The Swedish North Star, continuously published since 1872. Price per copy $3.50. Volume 147 No. 07, May 01, 2019.
Discovering Swedish wine The people’s Ambassador Nordic mythology Maybe it isn’t surprising that one of the world’s most recognized Swedish words is about imbibing with friends and toasting their health: skål! Sweden is known for its aquavit and vodka but it may be surprising that Sweden is also in the business of growing grapes for making wine – both at home and abroad. / p 15
Swedish Ambassador to the United States, Karin Olofsdotter, has a never-ending curiosity and genuine interest in people and just about everything in general. The work she’s done and the lives she’s touched since she came to Washington, DC reflect the experience and passion she has for her work. / p 13
The Viking Age was historic in ways we can’t imagine repeating, and yet the world is fascinated with their reality and daily life, which included a sort of religious framework we call Norse mythology. Following up on last issue’s “Old Ways” we’re peeling back the layers of the Nordic mythological legends. / p 22
Första Maj, Sweden’s Labor Day / p2 Increasing road safety with systems that monitor the driver. / p5 The Nordic Way, part II - on the distinctiveness of Scandinavia today. / p25 A classic literary dish and the perfect dessert for the picnic / p25-26
Page 15
dashboard | may 01, 2019 SCANDINAVIAN QUIZ
Maj is Sweden’s “Labor Day” 1 Första but it’s also a day for what? A) playing a prank if you missed doing so on
6 During the “Age of Enlightenment” in the 1700s, what became fashionable in Scandinavia? A) nude beaches B) writing with runes C) domesticating moose D) wool trousers for women
April 1 B) eating unpeeled potatoes C) wearing shoes in the house D) working 7 In what year did Norway achieve indepen-
Traditionally a worker’s day, May First in Sweden has become a day to make voices heard for a variety of causes—the housing situation, fishing in a lake, and even, as above, the right to a second chance at school.
May First [Första Maj] May First, other than Sweden’s National Day on June 6, is the only non-religious holiday in Sweden. It was no coincidence when, during the 1880s, the labor movement chose May Day for its annual manifestation. In many parts of Europe the day had been a secular festival, a kind of administrative New Year’s Day of bygone society. This was the day accounts for the year were presented and new officers were elected for the year to come. Work would be at a standstill, giving journeymen and apprentices a day off without any need for churchgoing. In Stockholm from the early 19th century onward, May Day developed into a popular festival in Djurgården Park, complete with procession and royal visit. In the U.S., Labor Day, this year on September 2, became an annual federal holiday in 1894. Name’s Days of the Swedish Calendar Namnsdagar i maj
May 01 May 02 May 03 May 04 May 05 May 06 May 07 May 08 May 09 May 10 May 11 May 12 May 13 May 14 May 15 May 01
New York Chicago Stockholm Kiruna Lund Los Angeles 2 NORDSTJERNAN
5 By 1875, Denmark, Sweden and Norway had merged what? A) their currency B) flag design C) oversight of reindeer D) strict queue rules CULTURE
Namnsdagar
10 When does a Swede perform a “husesyn,” a special house inspection? A) every time a motherin-law visits B) before moving in C) When a baby is born D) the first time a new guest visits
May
May 2 - Filip Philip or Filip is a man’s name that originates in the Greek “Philippos,” which means “horse friend.” During the Middle Ages the form Filpus was also used. The female version is Filippa. The name has been popular in Sweden since the 1980s. Carl Philip (1979) is the second child of three children and only son of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden. His full name is Carl Philip Edmund Bertil, Duke of Värmland. Born Crown Prince of Sweden, he retained his title and first place in succession for seven months until 1 January 1980. On that date, he was stripped of both by a change in the Act of Succession to introduce equal primogeniture. Prince Carl Philip was then second in the line of succession after his older sister Crown Princess Victoria, until her two children were born; now Carl Philip is fourth in line for the crown.
founded in new york city in september 1872
Sunrise & Sunset
5.55 am 5.47 am 4.50 am 3.40 am 5.25 am 6.03 am
4 Under, a new restaurant in southern Norway, is unusual for being built where? A) in a cliff B) in the sea C) in a bunker D) in a submarine
9 What country does the island of Bornholm belong to? A) Sweden B) Denmark C) Norway D) USA
May 9 - Reidar The man’s name Reidar is an old Nordic name, and the spelling has Norwegian origins. The Icelandic version was Hreidarr, which was formed by combining “Hreid” which means “home” or “house” with the ending “-arr,” meaning unknown.
Valborg Filip/Filippa John/Jane Monika/Mona Gotthard/Erhard Marit/Rita Carina/Carita Åke Reidar/Reidun Esbjörn/Styrbjörn Märta/Märit Charlotta/Lotta Linnea/Linn Halvard/Halvar Sofia/Sonja |
3 What happens during spring’s Swedish “kosläpp?” A) cows jump for joy B) unmarried men dance in the moonlight C) winter’s leftover candle stubs get melted D) knitters unwanted yarn is sent to Linköping
dence? A) 1778 B) 1805 C) 1887 D) 1905
8 Lego is very eco-conscious and has begun making their bricks with what? A) discarded flip-flops B) recycled sunglasses C) sugarcane D) salvaged bricks and cobbles from EU countries
Answers: 1:A, 2:D, 3:A, 4:B, 5:A, 6:B, 7:D, 8:C, 9:B,10:D
2 Who created Gothenburg’s famous Poseidon sculpture? A) Gustave Eiffel B) Anders Zorn C) Auguste Rodin D) Carl Milles
7.51 pm 7.48 pm 8.41 pm 9.35 pm 8.44 pm 7.36 pm
Nordstjernan (ISSN 1059-7670), founded in New York City in September 1872, is published by Swedish News, Inc., 570 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022 • Readers services and editorial submissions: P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan, CT 06840 Periodicals Postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. www.nordstjernan.com, Nordstjernan is published semimonthly, except for the months of January, February, July when it is monthly and Augustwith no issue. POST MASTER: Please send address changes to Nordstjernan, P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan, CT 06840 Subscription rates: 1 yr. = $55, Two yr. = $99, outside US 1 yr. = $167.
Contact us at 1.800.827.9333, ext 10 for Reader services, ext 12 for Advertising www.nordstjernan.com • email: subs@nordstjernan.com, ads@nordstjernan.com www.facebook.com/nordstjernan • www.twitter.com/nordstjernan www.instagram.com/nordstjernan • www.youtube.com/nordstjernan free digital newsletter www.swedentoday.com
this week…
May TO DO 05.01 SING TO WELCOME SPRING: (Or, join a demonstration) On “Första Maj,” singing gets organized as student and men’s choirs gather on university steps and in parks all over Sweden. 05.01 MAY IS FLOWER MONTH* / BLOMSTERMÅNAD as it was earlier called in Sweden, sometimes in the north also lövmånad (leaf month). Maj can also mean green leaves and twigs, and as a verb, maja means to decorate with wreaths or green twigs (compare with Majstång - Maypole). 05.04 THE HAYMARKET RIOT / On a darker note, this event, also known as the Haymarket Massacre in Chicago in 1886 is the single most influential event in the history of the labor movement in the U.S. and the world. What started as a peaceful rally to support workers striking for an eight-hour day turned into a massacre after anarchists threw a bomb and the ensuing gunfire. The event is generally considered the origin of International Worker’s Day, May 1. 05.09 EUROPE DAY: A day commemorating Robert Schuman’s 1950 declaration on creating a united Europe to preserve peace and create prosperity after World War II. The declaration became the foundation for the European Coal and Steel Community, an organization of six European countries and early predecessor to the European Union. *May flowers are sold every year in Sweden by thousands of children. The Swedish Majblomma (the May Flower) is actually a pin sold to collect money for charities that benefit sick and handicapped children. A tradition since 1907, when little flowers were given as a “receipt” to children who helped other children, the Majblomma pins are a different color every year. They receive special attention from Queen Silvia, who always purchases the first Majblomma. At left, the green and white 2019 Majblomma
18 x NORDSTJERNAN MAIL TO: P.O. Box 1710 New Canaan CT 06840 or CALL 1.800.827.9333 - ext 10
Stay informed in a Swede way. Nordstjernanis published 18 times per year every other week with the exceptions of Jan.-Feb. and July-Aug.
1 year: $55 ❏ 2 years: $99 ❏ // Check ❏ Credit card ❏ Regular active subscribers: call or use your personal account data, received through the mail or online. (Vasa members, call!) Please check if you are a new subscriber, this is a gift or you are renewing your present subscription Renewal ❏ New subscriber ❏ Gift ❏
Amex Disc Visa MC
Page 13
President Trump had good things to say about Sweden when he met with Swedish ambassador to the U.S., Karin Olofsdotter.
Dashboard, p4-5
Swedes travel less / Irrestible Café Choklad / IKEA opens in Manhattan / LinkedIn Top Companies / Second-hand at H&M / Winter Olympics in Sweden? / Monitoring the driver / Selfies reinforce community.
Events calendar, p6-10
What’s going on in Swedish America.
Norse mythology 101—The Old Ways
Page 22
Food & Culture, p26-27
A literary treat, Biff strindberg and the ideal home baked pastry dessert this spring.
Swedish News, p28-29
Higher confidence in institutions / Women study more, earn less/ Rural areas drained on labor / Ockelbo tops divorce statistics / Parties agree: more military service needed / Urban housing shortage / Strong support for EU / Slowing population growth / More train travel / Female Economist of the Year 2019
❏ ❏ ❏ ❏
Name: __________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________ City: ___________________________________________ State: _______________________
Zip: ______________
Telephone: ________________________ Credit card#: __________________________
Exp: _____/_______
Signature______________________________________________
Sec code: _______
Page 7
The organizers of the Bay Area Book Festival may have read last week’s Nordstjernan - even six minutes of reading will reduce your stress levels according to recent research. The Exchange Rate:
$1.00 = SEK 9.25 (04.17.2019)
MAY 01, 2019 3
dashboard | may 01, 2019
Swedes travel less
Organized travel started early in Sweden. The first charter flight to the Mediterranean landed on the island of Majorca in 1955. The Vickers Viking plane reached its destination after a two-day grasshopper flight with Sweden’s first 26 charter tourists.
Swedes made almost half a million fewer trips in 2018 than in 2017. This is a trend break, according to the magazine Vagabond, which since 2010 has measured Swedes’ travel habits. During the last decade their foreign travel has increased steadily every year, but last year 11.2 million leisure trips were made against 11.7 million in 2017. Spain remains the most popular travel destination, followed by Denmark in second place, then Germany, and in 10th place is USA with 346,000 travelers (compared with 1.5 million to Spain, 1.1 million to Denmark). The survey also shows the biggest explanation for why more people chose not to travel abroad was the negative effects of air travel on the environment. Other factors that influenced people were the Swedish krona’s declining value and that the summer in Sweden 2018 was incredibly warm.
Irrestible ...
... is and was the word that came to mind when we spotted the above sign at the corner of N Main and Thomas streets on College Hill in Providence, RI. Ever since a reader told us about the café early in the year we’ve wanted to visit, and Café Choklad didn’t disappoint. Proprietor Marie Retlev (inset) serves up hearty sandwiches, soups and salads, Swedish pastries and a variety of rich, tasty hot chocolate—enjoy a salty caramel hot choccolate and a mazarin while reading the latest Nordstjernan next time you’re in town. Café Choklad, 2 Thomas Street, Providence RI
The stories, the traditions, the people behind the news. founded in new york city in september 1872 executive editor
& publisher:
Ulf Barslund Mårtensson (editor@nordstjernan.com) editor:
Amanda Olson Robison (editor@nordstjernan.com) managing editor & production: Everett Martin graphic design: Nadia Wojcik (design@nordstjernan.com) contributors:
Chipp Reid - Ted Olsson - Leif Rosqvist - Kitty Hughes Ulf Kirchdorfer - Valorie Arrowsmith - Olle Wijkström Bo Zaunders - Göran Rygert - James Kaplan - Gunilla Blixt publications director:
Mette Barslund Mårtensson (mette@nordstjernan.com; 800.827.9333, ext 12)
nordstjernan p.o. box 1710 new canaan ct 06840 contact us at 1.800.827.9333 ext 10 for reader services, email: subs@nordstjernan.com; ext 12 for advertising, email: ads@nordstjernan.com www.nordstjernan.com Covering three worlds: Sweden, America and Swedish America. Order your own copy, $55.00 for a year (18 issues) Choose ‘subscribe’ at www.nordstjernan.com or call 1.800.827.9333, ext 10 4 NORDSTJERNAN
IKEA opens in Manhattan
The IKEA Planning Studio will focus on smart solutions for urban living and small spaces.
Just over a year after Ikea opened its first pop-up store in central Stockholm, the furniture store opens its first city center store in the U.S. in Manhattan. The Ikea Planning Studio opened in Manhattan on April 15, but interestingly, the new location is just a few blocks from the spot where an Ikea city store opened in the late 1990s, on Lexington Avenue. With no means for easy shipping of furniture and lacking the present collaboration with TaskRabbit to assemble furniture or the recently opened customer fulfillment center in Staten Island, the early investment flopped. Today’s Ikea U.S. has the tools in place to make it work.
The new store at 999 Third Avenue, NY, NY covers three floors and will focus on smart solutions for urban living and small spaces. It will complement the existing stores in the New York market and allow customers an opportunity to discover, select and order products for delivery to their homes - contrary to their present stores, it is not a full buy-and-carry operation. The Planning Studio will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Globally, Ikea plans 30 new stores in city centers over the next three years. For more info on Ikea, see www.ikea.com/us
Screen grab from Smart Eye’s Twitter account.
dashboard | may 01, 2019
Poster from the one time Sweden hosted the olympics.
Winter Olympics in Sweden?
The Swedish government supports the application to organize the 2026 Winter Olympics. This means the government will guarantee the security arrangements during an Olympic Games and even the Paralympics. The security issue was the last obstacle for SOK (the Swedish Olympic Committee) to submit the official application to arrange Winter Olympics 2026. The Olympics in Sweden are planned for Stockholm, Falun and Åre, and Segulda in Latvia. In June the International Olympic Committee will vote on which country may arrange the Olympics. Sweden’s opponent in the vote is Italy’s Milan with Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Second-hand at H&M
Swedish retailer H&M, which incidentally dressed the Swedish olympic athletes in recent years, has announced it will test the sale of vintage and second-hand clothing. The initiative will launch online in Sweden through the more upscale “& Other Stories” brand. The project is part of the retailer’s efforts to promote sustainability and will expand to other countries in the next few years.
LinkedIn Top Companies
Social media platform LinkedIn recently released its list of the 50 companies where Americans want to work right now. The annual list is compiled by editors and data scientists that parse billions of actions by LinkedIn members to uncover the companies that are attracting the most attention from job seekers and then hanging onto that talent. There is one Swedish company on the list (in 14th place): music streaming service Spotify, which has 1800 U.S. employees and offices in New York City, LA and Boston. LinkedIn ranks companies based on four pillars: interest in the company, engagement with employees, job demand and employee retention.
Monitoring the driver
More and more car manufacturers want to increase road safety with systems that monitor the driver. Göteborg-based Smart Eye has secured contracts with several car companies for its technology that analyzes drivers’ eye movements. Headquartered on Sweden’s west coast, the company already has offices in the a U.S.—where else but in Ann Arbor, Michigan—and China and Japan. Modern cars have cameras, radar and lidar systems directed outward to detect obstacles so a car can for instance auto brake, stay in a lane or adjust the speed to the car ahead. Smart Eye’s so-called eye-tracking technology, however, uses a camera that is turned inward toward the driver and reads the movements of the eyes. In the future, it may be obvious for cars to give warnings and make adjustments when driv-
ers show signs of fatigue and lowered concentration by rubbing their eyes, looking around more often and increased blinking. The system could warn the driver with sound and light, connect to a telephone service or even make the car brake and stop at the roadside. The car manufacturer decides how the information is to be used; six different manufacturers including BMW have reportedly selected Smart Eye for around 40 car models. And it’s a reasonably priced system—the manufacturer expects $6-$11 per car. The safety organization European New Car Assessment Program, NCAP, which does crash tests, has decided driver monitoring will be included in its classifications from 2020. The lawmakers are also pushing for change: The EU plans to make distraction warnings and several other security systems compulsory in all new cars starting in 2022. For more info, see www.smarteye.se
Selfies reinforce the sense of community
Taking a selfie is often considered somewhat superficial and egocentric. But researchers from Göteborg University have come to the conclusion that selfies function as visual communication and as an important activity in the interaction with other people. According to the study, people share selfies on social media to share strong emotions and experiences in their lives. Photos that are quickly shared through social media evoke a feeling of being together and enhance common feelings and experiences that transcend time and space.
Nina Lagergren has died
Raoul Wallenberg’s half-sister Nina Lagergren died on April 5 at age 98. Since Wallenberg disappeared in 1945, Lagergren has been one of the most active investigators trying to find out what happened to him. She was also a founder of the Raoul Wallenberg Academy in 2001. In 2013, Lagergren met U.S. President Barack Obama when he honored Wallenberg’s memory in Stockholm, and in 2014 she said on Swedish Radio she hoped Raoul Wallenberg’s struggle was not in vain. In Memoriam for Nina Lagergren on p28. For more info on the Raoul Wallenberg Academy, see www.raoulwallenberg. se and, for a refresher on Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat in Budapest who was instrumental in rescuing tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews from the Holocaust, turn to page 20.
Raoul Wallenberg.
Page 20
MAY 01, 2019 5
local events
Local Events California
Berkeley 05.04-05.05 Bay Area Book Festival: This two-day event gathers nearly 500 speakers and exhibitors from a spectrum of genres and topics who offer a lively outdoor fair and interviews, performances, activities, exhibits and literary sessions with top authors from the region and the world, including Sweden and Norway. Most discussions are $10 at local venues. Register at www.baybookfest.org Kingsburg 05.16-05.18 Kingsburg Swedish Festival: The 53rd Annual Swedish Festival bring entertainment, food and fun, beginning with a smörgåsbord on Friday evening and a Swedish pancake breakfast on Saturday morning. The Swedish Village and Draper Street are full of culture and craft booths, food and entertainment. 559.897.1111 / www.facebook.com/kingsburgchamber/ info@kingsburgchamber.com.
Connecticut
Mystic 06.01-06.02 Viking Days: Mystic Seaport Museum is transformed for the second annual celebration of Viking culture, complete with a Viking market, trade demonstrations, musical and theatrical performances, lectures, and on-the-water activities. Visit a Viking village encampment by living historians Draugar Vinlands, and the Viking longship, Draken Harald Hårfagre, whose new documentary about crossing the North Atlantic can be viewed. Sample Scandinavian fare, and watch traditional
faering sailing and a Nordic boat-building demonstration. There will be hands-on activities and games for children and adults throughout the day, and a special planetarium show on Viking navigation. Viking attire welcomed (but no full-face masks/helmets or authentic weapons)! Mystic Seaport, 860.572.0711 / info@ mysticseaport.org / www.mysticseaport. org South Meriden 05.04, 1-4 PM Walpurgis - Valborgsmassoafton: Kaldolmar dinner at Vasa Park! $18 / RSVP to Norden Lodge #1 and Kronan Lodge #2, 860.563.0040 / steinmillerl@gmail.com
Iowa
Elk Horn 05.25, 9 AM - 05.26, 3 PM Tivoli Fest: Visit the Danish Villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton for the 40th anniversary of Tivoli Fest. Parade, Scandinavian foods, folk dancing, heritage exhibits and much more. Danish Windmill, 712.764.7472 / windmill@metc.net /www. danishvillages.com
Fika Pop-up Café: The Swedish magazine Hembakat (“Home baked”) declared May 6 as the day to celebrate home baked goods. It is a day to take time and find the joy in baking and happiness in the wonderful smells and the fact that you created something delicious. Our Swedish fika pop-up café on this day offers a variety of Swedish treats. (We will also provide recipes so you can go home and share the joys of home baking!) Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / museum@samac. org / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org 05.11, 5-7 PM Merula Concert: From Bellman to Benny, Merula sings three centuries of Swedish music. Under the artistic direction of Göran Anner, Sean Hussey and now Ulla-Britt Silversten, the Chicago choir brings a twist of fun to Swedish music, composers and issues. $10/adults, Free/ages 12
and under. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / museum@samac.org / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org 05.15, 11 AM -4 PM Cinnamon Bun Pop-up Café: It’s Kardemummabullens Dag! Visit the museum and get your authentic Swedish cinnamon bun (kardemummabulle). Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / m u s e u m @ s a m a c . o r g / w w w. swedishamericanmuseum.org 05.17, 11 AM Hejsan! Story and craft time with the theme: Springtime in the Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren. All ages are welcome to attend with a caregiver for this free (with admission) program. Reservations are appreciated to snyman@samac.org. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org
Illinois
Bishop Hill 05.11, 2-4 PM The History of Baseball: Dr. Bruce Storey offers a free public presentation at the Dairy Building on Erickson St. Bishop Hill Heritage Association, 309.927.3899 / bhha@ mymctc.net / www.bishophillheritage.org 05.16 - 05.18 Quilt Show Yule, Yoyos and Yardage Colony School: A bedazzling display of color with a special quilt exhibit and wheat weaving demonstrations at the Steeple Building. Bishop Hill Heritage Association, 309.927.3899 / bhha@mymctc.net / www.bishophillheritage.org Chicago 05.06, 11 AM – 4 PM
SAN FRANCISCO Söndag 12 maj kl 11.00
HÖGMÄSSA
i Norska Sjömanskyrkan på Hyde St. Kyrkoherde Hans Bratt Hernberg predikar. Therese Brewitz är pianist. Kyrkkaffe och saft.
Lördag 18 maj kl 15.00
GUDSTJÄNST
i Los Altos Lutheran Church. Brandon Peck predikar och Therese Brewitz är pianist. Zaida Singers medverkar. Kyrkkaffe och saft.
Fredag 3, 17 och 31 maj kl 10.30
BARNGRUPP
med sånger, gemenskap och fika, lek och påskpyssel för barn och vuxna i Norska Sjömanskyrkan. Se Facebook för mer info!
SVENSKA KYRKAN SAN FRANCISCO Norska Sjömanskyrkan, 2454 Hyde Street, San Francisco Tel: 415-632-8504 Epost: sanfrancisco@svenskakyrkan.se Hemsida: www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco 6 NORDSTJERNAN
Dala roosters flock to Chicago You’ve heard of the Dala horse (Dalahäst), but did you know there are also Dala pigs and Dala roosters? These are not as famous as the horse but still commonly found in homes around Sweden. The Dalahäst, originally a pagan talisman and wooden toy from the province of Dalarna, has become a symbol of Sweden recognized around the world. Every year, tens of thousands of red painted horses are sold, but blue horses and yellow roosters are also big sellers. Also symbols of the agrarian society of early Sweden, the rooster and pig are popular sidekicks to the horse. And now, if you are in the Chicago area on May 25 at 10 a.m., you can enjoy the unique opportunity of painting your own Dala rooster. Prepaid reservations are required; $25 includes everything you need. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / museum@samac.org / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org
local events 05.18, 11AM - 6 PM 1st Annual Vårmarknad: For the first time at the Swedish American Museum, you can come to a spring market (“vårmarknad”). Similar to Julmarknad (Christmas market), Vårmarknad features Scandinavian crafts and items - find gifts for Father’s Day and graduation or just get something springy for your home. Also visit: Tantalizing Treasures, a sale with everything from antiques to gently used items. 773.728.8111 / museum@samac. org / www.swedishamericanmuseum.org
Bay Area Book Festival
The fifth anniversary festival is a two-day event on May 4 and 5 with nearly 500 speakers and exhibitors from a spectrum of genres and topics who offer a lively outdoor fair and interviews, performances, activities, exhibits and literary sessions with top authors from the region and the world, including Sweden and Norway: • 05.04, 10-11:15 AM: Criminally Good Writing - meet four internationally acclaimed Scandinavian crime writers at the Goldman Theatre • 05.04, 1:30-2:45 PM: Nordic Noir – A festival favorite at the Crystal Ballroom • 05.04, 5-6:15 PM: Noir at the Bar - Grab a drink and settle in for crime fiction stories by authors from Scandinavia, Ireland and the United States at Freight & Salvage • 05.04, 3:15-4:30 PM: Writer to Writer - Linn Ullmann and Geir Gulliksen, fans of each other’s work, come together for conversation at Magnes Museum. • 05.05, 1:30-2:45 PM: Unquiet: An Encounter with Linn Ullmann at Magnes Museum Most discussions are $10. For more information and to register, see www. baybookfest.org
05.25, 10 AM -12 PM Dala Rooster Craft: Paint your own Dala rooster. $25/prepaid reservation includes everything you need. Swedish American Museum. 773.728.8111 . museum@samac. org. www.swedishamericanmuseum.org 05.26, 11 AM Hejsan! Story and craft time with the theme: Springtime in the Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren. All ages are welcome to attend with a caregiver for this free (with admission) program. Reservations are appreciated via email to snyman@samac.org. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org
Massachusetts
West Newton 05.04, 1:30-3 PM Nordic Kids - Norwegian Play Group. Give your kids a chance to speak Norwegian with other children while playing and learning. $5 suggested donation per child. Scandinavian Cultural Center. Scandinavian Cultural Center, 617.795.1914 / www.scandicenter.org 05.10, 7-9 PM Paint night: Princess cakes, cinnamon rolls, cardamom buns—you’ve enjoyed all these sweet Swedish treats at the pop-up café on Saturdays. Now enjoy them in a whole new way! With a variety of pastries from the Crown Bakery and paint, create your own food still-life painting. Follow along with local artist, Laurel Greenfield, and learn the basics of using acrylics, mixing paint, choosing colors, selecting paint brushes, and creating a painting, from sketching all the way to finished masterpiece. All skill levels welcome, $35-$40 includes all supplies. Scandinavian Cultural Center, 617.795.1914 / www.scandicenter.org 05.25, 1:30 PM The Scandinavian Library Presents: Thelma - A college student experiences seizures while studying at a university in Oslo and soon learns the violent episodes are a symptom of inexplicable, and often dangerous, supernatural abilities. In Norwegian and Swedish with English subtitles, 116 minutes. Free; $5 suggested donation. Refreshments served at 1 p.m. Scandinavian Cultural Center, 617.795.1914 / www.scandicenter.org 06.08, 1 PM “Svenska Broderi”/Swedish Embroidery: From gently tonal linen näversöm threadwork to colorful and glorious floral yllebroderi on tvåändsstickning knitted fabric, Swedish stitchers have developed a unique and magnificent embroidery tradition. Find out about the history and scope of Sweden’s rich heritage of needle craft from needlecraft artist and author Pat
Olski, and learn a few simple stitches to bring a touch of Scandinavia into your own home. Preregister/$5 suggested donation, Scandinavian Cultural Center, 617.795.1914 / www.scandicenter.org
Minnesota
Fridley 05.03, 7:30 PM Swedish Choral Concert: As members of the American Union of Swedish Singers (AUSS), the ASI Male Chorus presents its annual Spring Concert at Redeemer Lutheran Church. www.auss.org Minneapolis 05.08, 6:30 - 8:30 PM The Art of the Smörgås Nordic Table Workshop: Dive into the world of the smörgås, the open-faced sandwiches that hold a special place in Nordic countries’ cuisine. We’ll discuss the crucial elements to building a perfect smörgås and practice eating them! Nordic food guru Patrice Johnson will lead students through a whirlwind tour of her favorite combinations, from the most classic toppings to some fun midwestern twists. This class is demonstration-based with some opportunities for participation. Registration recommended by May 1. $45 ASI members / $55 non-members. American Swedish Institute. 612-871-4907. info@asi.org. www.asimn.org 05.15, 6:30-8:30 PM Craft & Cocktails Series: Enjoy a signature drink from Fika and create a fun set of jewelry out of felted wool! Students will needle felt balls of different colors and sizes, and then assemble a fun and funky pair of earrings and pendant necklace. This is the perfect class to try out simple felting and jewelry making techniques in a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll head home with colorful, custom jewelry to keep or share. $35/members, $45/non-members. American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / info@asimn.org / www.asimn.org 05.16, 7 PM Preview Party: The Vikings Begin The Vikings are coming ... collection of 1400-year-old artifacts from the early Viking Age is traveling from Scandinavia to Minneapolis. Be there on the opening night of the highly anticipated exhibit, The Vikings Begin. In addition to being the Midwest premiere of the exhibition, the preview party also includes: mini lectures by Nordic experts, special music, mead tastings, Skål songs and spontaneous Viking long dances and more. $15 ASI members / $20 non-members. American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / info@
Do you know about an upcoming event in Swedish America? Submit it any time to our online calendar at www.nordstjernan.com/ calendar
MAY 01, 2019 7
local events Gammelgården Attic hosts a wide variety of items that are relevant to telling the story of Swedish immigration and settlement. Often these valuable items are too fragile, too small, or too difficult to display in our historic buildings, so they stay in “the attic.” This year many are on display in the Passage Room of the Välkommen Hus where they can be enjoyed and help tell the story of immigration. Gammelgarden Museum, 651.383.7351 / www.gammelgardenmuseum.org
Hudson Valley Country Living Fair
Over 200 vendors will showcase and sell antiques, furniture, arts and crafts and home and garden decor in historic Rhinebeck, a couple hours north of NYC along the Hudson River. Among them is one of our favorite designers, Gudrun Sjödén, who “moves” the SoHo store north to participate as a vendor and will showcase and sell from her latest collections. You will find her store and display in one of the covered barns (look for happy and colorful). The fair at Dutchess County Fairgrounds runs from May 31 through June 2 and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.For more info, see www.dutchessfair. com or www.gudrunsjoden.com
79h Annual SWEDEN DAY A NEW YORK “MIDSOMMAR” TRADITION
Saturday, June 15, 2019 Manhem Club
658 Clarence Avenue, Throgs Neck, Bronx, New York 10465 Park Opens 11 AM
New York
New York 05.01, 7 PM 05.03, 6:30 PM Ted: För Kärlekens Skull. In the new movie, Ted: För Kärlekens Skull (“For love’s sake”), Swedish director and screenwriter Hannes Holm shares the story of Swedish folk pop singer Ted Gärdestad and his brother Kenneth, who wrote lyrics for Ted but didn’t share the fame. The singer, songwriter, musician and actor began his career in 1966 and began playing music in 1971, signing with Polar Music. Ted’s turbulent and dramatic life was also well known until he died at the age of 41 in 1997. His songs touched an entire nation and defined a generation of pop music through love, pain and hope. The film includes several Gärdestad songs, performed by Adam Pålsson. See Ted: För Kärlekens Skull (Sweden, 2018) at Scandinavia House. In Swedish with English subtitles, 120 minutes. 212.847.9729 / chelsea@ amscan.org / www.scandinaviahouse.org
Main Program 2 PM
2019 Woman of the Year
Gail Olson
$10/person. Children under 12 free (accompanied by adult) Entertainment featuring: Smörgåsbandet, Barnklubben Elsa Rix #1, kids activities, Allsång & dancing around the Maypole (Majstång). Large in-ground pool. Don’t forget your bathing suits. Drinks and food available for purchase. Miss Sweden Day & Scholarship applications: www.SwedenDayNY.com
Manhem Club - (718) 822-8965 Sweden Day Committee - (516) 565-2091 Email: SwedenDayNina@outlook.com
8 NORDSTJERNAN
05.26, 1 – 4 PM Immigrant for a Day: Experience a (free) day as an immigrant making a new life on a small farm in the town of Scandia in the late 1800s. As part of annual Minnesota Museums Month, visit each of the five historic and fully furnished buildings to participate in the work and play of residents of this small farm. You may be hauling water, packing your trunk for America, making butter, doing laundry and playing games at “recess” in the new school yard. Come dressed in period costume to add to your experience. Gammelgarden Museum, 651.383.7351 / media@gammelgardenmuseum.org / www.gammelgardenmuseum.org
For more local events in Swedish America see our online calendar at www.nordstjernan.com/ calendar or download the free app Nordic in America-Events from the App Store or nordicinamerica.com
05.02, 8 PM C o n c e r t s a t S c a n d i n av i a H o u s e : Internationally acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel continues his Keyboard Conversations series with evenings comprised of an informal commentary on the music and its composers, a full performance, and a Q&A. Scandinavia House, 212.847.9729 / chelsea@amscan. org / www.scandinaviahouse.org Ongoing Nordic Impressions: Contemporary Art from Åland, Denmark, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. This exhibition brings together a wide array of artistic expressions—paintings, drawings, photographs, installations, films, and videos—that reflect the rich diversity and global character of contemporary Nordic art. Made across a spectrum of media from locations throughout the Nordic region, the works in the exhibition each offer a different artistic experience while being tied across themes that have held a special place in Nordic culture: both historic themes such as light and darkness, the coalescence of nature and folklore, women’s rights and social liberalism; and more current subjects such as climate change, sustainability, and immigration. Through June 8 at Scandinavia House, 212.847.9729 / www.scandinaviahouse. org
Ohio
Cleveland Heights 05. 19, 2 PM Swedish Choral Concert: As members of the American Union of Swedish Singers (AUSS), the Vasa Voices of Cleveland present their Spring Concert at Peace Lutheran Church. www.auss.org
Oregon
Portland 05.03-05.04 Nordic Vintage Sale: This annual, free admission event offers antique collectors and holiday shoppers alike an extensive boutique with Nordic shopping featuring cultural items and clothing, fabric arts, books, artwork, vintage souvenirs, dish and glassware, wrapping paper and many other unique treasures! A wide selection of gently used and brand new items. at Nordia House, 503.977.0275 / lailas@nordicnorthwest. org / www.nordicnorthwest.org 05.18, 4 PM Scandinavian Chorus Spring Concert & Raffle: Enjoy music, a bake sale and a raffle, starting at 3:30 p.m. Suggested donation: $10. Nordia House, 503.977.0275 / www. auss.org 06.08, 11 AM- 6 PM 90th Annual Scandinavian Midsummer Festival: Welcome summer on Oregon Heritage Tradition Day! Join your friends and family in SE Portland to ring in the 90th year of this historic, regional tradition. Food and crafts are offered from local Nordic clubs, vendors and artists. Two stages of entertainment and a beer garden promise continuous entertainment with live music and dancing, all with a Nordic flair. The Midsummer pole will be raised, followed by festive dancing and singing. Nordia House, 503.977.0275 / lailas@nordicnorthwest. org / www.nordicnorthwest.org
local events
Immigration stories
hegemony. Author Jogen Flood discusses his book The Wars for Scandinavian Supremacy 1524-1815 about this period and how it became the foundation for the Scandinavia we know today. $25/includes museum admission, tour and luncheon. Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / info@americanswedish.org / www. americanswedish.org 05.21, 10:30-11:30 AM Toddler Time: Is there such a thing as living art? There sure is! We will read “Mossy” by Jan Brett and learn all about the beauty of nature as Mossy the turtle does with lots of fun activities! $5/child, free/members and accompanying caregivers. American Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / info@americanswedish.org / www. americanswedish.org Ongoing Outdoor Adventures: Explore the history of Nordic navigation, compasses and the modern-day sport of orienteering in this exhibit with Swedish roots. Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / info@americanswedish.org / www. americanswedish.org
The attic, the place where items are stored because they are important, valuable or sentimental, or maybe they’ll even be useful later. Gammelgården’s attic has a wide variety of items that are relevant to the story of Swedish immigration and settlement; often these valuable items are too fragile, too small, or too difficult to display in our historic buildings, so they stay in “the attic.” This year, however, many objects are getting dusted off and put on display to share stories of immigration in Gammelgården’s Attic A-Z exhibit, kicking off the season on May 3 at 10 a.m. then open for walk-in tours on Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays 1-4 p.m. See and hear the stories through Swedish immigrant farmer Albert Swenson’s account book from 1864-1914, Olaf Olin’s gold handled engraved walking stick and pocket watch, wedding dresses from the mid-1800s and much more at Gammelgården Museum in Scandia, Minnesota. 651.383.7351 / www.gammelgardenmuseum.org
Swedish Taste on the High Seas: Launched in 1928, the same year construction of the American Swedish Historical Museum was completed, the Swedish ocean liner Kungsholm was one of the earliest vessels decorated in the Art Deco style. The Kungholm’s fashionable passenger spaces made her a popular ship, even during the Great Depression. The installation reveals the history the Kungsholm and her glorious interiors, the museum’s large ship model, ephemera from the collection, archival photographs, and excerpts from passenger travel diaries. American Swedish Historical Museum. 215.389.1776 / hoberg@americanswedish. org / www.americanswedish.org 06.06, 10 AM-3 PM Swedish National Day: Celebrate Swedish National Day at the American Swedish Historical Museum and enjoy free admission, a special Swedish summer dessert treat and guided tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. that highlight the special history of the museum itself. American Swedish Historical Museum. 215.389.1776 / www. americanswedish.org
Kingsburg, Ca May 16 - 18 Thursday Peasoup & Pancake Supper 5 pm to 8 pm Crowning of the Swedish Queen Friday Smorgasbord and heritage program 9 am to 6 pm Saturday Festival with Parade, Vendors and Heritage Activities. Kingsburg Swedish Village Downtown Kingsburg
(559) 897-1111
Augusta’s Daughter Ever wonder what made so many emigrate from Sweden in the nineteenth century? Judit Martin’s novel, “Augusta’s Daughter,” about 19th century Swedish peasant life made such an impression on us, we decided to offer it to the Nordstjernan readership. call 1.800.827.9333 for your own copy ($24.90 incl. S&H to continental U.S.).
Texas Ongoing Exhibit - From Sweden to Oregon: The immigrant experience: Between 1850 and 1949, only Canada and Germany surpassed Sweden in Oregon’s foreign born population: by 1930, one in 10 immigrants in Oregon was a Swede. Who were these intrepid émigrés who not only crossed the Atlantic Ocean to arrive in America, but also traversed the North American continent to settle in Oregon? This exhibit follows the Swedish immigrants to Oregon and reveals what became of their lives, hopes and dreams. Through July 8 at Nordic Northwest, 503.977.0275 / lailas@nordicnorthwest.org / www. nordicnorthwest.org
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia 05.15, 4:30-7:30 PM World Orienteering Day: Join the American Swedish Historical Museum and the
Delaware Valley Orienteering Association to learn about the unique sport of Orienteering. Originating in Sweden, orienteering utilizes navigation skills to race from point to point throughout a set course. Event attendees will learn about the history of orienteering, view our exhibition on the modern compass, and learn basic map reading skills before setting off to complete a course through FDR Park. $10 pre-registration for the event is suggested. Swedish Historical Museum, 215.389.1776 / info@americanswedish.org / www. americanswedish.org 05.17, 11 AM-2 PM Constitution Day: In celebration of Norway’s Constitution Day, syttende mai, enjoy a lunch-and-learn featuring a guided tour, catered lunch and author talk. In 1524 the Kalmar Union broke apart, and over the next 300 years Scandinavia became a battlefield as the Scandinavian nations fought for
El Paso 05.12-5.19 Mamma Mia! UTEP’s Dinner Theatre presents the hit musical of ABBA’s music woven into a story of a young woman’s search for her birth father on the eve of her wedding on a Greek island paradise. UTEP Student Union West building, 915.747.6060 / www.utep.edu Houston 06.09, 3-6 PM Sweden’s National Day: The Consulate General of Sweden, SACC, SWEA, and the Swedish Club of Houston, along with IKEA and Valhalla Premium Aquavit, are co-sponsoring a celebration with meatballs, herring, knäckebröd, potatoes, lemonade, wine and beer, strawberry cake and coffee at Southside Place Clubhouse. RSVP 713.953.1417 / houston@consulateofsweden.org / www. swedishclub.org
Through
NORDSTJERNAN 1.800.827.9333 Ext 10 MAY 01, 2019 9
local events Washington
the most popular films and tv shows from sweden
swedish dvd releases Order Swedish language movies on DVD. All videos are in the original language with English subtitles.
.95
: $19
uced
red Price
Becoming Astrid: About the life of the creator of Pippi Longstocking, Sweden’s beloved author Astrid Lindgren.
Immerse yourself and family in swedishness with the latest dvd releases from Sweden.
Seattle 05.02, 10 AM Nordic Stories: Read My Dog Mouse by Eva Lindström (Sweden) and have fun making a related craft project. Free, for preschool aged children and their grownups. Nordic Museum, 206.789.5707 / devonk@nordicmuseum.org / www. nordicmuseum.org 05.09, 6-7:30 PM Innovation the Nordic Way: Why is the Nordic region so creative? Short, snappy and entertaining, Scand30 is a series of free, 30-minute talks by UW Scandinavian Studies faculty the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Nordic Museum. Find out you what you really need to know about Scandinavia to understand it. Drinks available for purchase in the bar. Free, donations welcome. Nordic Museum. 206.789.5707 / devonk@nordicmuseum. org / www.nordicmuseum.org 05.17, 10 AM- 7PM Syttende Mai Festival and Parade: Visit the Fjord horses and have your kids hitch a ride on the Scandinavian Express train, or raise a toast to Norway’s Independence in the beer garden. Enjoy lunch, chidlren’s crafts, live music and a beer garden; the parade starts at 6 p.m. Nordic Museum in historic Ballard, 206.789.5707 / devonk@nordicmuseum. org / www.nordicmuseum.org 05.29-06.01 Ballard Jazz Festival: The mainstage concert on 5/31 at the Nordic Museum features jazz musicians with Nordic connections. www.ballardjazzfestival.com
Becoming Astrid $29.95 = _______ A Man Called Ove ($29.95) $19.95 = _______ The Last Sentence $29.95 = _______ The 100 Year Old Man $29.95 $19.95 = _______ The Dragon Tattoo Trilogy Extended Boxed Set $39.95 = _______ Wallander Series 2 Boxed Set $74.95 $59.95 = _______ Max Manus: Man of War (in Norwegian) $19.95 = _______
Please send me:
Name ____________________________________
__________________________________
Telephone Number ___________________________ Check enclosed payable to Nordstjernan
Please charge my credit card:
Card # ________________________ Exp. Date: ___ Signature
/ ___ / ___
___________________________ scc Code: ______
Mail order form to:
NORDSTJERNAN P.O. Box 1710 New Canaan, CT 06840 or call 1.800.827.9333 Ext. 10
10 NORDSTJERNAN
05.30, 10 AM - 5 PM Network Mingle: Learn about Stockholm School of Economics’ programs, admission requirements, scholarships, global opportunities, and how to register for 2020 term. Ask questions get answers about SSE and what it is like to study business at one of the world’s most innovative and entrepreneurial schools. Stockholm School of Economics / studentrecruitment@hhs. se / www.hhs.se/en/about-us/calendar/ meet-us/2019/one-on-one-sessions-inwashington Ongoing Through May 12 Siri Berg: Statements - The third in a series of retrospectives devoted to the SwedishAmerican abstract artist (born in Stockholm in 1921). In Color (2016-2017) was followed by A Life In Color (2018), and this third show, of old and new works dating from 1967 to 2018, brings an interplay of light and dark with Berg’s paintings exhibited on black walls as opposed to the white walls of the previous exhibits. The painter, collagist, sculptor and abstractionist also includes a curated selection of her assemblage works, wood block prints and painting studies. In collaboration with Embassy of Sweden, www.houseofsweden.com / www.siriberg.com Wauwatosa 05.11, 1:30 PM Lecture and fika: John Elliott discusses the establishment of the Swedish colony in Bishop Hill, Illinois and its intriguing and influencial history of Swedish American immigrants. Author Martha Bergland adds the story of her ancestor Anders Berglund who arrived at Bishop Hill in 1847. Stay for fika afterward. Redemption Lutheran Church, 262.781.6113 / swedishamericanhistoricalwisc@gmail. com / www.sahswi.org
Total = _______
City, State, Zip ______________________________
05.28, 6-8 PM Network Mingle: Learn about Stockholm School of Economics’ programs, admission requirements, scholarships, global opportunities, and how to register for 2020 term. Ask questions get answers about SSE and what it is like to study business at one of the world’s most innovative and entrepreneurial schools. Stockholm School of Economics / studentrecruitment@ hhs.se / www.hhs.se/en/about-us/ calendar/meet-us/2019/network-minglein-washington
Wisconsin
Incl. S&H (in continental U.S.)
Address
Washington, DC
National archives and library for Swedish-American historical research Publishers of Swedish American Genealogist 639 38th Street Rock Island, IL | 61201-2296 309-794-7204
www.augustana.edu/ swenson
Life made Sweder:
NORDSTJERNAN Call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10 for your own subscription.
local events
Not a Single Story On May 5, Wanås Konst, the art center and sculpture park at Wanås Castle in Sweden’s south, opens Not a Single Story, an exhibition of several artists who relate to the place, history writing and identity from a variety of perspectives. Its starting point and inspiration for the title comes from the author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s well known Ted Talk, which begins: “I am a storyteller. And I would like to share some personal stories about what I want to call ‘the danger of the single story.’” Not a Single Story is a development from a related 2018 exhibition curated for the Nirox Foundation Sculpture Park outside Johannesburg; the participating artists are based in South Africa as well as Sweden and internationally, with new artist names
and works for Wanås. It will be spread throughout the sculpture park, up in the tree tops and into the buildings, transforming the landscape.
Imagine Art in Nature
Wanås Konst, which exhibited at the House of Sweden in Washington, DC in 2014-15, is a center for arts and learning. In an outdoor sculpture park of Wanås in the southernmost province of Sweden, Skåne, it produces and conveys art that challenges and changes views of society. In addition to the permanent collection, extensive temporary exhibitions are shown out- and indoors, with associated programs with shows, artist talks and workshops for a wide audience. Since 1987, over 300 artists have participated in exhibitions. Wanås Konst, the castle and surrounding sculpture park is a treat for the eye and the sould.
Gunilla Klingberg and Peter Geschwind, Lifesystem, 2018, at the Nirox Park, 45 minutes outside Johannesburg, South Africa 2018. Photo: Lilly Oosthuizen
The sculpture park covers 100 acres and is explored on foot. Depending on the season and the program, you can participate in special activities and walks; a visit involving current projects and the permanent collection in the art gallery and park can take 2 to 4 hours. The sculpture park annually has about 80,000 visitors, and 12,000 children and young people
participate in art education activities. Wanås is a place in the world where art, nature and history meet. At Wanås, located in the eastern Göinge municipality in northeastern Skåne 1.5 hours from Malmö / Copenhagen, Wanås Konst and Wanås Restaurant and Hotel are located alongside a medieval castle. For more info, see www.wanaskonst.se
MAY 01, 2019 11
readers forum
InBox Dear Editor, Imagine, someone saw my ad in Nordstjernan and decided to drive from Washington State down to my hometown Kingsburg for a visit— that’s a trip of 1000 miles—and I wanted to share her letter to me with you. June Hess, CA Dear June, My husband and I so enjoyed our visit with you back in January. We stopped in Kingsburg because of your ad in Nordstjernan. And we were not disappointed! Your shop was filled with so many wonderful items that I would love to possess. But alas, my home would not be able to hold them all so instead I purchased gifts for friends. When I saw Kingsburg was on Highway 99 on our way to Palm Springs from Washington state, we planned to camp two nights at a local Kingsburg campground, so we could spend a full day in Kingsburg. We savored the delicious ice cream and nice conversation with the friendly server at the Swedish Creamery the first evening when we arrived. We so enjoyed our day wandering the streets of Kingsburg, listening to the Swedish music and observing so many murals of your town’s history. The old train station happened to be closed, I guess because it was a Martin Luther King holiday, so we peered in the windows. The very large Dala horses around town that were so well taken care of made this Scandinavian very happy and they were fun picture opportunities, the Dala horses on the light poles were great as well. They reminded me of visiting my relatives in Dalarna, Sweden where they make the Swedish horses. We visited the old jail with its colorful history, walked down to the park where we heard later
Gary Hoffman, we presume, helping out at the City of Kingsburg jail.
from you, June, that the park is the place to be for some very fun celebrations. I wish we lived closer! We also purchased many kinds of Swedish pastries and breads in the Old Bakery that we continued to enjoy on our trip south. We were pleased when the owner showed us the 100-year-old oven and explained how they baked all the treats every day. Then we had coffee and ate a delicious lunch in the smartly decorated Kady’s Kitchen. We made a quick stop in the Family Dollar store, purchased a few groceries at SaveMart, and bought gas, too. We saved the best until last and spent two hours shopping and visiting with you, June, as you made us feel so welcome. I am happy we told you about seeing your ad and that it was such a delight when I saw that Kingsburg was on our way south. I wanted you and your town council to know how much we enjoyed our time in Kingsburg and that because
of your small ad about the Svensk Butik, we spent over $300 in your little picturesque town. I shared with family in January and then today with a Scandinavian friend about Kingsburg and she hopes to stop there in the future when she visits family down your way. All the kind and friendly people in Kingsburg will certainly bring us back again next winter when we drive down to California to enjoy the warmer climate. Many blessings and good health to you! Sincerely, Nancy and Gary Hoffman, WA
Dear Editor, I just read Peter Santesson’s article, originally published in Dagens Samhälle, on Swedish politics. This phrase stood out to me: “gets a sledge of his own ladle.” I ran it by my husband and my nephew (American), and they had no clue what it meant. As a Swede, I know the original must have been “får en släng av sin egen slev/sleven.” It makes absolutely no sense to a non-Swedish speaking person, but it gave me a good laugh. I assume this article was not translated by a human, because it was difficult to assimilate in its entirety. If possible, please use a human translator in the future.
Dear Editor, I understood that the unfortunate headline “Losers win . . .” was Mr. Bergström’s writing and my criticism was aimed at him. Maybe I was not clear and for that I apologize. Nordstjernan’s reporting I have always found to be both accurate and impartial. Thank you for a wonderful newspaper!
Sincerely, Christina Sjöblom, OR
Inez Törnblom, IL
Dear Christina, We made a mistake. Sorry for the inconvenience but happy to have offered you a laugh. Although inexcusable we have to add that the text was predominantly translated by a human - Swedish politics these days are complicated enough in plain English - and the direct translation of the Swedish idiom was a conversation piece and a source for laughs here as well. How we could avoid running the proper translation in the end is inexplicable: “That the Left Party now gets a taste of this aspect of politics in Sweden may amuse the Sweden Democrats.” It isn’t the first time we made a mistake and probably not the last but this one should have been avoided. /Ed. 12 NORDSTJERNAN
We’re speechless and look forward to our own first visit to Kingsburg! Thanks for sharing, June (who is the proprietor at Svensk Butik. You find her ad on page 30). /Ed.
Dear Inez, No apology needed. We are there for you, not the other way around. We appreciate that you took the time to voice your opinion. Nordstjernan is committed to publishing a variety of contributions and letters to the editor. We enjoy hearing from you and welcome comments on any of our articles. Easiest way to communicate is through email, editor@nordstjernan.com or mail, P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan CT 06840. /Ed.
people
Ambassador Karin Olofsdotter with Prime Minister Stefan Löfvén in front of the Capitol Building on Capitol Hill in April, 2018.
it’s about people Sweden’s ambassador in Washington, DC is relaxed as we meet in her office in March. Karin Olofsdotter, just back after a luncheon with the artist Siri Berg who’s exhibiting at House of Sweden, is as interested in hearing my take on the artist and a variety of other contemporary subjects as she is in talking about her own experiences in office.
This is a defining attribute of our current representative in DC: a never-ending curiosity and genuine interest in people and, as it seems, most things. Before arriving in DC the ambassador was Director-General for Trade at the foreign office in Sweden, following three years as ambassador to Hungary. Previous experience also includes two years as head of the Department for Promotion of Sweden, Trade and CSR in Stockholm. Olofsdotter was nevertheless surprised at her appointment after but a year in her previous position: “Becoming Sweden’s ambassador to the United States is just not something you expect. I
have to pinch myself sometimes on my way to the office, reminding myself ‘I am the ambassador,’” she says. Sweden’s first female ambassador to the United Sates—a fact duly noted by President Trump as she offered her credentials her first month on the job—brings a great deal of substance to the task. Ambassador Olofsdotter, 52, has a BA in psychology, economics and Russian from Lund University, studied at UCLA Anderson School of Management and speaks Russian, French and English. Her first post after entering the Foreign Service was in Moscow, where she was mainly responsible for covering Belarus. Her list of assignments also includes work with the Swedish delegation to NATO, the Swedish EU representation in Brussels and a term at the Washington Embassy as Deputy Chief of Mission.
People and travel
Olofsdotter has already visited many of the honorary consuls in the U.S. after moving to DC with her daughter in September 2017; her husband stayed in
Sweden with their son to allow him to finish high school. Travel seems to be in her blood—she was an exchange student in the U.S. during both high school and college, and she spent time abroad for several jobs. “Traveling is really the most exciting part of my job, being out there, visiting new places and meeting people. I’m going to Texas next week and meeting with the governor in Austin.” The ambassador hails from Halmstad on Sweden’s west coast where her parents owned and ran shoe stores in several mid-sized cities. “Coming from a family of entrepreneurs enables me to understand what businesses go through, their needs, their hardships and how they think.“ Her family background, along with experiences from previous jobs, has surely formed the professional she is today. And temporary work in the Swedish healthcare system during studies at Lund University left a formidable impression on her, too: “Working with people from all parts of society struggling with drugs and alcohol, realizing the impact of addiction and abuse was an important experience I wouldn’t want to have undone.” Continues on next page MAY 01, 2019 13
people
Ambassador Olofsdotter in brief:
High point in your career as a diplomat? Being apponted Sweden’s ambassador to the United States Biggest achievement in life, so far? Finding a wonderful husband and having two great kids. Who or what is your greatest source of inspiration? My mother – extremely hard working and a very smart woman. What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you? Have had many – one very practical as a diplomat – when you go to a diplomatic function, reception or cocktail you can’t leave til you have spoken to three people you have never met before. What’s your favorite film and why? Hard to answer – I have seen so many. Latest read book? Michael McFaul ”From Cold War to Hot Peace: an American Ambassador in Putin’s Russia.” What’s your favorite museum in DC? Smithsonian Museum of American History Autoliv’s Tim Barry, engineering director, explains to the ambassador how each airbag has its own unique properties - from folds to inflator size and even overall functionality, including this side curtain airbag. A week after visiting Texas, Olofsdotter visited Detroit and was joined by representatives from the local chapter of the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce to visit Swedish companies in the area.
Continued from previous page
“Folk är folk”
We’re curious to know whether much has changed since Olofsdotter entered the Swedish Foreign Service in 1994. “Little has really changed over the last 25 years—it’s (still) about people, about staying relevant and getting to know people. As I read Wilhelm Wachtmeister’s [Sweden’s ambassador to the U.S. 1974-1989] biography last summer I was again taken by the fact that so little has changed over the years since his time and since I started at the Foreign Office. To succeed as a small nation in Washington, you have to have knowledge on the actual issues, but also be socially active.” “Folk är folk, people are people, to paraphrase something Jan Eliasson (ambassador to the U.S. 2000-2005) mentioned on Swedish Radio in the summer of 2015. He explained how during intense dramatic negotiations during the Iran-Iraq wars they made people stay in the room and slowly start talking to each other by putting a coffee machine at the exit from the conference room.…” The mention of the Swedish diplomat brings to mind conversations with Ambassador Jan Eliasson when he received the go ahead on plans to develop the property for the embassy in 2001. (Karin Olofsdotter was at the time working in Brussels where she chaired the EU’s Political-Military Group.) 14 NORDSTJERNAN
Since Sweden was chairing the EU nations and represented them all in DC, Eliasson said, “All of a sudden the phone is picked up, my phone calls are returned. Everyone is accessible on every level. Representing [at the time] 15 nations instead of one small country makes all the difference.” Other things have changed since then: The presiding nation no longer represents the group abroad, an honor and work load instead bestowed upon the EU ambassador’s office. So, do officials in the administration still respond when a small nation such as Sweden knocks on the door? Yes, says Olofsdotter, as long as there’s a good reason. “What you want to avoid is constantly nagging people for attention. We’ve had a few reasons to contact the administration. Of course in conjunction with the Trump administration’s negotiations with North Korea - Sweden is the protecting power of the United States in North Korea - but also in conjunction with the Russia sanctions that specifically hit Sweden’s only aluminum plant Kubal (Kubikenborg Aluminium), owned by RusAL, which could have been forced to close due to the U.S.-Russia sanctions. This brought us high up in the Treasury Department.” [The Kubal plant in Sundsvall with 500 employees is one of the biggest employers in the area, and was saved from closing by a decision in Congress in mid-January. The agreement is, however, dependent on the Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska coming through on reducing his ownership and relinquish-
Favorite destination? I love South Beach in Miami. Do you prefer being in the audience or on the stage? Both work equally well for me. What fact about you would surprise our readers most? I did acting for 10 years.
ing control in RusAL and its parent company.] Ambassador Olofsdotter’s present position is no doubt the cream of the crop of Foreign Office assignments, and she is relatively young, so what’s next? “I don’t look at this position as the crowning point of a career or a final destination. There are so many exciting places in the world I’d love to see and get to know. Also, while my parents are still around I would welcome an opportunity to serve in one of our Nordic countries to be closer to them and other family.” It is all about people. Ulf Barslund Martensson
art and culture
Image courtesy of Blaxsta Vingård (www.blaxstawine.se), a mere hour’s drive southwest of Stockholm, and not surprisingly, among other things, highly regarded for its icewines.
Swedish Swedish Wine
We’re back to Oregon’s Swedish- and Danish-American Fullerton Wines in this issue, this time with a story based on Leif Rosqvist’s continued endeavors at the Oregon vintner. He discovered oak has everything to do with most aspects of a fine wine—including the color, flavor, tannin profile and texture. To which extent any of the roughly 600 extant species of oak influence the flavors is not part of this particular story, but if there’s one thing Sweden has a lot of, it’s, well, wood. And of the more noble deciduous trees, the most common in Sweden is oak. While we know Sweden has a lot of oak, did you know it also has vineyards? We didn’t really expect it from the country of lingon and cloudberries but set out to find out more about Swedish vineyards. As it turns out, several Swedish vineyards (and to clarify: that’s vineyards actually located in Sweden) have received international awards over the last few years. Most are in the south but you’ll find commercial vintners just an
hour from Stockholm as well. The most common grape is solaris, a relatively new variety, used for white wine, that ripens early and is common in cool climates with low sunshine levels. Then again, you’ll also find growers of chardonnay, merlot, vidal and other more familiar grapes on Nordic soil. Swedish wine is definitely on a different level now from only 10-15 years ago, and anyone visiting Sweden in the summer can visit one of the 35-40 registered commercial wineries, perhaps enjoy a gourmet dinner and sometimes accommodation in a one-of-a-kind setting. For those of you staying on this side of the Atlantic, we’ll find out more about what is unique with Swedish wine but also which methods are used and which areas should be part of your visit next time you go. /UBM For more info, see www.svensktvin.se, check “vingårdar” but remember, many of the 200 plus listed are hobby vintners. MAY 01, 2019 15
feature
Wine in oak or oak in wine?
Inspired by my contacts with Fullerton Wines in Portland, Oregon, I stayed in contact with winemaker Alex Fullerton, who graciously invited me to an eye-opening experience during an “Oak and Fire” class at the winery. I didn’t know there was so much thought and research behind my favorite dinner accompaniment. Oak plays a significant role in winemaking. It can have a profound effect on the resulting product during the fermentation or aging periods, affecting the color, flavor, tannin profile and texture of the wine. Oak can be introduced to the wine in the form of free-floating oak chips or as wood staves (sticks) added in a fermentation vessel like stainless steel. Oak wine barrels can impart other qualities to the wine through the process of evaporation and lowlevel exposure to oxygen. The use of barrels began around 300 BC by Celts living in the Alps. The barrels were made from many types of wood—chestnut, beech, oak, teak and apple, among others. They were sturdy and would not break like clay amphorae; they were practical, flexible and strong for storing and 16 NORDSTJERNAN
transporting all sorts of things. Chestnut was once widely used for wine making but fell out of favor due to better flavors in oak. The oak’s tight grain also sealed in the wine, and its tannins protected wine from oxidation while enhancing its taste. The majority of fine wines are aged in oak barrels. From the chardonnays of Montrachet to the cabernets of Pauillac, the most expensive wines in the world are produced with oak aging. In the U.S. the most expensive wines, except collectors’ items, are oak-aged from the various dominating regions. Wines in price classes are as follows: Oregon: up to $300 level = mainly pinot noir California: up to $500 level= mainly cabernet style wine Washington: up to $300 level = mainly syrah and cabernet style wine
Anatomy of the barrel
Staves: the long planks of wood squeezed together to form the barrel shape.
Heads: circular pieces of shorter staves pressed together to form barrel ends. Hoops: the circular metal bands that hold the staves together. Rivets: small fasteners that hold hoops together. Bunghole: circular hole at the bottom of barrel allowing transfer of wine in and out.
in neutral containers such as stainless steel, cement lined vats, old large casks, etc., or in small, relatively new wood barrels which are not neutral but will influence the developing wine.
Oak’s effects
Toasting–oak and fire.
A cooper is someone who makes barrels, and “coopering” means making barrels. A cooper must consider stave size and thickness when coopering—as well as barrel volume and shape, toasting levels and techniques, fire and steam bent. There are two main barrel shapes and both hold about 60 gallons. One is the Burgundy style (piece), which is slightly wider and shorter, creating slightly less surface area for the 228-liter volume. The other is the Bordeaux style (barrique), which is longer and thinner, holding 225 liters and giving more surface area for the oak and wine.
The basic subtle flavors are infused into the wine as it ages in the barrel. The different types of oak (French and American being the two most widely used) from different regions (Limousin, Nevers, Troncais, etc.) give different levels of flavor to the wine (most often described as vanilla). As it rests in the barrel, wine goes through subtle chemical changes, resulting in greater complexity and a softening of the harsh tannins, and giving the flavors present at the end of fermentation. The effect of specific wood on different wines is the subject of great discussion and experimentation among wine makers throughout the world. A barrel essentially does two things: It allows a very slow introduction of oxygen, and it imparts the character of the wood into the wine. These diminish as a barrel gets older—losing about 50 percent of the extract a barrel has on the first use, then 25 percent on the second and less after that. If the practice of using barrels for wine storage had not been common throughout the long period of years when wooden barrels were the only practical containers for wine, it is highly unlikely that today’s vintners would ever have thought of adding the dimensions of oak flavor to their wines. We can look at several ways that wine benefits from its contact with oak.
Fermentation and oak aging
• Fermenting in a barrel allows for both fermenting and aging in the barrel (such as with white wine) • Oak aging implies fermenting a wine and then transferring the finished wine into barrels for aging (such as with red wine, beer, whiskey and brandy) • Fermenting on oak leads to a much greater integration of oak and wine at a much faster pace Most producers believe malolactic fermentation of red wines in barrels leads to greater integration of oak and wine. In addition to greater integration between oak and wine, fermenting in oak can also lead to physically lower amounts of oak flavor and aroma compounds in the wine. This is because yeast cells will reduce some of the oak ketones and aldehydes to their alcohol counterparts, which are not nearly as aromatic, and because yeast and bacteria cells and macromolecules present during fermentation can bind aroma compounds. This last point is also part of the reason that doing malolactic fermentation in barrel, with less stirring, is known to lower the perceived impact of oak on the flavors and aromas of a wine. If a wine from the “New World” is equipped with the text saying “oak aged” or “matured in oak” you can be assured the said methods were used. “Matured oak casks” or “matured in oak barrels” is the only guarantee the producer uses oak barrels as permitted in the region of origin. Skål! Leif Rosqvist
Seasoning the wood
The main types of oak used for staves are from central France—the Quercus robur, or European oak, has consistent, fine-grained wood. Its common flavors include vanilla, caramel and clove. They are ideal for pinot noir and chardonnay, both of which are easily overpowered by aggressive oak compounds. There are some American oaks (Quercus alba) used in the industry as well, originating in the Midwest. Oak barrels can be used three to four times during its lifecycle of about 50 years. The staves need to be split and cut, then stacked and seasoned outside in the elements for two+ years. Many chemical reactions occur during seasoning: Flavors and aromas soften and mellow, green flavors are reduced, and tannins are both softened and leached out. Humidity is important, and the concentration of specific compounds change with the length of seasoning time. The majority of fine wines are aged in oak barrels. But why? What are the advantages? Are there any disadvantages? When fermentation is completed, wine is racked several times (moving wine from one barrel to another to remove the largest solids), the young wine is usually rough, raw and “green,” and needs to settle for a period of time before it is bottled. This aging can be done
Using a pump when moving wine from one barrel to the next is a no-no for the vintner. It’s called racketing and per Wikipedia “moving wine from one barrel to another using a pump rather than gravity can be disruptive to a wine. The process is also known as Abstich in German and travaso in Italian.”
feature
The Nordic Way Part II By Ted Olsson In Part One I discussed the four values that distinguish the Nordic nations (balance, the social contract, the Tripartite System and the Nordic Labor Market, and flexicurity), and now it may be useful to introduce Part Two by considering this: a broadcast on U.S. national television called “Making Sense: inequality and well-being.” On PBS NewsHour, Paul Solmon’s “Making $ense” segment (www.pbs.org/newshour/ show/how-economic-inequality-might-affect-asocietys-well-being) that featured the economist couple Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson who discussed how economic inequality might affect a society’s well-being, particularly in terms of health and happiness. Obviously, this is a concern in the current U.S. political discussion; it is also pertinent to what we know of Scandinavia. The Nordics have much less wealth disparity than we do in the U.S. The experts noted from their studies that rich people are uniformly happier than poor people. However, while the increase of personal wealth may produce contentment, beyond a certain point this is negligible for individuals and countries alike. So, in the rich, developed world, economic growth no longer gains us health and happiness. With specific references to the differences between the U.S. and Scandinavia, the experts said: “If you and I have equal education, the same incomes, the same wealth, the same social class, 18 NORDSTJERNAN
[but] if you live in a more equal society than I do, [then] you are more likely to live longer; your children to be healthier and less likely to do drugs or drop out of school. Everything about your world is going to be better.” A decade ago Pickett and Wilkinson linked a rise in mental illness and the inequality of wealth. Since then, they see an epidemic of mental illness in the most unequally rich, developed countries. About 80 percent of young people feel incredibly stressed, many of them suicidal or hurting themselves or others. In Britain and the U.S., about 20 percent of the population has a diagnosable mental illness. While these effects are biggest among the poor, they pervade even the top decile of wealth. This inequality affects our physiology and hormones, how we think and behave. Those changes are linked to a range of mental illnesses known to be related to income inequality. The rise of prescriptions for depression and anxiety correlate to income. So, people in societies of gross inequality judge themselves and others based upon status, causing even more worries for how they are seen and judged. The show concluded with the expert social economists predicting that if a more equitable redistribution of wealth, opportunity and privilege does not happen, and inequality continues to grow, the whole society will become very unequal with further measurable declines of happiness and well-being. Is it not interesting that in the late 19th century
the Nordics specifically designed their societies to avoid these curses of inequality due to rank and wealth?
Scandinavian individualism
A basic philosophy in Scandinavia encourages each person to constantly improve; there is no benefit to stay at your present job if you don’t like it. Ambassador Ullerup admitted in his presentation at UC-Berkeley that the Nordics were blessed with a homogeneous society for a long time; however, that has changed significantly in the last quarter century and especially during the refugee crisis of the last decade. These new citizens of Scandinavian countries must understand and adopt their new country’s rules (a bargain refugees make by immigrating to any country). Similarly, the Nordics must incorporate people from very different societies – also very difficult for such homogeneous societies to do. This will be the Nordics’ central social issue for the near future. Such incorporation into a new society only works if the new citizens thoroughly accept the new values and integrate completely into their communities. That is not to say immigrants cannot keep complementary traditions from their native countries. If, however, they retain their own traditions and do not accept the language and values of their adopted country, this social experiment may significantly affect the progress of 21st century
Scandinavian social and political gains. A useful comparison would be the integration of 19th and early 20th century Scandinavians into American society, also highly influenced by the domestic effects of two world wars. While cherishing their homelands, our new ScandinavianAmerican immigrants took great pride in becoming citizens of and contributing to their new country, with no intentions of returning to their homeland (unless they could retire there with better benefits). Significantly different from the U.S. method is the Nordic Model’s tripartite system. Its respective levels of labor and business negotiate within their own industry and level - until they reach the highest levels of negotiation across all industries, where they come to an agreement to present to the government. Another significant difference is that Nordic labor unions are encouraged and protected within all companies. They are not prevented from forming nor blocked from representing the blue-collar workers. The labor unions are consensus based rather than conflict based. And all this cooperation minimizes strikes and makes everyone more productive. The other major distinction from the United States is that in Scandinavia the social basis of health care is government authorized. And all of this is due to the Scandinavians’ innate sense of social balance, which becomes so important because of the fundamental trust that all citizens have in the system and in their government.
The fundamentals of growth
Ambassador Ullerup listed several fundamental values that might be new to immigrants, that integrate them into a native population: substantial regulation; equality; high taxes; big public sector; and, individual/collective solutions. These are useful for any country wishing to attain their almost universal high standard of living, but the Nordic countries all put a primary value upon freedom of the individual. The ambassador stated that because of this dedication to a society focused on individual freedoms, they are also dedicated to its implications to be efficient, economically sound, ambitious and innovative. This is perhaps the most important asset because Scandinavians challenge themselves to create governments and societies that not only meet all these criteria but also guarantee their success over other national systems and values. As the challenge, the ambassador compared the Nordics to the world’s top countries, asking whether it’s possible to have both a government and society that meet all this criteria, share all these values and still be successful and competitive internationally.
Scandinavians’ success
The first comparison Ambassador Ullerup offered was how each country tries to guarantee the health of its citizens and society. One’s health is essential to the full development and expression of
an individual’s liberty, not to mention that fearing anything lowers healthy equality and cripples the individual and society. He illustrated healthcare spending by country: 1) U.S. = $8,047 2) Norway = $5,399 3) Luxembourg = $5,286 4) Switzerland = $5,030 5) Germany = $4,869 6) Sweden = $4,606 7) Netherlands = $4,378 8) Denmark = $4,363 9) France = $4,068 10) Canada = $3,382. Immediately we notice the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system among these top 10. And, of course, the universality and generosity of each system differs. Norway and the others listed here are at least two-thirds less costly than in America. And we hear complaints all the time about the costs of our system, that our system is not universal, and it isn’t even notable for our veterans let alone other important civic volunteers. Ideally all U.S. citizens would have the same universal, lifetime healthcare that we provide for those who represent us in our Congress. (What a radical notion!) The ambassador compared the effectiveness of each country’s healthcare (as reported by the World Economic Forum, as a percentage of GDP compared with life expectancy, both variables as of 2013), reflected with estimated percentage of effectiveness and life expectancy: Estonia was an outlier by 5% of GDP and 81 years; however, among other developed nations, the results were closer: UK and Finland shared 8% and 81 years; Iceland and Norway at 8% and 82 years; Denmark 11% and 80 years; France and Sweden 12% and 82 years; Germany and Netherlands also at 12% but with 81 years; Switzerland was 12% and 83 years. The United States ranked seventh (including ties above) at 17% of GDP for its average longevity of 78 years. What is most interesting in this category is not merely that five European countries were more than double as efficient as the U.S. but that all the countries listed also had longer life expectancies. Another way to compare the development of a citizen’s freedoms is the ease of doing business. The World Bank puts New Zealand at the top (with most business-friendly regulations), followed by Singapore, Denmark, Hong Kong, SAR China, Korea, Georgia and Norway. The United States is 8th and Sweden is in 12th place. Ambassador Ullerup showed the degree to which Denmark, for example, is meeting its total renewable energy generation goal per its domestic energy consumption: in 1970 = 1%; 1990 = 6%; 2017 = 31%; 2030 = 50% of its target. He indicated Denmark had achieved all this despite the notable disadvantages of having no hydropower because it is flat and receives relatively little sunshine. Despite this, it compares favorably with its Nordic
Part two in a series of three articles from different but complementary views on the distinctiveness of Scandinavia today. It is based on a lecture by Denmark’s Ambassador to Sweden, Ove Ullerup, presented at the University of California Berkeley and a recent report on the world’s 80 Best Countries by the US News and World Report. All of us readers of Nordstjernan are self-selected to be interested in Sweden in particular and in Scandinavia in general. Many first-generation immigrants fly back home regularly, but those of us whose roots go back several generations tend to focus on the old traditions and customs brought here by our earliest immigrants. While we cherish our bicultural heritage, few of us keep current with affairs in Sweden, except through Nordstjernan or other world news. At this moment in U.S. history, it seems important for us to learn what makes both our American and Scandinavian heritages so special and how the Nordic region’s worldwide leadership is recognized for being so distinctive and forward-focused. Scandinavia has greatly advanced since the days when it was primarily agricultural nations with rigidly stratified class systems. During periods of agricultural failures, many, many Scandinavians flooded into the U.S. to escape dire times. Their meager refugee status at that time proves instructive today. They came here without language, with little education, and with a determination to both succeed and remember their homelands. Now, in much more prosperous times, Scandinavian emigrants are at least bilingual and bicultural; they are very well educated and traveled. They know multiple languages and cultures; and like their countries, they are often entrepreneurial capitalists who are—like everyone—interested in being successful, wherever they live. They also use the terms “Scandinavian” and “Nordic” differently than Americans do. In Europe, “Scandinavia” signifies only the three countries: Denmark, Norway and Sweden; and “Nordic” includes those plus Finland and Iceland. In the U.S., we unwittingly consider “Scandinavia” to be the five countries and synonymous with “the Nordics.” Interestingly, the entrepreneurs from these five countries visiting or working in Silicon Valley typically assume either of these more generic terms, rather than identifying themselves only by their home country, because the whole region is admired for its innovation, second only to Silicon Valley itself. and Baltic neighbors in the European Union for the percentage of renewable energy contributed as part of their total consumption, and is now known in Europe for wind, solar and geothermal renewable power sources, and is the top producer of windmills. The country’s new eco-ethic has caused Denmark to almost double its productivity from renewables since the 1970s, and is now creating energy from waste water. Stay tuned for part 3 in this series of The Nordic Way in Nordstjernan issue No. 8 MAY 01, 2019 19
feature
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Wallenberg shows the importance of standing up for justice and the time is always right to remember his heroic work and embrace the truth of Edmund Burke’s famous quote above.
There’s a monument honoring Raoul Wallenberg in almost every major city in the world. The one portrayed here is located in the churchyard of Hagakyrkan (Haga Church) in Göteborg. Created by Charlotte Gyllenhammar in graphic concrete and bronze, unveiled in 2007 and mentioned in the main text.
One Man can make a difference The mystery of Raoul Wallenberg
Soon to be 75 years after Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg was arrested in Budapest by agents of Russian counter-espionage organization Smersh, his fate remains one of the most troubling enigmas of World War II. Wallenberg led heroic efforts to prevent the deportation of Jews from Hungary to Nazi concentration camps during the closing months of the war, saving the lives of tens of thousands of people. Despite the passage of so many years, there are still huge gaps in the record of the final years of this unusual man. Exactly why Wallenberg was arrested remains unknown, although it is known he was suspected of being a spy for Germany or 20 NORDSTJERNAN
the United States. Of course, Wallenberg was just one of millions of people who tragically disappeared into the Soviet prison system, or Gulag, but he was unique in several ways: He was a diplomat of a neutral country and a member of one of Europe’s most influential families. Most importantly, he has come to symbolize to post-war generations the possibility of one man standing up to defy the machinery of genocide. In May 2007, a monument honoring Wallenberg was unveiled in Göteborg. Kofi Annan, the late former Secretary General of the United Nations, spoke briefly at the ceremony. “Nazism
was defeated 60 years ago but the blindness of morality is always present. We mustn’t shut our eyes to crimes we are all ashamed of,” said Annan in his speech. Central Stockholm has named a square after him, Wallenbergs Torg, and Hope, a monument honoring his heroism was unveiled in 1988 on a traffic island at 1st Avenue and 47th Street in New York City. The American Congress declared him an honorary citizen of the USA in 1981. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s 2007 book “Courage, Portraits of Bravery in the service of Great Causes,” highlights Wallenberg in one of the portraits. Why don’t we know the fate of the Swedish diplomat who personally saved perhaps 100,000 Jews in Hungary in the final months of the Second World War? Brown’s essay doesn’t answer that question but suggests one to himself and the reader: He could have left. Why did he choose to stay in the first place, and why did this mild-mannered civilian from a privileged background in a neutral country put himself at the heart of one of the worst places in Europe at one of the worst times in its history? The streets of Budapest in 1944-1945 were a nightmare of unimaginable sadism, brutality, savagery and torture, writes Brown. Was Wallenberg seeking danger, imagining himself as a hero, a Pimpernel Smith perhaps? Brown dismisses attempts like these to describe Wallenberg’s humanitarian work and recapitulates his achievements: the innovation of the Swedish Schutz-Pass; the creation of the International Ghetto in Budapest; the stockpiling and distribution of food, shelter and medicine to desperate Jews; the repeated raids on Eichmann’s death march and the resulting rescues; the deals he brokered to halt deportations and buy time for the Jews; the repeated risks for himself he accepted in order to save lives. “At every stage Raoul Wallenberg could have withdrawn, satisfied he had done something,” says Brown reminding us that “faced with danger, not all decent people have the courage of their convictions.” “… there was absolutely nothing behind him, nothing to back him up. Neither weapons nor soldiers gave weight to his words.” Yet, he stayed and continued to save lives.
STUDY AT A TOP R ANKED INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL IN SWEDEN
OUR MASTER PROGR AMS: MSc in Economics MSc in Finance MSc in International Business (incl. CEMS MiM) MSc in Business & Management MSc in Accounting, Valuation and Financial Management
R E ASO NS TO S TU DY AT TH E S TO C K H O L M SC H O O L O F ECO N OM I CS 1 EXCELLENT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES The SSE Placement Report that is carried out every year proves that it pays off to study at SSE. 94% of the 2017 graduates from the SSE MSc programs had accepted a job offer within three months from graduation.
TUITION FEE:
19 000 USD / year (2-year program)
2 NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION Ranked no. 1 of all business schools in the Nordic and Baltic countries (Financial Times).
OUR PHD PROGR AMS: PhD in Economics PhD in Business Administration PhD in Finance TUITION FEE: No tuition fees. All admitted PhD students receive a scholarship from SSE, and are guaranteed funding throughout the PhD program.
4 OUR BACHELOR PROGR AM: BSc in Retail Management
ed
UNIQUE CONNECTION TO BUSINESS SSE has very close ties to the business community, giving the students the possibility to interact with companies and business leaders on a regular basis.
en
3
Sw
Wallenberg had bribed and lied to Gestapo and Black Arrow officials in Budapest during the closing months of the war in order to prevent deportations, and provided Jews with bogus Swedish passports and certificates that he designed himself. He regularly visited train stations to distribute the passes to Hungarian Jews, pulling people off trains bound for Auschwitz, Birkenau and other death camps. He also obtained large amounts of food and medical supplies and purchased approximately 30 apartment buildings, which were designated as Swedish safe houses and used to house thousands of Jews threatened with deportation. Wallenberg was arrested in Budapest soon after the Soviet army entered in January 1945 and taken by train to Moscow, where he immediately vanished into the Russian prison system. For the next 10 years, the Soviets denied all knowledge of his whereabouts, and even denied he was in their country. On January 12, 2001, a joint Swedish-Russian Committee announced their findings following nine years of research into the mystery of the missing diplomat. The result: The Russians claim that Wallenberg died, presumably by execution, on July, 17, 1947, in the notorious Lubyanka Prison. In the absence of a death certificate or other conclusive proof, however, there is a still a chance that more questions regarding the fate of Wallenberg could be answered, despite repeated assurances by various government officials that the paper trail has been followed as far as it can go. The Swedish government holds open the possibility that Wallenberg survived after 1947. As do we. UBM
Stockholm
no.1 for over 14 years in a row
SSE EXPERIENCE Students will enjoy guest lectures, visit companies and, after graduation, join an excellent alumni network that spans the globe.
TUITION FEE:
11 000 USD / year (3-year program)
5 LOCATION: STOCKHOLM Stockholm thrives on integrity, innovation and intellect and is considered to be one of the best start-up hubs in Europe. It is a city associated with sustainability and openness where everyone speaks English.
VISIT US AND LEARN MORE AT WWW.HHS.SE
A sample of Wallenberg’s Schutz-Pass, the “official” document that saved tens of thousands. MAY 01, 2019 21
art and culture
norse mythology 101
The sculpture above by Anders Henrik Wissler at Mariatorget (The Maria Square on Söder, Stockholm South), Tors fiske (Thor’s fishing trip), depicts the Norse god Thor slaying the sea serpent Jörmungandr, the Midgard (World) Serpent. Jörmungandr was the middle child of the giantess Angrboða and Loki. According to the Edda, Odin took Loki’s three children by Angrboða—the wolf Fenrir, Hel and Jцrmungandr—and tossed Jцrmungandr into the great ocean that encircles Midgard. The serpent grew so large that it was able to surround the earth and grasp its own tail. As a result, it received the name of the Midgard Serpent or World Serpent. When it releases its tail, Ragnarök will begin. Jörmungandr’s arch-enemy is Thor, and while this sculpture may depict Thor’s fishing tour with the giant Hymir, the serpent then escapes, according to the myth. Their final meeting will occur at Ragnarök when Thor will slay the serpent but then falls dead after nine paces, after being poisoned by his opponent’s venom.
Who was the guy with the hammer and how many legs did Sleipner have? We admit it, we too at times forget who is who and what is what in Norse mythology. But it’s time to brush up on our ancestry, don’t you agree?
the norse
Much of what we know about Norse mythology dates from the 11th to the 18th century, after more than two centuries of oral preservation. It was at this time when scholars began writing down the stories. Icelandic historian and poet Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241) wrote the Eddas and the Heimskringla, and Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus wrote Gesta Danorum. But there are also other surviving legends in Norse folklore; some of them appear in other Germanic literature. 22 NORDSTJERNAN
nine worlds
In Norse mythology there are nine realms (or niu heimar, in Icelandic). They are: 1. Midgard — the home of humans 2. Alfheim — the home of the elves 3. Nidavellir/Svartalfheim — Realm of the Dwarves beneath the earth, home of the dark elves 4. Vanaheimr — home of the Vanir, a group of gods associated with fertility, wisdom and the ability to predict the future. 5. Muspelheim — a realm of fire 6. Jotunheim — the home of the Rock Giants and the Frost Giants 7. Niflheim — the home of mist 8. Asgard — the country or capital city of the Norse Gods, mostly Aesir but also some Vanir. (Asgard is depicted as a celestial city of high towers surrounded by a great wall.) 9. Hel or Helheim – Realm of those who died of illness or old age. Most people and the netherworld and presided over by Loki’s daughter Hel. Within each of the worlds there are significant places, such as Valhalla, Odin’s hall of the slain, which is located in Asgard.
art and culture
völuspa
The first and best known poem of the poetic Edda, which tells the story of the creation of the world and its coming end, related by a völva (a shamanic seeress). The Völuspa is one of the most important sources for the study of Norse mythology.
ragnarök
Ragnarök is Old Norse for “final destiny of the gods,” and it is actually a series of future events. It would begin with a hard winter of ice and snow and then the arrival of Surtr the Fire Giant who would consume the world in flame at the same time that the Midgard serpent breaks free, churning the waters around Midgard and sinking the earth while, simultaneously, the great wolf Fenrir snaps his chains and devours the sun. The rainbow bridge Bifrost cracks and falls as Yggdrasil shakes and the gods arrange themselves for the final battle to save the ordered world they have built from the forces of chaos. The gods will lose, and they know that going into battle, but a handful will survive the final conflict and a new world and new order of realms would eventually rise from the ashes of the old. The vision of the Norse religion: Everything will end but there’s always the hope of a new beginning and the continuance of life in other realms after loss and death.
æsir and vanir
In Norse mythology there are two groups of gods: The Æsir and the Vanir. The Æsir were gods of power and war, whereas the Vanirs were more connected with cultivation and fertility. Some scholars have speculated that the interactions between the Æsirs and the Vanirs reflect the interactions that occurred between social classes (or clans) within Norse society at the time. The Æsir-Vanir War occurred between the two groups and ultimately resulted in the unification of the two tribes into a single clan of gods. This was is described in the Völuspá.
asynjor
The name of the female Æsirs.
the elves
Apart from the Æsirs and the Vanirs, there are also the Elves, who were thought of as a race of divine or semi-divine beings. They are never named and always appear in groups. The image of the elves is fairly vague, but they appear to have been divided into light and dark elves.
The Æsirs odin
yggdrasil
An immense tree, a sort of world tree, around which the nine worlds exist. It is generally considered to mean “Ygg’s (Odin’s) horse.” The gods go to Yggdrasil daily to hold their courts. The branches of Yggdrasil extend far into the heavens, and the tree is supported by three roots that extend far away into other locations.
The red-haired, bearded god of thunder, Thor, comes riding across the skies in a chariot drawn by goats (their names are Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjostr). His hammer is called Mjolnir, and after it was thrown it returned as if by magic to its owner. The strike of Mjonir caused thunderclaps.
In Norse mythology, Valhalla (which means “hall of the fallen”) is an enormous, majestic hall located in Asgard, and ruled over by the god Odin. Chosen by Odin, half of those that die in combat travel to Valhalla when they die, led by Valkyries, while the other half go to the goddess Freyja’s field Fólkvangr (“field of the host”), a meadow or field. A valkyrie (“chooser of the slain”) is one of a host of female figures who decide who will die in battle. Selecting among half of those who die in battle (the other half go to the goddess Freyja’s afterlife field Fólkvangr), the valkyries bring their chosen to the afterlife hall of the slain, Valhalla, ruled over by the god Odin. There, the deceased warriors become einherjar (“lone fighters”). When the einherjar are not preparing for the events of Ragnarök, the valkyries bear them mead. Valkyries also appear as lovers of heroes and other mortals.
Frigg or Frigga is Odin’s wife, and the “foremost among the goddesses,” the Queen of Asgard. Though primarily described as a wife and mother, Frigg also has the power of prophecy, though she doesn’t reveal what she knows. Frigg is described as the only one other than Odin who is permitted to sit on his high seat Hlidskjalf and look out over the universe.
thor
valhalla and fólkvangr
the valkyries
frigg
baldur
Odin’s second son is Baldur, the god of summer sun, light and radiance. His twin brother is the blind god of darkness, Hodhr. Baldur’s son Forseti is the god of justice. Baldur’s ship Hringhorni is the largest ship ever built. Odin was the king of the Æsir, and the most powerful god. Though primarily a god of war, Odin is also associated with knowledge, wisdom, poetry and magic. Odin rides an eight-legged horse called Sleipnir, and his famous spear is called Gungnir. He is also the owner of two ravens called Hugin and Munin, who tell him all the things that are happening around the world. Odin has only one eye, he sacrificed the other for a drink from the fountain of wisdom. Odin is married to Frigg and Jord, the earth. His eldest son Thor is god of thunder.
heimdall
Heimdall is a god who possesses the resounding horn Gjallarhorn and who owns the golden-maned horse Gulltoppr. He has teeth of gold and is the son of Nine Mothers, nine sisters. Scholars have debated what being born on nine mothers might imply, and tried to connect the notion to other European folk motifs. Heimdall is described as “the whitest of gods” and keeps watch for the onset of Ragnarök while drinking mead in his dwelling Himinbjörg, located where the burning rainbow bridge Bifrost meets heaven.
MAY 01, 2019 23
art and culture
loki
According to Snorre Sturluson, Loki was one of the Æsirs, though he was also the son of a giant. Depending on the source, Loki’s relations with the other gods vary. Sometimes he helps them, sometimes he causes problems for them. He is also a shape shifter and can appear in the shape of a salmon, a mare, a seal or a fly and possibly also an elderly woman.
idun
ance and when they realize Loki is responsible, he promises to return her. He finds her, turns her into a nut and takes her back to Asgard. When Thiazi realizes Idun is gone, he turns into an eagle and furiously chases after Loki. The gods build a pyre in Asgard and Thiazi’s feathers catch fire, he falls and the gods kill him.
The Vanirs njord
Njord is the father of Frey and Freyja. He is the god of sea, trade, weather, riches, and fish and he is the father of Frey and Freyja. Njord and his children are the only Vanirs known by name. His first wife was probably his sister, but her name is unknown. His second wife is Skade, a giantess who grew up in the mountains and who cannot stand the sound of the seagulls by the sea. Njord, for his part, doesn’t like the mountains and so the two live separately.
freyja
Wife of Bragi (the skaldic god of poetry), Idun is the daughter of the dwarf Ivaldi and Hildegun. Idun is described as the goddess of love and knowledge. She is known from a story that her husband Bragi tells how she was fooled by Loki to go out of Asgard and into a wood where he promised she would find interesting apples. In the wood the giant Thiazi snatches her and takes her to his home. The gods grow old and gray at Idun’s disappear-
24 NORDSTJERNAN
A Vanir goddess associated with love, beauty, fertility, gold, war and death. She is the owner of the most beautiful necklace in the world, the Brisingamen (“the neck ring of the dwarfs”), which she received in return of spending a night of love with each of the four dwarfs who made it. Freyja rules over her heavenly afterlife field Folkvangr, and it is here that she receives half of those that die in battle—the other half go to the god Odin’s hall, Valhalla.
frey
One of the most important gods, Frey, was highly associated with farming, weather and fertility. He is sometimes referred to as Yngvi-Freyr, and was especially associated with Sweden and is seen as an ancestor of the Swedish royal house. He is the son of Njord and the brother of Freyja. The gods gave him Alfheimr, the realm of the Elves, as a teething present. He rides the shining dwarf-made boar Gullinbursti, and has in his possession the ship Skidbladnir, which always has a favorable breeze and which can be folded up and carried in a pouch when not in use.
organizations
Chalmers teams up with Berkeley to help Volvo Cars
Rapid digital development is leading to new challenges. Students at Chalmers University of Technology are part of the solution in a project where education on two continents meets industry.
Chalmers University of Technology is located in Gothenburg on the west coast of Sweden, and focuses on education and research in technology. The university is also known for its sustainability profile and close connections to the technology industry. In an exciting new collaboration, ten students from mechanical, automation and mechatronics engineering programs at Chalmers have teamed up with students from a similar background at the University of California, Berkeley to develop a new product for Volvo Cars. In addition to finding future engineers to link to their business, the company will get round-the-clock progress and improved creativity due to the diversity of the combined team. “We want to prepare our students to work for global companies. It is also a good opportunity for us to compare our educational quality with the corresponding programs at American universities,” says Mikael Enelund, head of the mechanical engineering program at Chalmers. The team from Berkeley started work on the project in September and the team from Chalmers
joined in January. The aim is to develop a system that will help self-driving cars recognize road signs even if they happen to be discolored or defective, by using methods such as image recognition and artificial intelligence. “The complexity of it all made this project so interesting to me. It seemed to be quite the challenge,” says Jonatan Nord, a student from Chalmers who was eager to join the team. His initial gut feeling quickly proved correct. As soon as work started on the project the team stumbled upon another problem. “We realized we had to find a solution so this system could work in the nighttime too, and that was a bit tricky. But since the possibilities with image recognition are endless we are now close to finding a solution,” says the Chalmers student Adam Wirehed. The communication between the teams has been working smoothly, according to Wirehed. The groups meet weekly on Skype and discuss the progress daily on Slack. They also have access to each other’s Google drives to check on each other’s work. In March, the Swedish students went to California to visit the Berkeley students “in action.” ”Meeting with the Berkeley students “in real life” really set the ball in motion and got the project moving more quickly than our regular meetings on Skype. But we have always felt like they are our peers and that our work is at the same level as theirs,” says Wirehed. “The trip to Silicon Valley has also been a great source of inspiration for us, since we got to visit many of the cutting-edge technology companies. They gave us input on our work that actually helped us move this project forward as well,” says Robin Halfvordsson, a proud member of the Chalmers team. The students will present their work for Volvo Cars at the end of May, with the hope of working
on similar projects for the company in the future. Chalmers will continue similar collaborations through Volvo Cars and Volvo Group with the University of California, Berkeley, Penn State University and the University of South Carolina.
Facts about Chalmers University of Technology
• Chalmers University of Technology has achieved the highest reputation for Swedish Universities 2018 by Kantar Sifo’s Reputation Index. Chalmers has the highest reputation in Sweden. • International students rate the Chalmers educational experience as the best in Europe, according to a fresh study from the International Student Barometer. Chalmers education best in Europe. • Chalmers offers Bachelor, Master and PhD programs. All Master’s programs are taught in English. • Tuition fees: Bachelor and Master’s programs: approx. $15,000/year. Higher education in Sweden is free for students from countries within the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. • U.S. friends of Chalmers scholarship: Two scholarships that cover all tuition fees will be awarded in 2020 to citizens of the United States of America. • Application period: From the middle of October 2019 to the middle of January 2020. • For more information, see the Chalmers website: www.chalmers.se/masters MAY 01, 2019 25
art and culture
Biff Strindberg DID YOU KNOW?
Allemansrätten. The freedom to roam, or “everyman’s right,” is a term describing the general public’s right to access certain public or privately owned land for recreation and exercise. The term is sometimes called “right of public access to the wilderness” or “the right to roam.” It’s unique to Finland, Iceland, Scotland, Norway and Sweden. Blixtlåset, the zipper. First patent for an “automatic continuous clothing closure” was in 1851 but it wasn’t until 1909 and through the patent by the Jönköping, Sweden born Gideon Sundbäck that it actually worked. The “separable fastener” by Sundbäck was patented in the U.S. in 1917. The US-rights to this invention were on the name of the Meadville company (operating as the Hookless Fastener Co.) where he was head designer, but Sundbäck retained non-U.S. rights and later set up operations in Canada. Best in the world for women. According to U.S. News & World Report, Sweden ranks highest in the world for women, raising children and green living. Sweden places 6th in the overall ranking after Switzerland, Japan, Canada, Germany and the U.K. Full ranking, see www.usnews.com/news/ best-countries/overall-rankings
A simple yet classic “literary” Swedish dish. One of Sweden’s most famous authors, August Strindberg (1849-1912), was very interested in food and drink, and he had a particular fondness for steak. During a trip to Germany, the writer allegedly ordered a steak with mustard and onion, which he instantly liked. Back in Sweden, Strindberg described the dish for the chef at Källaren Tre Remmare, a legendary restaurant on Regeringsgatan in Stockholm (the restaurant is no longer there - the building where it was located was torn down in 1970 but the 18th century troubadour Bellman sang its praise): That dish became Biff Strindberg. Ingredients for four servings: 4 minute steaks (sometimes also known as cube steaks, thin cuts of red meat) 4 tablespoons mustard 1 finely chopped onion 2 egg yolks salt and pepper to taste butter to fry Instructions: - Mix mustard and egg yolks, add salt and pepper to taste. - Spread on one side of the steak and drizzle chopped onion on top. - Put the steak in the frying pan, batter side up. Flip the steak once. - Serve the steaks with fried or boiled potatoes.
Maybe this is why? Already in 1864, Swedish Biff Strindberg seems like a variation of Biff a la Rydberg (originally introduced at the also long ago men lost the right to lawfully own their wives. And disappeared Stockholm Hotel Rydberg), oftentimes called Biff Greta and served as a luxurious “pytteight years later, in 1872, the same year Nordstjer- i-panna” with ingredients served separate on a plate rather than mixed. nan started publishing, women could legally decide 11151254_NordicReachAd_8.5x2.5_Option2.pdf themselves who they wanted to marry … (It’s just 1 4/9/19 11:23 AM trivia but, things have indeed changed!)
ALWAYS SWEDISH ©2019 Swedish Match North Europe AB
GENERALSNUS.COM
WARNING: This product can cause mouth cancer. 26 NORDSTJERNAN
art and culture
Rulltårta with raspberries The Swedish Hembakatdagen (Home baking day) is on May 6, and if you haven’t yet tried any of our classic Swedish pastry recipes, here’s one you simply must add to your list of quick and easy desserts or ultimate picnic take-along. Rulltårta - similar to Swiss or jelly rolls, this baked pastry is a perfect spring dessert. Here in the U.S. they are known as Swiss or jelly rolls, but in Sweden they go under the name “rulltårta” (rolled up cake) and are commonly served with coffee or an extra serving of whipped cream and fresh berries on top as a dessert. Here’s the most basic recipe: Ingredients: 3 eggs 6 oz sugar 8 oz flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 tablespoon water For the raspberry/cream filling: 8 oz heavy cream 1-1/2 cups raspberries Instructions: - Preheat the oven to 475˚F and cover a roasting pan with oven paper. - Beat eggs, sugar and vanilla. - Mix flour and baking powder and add the water. Spread the batter over the paper and bake in the middle of the oven for about 5 minutes. - Sprinkle some sugar over the cake. Let it cool. - Beat the cream lightly, add the raspberries and beat again until it’s a firm cream and the berries are distributed evenly throughout. - Spread the raspberry cream over the cake and begin rolling it (from one long side to the other). - Roll the cake in the paper and let it rest with the “seam” down. When you’ve made it once, you’ll find a way to add your own favorite flavors, berries and combinations. Our favorite is a combination of raspberries with a lemon curd:
Ingredients: 3 eggs 2/3 cup sugar 1/3 cup flour 1/3 cup potato flour 1-1/2 tsp baking powder baking paper Rulltårta with raspberry and cream filling – a perfect dessert for the picnic. 2 tablespoons sugar Filling: 1 cup heavy cream 2/3 cup lemon curd 3/4 cup raspberries Instructions: - Preheat oven to 475°F. - Mix eggs and sugar in a bowl until fluffy. - Mix flour, potato flour and baking powder in a small bowl and add a little at a time to the egg batter. Mix until smooth. - Lay baking paper on a baking sheet and spread the batter on it evenly. Bake for 5 minutes in the middle of the oven. - Put another sheet of baking paper on your counter and drizzle sugar on it. Turn out the baked cake so the upper part falls into the sugar. It might be a bit tricky, and be careful because it’s hot. When it’s done, pull off the paper from the bottom of the cake (which is now on top). If it’s difficult to do, you can brush some water on the paper, which should make it easier to remove. - Whip the cream, but not too hard. Add the lemon curd and continue whipping, but softly.
Augusta’s Daughter Ever wonder what made so many emigrate from Sweden in the nineteenth century? Judit Martin’s novel, “Augusta’s Daughter,” about 19th century Swedish peasant life made such an impression on us, we decided to offer it to the Nordstjernan readership. call 1.800.827.9333 for your own copy ($24.90 incl. S&H to cont. U.S.). The sequel,
Kajsa
was just released. The story of 15-year-old Elsa-Carolina’s illegitimate daughter Kajsa,who was cast out into the world from a foster home at the age of 8.
Don’t be shy, experiment. Use different fillings, different berries, anything goes ... strawberries, blueberries, gooseberries … just remember: It’s not about looks, it’s the taste! (Here’s a look at our first try a few years ago, above.)
- Spread the lemon cream on top of the cake and add the raspberries. Roll until you have a long roll and wrap it in the baking paper underneath. - Let it cool. Cut into pieces and serve with extra raspberries.
Please send me ____ book(s) “Augusta’s Daugheter” x $24.90 = _______ Please send me ____ book(s) “Kajsa” x $24.90 =
Incl. S&H (in continental U.S.)
_______
Total: _________
Name Address City State Zip Tel. m Check enclosed payable to Nordstjernan m Please charge my credit card: Card# Signature
Exp. Date:
/
SSC Code:
Mail to: Nordstjernan, P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan CT 06840
MAY 01, 2019 27
news in brief
Higher confidence in institutions
IN MEMORIAM
Systembolaget, the government-owned chain of liquor stores, is still the institution Swedes have the greatest confidence in, according to the Media Academy’s annual survey. Of 1,200 interviewed, 78 percent stated they have fairly high or great confidence in Systembolaget. Second on the list is the police with 71 percent. In third place are universities and colleges, which 70 percent trusts a lot.
Lower confidence in government
While confidence in most institutions has increased slightly, confidence in the government has decreased. Among the political parties, confidence in the Christian Democrats shows an upward trend while the Liberals and the Center Party have fallen in the latest survey on trust. Of the respondents who participated, 30 percent reported a fairly high or high confidence in KD—that’s more than double the 13 percent of 2018 while the Center Party and Liberals fell more than 25 percent since the previous year. The trend is also reflected in the most recent poll by SVT/Novus, where 10.6 percent stated they would vote for KD if elections were held today, compared with 8.6 percent in February.
Mattias Ahlm/SR
Women study more, earn less
It is with profound sadness that The Raoul Wallenberg Committee of the United States acknowledges the passing of Nina Lagergren, dearly beloved sister of Raoul Wallenberg. Throughout the years, Nina quietly guided us and others as we worked to secure justice for Raoul Wallenberg. She showed courage and strength as she advocated for her brother, and never wavered in the face of questions and doubts concerning Raoul’s fate. She was his most ardent and steadfast champion. Nina led the world in the acknowledgement of Raoul Wallenberg’s courage and humanitarianism. We shall miss Nina Lagergren’s shining example. She has always been our Polar Star. 28 NORDSTJERNAN
In Stockholm, women have more education than men but lower pay, according to a county administrative board survey of 19,300 Stockholmers born in 1985, reports Dagens Nyheter. While 41 percent of the women were educated at the post-secondary level, only 27 percent of the men reached the same degree of education. But the women’s median income was much lower than the men’s: SEK 248,000 a year compared to SEK 341,000.
Rural areas drained on labor
The labor shortage is expected to increase even more by 2030 in large parts of Sweden, according to a report from Arbetsförmedlingen (the Swedish Public Employment Service). The working-age population is decreasing in rural areas and small municipalities, and according to an analyst at Arbetsförmedlingen, the same municipalities show more elderly people. “It means a greater need for health care but fewer people to do the jobs.”
Ockelbo tops divorce statistics
The municipalities of Ockelbo, Gnesta and Sundbyberg top Swedish divorce statistics. Sundbyberg is also top in number of marriages—with Solna, Arjeplog and Eda, according to new statistics from Statistics Sweden. Ockelbo tops the divorce list by 3.7 per 1,000 inhabitants (it deserves to be mentioned that this municipality, where Crown Princess Victoria’s husband Prince Daniel grew up, has a population of less than 3,000). Following Ockelbo are Gnesta (pop. 5,500) and Sundbyberg (pop. 50,000) with 3.6 divorces. The lowest divorce frequency belongs to Nordmaling in Västerbotten (pop. 2,500) with 0.8 per 1,000 inhabitants. Stockholm suburbs Solna and Sundbyberg topped the marriage list with 7.0 and 6.7, and in third place is Arjeplog in the north and Eda in Värmland with 6.4 marriages per 1,000 inhabitants.
Parties agree: more military service needed
All parliamentary parties want more people to do military service in the future. Five parties want to increase the number to at least 8,000, compared to 3,500 trained this year. The news was reported by Dagens Nyheter which interviewed the parties’ representatives on the parliament’s defense committee. The Center Party, Christian Democrats and the Moderates want 8,000 conscripts to be trained in 2025-26, the same number a government inquiry proposed this year. The Liberals and the Sweden Democrats go further and want to train 10,000. The Social Democrats, the Left and the Greens advocate an increase but do not specify a number.
news in brief
Swedish News Female Economist of the Year 2019 Increasing political polarization
The political center is diminishing in Sweden. More consider themselves to be to the right than to the left. The right-leaning group has grown from 35 to 40 percent while the group that defines itself on the left increased from 32 to 34 percent. It’s not the left leaning group that switch to more conservative views but those in the middle according to the annual SOM survey from the SOM Institute at the University of Göteborg (Society, Opinion, Media). The purpose of the annual survey, which has been conducted since 1986 is to understand how social development affects the Swedish people’s attitudes and behaviors. Other facts from this year’s report show that confidence in community institutions such as courts, schools and healthcare continues to increase. Trust in the police is higher than ever. In 2017, 58 percent of respondents replied that they had very high confidence in the police. In 2018, the figure was 67 percent.
Urban housing shortage
Since 2010, housing needs in the country’s three major metropolitan areas have doubled—from nearly half a million to about one million people waiting for an apartment. With 636,000 waiting in Stockholm alone, it now takes almost 17 years to get a lease in the inner city of Stockholm while the wait in Göteborg is “only” a little more than 5 years and in Malmö about 3 years.
Slowing population growth
The population increase in Sweden has slowed down, and it will be 2029 before it reaches 11 million. Statistics Sweden has tried to make predictions up to 2070, the year Sweden is estimated to have a population of 12.8 million. The average life expectancy is expected to increase due to better living conditions and healthier habits. On the other hand, there is some uncertainty at Statistics Sweden in predicting the population increase because of migration, among other things.
Sofia Fölster of Stockholm School of Economics became the 18th recipient of the scholarship awarded to an outstanding female student at the Stockholm school. Volvo Cars is the proud main sponsor and host company for the scholarship in 2019. Fölster will start a tailor-made scholarship program at Volvo Cars in September. The program, enabling her to rotate between different projects and work areas, will be divided between Volvo Cars’ offices in Göteborg, Stockholm and Silicon Valley. Sofia will receive support and guidance from a mentor and a senior manager during the 12 months. “Sofia’s extensive leadership experience set her apart. This, combined with her curiosity, authenticity and commitment to the future of mobility, aligns her perfectly with Volvo Cars’ purpose, and makes her the ideal recipient of the Female Economist of the Year scholarship,” says Björn Annwall of Volvo Cars. “It is an honor to be awarded such an important prize for women in business, especially since I have always looked up to previous winners,” says Fölster, right. “I also very much look forward to working at Volvo Cars—a company that has de-
fined Swedish history and at the same time is in the forefront of technological transformation.” For more info, see www.hhs.se or www.volvocars.com
Strong support or EU
Crime and descent
The Swedish EU membership has strong support among Swedes. Sixty-five percent of Swedes are in favor of membership while 19 are against it, according to a new opinion poll from Novus. Sympathizers among the Sweden Democrats are the most negative—with 55 percent saying they are against a membership, according to the survey. The Novus survey, which is based on 1,000 interviews, also shows that 59 percent of voters do not feel they have sufficient information from the parties to vote in the EU election on May 26.
Brottsförebyggande Rådet (Brå, the Swedish Crime Prevention Council) has initiated a new project to investigate the connection between crime and background. In 2018, the Moderate Party demanded the origin of sex offenders should be traced, and the government said Brå would independently decide whether an investigation was necessary. Brå recently announced it will implement the new study and wrote in a press release that it will investigate various types of crime such as violent crime, sexual offenses including rape and other criminal offenses. The results of the new study are expected in early 2021; the last study was in 2005. At the time, Brå reported it was five times more common to suspect foreign-born men of a sex crime than native-born Swedes.
airbags • seatbelts steering wheels • autoliv.com
Nordstjernan Ad v4.indd 1
2/7/19 12:35 PM MAY 01, 2019 29
local events
DIRECTORY ADS Importer of Swedish Workwear Björnkläder
Subscription Subscription $28 $30 per year per calendar year.
Innovative workwear for Professionals info@facelineinc.com Phone : 510 215 2211 Toll free: 877 234 9511 www.facelineinc.com
Subscribers are invited Subscribers are invited to genealogical to aagenealogical Workshop in Salt workshop in Salt LakeLake City each autumn. City each October.
Swedish American Genealogist Swenson Center Augustana College Rock Island, IL 61201-2296 Phone 309 794-7204 www.augustana.edu/sag
Crown Bakery
Scandinavian Pastries 133 Gold Star Blvd. (1 block after Super Shaws)
Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: 508-852-0746 EST. 1960
Try our outdoor café and new sandwich lunches
We ship UPS anywhere
NORDSTJERNAN
Tax & Accounting - US Tax Returns
Nestled in the heart of the Swedish Village of Kingsburg...
Svensk Butik
Business- Individuals- Expats • Income Tax Treaty Sweden-USA
Ann-Christine Westerlund, International Tax Advisor
Swedish
www.westmusa.com
Gifts
1465 Draper Street Kingsburg, California 93631 (559) 897-5119
235West 48th St # 42B, New York NY 10036 Tel 1 212 582 3647 Email westmusa@aol.com
Please send me
book(s) x $16.95 = Inc. (in the continental U.S.)
Total: Name
and much more!
(where it really counts)
The “Wettex disk trasa,” a Swedish invention, will make life much Sweder in the kitchen - guaranteed! 6 3/4” x 8”, machine washable (use it over and over again) 100% biodegradeable.
Price: $4.95 — order five now for $20.00
1.800.827.9333
A SWEDISH AFFAIR swedensfinest.com Toll Free: (888)867-9567
katrin, almost american
A humorous collection of essays about growing up, reaching adulthood and maturity on two continents and in two separate cultures.
Loved by Rednecks, Bluenecks, Swedes and Americans: “… something any Swedish American will enjoy” … “A humorous look at Swedes and Swedishness” … “[written with] the gift of clarity, humor, pathos, and joy” A book from Nordstjernan, also available on Amazon.
Dala Horses
Life Made Sweder
Facebook: Svensk Butik Swedish Gifts
SWEDE AMONG THE REDNECKS
A new novel by Lilly Setterdahl, the author’s 20th book. Please send me
book(s) x $15.95 =
S&H (in the continental U.S.) + $4.95 Total: Name Address City, State, Zip Tel.
Address
30 NORDSTJERNAN
2709 San Pablo Ave. Berkley, CA 94702 Phone: 510-705-1932 Fax: 510-898-1753 Web Site: www.nordichouse.com Email: pia@nordichouse.com
Mon. 6-5. Tues-Sat. 6-6. Closed Sunday
The online store of
Mail order form to: NORDSTJERNAN P.O. Box 1710 New Canaan CT 06840 Or call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10
One of the largest selections of Scandinavian Foods in the Bay Area.
Till vardag och fest
Looking for Swedish books and few but special items? (Essential to every Swedish American) Look no further than www.nordicsampler.com
Perfect bound, paperback, the ideal companion on a winter’s night.
NORDIC HOUSE
A quarterly journal devoted to Swedish American biography, genealogy, and personal history. Founded in 1981.
Check enclosed payable to Nordstjernan Please charge my credit card:
City, State, Zip Tel. Check enclosed payable to Nordstjernan Please charge my credit card:
Card #
Exp. Date:
Signature
SCC Code:
Card #
Exp. Date:
Signature
SCC Code:
Mail order form to: NORDSTJERNAN P.O. Box 1710 New Canaan CT 06840 or call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10