup.

DENMARK have qualified for the quarter-finals of the IIHF World Championships in ice hockey where they will meet Finland on Thursday. Beating the fancied Czechs on Sunday opened the door to squeeze through at the expense of Switzerland.

THIS WEEK’S DATES MAY 25 BATTLE OF BORNHOLM

THE BATTLE of Bornholm was fought between the Swedish and Danish-Dutch fleets in May 1676 as part of the Scanian War. The Danish-Dutch fleet was victorious, forcing the larger Swedish fleet into retreat.

Cornelis Tromp, the Dutch admiral, commanded his convoy of 16 battleships to chase the cowering Swedish navy, catching up with them near Öland where 14,000 troops attacked the Swedish forts.

MAY 26 THE MASTER OF LIGHT

THE DANISH painter Christen Købke, best known as the master of light, was born on this day in 1810. Købke – who began his studies at Royal Danish Academy of Art at the tender age of 12 – belongs to the Golden Age of Danish Paintings and is one of the most celebrated artists of the era. His paintings have hung in galleries such as the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen and the J Paul Getty Museum in LA.

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BUSINESS

20 - 26 May 2016

Mapping a bright future

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Bringing panoramic pleasure to its customers

Part Danish-owned company making waves in panoramic photography

ducing GPS rendering projects for municipalities, cultural landmarks and institutions.

DAVID MCQUILLING

Aiding virtual visits NORDIC GPS’s long-term goal is to map both Scandinavia and the Baltic region, according to its spokesperson.

“We have a goal to create accurate panoramic maps of cities,” he told the Copenhagen Post Weekly. “Creating virtual communities that people can visit virtually, before they visit naturally.”

Along with the mapping, The newly founded company is also providing training opportunities to various young people in Denmark who wish to pursue a career in surveying.

A

PA RT DANISHOWNED company is making waves in the world of GPS mapping.

Nordic GPS, which was started by a group of IT workers in November last year, is using a combination of panoramic photography and drone technology to map everything from the inside of buildings to large cities.

The founding members share a range of expertise in a number of areas: from the production and design of websites to pro-

ONLINE THIS WEEK

FULL STORIES AT CPHPOST.DK

Dong’s IPO imminent

Lego tops Danish brands

Momondo surge continues

DONG ENERGY has confirmed it will be listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange by the summer. It was previously presumed Dong was not planning to go ahead with an IPO until the close of the first quarter of 2017. The Danish government, the majority shareholder with 58.8 percent, will sell a chunk of its stake as part of the offering, but make sure it retains 50.1 percent of Dong after the IPO.

LEGO IS the most valuable brand in Denmark, according to brand valuation and strategy consultancy Brand Finance.

Its value is estimated to be 31 billion kroner – up 16 percent on last year. However, it is only eighth in the Nordic region, finishing behind the likes of Swedish companies IKEA, H&M and Ericsson. Completing Denmark’s top five were Maersk, Arla, Danske Bank and Pandora.

DESPITE the travel industry facing a challenging year due to low oil prices and terror attacks, Copenhagen-based travel search engine Momondo enjoyed 63 percent growth in 2015 – mostly thanks to its new hotel site, a new app, and effective marketing in key regions. However, the growth fell short of the 100 percent target it set itself for 2014-16. It also fell short in 2014 (a 76 percent increase) and 2015 (63).

Rosy Dankort prognosis

Steady Carlsberg showing

IMF urges action

RETAIL purchases made with Dankort, the Danish national debit card, rose 9.2 percent in April compared to last year, according to its operator Nets. As an indicator of private consumption, the increase equates to a 33 billion kroner rise in sales.

Conversely, according to Danmarks Statistik, sales in March fell by 3.1 percent. Its Figures for April have not been released yet.

CARLSBERG has posted a 2 percent increase in turnover to 13 billion kroner and maintained its expectations for the rest of the year, thanks in part to 20 percent growth in the eastern European market thanks to an improved Q1 performance in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. News from western Europe was not as bright as the company saw negative growth of 3 percent.

FOLLOWING four consecutive years of negative interest rates, the International Monetary Fund has urged Denmark to take action in order to avoid a potential housing bubble. No country has had negative interest rates for as long a period as Denmark. Apartment prices, which increased by 11.6 percent between February 2015 and February 2016, have risen by over 50 percent since 2009.

copenhagencard See M0re. pay leSS.

9

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

10

BUSINESS OPINION THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

NEIL SMITH DANISH CAPITAL IN 2016 Neil is a Scottish-educated lawyer with 15 years’ experience in corporate structuring and general commercial matters. Based in Copenhagen, he primarily advises on international deals.

Out of the office his interests include sport and politics. His column explores topical international financial and economic issues from a Danish perspective.

The Norway option A QUICK look at the alternatives shows this claim to be false. One possibility would be the so-called ‘Norway option’, which involves the UK leaving the EU but joining the European Economic Area (EEA).

Most EU legislation also applies to the EEA though, particularly in fundamental principles of free movement, and Norway contributes almost

W METTE F JOHANSEN WHY INNOVATION? As the CEO and innovation adviser at the communications agency U (u-communicate.dk), Mette’s most important responsibility is helping organisations who have lost sight of their very reason for existing – their ‘raison d’être’ so to speak. She reminds them that it’s not about looking good, it’s about being successful.

HY DROP a bomb … when you can hit the ground running?

Cautious about change WHEN IT comes to change, all leaders know it lowers productivity and leads to attrition and insecurity for a while. Therefore some leaders are very cautious in communicating the change.

They tend to keep the imminent fact among very few people, rather than sharing it with the organisation in order for them to prepare themselves and play their part.

The assumption tends to be that leaving people in the dark keeps the level of resistance, and that this lowers the productivity for longer.

A certainty in life NO MATTER how innovative or explorative you are as a person, a change – defined by others than yourself – is uncomfortable.

as much per capita to the EU budget as the UK does.

The Norway option would thereby have all the ‘disadvantages’ of being in the EU, through loss of sovereignty and contribution to the budget, but far less opportunity to shape debate.

The WTO option ANOTHER option is that the UK does not enter an agreement with the EU (the ‘WTO option’). This would allow control of immigration and the stopping of payments to the EU budget, but at what cost?

Projections by the OECD and the Treasury (amongst others) show that each British household could be over 40,000 kroner per year worse off under this model. In reality this option would mean fewer jobs and less money to spend on public services like health and education.

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O

N 23 JUNE, the UK will go to the polls in a crucial referendum on whether to remain in the EU. The problem for the Leave campaign is that their case does not survive rigorous examination. Simplifying it, their argument is that the UK can leave the EU, thus retaining its sovereignty – particularly on immigration matters – whilst not facing disruptive economic consequences.

20 - 26 May 2016

Get used to these flags: it’s going to be a long month

In between extremes IN BETWEEN these two extremes would be to negotiate a free trade agreement (similar to Canada).

This could temper some of the disadvantages but could take years of negotiating and uncertainty and, even then, would not offer complete access to the single market that the UK currently has.

This is important in areas like

financial services where the UK has a comparative advantage.

Leaving too costly OVERALL, the Leave campaign has failed to show how the UK can get the perceived advantages of leaving without paying a heavy financial cost. Putting to one side for a minute all the moral and historical reasons, this simple fact means the UK is best served by a Remain vote.

Ironically enough, change is the only thing to be certain of. It happens – no matter if you want it or not.

Even though we should be used to it somehow, change challenges our beliefs, the things you do, and the way you do it. And this is hard work for the brain, leaving many people irritated and insecure, with little energy to embrace The bigger or more immediate the change, the greater the resistance and enjoy the change – also called resistance. that their lives will look radi- by 1/ Making sure they know cally different in six months. WHY they need to change and Small doses But we need to communicate 2/ Make sure they all have the ALL BOOKS about change the change ahead in small doses, tools and competencies to be a address communication and helping the brain to accept and part of the change. highlight it as a key to success. adapt and thereby lower the level This way we can hit the Neither myself nor any of the of resistance. ground running when we imbooks encourage going out and On top of that, we have plement the new strategy. communicating to everyone to empower people to change

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Mind over Managing

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CAREERS ADVICE

20 - 26 May 2016

I

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

Skills focus: Using examples and experiences in an interview In April, I delivered a workshop focused on learning and implementing eight distinct communication tools. One of them was called OCP, a succinct (clear, concise, and precise) method to efficiently

LOVE PUZZLES. They train me to think logically and predictably: to find an answer without relying on intuition, guess work or memory.

And it always put a smile on my face when I solve one, even making me laugh out loud at the simplicity of the solution. Love them or hate them, logic puzzles entertain, and even challenge us, to think outside the box.

Take this one for example: “How can you throw a ball as hard as you can and still have it come back to you, even if it doesn’t bounce off anything?”

(There is nothing attached to it, and no-one else catches or throws it back to you.)

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DAVID PARKINS 21ST CENTURY ALCHEMY

11

Logic can be critical BUT PUZZLES and games aside, real life can be far less entertaining, and when faced with situations that can radically transform the landscape of our professional and personal lives, logic can be critical to achieving the most desirable outcome.

And in those moments, the last thing we want to hear is a ridiculous statement like “Be reasonable” or “Let’s look at this rationally.” You ARE being rational, but the question is, “Are you being logical?”

Applying reason ON AN INDIVIDUAL level, reason (rational thinking) results from how we make sense of our knowledge base of past experiences and perceptions. We’re being rational when we’re guided by orderly or systematic thinking (reason) and not just emotion (feelings).

On the other hand, when we’re being logical, we think and make decisions based on facts and provable (i.e defendable) processes and perspectives.

Maths is considered pure logic because a single, correct solution is found by following logical steps (proof ).

For example, “All squares are express yourself, moving from the abstract to the concrete, from opinions, statements and facts to explanations and meanings and finishing with concrete, realworld examples that illustrate your point (use the 5 senses).

Think stoplight! RED: This is what I say. YELLOW: This is what it means. GREEN: This is an example. By using the OCP, you demonstrate that you’ve heard, understood, and

Puzzles are one thing, but deciphering graffiti – forget it!

rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares.” In every possible example, this statement is always true, logically.

Not always logical BUT REAL life is slightly different and many of our decisions aren’t logical, even if they are rational. If you love iPhones, you’ll probably not buy an Android.

Your rationale (reasoning): “I don’t care what the latest tech review says, iPhones are better.”

In short, you can be rational (reasonable) but not logical, but you can’t be logical without being rational.

The same can be said about our career decisions: we’re often rational, but not logical and for a good reason – there’s rarely a single solution or ‘right’ answer, at least not in the long-term. We might think that something is the ‘best’ solution or decision, but it’s usually based more on a feeling than on the facts.

Nevertheless, we can and probably still use a little logic to eliminate ‘noise’ (e.g uncertainty, doubts and fears) and minimise indecision by limiting our choices to options we like, are willing to do, and that will most likely produce our desired outcomes.

By no means final IN CLOSING, remember, not ALL rectangles are squares, even though all squares are rectangles. Put another way, your career determines your job, but your job does not determine your career logically. You might make some poor decisions or mistakes along the way, you may even have regrets, but a negative outcome is by no means final.

And sometimes, the best decisions, and the best outcomes, don’t have to be logical, just rational.

answered the question, driving it home with realistic and relatable contextualisation. And the more concrete and meaningful your example, the easier it is for them to connect with what you’re saying.

constantly picking staff and our work apart, even when we do exactly what he wants.

It’s contagious and everyone’s morale is in the dumps, with everyone just going through the motions

‘Working for You Isn’t Working For Me: The Ultimate Guide to Managing Your Boss’ (2009).

Turn it around. Since you can’t change or please him, use his criticism constructively and never take it personally, even when it’s personal. Focus on S.M.A.R.T mini-goals and tasks (keep a record), make great work connections outside your department, and find personal support outside your work.

WORKPLACE QUESTION

I started a new job in January and everything’s great with one exception: the department manager is incredibly negative,

It sounds like he’s a chronic critic, a perpetually unsatisfied perfectionist who finds flaws in everything and everyone (including themselves) as described in

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OPINION

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

20 - 26 May 2016

More important than ever

B

ACK IN 1980, a big decision was made when the Danish government signed a contract to buy 40 F16 fighter jets – the backbone of the air force ever since.

Years in the planning SOME 12 years ago, the Danish government made an agreement with Lockheed-Martin to codevelop the F35 Joint Fight Striker, and now the government with the support of other parties has made up its mind to buy 27 F35A JFS. The delivery date is still not confirmed as the final product has not yet been tested. The price is high – even without the currency risk. A lot of compensatory trade will be negotiated over the

You’re Still Here

ensuring years, so the final price remains undecided.

Denmark’s recent record negotiating big contracts is far from convincing. Danish rail, for example, has for more than five years been keeping a number of high-speed diesel trains in stock, and now they are considering just letting them rust on the tracks. IT projects have been derailed, bringing SKAT, the tax office, to its knees. And the police and hospital systems are likewise in jeopardy.

We are crossing our fingers that the F35 project isn’t likewise perilous Time for action THE COLD War is over and the defence of our national integrity is no longer on the agenda. Some 35 years ago we did not anticipate that we would be allocating jet fighters to Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Libya, but it happened. If we are to stem the disorder in the Middle East and Africa, we need the planes to support local governments from subversive powers in the likes of Syria, Libya and Nigeria and Burkina Faso.

Little did we know in 1980 that the Cold War was almost over, and little do we know what the future would demand from us. But if we want to maintain a robust society and help less fortunate regimes to achieve stability and wealth and avoid exacerbating the migration tragedy of which we have to this day only seen little but more than enough – we need to be able to supply a helping wing.

So just in case, let’s get some F35 Joint Fight Strikers. (ES)

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

Kelly Draper is a British teacher who came to Denmark for work. She acts informally as a critical friend to Denmark. This has not gone down particularly well with Danes, who often tell her she should like it or leave it.

Her blog is at adventuresandjapes.wordpress.com.

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Cold, warm, cold SINCE then these jets have been modified several times, whether it be modern navigational systems or weaponry, so it’s inaccurate to call them as outdated contraptions. Who would drive a 35-year-old car you might ask, but the F16s have been reliable workhorses, and now they due a replacement.

In 1980, the Cold War was very much a fixture. On most days the F16s were scrambled from Skrydstrup airbase to intercept Soviet fighters on their daily exercise from Leningrad towards Bornholm, where they routinely waved at our F16 pilots and returned home.

It was unkown if someday they would not turn and minutes later be able to neutralise the Danish air defence. To some extent, the Russians continue to do this today.

KELLY DRAPER

Banning people from public spaces could save money

H

OW GOOD are your Danish numbers? Mine are still pretty shaky.

While I was researching for this, I had to double-check one word and I could not believe my eyes.

Milliard means a billion.

Hell of a hit THE CURRENT government’s newest budget contains something called a ‘reprioritisation contribution’. This is the requirement that munipalities cut their budgets by 1 percent each year over the next three years. The money saved might come back to the municipalities, but it is really up to the government to decide what to do with the money. They could give it out as tax breaks, if they so desired.

This figure does not sound like a huge deal, but if you look at the total budgets of municipalities, that is where the word milliard comes into play. Next year, 1 percent is 2.4 billion kroner. In three years’ time, it could be up to 7 billion kroner.

Broken promise I KNOW a lot of people move to Denmark in the summer, so here is a little primer to get you

up to speed. In the last election, as is usual in Danish politics, there was no clear winner. The party with the most votes, the Socialdemokraterne, could not get enough support from other left-wing parties to form a coalition. The party that came second, Dansk Folkeparti, did not want to be in charge. The party that came third, Venstre, formed a coalition with other like-minded parties, including DF. Where it gets complicated is this: Venstre are right of centre when it comes to economics and social policy but DF are socialist nationalists. By lending support to Venstre, they naturally have to make compromises on the socialism and tone down the nationalism.

One election promise of theirs, and something that many of their voters said attracted them, was of more growth – especially in provincial municipalities.

Reducing municipal budgets is negative growth. By supporting this repriorisation contribution, they are going back on their word.

Major blow WHAT WOULD it mean for a municipality to lose 1 percent of their budget? Ever since the start of the financial crisis in 2008, Danish public services have been cutting back. Further reductions would necessarily involve making more people redundant and having the remainder do more with less.

Municipalities pay for a lot of public services: childcare, schools and care for vulnerable adults are major expenditures. Cutting back by 2.4 billion kroner is going to reduce the quality.

All the things that expats love to boast to their buddies back home about Denmark are about to take a major hit.

When the Panama Paper scandal hit, it turned out that Danish banks had been involved. If rich individuals and corporations were not allowed to hide their income from the tax authorities, the municipalities could afford to have a safe level of care workers and provide decent schools. If DF were serious about their election promises, this would surely have already happened.

OPINION

20 - 26 May 2016

13

NEXT ISSUE

IAN BURNS

An Actor’s Life A resident here since 1990, Ian Burns is the artistic director at That Theatre Company and very possibly Copenhagen’s best known English language actor thanks to roles as diverse as Casanova, Shakespeare and Tony Hancock.

Fashion Jam JENNY EGSTEN-ERICSON

Straight Up ZACH KHADUDU

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IN 2 ISSUES

Prospects of the City PER SMIDL

A Dane Abroad KIRSTEN LOUISE PEDERSEN IN 3 ISSUES

‘Mere te’ Vicar?

They’ve clearly been in demand, and now we’re demanding answers

T

AX EVASION, whether it’s illegal or immoral, remains rife amongst the rich, but given the current climate, there’s hope emerging that its days might be numbered. Or at least that’s what we’re being led to believe.

Offshore trade winds SIXTY-FIVE individuals identified in the Panama Papers are being investigated by SKAT. Meanwhile, British PM David Cameron is chairing a summit to tackle global corruption. Sounds encouraging but something doesn’t sit well with me when Cameron sums up all his conviction to look into the autocue and say: “The time is right.”

The British Virgin Islands (territory type: tax haven; population: 30,000; currency: US dollars) are a notable, but important absentee from this particular gathering.

World leaders say that they’re trying to tackle a huge spidery problem with tentacles that touch all levels of our lives. But I see the bankers and lawyers on the Virgin isles collectively waving their Panama hats in the gentle breeze and warmth of an offshore trade wind, as they help their enormously, fantastically-rich clients count their offshore fortunes.

Hamlet understood DO CAMERON and other leaders really mean business, or is this just another empty summit – a little like the reply of the Dane (don’t miss Hamlet Live; opening hours at Kronborg Castle, Helsingør; June 1-Aug 31; that-theatre.com) to Polonius (my role) when he’s asked what he’s reading. “Words, words, words.” It’s simply the response we want to hear.

Will Dodgy Dave lead the way to name, shame and possibly prosecute people that continue to hide illicit funds and launder their money through London for example? Will he crackdown on tax havens linked to the UK? Place your bets.

A plutocratic pastime I WONDER if the richest 1 percent of the people on our planet compete to see who can avoid paying tax the most successfully?

“My fiendishly clever accountants and lawyers are better than your cunningly calculating accountants and lawyers,” they say.

There could be an annual award for the ‘World’s Richest Person’ with a brief breakdown of how they made it to number one?

He would make a great TV show.

“Thank you? I don’t think so,” the winner would say. “I’d

like to thank Daddy for handing me a fantastic fortune and for teaching me, in the precious few hours he spared to be with me, how to ‘legally’ pay as little tax as possible. My mother sadly can’t be here with us tonight because she’s got Alzheimer’s [or at least that’s her excuse for not seeing you].”

Trumps them all DONALD ‘I’m barking mad’ Trump says one of his ambitions is not to pay any tax! Imagine having that as a reason for getting up in the morning? His name apparently crops up in the Panama Papers (cue imaginary theme tune) over a thousand times.

“Who reads papers anymore?” says Donald. “Papers sell yesterday’s news. I make the news. I’m Donald Trump and when I’m president I’ll legalise corruption”.

Where’s Denmark in all this focus on sleaze I hear you ask?

Well, not only is Denmark the happiest country in the world, it is also apparently the least corrupt. Maybe they should be beside Cameron at this summit giving him tips on how to achieve his aim? That would be summat eh? (Yorkshire accent required).

DARREN MCCALLIG

The Director’s Cut DAVID NOEL BOURKE IN 4 ISSUES

Straight, No Chaser STEPHEN GADD

Brick by Brick STEPHANIE BRICKMAN IN 5 ISSUES

Under the Raydar RAY WEAVER

Crazier than Christmas VIVIENNE MCKEE

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COMMUNITY

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

20 - 26 May 2016

ABOUT TOWN

PHOTOS BY HASSE FERROLD

The South African Embassy held a special reception to mark Freedom Day at the Marriott Hotel on May 4 at which its ambassador Zindzi Mandela (left), recently returned from a lengthy visit to her home country, addressed those present. Among those in attendance were (centre: left-right) US deputy ambassador Karl Stoltz, Israeli ambassador Barukh Binah, Spanish ambassador Enrique Pastor de Gana, Pakistani ambassador Masroor A Junejo and Lithuanian ambassador Vytautas Pinkus; and (right: left-right) Niger’s ambassador Amadou Tcheko, Benin’s ambassador Eusebe Agbangha, Bangladeshi ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhit, Palestinian ambassador Amro AA Alhourani and Egyptian ambassador Salwa Moufid

There was a strong turnout from the diplomatic corps at a promotional event for Costa Navarino on May 10 at Saxo Bank’s headquarters in Hellerup where under the glare of the resident dinosaur (left) guests enjoyed Greek music and food (centre). Co-organised by the Greek Embassy and Aegean Airlines, among those present were (right: left-right) Serbian ambassador Dragana Ivanovic, Turkish ambassador Mehmet Donmez, Italian ambassador Stefano Queirolo Palmas and his wife, Lithuanian ambassador Vytautas Pinkus, Greek ambassador Eleni Sourani and Albanian ambassador Kastriot Robo

Down the Rabbit Hole theatre group’s production of ‘Elsie and Norm’s Macbeth’ has been so successful they have added extra dates over the rest of their run, which means there will be performances Wednesday-Friday at 20:00 and on Saturday at 17:00. On opening night at A Touch of Vintage on Badstuestræde the play’s director Jeremy Thomas-Poulsen (all three photos) addressed a captivated audience following an energetic performance by Jens Blegaa (centre: left) and Vanessa Poole (centre: right), while the PR manager Katherine Lewin (right) was the grateful recipient of Bunny McRabbit, a gift from the venue that has become the group’s mascot

Crown Princess Mary (scarily similar to Princess Marie in this shot) attended a Women Deliver reception on May 15 where she was greeted by the host, her home country’s ambassador Damien Miller (centre) at his residence in Hellerup

To mark the forthcoming 25th anniversary of the Slovenian Statehood Day on June 25, the country’s ambassador Tone Kajzer held a concert at Sankt Ansgaars Kirke on April 27 that was well attended by the diplomatic corps

Portuguese ambassador Rui Macieira (centre) hosted Portugal, Women & Winemaking from May 10-11 at Admiral Gjeddes Gaard in Copenhagen where the company’s wine produce and women’s rights were on the agenda

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20 - 26 May 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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THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

LASH! Yay!! That was the sound of the valiant knights and braying crowd at the battles at the Copenhagen Medieval Market, now in its tenth year, over the Pentecostal bank holiday weekend.

From May 13 to 16, tens of thousands of Copenhageners flocked to Valbyparken in the

20 - 26 May 2016

OUT AND ABOUT

southwestern corner of the capital to travel back in time.

Some went for the pitched battles and jousting, as reenactment fighters clashed violently, bringing realism to a pastime that obviously required a lot of practice and dedication to perfect.

Others took part in workshops, learning more about the various

cultural activities of the age, perhaps picking up a new hobby after their first-hand experience.

For children, the simple sight of the tents and peasants, knights and nobles (as Monty Python pointed out, the ones not covered in crap) in traditional dress will leave them spellbound, dragging them out of their Netflix existence

ALL PHOTOS: JUNYI QI

C

COMMUNITY

to learn a little about their heritage and, as is customary, fight some orcs.

The Middle Ages covers a millennium of history from the 5th to the 15th centuries, and this year’s festival paid particular tribute to the Viking Age, inviting visitors to peek into the lives of their ancestors: how they cook, weave, make

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The art collective Red Door presents Word in the World, a celebration of Spanish-language poetry.

Poets from all over the world are attending as part of a wider initiative in several other countries (May 26, 18:00; Red Door, Heinesgade 11-13, Cph N; reddoormag.com)

To celebrate Venezuela’s Declaration of Independence in April 1810, the Venezuelan community is hosting a party with music, dance, DJs, drinks and rumba!

(May 22, 13:00, Casa Latinoamericana Denmark, Høffdingsvej 10, 2500 Valby; 50 kr; register at: venedinamarca22@yahoo.com)

For six wild days ZeBU is hosting an international festival for dramatic art for children and young people. Theatre, dance, new circus, musical performances and puppet theatre will delight all-comers (May 24-29; Amager Kulturpunkt, Øresundsvej 4-6, Cph S; springfestival.nu)

This two-day event is bringing the catchy vibes of Africa! Enjoy four concerts – including world star Sekou Kouyate – and African food and drink (May 20-21, 19:00; Lutherkirken, Randersgade 3, Cph Ø; festival ticket 250 kr; billetto.dk)

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The Danish summer needs to be celebrated and there is no better place than the Harbour Bath at Islands Brygge. Bring your friends and have fun with ball games, drinks and barbecue (May 20, 15:00; Islands Brygge, Cph S; facebook.com)

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COMING UP SOON

jewellery. Many left with a souvenir from one of the many stalls.

And finally, it was an opportunity to sample medievalinspired food, music and, mostly importantly, mead – the honeyfermented wine that made life seem worth living, even if it was not for very long.

JUNYI QI

Move Copenhagen celebrates the National Day of Street Sports with workshops. Try out croyoga, cyr wheel, slackline and parkour (May 21, 10:00-13:00; Refshaleøen, Refshalevej 151, Cph K; free adm; movecopenhagen.com) ALESSANDRA PALMITESTA

SCHOOLS

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RygaardsRygaards International School International School Invites experienced, enthusiastic and well-qualified teachers, familiar with and Invites experienced, enthusiastic and well-qualified individuals, familiar experienced in British-style education, to apply for the following teaching with and experienced in British-style education, to apply posifor the position. and committed professional teachers tion. Applicants should befollowing lively, energetic Applicants should be lively, energetic and committed professionals. who have a desire to contribute to the Teaching Team and the community spirit They must also be native English speakers. The job will be for February, of Rygaards. They must also be native English speakers. The job will be for August 2013.

2016. Rygaards is a Catholic school, founded in 1909 by the Assumption sisters. The Rygaards School has Danish and an International English-speaking school has strong ecumenical traditions anda welcomes applicants who are interschool each teaching its own separate curriculum. Rygaards International ested in actively supporting Christian values.

Rygaards School has a Danish and an School consists of Key Stages 1 – 4 (Years 1 – 11).

International English-speaking school each teaching its own separate curriculum.

Rygaards is a Catholic founded 1909 by Assumption sisters.

Rygaards International School consists of Keyschool Stages 1 – 4in(Years 1 the – 11).

The school has strong ecumenical traditions and welcomes applicants

who are interested in actively supporting Christian values.

The teaching position is as follows: ✓ A secondary teacher of Science (Key Stage 3) and Biology (IGCSE) The position is as follows:

Applicants should be able to demonstrate: • Teacher’s Assistant for Reception Class. ✓ Excellent classroom practiceThis using a range of Assessment for Learning strategies is a temporary position. to monitor ongoing progress in learning. of ability employment in accordance withchildren contract through between BUPL and ✓ Have high expectations Terms and an to challenge all the Danmarks planned differentiation and clearly articulated learning objectives.

Privatskoleforening. ✓ Be enthusiastic and teach in a way that inspires the children and celebrates their Applications should be addressed to The Board of Governors and sent achievements and abilities. by e-mail to: The Head of Rygaards International Primary School, Shirley Jacobsen, ✓ A willingness to participate in the full life of the school by offering at least one extra-curricular activity. shirley.jacobsen@rygaards.com. Information about the school can be obtained from our website www.rygaards.com

Terms of employment in accordance with contract between The Ministry of Finance and Closing date for applications: 26th November 2012 LC (Teaching Unions) Applications should be addressed to The Board of Governors and sent by e-mail to: The Head of Rygaards International Secondary School, Mr. Nigel Fossey, nigel.fossey@rygaards. com. Information about the school can be obtained from our website www.rygaards.com

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: WEDNESDAY, 1ST JUNE, 2016.

Rygaards International School • Bernstorffsvej 54 • DK 2900 • Hellerup • Tel: +45 3962 1053 / +45 3962 1081 • www.rygaards.com

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SCHOOLS

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

20 - 26 May 2016

Inspiration in the classroom helping to integrate refugee kids into Danish life Children picking up vital skills along the way, including writing, IT knowhow and ten-pin bowling

They are now settled in Denmark and part of a ‘youth congress’. After applying to join the congress and giving a speech, they are now acting as a voice for other youths.

DAVID MCQUILLING

A

PAIR OF teaching programs in Brønderslev in north Jutland and Ishøj in southwest Copenhagen are helping newly-arrived refugee children integrate into Denmark by teaching them IT skills.

As part of the ‘Web 2.0’ program, young refugees from from countries such as Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and the Congo are being taught skills including web design, surveying, journalism and working with Wordpress.

Additionally, Verdensklassen, which translates as ‘world class’, teaches students skills that are useful in everyday life.

Less formal approach TEACHERS Karen Costin and Raymond Andrews are adopting a less formal approach to lessons that they believe helps children learn more effectively.

Andrews contends that giving the children a platform on which they can express themselves will help them integrate.

“We write articles on the beach, we go out and get food – it’s about having fun,” he told the Copenhagen Post Weekly.

“We play football, we make movies, we make songs.

They make songs about their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq. They've been making live Facebook feeds on their own.”

Therapeutic blogging A MAJOR part of the program involves getting the participants to blog about their experiences.

Not only does this act as a kind of therapy, but it also allows them to learn how to use various online mediums.

However, it is not all just fun and games. A lot of the skills taught on both programs drastically improve young people’s chances of finding employment in the modern world – which in turn eases the process of integration.

The overall consensus is that the program is an absolute strike

dividends.

One of the major success stories of the program has centred around two young refu-

Success stories THIS LAID-BACK, confidence-building approach to learning seems to be paying

gees: 16-year-old Sulaiman Haj Khatib and 18-year-old Maisam Alloufi who both fled the war in Syria.

I n t e r n a t I o n a l

Bilingual a progressive catholic school with a 150 year tradition of humanistic education

studeNts learN morE; – fastEr

English and Danish as teaching languages

an

intercultural learning environment....

Exchange visit THE BRØNDERSLEV class, which consists of 24 children, recently took part in a weekend trip to Ishøj.

The trip included a pit-stop at the Technical Institute at Århus and a tournament at a bowling alley. The group also visited Fælledparken and Denmark’s national stadium.

The trip was only available to boys due to staff limitations – but a second trip for girls is planned in the near future.

The students also visited and took photos of various pieces of architecture, such as Rosenborg Castle and the Europa Parlamentet on Gothersgade. Some time was also spent in Kongens Have and Botanisk Havn.

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SCHOOLS

20 - 26 May 2016

More help for special needs kids

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More special care needed

LUCIE RYCHLA

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Other suggestions include having an authority that oversees the inclusion process at each school and that all pupils should have the possibility to develop professionally.

Important report LAST WEEK, the Danish government received a report assessing the inclusion of children with special needs at public schools, with nearly 100 recommendations on how their situation could be improved.

In collaboration with the national advocacy organisation of Danish municipalities, KL, Nørby plans to establish an expert group to look into the recommendations and see how they can be implemented.

Just rhetoric METTE With Hagensen, the president of Skole og Forældre (Schools and Parents Association), has stressed that schools will need additional resources in order to help special needs children and improve the process of inclusion.

Heidi Thames Squad, the head of the National Association for Autism, told Politiken the government's proposal to remove the 96 percent target will not change much and called it "smart rhetoric".

Squad believes the fundamental problem is that municipalities can still choose how many special needs kids can be enrolled at schools and says it is cheaper for them not to accept too many.

HILDREN with special needs should receive more assistance so that all of them can attend a regular public school, believes Ellen Trane Nørby, the education minister.

A 2012 target to get at least 96 percent of special needs kids attending public schools has been accordingly increased to 100 percent.

19

Learning through play

Plans revealed

Promoting harmony

STUDENTS from the International School of Billund built their favourite place to learn out of Lego bricks at this year's Lego Idea Conference.

The conference included panel discussions and playful workshops that focused on how to improve quality learning and what skills kids need to succeed in today's world.

The thought-provoking conference was organised by the Lego Foundation and aims to empower children through play to become creative, engaged, lifelong learners.

In August 2013, the foundation opened an international school in Billund that offers unique, IB-certified education to kids aged 3-14. Over the past three years, the school has grown from 60 to 250 students. (LR)

THE ESBJERG International School (EIS) has revealed construction plans for the planned expansion of its facilities.

The 20 million kroner project includes new classrooms, a staff room, office space and a reception area.

The project has been made possible thanks to a donation of 15 million kroner from the AP Møller Foundation.

The new facilities are expected to be finished after the summer, just in time for the next academic year.

The EIS campus is located in Guldager near Esbjerg, which is Denmark's sixth-largest city.

Since it first opened in August 2008, EIS has grown significantly and today has over 220 students representing more than 30 different nationalities. (LR)

ØSTERBRO International School and a non-profit organisation Dialog Forum are hosting the interreligious music gala 'Culture of Coexistence' to promote diversity, dialogue and peace in the world.

"The troubling incidents worldwide have once again confirmed the need to promote social understanding and respect," explained Dialog Forum on Facebook.

The music event will feature the Middle East Peace Orchestra, and a duet made up of Kurdish musician Cahit Ece Leave and jazz singer Camilla Dayyani, the joint concert will take place on November 3 at the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music in Copenhagen and tickets are already available on billetnet.dk. (LR)

It’s only mid-May, but six students from Copenhagen International School have already completed their academic year. Brage Håvik from Norway and Josephina Jorgensen from Denmark (above) were among those celebrating their IB Diplomas with a glass of champagne and strawberries.

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BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN DENMARK

EVENTS

Britain. In or out of the EU Impact for businesses

DANISH STOCK EXCHANGE ‘BØRSEN’ 23 MAY 2016

The Danish economy could shrink by as much as 5% as a result of “Brexit” Speakers include John Longworth

Jeremy Greaves

Anders Fogh

Stine Bosse

Moderator Thomas Bernt Henriksen

Morten Messerschmidt

Former Director General, British Chambers of Commerce Chairman, Vote Leave Business Council.

Chairman, Bank Nordic Group

Vice President Communications & PR, UK and International, Airbus Group

Chief Debate Editor, Børsen

This event is free of charge.

Register: brexit@bccd.dk

Former Secretary General of Nato and Former Prime Minister of Denmark

MEP

INOUT: WHAT’S ON

20 - 26 May 2016

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

May 26-28; 19:30; Krudttønden, Serridslevvej 2, Cph Ø; 50kr per night; ctcircle.dk JUNYI QI

THE COPENHAGEN Theatre Circle is staging its second Fringe Festival after last year’s success, bringing you music, drama and excitement in ten one-act plays performed over three nights.

Among this year’s highlights are Before Breakfast (May 26), the story of a worn-out 30-year-old woman who loses the plot after years of unhappy marriage; a teenager’s dreamy journey during the Great Depression in New York (Brighton Beach Memoirs, May

ROD STEWART & THE PLATINUMS Thu May 26, 19:30; Malmö Arena, Hyllie Stationstorg 2, Malmö; 1,270kr ROD STEWART is a living icon of British rock music. With a plethora of awards and number one hits across six decades in music, Stewart has turned

May 21, 10:00-12:00; Frederiksberg Fire Station, Howitzvej 26, Frederiksberg; free adm; brand.kk.dk DURING the months of April and May, most fire stations around the country will have an open house so children and their parents can experience a day in the life of a fireman.

MUSIC

ANYA

Wed May 25, 20:00; Copenhagen JazzHouse, Cph K; 170kr This Copenhagen local, with her potent jazz-infused hiphop, is one to watch. Her latest single, ‘Break Up Battle’, is making waves on the Danish music scene, reaffirmed by her receipt of Politiken Ibyen’s ‘Upcoming’ award. (AC)

At the end of May it will be Frederiksberg Fire Station’s turn to open up its doors to the public.

So whether you want to slide fearlessly down a pole like Fireman Sam, watch how they put out some roaring flames or feel what it is like to sit in a real fire truck, this will be a day to remember.

And who knows, maybe a real fire in the area might generate extra excitement. (NØ)

PERFORMANCE

COME FLY AWAY

May 21-June 2; Opera House Ekvipagemestervej 10, Cph K; 75-595kr, kglteater.dk; 105 mins Broadway hit Come Fly Away is back for a third consecutive season to celebrate Frank Sinatra’s musical prowess. Choreographer Twyla Tharp sets the singer’s best-loved songs to dance for this dazzling performance. (AC)

ART

HYBRID MATTERS

May 20-July 31; Nikolaj Kunsthal, Nikolaj Plads 10, Cph K; 50kr; nikolajkunsthal.dk This two-year Nordic art and science network program investigates the confluence between our environment and new technology – principally hybrid ecologies, the transformation of our planet through human activity. (AP)

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POLITIKEN MINI MARATHON

May 21, 10:00-13:00; Østerbro Stadion, Gunnar Nu Hansens Plads 7, Cph Ø; kids: 80kr, copenhagenmarathon.dk The day before the city marathon, there will be a mini version for kids aged 5-15 in Østerbro over distances of 1 or 2 km. All participants will get a diploma as well as fruit and water. (NØ)

VISIT A FIRE STATION

WILLIAM P GOTTLIEB

KIDS

PICK OF THE WEEK

ARTIST’S FACEBOOK PAGE

FULL MOON PARTY

May 21-22; Refshalevej 325, Cph K; 150kr, billetto.dk This is one for ravers still nostalgic for the heady days of all-nighters on a Thai beach.

The setting here is downtown Copenhagen, but the robotic rhythms, glowsticks and flamboyant party people should provide a flashback or two. (PS)

live performance into an art form. The only thing he is better at is trashing hotel rooms!

His distinctive voice is well known for classic hits such as ‘Maggie May’, ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy’ and ‘Sailing’. In recent years his ecliptic songbook has included albums focusing on soul music, Motown and even Christmas.

When was the last time you saw a rock legend in action? (AJ) ISTOCK

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PARTY

26); the story of a man praying for a Waiter To The Rescue (May 27) when he forgets it’s his wedding anniversary at a fancy restaurant; and the Lewis Carroll-inspired #Wonderland (May 28) in which Alice and the Cat swap sanity with the Mad Hatter.

Also on the line-up are Revenant, Brian’s Self Belief (May 26), The Sandalwood Box, A Rose Would Still Smell Sweet (both May 27), and The Bond (May 28).

The festival offers a great platform for up-and-coming directors, playwrights and actors to showcase their work and talents. Director Maria Lundbye presented Last Tango in Little Grimley at last year’s festival and ended up directing the CTC’s autumn production, Funeral Games.

All the plays are in English and a night’s ticket gives you access to all the plays on that day.

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CTC FRINGE FESTIVAL

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INOUT:FILM

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

Immune to fatigue, meet the new X-kids on the block MARK WALKER FILM EDITOR

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE Dir: Bryan Singer; US action, 2016, 144 mins; James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Oscar Isaac, Nicholas Hoult, Sophie Turner PREMIERED MAY 19 PLAYING NATIONWIDE

W

HEN BRYAN SINGER returned to this franchise with 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past, the series he helped create back in 2000, he crafted the most intriguing superhero film that year. Given that this will be 2016’s fourth superhero film in as many months, his competition is a little steeper this time.

But the Cold War’s over …

ONE THING in Singer’s favour is the formidable cast this series has accrued over the years.

This 1980s-set entry adds Oscar Isaac to the ensemble, barely recognisable here as an Egyptian god, worshipped since the dawn of civilization and known only as the immortal Apocalypse.

For those not in the know, X-Men revolves around a school

AT CINEMAS

I

20 - 26 May 2016

N THE GLARE of French sunshine and press flashbulbs, Cannes continues its midwifery, birthing many of the films we’ll be watching over the coming year.

Of course, not all films pass through major festivals on the way to our screens. Bryan Singer, after winning the Grand Jury prize at Sundance with his interesting 1993 debut drama Public Access, has stayed well clear of festivals since – despite the breakout success of his 1995 classic The Usual Suspects and then, of course, his four X-Men films.

True to form, this week he returns with the Fox/Marvel superhero franchise he helped create in 2000: X-Men: Apocalypse. It’s the sixth film (ninth if you count spin-offs

for gifted young ‘mutants’ who possess various powers – from telekinesis to weather manipulation and everything in-between – and are trained by Professor Charles Xavier (McAvoy) to use those powers against the forces of evil in all its manifestations.

Apocalypse is introduced here as the Earth’s first and most powerful mutant. Awakening after thousands of years, he recruits the disillusioned Magneto (an ex-X-man and perpetual trouble-maker played by Fassbender) and other mutants to create a new world order. Naturally, the fate of mankind hangs in the balance …

Undeniably indefatigable THE FIRST hour plays very nicely as we settle back into Singer’s vision, always refreshingly different and more complex than many other superhero franchises.

The X-Men franchise benefits from being an altogether different beast from Superman, Spiderman or Batman. If there is a superhero fatigue setting in for cinema-goers, it surely has to do with how many times we can watch the same characters endure the loss of loved ones and put on underwear over their tights for the good of humanity.

X-Men has always offered something more intriguing, with its fictional tapestry woven into real-world events and poand crossovers) in the X-Men movie-verse and the fourth superhero film in as many months.

Will Singer draw the crowds and cut the mutant mustard – again? Or will he fall foul of the (mythical) superhero fatigue? See our review.

German director Tom Tykwer is having less success outside of the festival circuit.

Following the giant flop Cloud Atlas, a collaboration with the Wachowski siblings, he’s returning with A Hologram for the King starring Tom Hanks as a businessman who, having failed to succeed at home in the US, travels to Saudi Arabia in an attempt to sell his ideas to their monarchy. The reviews have been middling.

The Diary of a Teenage Girl has fared much

“Dude, if Ramsay Bolton’s got 5,000 men, why are we going in alone?”

litical undertones, all the time emphasising the strength of family over the individual.

Fassbender scene-stealing again BEING both a sequel to First Class and Days of Future Past – and a prequel to Singer’s original X-Men trilogy – most of the fanboy pleasure to be derived from this outing comes from witnessing the origins of many beloved characters for the first time: for example how Cyclops discovers the awesome destructive power of his eyeballs in a toilet cubicle and how Professor X lost that luxurious head of hair.

But predictably it’s Magneto better and opens here in Cinemateket (dfi.dk/filmhuset).

Set in 1976, it follows an aspiring teenage cartoonist who loses her virginity to her mother’s boyfriend. The film is showing every night until the end of the month. Check the program for times (link below).

Also at Cinemateket, on Sunday at 14:15, there’s the Danish on a Sunday series (Danish films with English subs) where they’re showing Klovn Forever. Set five years after the first outing, comedy duo Casper and Frank are close to losing their friendship. Casper has moved to Hollywood to pursue his dreams, while Frank is engulfed in family life. Tickets cost 45-70 kroner and for an extra 40 kroner you get a coffee and a pastry. (MW)

who steals the show. Following the events of Days of Future Past, he has gone into hiding, shunning his mutant side to live a humble, inconspicuous life in rural Russia. He has a wife and daughter now. Of course, his past soon catches up with him and Fassbender gives, as he is wont to, a winning performance lending more weight to these proceedings than they probably deserve.

Singer’s suspect ending THERE’S much to enjoy here: the meticulous 80s styling (Nightcrawler’s red Thriller jacket is particularly

joyful); another hilarious and breathtakingly inventive Quicksilver sequence (set to Eurythmics’ ‘Sweet Dreams’) to shame the character’s underwhelming use in Avengers: Age Of Ultron; and a wonderful surprise cameo that comes midway through.

Unfortunate then, that while Singer spends the time making certain we care about his characters, by the end he’s painted himself into somewhat of a corner. The climatic showdown is structurally amorphous, employing a deus ex-machina that proves too tough to swallow.

‘DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL’ FILM OF THE MONTH May 19th-29th. American independent at its best – a remarkably candid and uplifting portrayal of a teenage girl’s sexuality in 1970s California.

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

20 - 26 May 2016

THE COPENHAGEN POST | CPHPOST.DK

CIDER WITH ROSIE SVT1, SUN 21:00

PICK OF THE WEEK

U

PDATE this classic for modern viewers and it would be Strongbow with Shazza or Bulmer’s with Britney, substituting the coming-of-age tale’s haystack in idyllic England for the back of Asda.

Fortunately for fans of Cider with Rosie – for so long compulsory reading at British schools, where generations knew the roll in the hay scene off by heart – the BBC stayed with the early

When gingers get together ... let’s just say they need to be careful about rolling around in the hay

GIVEN that Mossad’s seizure of Adolf Eichmann in Buenos Aires was one of the most daring missions of the 20th century, you’ll be disappointed to learn that this TV movie about his trial drowns in melodrama.

It needed a sharper script utilising the comic strengths of a miscast Martin Freeman as the executive in charge of televising the trial, but you’ll still be moved by the archival footage and content.

Likewise, serial killer black comedy Scream Queens (TV3, Thu 23:00) has its moments, but is ultimately, according to Rotten Tomatoes, “too tasteless for mainstream viewers and too silly for horror enthusiasts”.

Several documentaries deliver the goods this week though. Red Army (DR2, Tue 20:45) explores Russian ice hockey in a riveting fashion, while Mandela: My Dad and Me (DR2, Wed 23:05) movingly follows actor Idris Elba

as he deals with the death of his father whilst recording an album dedicated to his onscreen self, Nelson Mandela.

Elsewhere, British vintage fashion show This Old Thing (SVT1, Fri 18:45) has plenty of fans; Spark & Awe: The Story of Electricity (DRK, Mon-Wed 16.50) was full of sparks of knowledge; and How to Lose your Virginity (DR3, Mon 20:20) has no answers, just a host of amusing accounts. (BH)

DR2, Sat 00:05 or Sun 13:10 The Eichmann Show

MARCELLA

We’ve all had a night like that before ...

K6, Sat 17:30 FA Cup Final

TV3 Sport 1, Sat 17:55 German Cup Final

FILM OF THE WEEK TV2, Sat 22:55 Mud

DRK, Thu 19:30 Beasts of the Southern Wild

DRK, Sat 20:00

FCBAYERN.DE

Eurosport, all week from Sun 11:00 French Open

work as an actor was limited (outside playing The Tooth Fairy in Red Dragon), but there’s no doubting his flair for serial killer drama series.

Available on Danish Netflix from July 1, critics and viewers are enjoying a series that the Guardian describes as “ridiculous” and compulsive viewing.

(BH)

WEMBLEYSTADIUM.COM

SPORT OF THE WEEK

ARNAUD 25

NOVAK Djokovic needs the French Open to complete the set, but can he see off the challenge of Andy Murray and co? Crystal Palace, in contrast, have never won a bean and face Manchester United, the club that have won the lot and denied them in the past, in the FA Cup Final. No outsiders in the German Cup Final where the top two face off. (BH)

and one of them too

20th century setting, and it was with heavy nostalgia that the adaptation of Laurie Lee’s 1959 classic was greeted when it aired last year.

The reception was mixed though. While the Daily Telegraph enjoyed a “languid, lyrical rendering” that was “intoxicating”, and the Guardian concurred, signalling out Samantha Morton for praise, some found the adaptation lacking in accuracy, a little rushed and suffering from Timothy Spall’s irritating narration. BEN HAMILTON

ALSO NEW

CURRENTLY reaping plaudits in Britain is Marcella, a crime noir series on ITV starring Anna Friel (Brookside, Pushing Daisies) as a jealous detective, which was created

by Hans Rosenfeldt, the Big Friendly Swede who gave us The Bridge.

At 206 cm tall, Rosenfeldt’s

COMING SOON

23

Jimmy’s Hall

AGED JUST nine, Beasts of the Southern Wild star Quvenzhané Wallis is the youngest best actress Oscar nominee in history, while the teen stars of compelling coming-of-age drama Mud are well worth the admission price.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Jimmy’s Hall director Ken Loach, 79, keeps on churning them out, and it’s another dependable effort. (BH)

20TH MAY

Photo: Hasse Ferrold

Food & drinks Live folk music Special menus Corporate events Social occassions Halloween Christmas Confirmations BRINGING HERCEGOVINA DELIGHTS TO COPENHAGEN’S FASHIONABLE SUBURB OF FREDERIKSBERG. The newly relocated Hercegovina Restaurant re-opens on 20 May in the heart of Frederiksberg’s food district. Promising the best of Balkan food and entertainment, for which we have become synonymous with over the past 30 years in Tivoli, you are invited to enlighten your senses to the sights, sounds and tastes of the Hercegovina region. From ‘Prsut’ and other delicious specialities emanating from Hercegovina’s kitchen, to authentic live music; what better combination is there to discover Hercegovina right here in Copenhagen.

MØRK HANSENS VEJ 2 ST. 2000 FREDERIKSBERG VED DEN SØNDERJYSKE BY TEL. +45 33 15 63 63 INFO@HERCEGOVINA.DK WWW.HERCEGOVINA.DK

HERCEGOVINA Frederiksberg