nordstjernan The Swedish Newspaper of America
Published by Swedish News. Volume 143 No. 03, February 15, 2015. Price per copy $2.50
This Week, Page 13
Carola visiting the Swedish Church in Florida.
Sweden, Page 2, 3
American lifestyle magazine Glamour covers Swedish Princess Madeleine’s compelling story / Swedes will have an easier time traveling in the European Schengen countries / Löfven travels to Ethiopia / Sequel to Girl With The Dragon Tattoo to be released in August / UN criticizes Sweden for hate crimes / Former Foreign Minister admits to helping Afghan journalist escape.
In Brief, Page 3 15,000 participants in the classic Vasaloppet in Sweden hit the first hill just after the start. There’s another month before the Swedish race is held in Dalarna but the U.S. version in Mora, Minnesota is the first weekend of February and will run in spite of a shortage of snow this year. / Page 5
Nordic runes are loaded with meaning. American expat Lisa Mikulski on Sweden’s art and history and its old, old culture.
New admirers, new insights by Ted Olsson, San Francisco ted@nordstjernan.com
Princess Estelle gains new admirers in San Francisco while h er parents gain new insights in Silicon Valley. The sun was bright for the royals’ midJanuary visit in California, a brief trip mixing business and pleasure. Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, who are both very interested in Swedish entrepreneurs abroad, visited the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley. Early on Sunday they took Princess Estelle to the zoo. Later in the afternoon they needed a respite to relax with their daughter and were afforded a private reception at the Swedish Church Abroad located at the beautiful Norwegian Seamen’s Church overlooking the bay. They were greeted by guests of the church, whose affection for the family was im- Continued on page 10
Page 7
Food, Page 7
The world’s healthiest spices; some with qualities of your average gym visit. Recipes.
InBox, Page 4
The surprising story of the best T-Shirt of Christmas, 2014—The Swedish Troll T.
Local Events, Page 6
Pea soup and Swedish pancakes warm hearts and souls in Mora, Minensota.
Dashboard, Page 10-11
New life in China for the Gävle Christmas goat / New help for obese Swedes / Good news for solid fans of ABBA music in the U.S. Hosts Ambassador Lyrvall and Consul General Osher flank the royal family. Photo: Ted Olsson
Immigration to New England
In the late 1880s through the early 1900s, Providence, Rhode Island and other cities in New England became a destination for many Swedish immigrants with industrial skills. The stories of their journeys from Sweden and their lives in America may be similar to those of many immigrants who settled all over the U.S., but even in their differences, they connect Swedish-Americans through history. In a series of interviews, Lorraine Colson Bloomquist shares stories told by loved ones of Swedes who put down roots in New England. Here is the story of Carl Lundbohm, known as King Carl. / Page 14
Sports, Page 16
An African bandy team, based in Borlänge, Dalarna, debuts at the World Championships.
Page 2
Easier travel for Swedes in Europe’s Schengen.
news in brief. page 2
Swedish News Vägval för liberaler Gästledare
Sydsvenska Dagbladet 4 February, 2015
H.R.H. Princess Madeleine of Sweden whose work for the World Childhood Foundation is being recognized by Glamour. Photo: Jonas Borg/kungahuset.se
Inspired by a princess
The American lifestyle magazine, Glamour, couldn’t help but share Princess Madeleine’s inspiring story in their February issue, on newsstands now. The article gives a little history on why she supports Childhood USA, with hope for inspiring more people around the world to help children at risk of abuse and exploitation. Princess Madeleine, 32, traveled to Ukraine with her mother, Queen Silvia, when the princess was in her early 20s. There they met young women who’d been sexually trafficked — and the experience changed Madeleine’s life. Together with the Queen, she established the World Childhood Foundation to help protect the millions of kids who are sexually exploited and abused each year. Their foundation has also supported over 600 projects, including 23 in the U.S., to help survivors and teach kids how to stay safe. www. childhood.org.
Stå upp för en generös flyktingpolitik – och förbättra integrationen. Så måste det vara. Men gäller det fortfarande för Folkpartiet? Sju miljoner syrier har på grund av kriget tvingats lämna sina hem. Nästan fyra miljoner, varav hälften barn, har flytt landet för att i första hand söka skydd i grannländerna. Det totala antalet flyktingar i världen har inte varit så stort sedan andra världskriget. Sverige har – enligt FN:s flyktingkonvention, EU-regler och svensk lag – en skyldighet att ta emot flyktingar med asylskäl. Det går inte att bestämma hur många som ska få komma, allt beror på hur många som behöver skydd. Däremot går det att kräva att också andra länder tar sitt ansvar.
Det gäller Allan Widman, folkpartist från Malmö, som ansåg att det nu var dags att börja tala om “volymer”. Det gäller också de fyra tunga FPpolitiker, däribland Landskronas kommunalråd Torkild Strandberg, som i en debattartikel i onsdagens Dagens Nyheter vill begränsa asylinvandringen utifrån kommunernas förmåga att klara mottagandet. Folkpartiledaren Jan Björklund svarade i Ekot: “Sätter man ett tak måste man avvisa personer som har skyddsskäl när taket är uppnått och den modellen vill jag inte se i Sverige.”
fortsätta. Och den måste föras brett, av fler partier än hittills. Men det Torkild Strandberg, FP, sade i SR:s Ekot igår var något annat: “De nivåer som är nu klarar inte vi”. På frågan om hur det ska kunna bestämmas att färre ska söka sig till Sverige hade han inget svar: “Vilka beslut som staten ska fatta, det är inte jag personen att kunna tala om.” “Idag skäms jag för mitt parti”, skrev Linda Nordlund, ordförande i Liberala ungdomsförbundet på Twitter. Och hon är långt ifrån ensam om att vara kritisk.
Hanna Håkansson, ordförande för LibEnligt Migrationsverkets senaste erala studenter, går längre och kräver att prognos väntas omkring 90 000 asyl- Jan Björklund och den övriga partiledsökande till Sverige i år. Det innebär ningen ställer sina platser till förfogande stora påfrestningar på kommunerna på höstens landsmöte. Bakgrunden är Det är utifrån detta som flykting- och självfallet måste ansvaret för att främst valresultatet, men också debatten mottagandet och integrationen måste nyanlända ska få bostäder, jobb och om flyktingmottagandet. diskuteras.Det var också FP-ledaren skolgång till barnen fördelas jämnare. Bilden av ett allt mer pressat parti tonar Jan Björklunds utgångspunkt när han Ett förbättrat statligt stöd till kommufram. Frågan är: Vad gäller egentligen? förra veckan kom med sitt bidrag till nerna var också en del av Centerledaren Vilken sorts parti vill FP vara? debatten om integrationspolitiken. Men Annie Lööfs integrationspolitiska sedan dess har flera av hans partikollegor visat att det inte är så kristallklart förslag som presenterades förra veckan. Den debatten – om integration – måste var partiet står.
Travel made easier for Swedes
Swedes may soon have an easier time traveling in the European countries inside the Schengen area (the zone consisting of 26 European countries that have abolished passports and border control). The Swedish government’s amendment to border control legislation may make it unnecessary for Swedes to carry their passport, allowing the need for only their national identity card to prove who they are. “It will be easier and more convenient to travel,” says Interior Minister Anders Ygeman. The majority of the EU countries participate in Schengen, but those that don’t are Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Romania, Ireland and the UK; Swedish citizens currently need their passports for these non-Schengen countries. Approval is expected before the summer travel season.
The stories, the traditions, the people behind the news — NORDSTJERNAN A tradition since 1872, covering three worlds: Sweden, America, and Swedish America order your own copy, $55.00 for a year (22 issues) at www. nordstjernan.com—choose 'subscribe' or call 1.800.827.9333 x10
Prime Minister travels to Ethiopia
For 20 months, the Swedish cardiologist Fikru Maru has been imprisoned without trial in Ethiopia. According to family and colleagues, he is completely innocent but has become a pawn in a domestic political power struggle. Now Prime Minister Stefan Löfven is in Ethiopia with hopes to take up the case with the Ethiopian government. In 1975 Fikru Maru came from Ethiopia to Sweden as a refugee. He received his medical training in Sweden and eventually became one of the nation’s leading cardiologists. A few years ago he opened a cardiac clinic in Ethiopia with support from Sweden, one of the few of its kind on the African continent. And now Ethiopia accuses him of having bribed a customs minister, though his lawyers and supporters argue that he simply had the misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, that he is embroiled in a major lawsuit that he has nothing to do with. His part in the indictment is very small, and it is quite possible that the charges against him will be completely dismissed. It is hoped that pressure from other countries may help in releasing Fikru Maru. Prime Minister Stefan Löfven won’t visit Fikru Maru in prison, but he hopes to make a case with the Ethiopian government.
Nordstjernan, February 15, 2015
Founded in New York City in September 1872 Editor & Publisher: Ulf Barslund Mårtensson (editor@nordstjernan.com) – www.nordstjernan.com Assistant Editor: Amanda Olson Robison Managing editor & Production: Everett Martin Metro Editor: Eva Stenskär Sports Editor: Chipp Reid Design: Daniel Berubé-Arbello Contributors: Valorie Arrowsmith - Terry Lee Blunk - Julie Lindahl - Claes Magnusson - Ulf Nilson Kristina Hall - Leif Rosqvist - Ulf Kirchdorfer - Ted Olsson - Jeanne Eriksson Widman - Olle Wijkström - Bo Zaunders Publications Director: Mette Barslund Mårtensson (mette@nordstjernan.com; 800.827.9333 x12) Nordstjernan (ISSN 1059-7670) is published by Swedish News, Inc., 570 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022 • Connecticut - P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan, CT 06840 Periodicals Postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. Nordstjernan is published semi-monthly, except for the month of February. 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.
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News in brief. page 3
Nordic runes, loaded with meaning As I am now nearing my third year of residence in Sweden, new friends have asked what it was I did for a living in my “old life.” This question always takes me a bit by surprise because I’m not sure which Old Life they refer to. The life which I lived in the U.S., or the one which I lived in a past life? It does not escape me that Sweden is an old culture, so when someone asks me about a past life this might be a perfectly logical or even common question. It is, however, a question I can not answer. Much easier is it for me to refer to my recent past and explain that I studied and loved art history and that I once made a living writing about such pleasures. I believe it is in part this love of art and history which also caused me to journey to Sweden. While I don’t find the arts community here in Gothenburg to be especially exciting — unless you love heavy metal music — Scandinavia’s rich history and mythology is certainly something worthy of attention. As an arts writer, I miss the influences of not only contemporary artists from around the world, but also the exhibitions of European masters presented by the great museums in NYC and Boston. I miss the history and knowledge one acquires from exploring such art works. This need not be. The study of Scandinavia’s art and history, and also the study of ancient Nordic runes, fairy tales, folk tales and mythology is extremely rewarding and informs us in matters concerning a people, place and time. It was from this exploration of Sweden’s past that I became interested in ancient Nordic runes. Used both as a form for message writing and of divination, runes were one of the first communication systems developed and used by Germanic people. But so much more than a mere alphabet for communication, runes represent ideographical or pictographic power. To inscribe a rune, or cast a rune, was to invoke the magic for which each rune represented. The word “rune” has multiple meanings: “letter,” “secret” and “mystery.” Perhaps today we have only come to know of runes by reading Tolkien’s Lord of The Rings or watching Harry Potter, but back in the day, runes were a vital part of Scandinavia’s philosophy and culture. The runic alphabet is referred to as Futhark, deriving its name from the first six runes (Fehu, Uruz, Thurisaz, Ansuz, Raidho and Kaunan). Elder Futhark, a 24-character system, was the first runic alphabet (150–800 AD), and was later replaced by the 16-character Younger Futhark (800–1100 AD), also known as Scandinavian runes, which emerged at the beginning of the Viking Age. From these first alphabets others were devel-
Swedish News
Who doesn’t wonder what happens next to Lisbeth Salander? Above: Noomi Rapace, the actress who originated the part of Lisbeth Salander in the Swedish Millennium films.
Sequel to Larsson’s Millennium series
A sequel to the late Swedish author Stieg Larsson’s bestselling Millenium crime trilogy will go on sale in at least 35 countries in August, the book’s publishers, Norstedts, recently said. “That Which Does Not kill” was completed in November by David Lagercrantz, known for co-authoring Swedish football star Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s autobiography. The book will continue the story of the troubled but resourceful heroine Lisbeth Salander first made famous in Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. “What I wanted to make use of in the book was the vast mythology that Stieg Larsson left behind, the world he created,” Lagercrantz told Dagens Nyheter, adding that he remained loyal to Larsson’s writing style which weaved criticism of social and political issues with criminal intrigue. Stieg Larsson died of a heart attack at age 50 in 2004. At the time of his death Larsson reportedly had plans to write at least another seven novels.
Rune Chart — Elder Futhark
The UN criticizes hate crimes
Rune, Gebo — The gift
oped such as Gothenburg’s Bohuslän runes and Dalarna’s Dalecarlian runes, but to delve into these subsets is way beyond the breadth of this little essay. Runestones — runes inscribed upon larger stones rather than the small stones used for casting — are the oldest original examples of writing in Scandinavia. According to the Swedish National Heritage Board, there are about 7,000 runic inscriptions in the world (half of which are Viking age runestones. Of the stones, the majority are found in Sweden), with estimates that approximately 2,500 runestones still survive today. Some remain at their original site and others have been moved. There are some excellent examples of runestones in Stockholm at the Swedish History Museum. Gothenburg’s City Museum, or Göteborgs Stadsmuseum, provides visitors a view of Äskekärrsskeppet — the only remaining ship of the Viking era having runic inscriptions. In addition to using the runic alphabet to communicate, people of the Viking era often inscribed these symbols upon their homes, their swords, boats and other valuable items. It was thought that the rune would provide protection, strength
or personal enlightenment. I believe that Sweden — indeed all of Scandinavia — is a magical place. And while I’m not sure if it is the history, culture, mythology or simply the vast blue sky or connectedness to nature, I know there is a reason why I’ve journeyed here. There is something profound that I have come to learn in this place. So in casting my very first rune, I asked to be shown my present state of being. Hagalaz was the rune I cast. Hagalaz: Disruptive Natural Forces, Elemental Power, Hail Change, freedom, invention and liberation are all attributes of this rune. The onset of power may be such as to rip away the fabric of what you previously knew as your reality, your security, your understanding of yourself, your work, relationships or beliefs. But you are not without power. The strength you have funded until now in your life is your support at a time when everything you’ve taken for granted is being challenged! Sounds like an expat experience doesn’t it? A personal journey of sorts? In my next essay, we’ll explore the ideology and magic behind the power of the runes. Lisa Mikulski
A rise in hate crimes against ethnic minorities in Sweden has brought criticism from the UN. As part of the second UN review of human rights practices in Sweden (the first was in 2010), Sweden’s recent experiences linked to Islamaphobia, anti-semitism and prejudice against Roma (gypsy) migrants were highlighted. The review also noted an increase in sexual violence against women. Annika Söder, state secretary at Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said she welcomed the “feedback and criticism” from other UN member states, insisting that the Swedish government has launched a number of initiatives against hate crimes; she feels the country is now “on the right track.” Several UN member states are calling for a new national independent institution to monitor human rights in Sweden more closely as well.
Swedish top politician helped Afghan flee
Sweden’s former foreign minister Carl Bildt has said he helped Afghan student and journalist Pervez Kambaksh secretly flee the country in 2009.Kambaksh was convicted for publishing critical texts about Islam and the Swedish intervention saved the man from the death penalty. He was smuggled into a Swedish government plane at Kabul airport while Bildt waited on board.In an interview with Swedish daily Expressen, Bildt said the operation was coordinated with Kai Eide, the U.N.’s envoy to Afghanistan at the time. He also said Kambaksh was pardoned after his escape and is now likely in the U.S.
Åkesson extends sick leave
Sweden Democrats party leader Jimmie Åkesson, who has been out on sick leave, was approved for an extension of his absence until March 31. He has been on leave since October because of chronic fatigue syndrome.
The Exchange Rate: $1.00 = SEK 8.25 02.05.2015
February 15, 2015 Nordstjernan
local events. page 4
InBox: The story of the Swedish Troll T-shirt There is a story behind everything. This is the story of the creation of the T-shirt in one of the photos of the Christmas edition of Nordstjernan. I am talking about the shirt with the Swedish troll on it. If the following story had not occurred you would not have had this photo nor know the meaning behind it. One of the performers at the second Scandinavian Folk Festival in Jamestown, NY in 2003 was Ulf Magnusson, a member of the Kari Sjöstrand Trio. He is a very accomplished jazz bass player. Ulf and his wife were from Falun, Sweden where they lived during the winter. In the summer they Ulf Magnusson managed a camp in Bergsjö, Sweden which is in Gävleborg County, about 326 kilometers north of Stockholm. The name of their camp is Sagalidens Camping. After the performances at the festival, the trio needed to get to the airport in New York. My wife and I drove them — a seven hour trip. After being so impressed with Ulf’s ability to keep a beat, I asked him in the car to vocalize the rhythm of various types of Swedish music so I could get the “feel” of these rhythms. He would sound out the hambo, the schottis and the waltz. The “feel” of the music is what is passed from one generation to another by playing music together and not just from reading the notes. Needless to say, I was quite impressed with Ulf’s “feel” for the music. Knowing that we had travel plans to visit Sweden, he suggested we stay a few days with him at his camp, that he had cabin there for us. Needless to say, we arranged to visit Ulf when we traveled to Sweden in 2004. This had been our first visit there since 1966 so it
was like a dream come true. The cabin turned out to be what I would call a “cultural mansion.” It was a very traditional two-story log building. Not only was he giving us the feel of the music, he was now giving us the feel of traditional Sweden. Kari Sjöstrand joined Ulf and some others for a concert at the camp and gave me the opportunity to join in on the accordion. Obviously by now we had become friends. What a way to become immersed in the Swedish culture. While we were there, we became aware of the camp’s logo, a black and white outline of a troll. We spotted the design and had the idea to make it a T-shirt design. Ulf gave us permission to use his logo and gave us a large poster with the logo on it. I had not heard much about Swedish trolls so I had to research them and verified that Sweden does have trolls, too. After returning the U.S., we had our graphic artist use the outline of the troll on the poster to design a T-shirt. She added some color and inserted the Swedish flag onto the troll’s shirt. When the shirts were printed we sold them at the Scandinavian Folk Festival in Jamestown and at Skanfest in Budd Lake, New Jersey. In 2005 we returned to Sweden and attempted to meet up with Ulf again. It was after the camping season and weren’r able to make the connection. We left a T-shirt at the Falun Tourist Bureau with arrangements to get it to him. Under the left foot of the troll in small print with the word “Ulf.”
I spotted this picture in the Christmas issue of Nordstjernan. It has special meaning to me and I have summarized the story behind the troll T in the picture here. Right: Sagalidens Camping’s troll; Below: The twostory log building in Bergsjö, Sweden.
By Don Sandy, Scandinavian Folk Festival, Jamestown, NY
Social media success Swedes are a twitter over recent years’ social media success on twitter. A Swedish experiment in social media is celebrating its third anniversary, a feat recognized globally in media everywhere. Maybe it’s no longer really an experiment — after three years, awards and results that have gotten other countries to do the same. Every week on Twitter, a Swedish citizen is the lone ruler of Real Sweden, “the world’s most democratic Twitter account.” Democratic because every week for three years — that’s 156 weeks and counting — a different person from any walk of life has been the voice of Sweden in Twitter’s social media universe. For seven days, that person recommends things to do and places to see in Sweden, sharing diverse opinions and ideas through their tweets. After that, someone else does the same, but differently, conveying not one Sweden, but many. This so-called Curators of Sweden proj-
Nordstjernan, February 15, 2015
ect is an initiative of the Swedish Institute and VisitSweden, both part of the National Board for the promotion of Sweden (NSU), to create familiarity and interest in Sweden. Twitter as a medium is quick, short (with a maximum of 140 characters it’s sometimes referred to as the SMS of the internet) and makes it easy to reach the global network in En liten röd stuga vid vattnet… (A little red cabin by the water…) real time. Owning a house in Sweden is popular among foreigners, especially Follow on Twitter Danes and Germans. It is the closeness to the Swedish nature and the @sweden. peace and quiet that entice them. (Twitter was not mentioned so far) Twitter Trivia: The woman behind Twitter’s original bubbly blue logo is Swedish Linda Gavin from Kalmar. For three days she and a colleague worked at the San Francisco-based office Futurefarmers, producing some 30 logo samples. The one that eventually was picked was one Linda had spent just hours on.
local events. page 5
Vasaloppet skiers don’t mess with tradition Amanda Olson Robison amanda@nordstjernan.com
While the entirety of Sweden is blanketed in snow for the first time in decades, and some parts of the U.S. are still digging out after record snowfalls, Minnesotans are wondering whether winter forgot about them. With very little snow accumulation, the annual Vasaloppet cross-country ski race in Mora, Minnesota is keeping its proverbial fingers crossed (or, as the Swedes would say, “håller tummarna” meaning “pressing thumbs”) that more snow falls for this year’s race, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7. The tradition of this ski race dates back to 1922 when a Swedish newspaper publisher wanted to commemorate the founding of modern Sweden — when nobleman Gustav Vasa led his fellow countrymen in a revolt against the Danes in 1522. Vasa, who had fled on skis from Mora, Sweden to Norway, was joined by a small army of Swedes and they skied back to Sälen, Sweden, where he successfully led the revolt against Danish rule — and was crowned king of Sweden. The 90 kilometers between Sälen and Mora is the route for the Swedish Vasaloppet, the world’s oldest, longest and biggest race, having grown into seven races over a 10-day period that attracts nearly 50,000 skiers. In 1972, Sweden gave permission for Mora, Minnesota to use the Vasaloppet name; since the 1980s there has also been a Vasaloppet in Japan, and in 2002 a fourth Vasaloppet race was begun in China. This year, the U.S. race takes place on Mora Lake, where there is enough ice for racers to be guaranteed a course to ski on, albeit a little shorter than the familiar course on the trails. It also allows it to be the most spectator-visible race ever as skiers take multiple laps around the course on the lake. Ice grinding is done in some areas to widen the trail and deepen the snow where it’s needed. The races are the classic 42
kilometers/4 laps (9 a.m. start); 58 kilometers/5 laps (10 a.m. start); 35 kilometers/3 laps (11 a.m. start); Teamloppet/2 laps (12 noon start). We hear from Minnesota correspondent Valorie Arrowsmith that some skiers might plan to partake in more than one — or even all — of the races. The skier lunch is followed by the awards ceremony at 2 p.m. with great music, food, a new wooden tent floor and heating system. For more information or to follow the races on the webcam, see http://www. vasaloppet.us
A different view of the first hill after the Vasaloppet start in Sweden—2.5 miles long. There’s still 50 miles to go before you reach the goal in Mora, Sweden...
The 2015 races in Mora, Minnesota, held one month earlier than the traditional race in Sweden, which is on March 8, will all be held on Lake Mora due to lack of snow. Above: Vasaloppet skiers cover the final stretch on Lake Mora in an earlier year. The lake environment enveloped with white, with eye-crusting and glasses fogging in the blowing snow. Top: Main Street in Mora, MN heavily covered by fresh snow during the 2013 Vasaloppet ski race. Photos: V.S. Arrowsmith
February 15, 2015 Nordstjernan
local events. page 6
SACC New York First Speaker Luncheon of the year:
UniLever’s Kees Kruythoff On January 29, Kees Kruythoff, president of Unilever North America, was the guest of honor at SACC-New York’s first Speaker Luncheon of 2015. Held at the 21 Club, Kruythoff’s engaging presentation “Sustainable Growth at Unilever” was a fitting way to kick off the Chamber’s “Year of Sustainability.” Kruythoff moved to the U.S. in 2011 after senior roles with Unilever in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America. While the CEO of Unilever Brazil, the second largest Unilever business, he was nominated as one of the country’s top 10 sustainability leaders.
John Matthews, Renee Lundholm, Karl Wellner
Gerben van der Marel, Robert Henkes, Emile P. de Neree, Bianca Helderman, Kees Kruythoff
Above: Charlie T. Quinn, Pontus Lundqvist; Left: Gustaf Staël von Holstein, Guy N. Molinari, Linda Björk, Sidney N. Weiss; Right: Felix Elkmann, Dominik Grau, Christoph Kolle.
Valorie Arrowsmith, Minnesota valorie@nordstjernan.com
Mora, MN — Announcements about recent Swedish visitors, the serving of pea soup and pancakes, a Swedish slide show program, the sale of nuts, membership renewals, some stories and a time to reconnect were all on the agenda when the Dala Heritage Society of Mora offered up its pea soup and pancake lunch in mid-January. The group meets reguarlary for a variety of purposes: to have a social time together, to host incoming Swedish performers at Midsummer, to select the next Lucia and to take care of business as a non-profit cultural organization.
LINGONBERRIES • Fresh Frozen • Dried • Preserves www.sturdiwheat.com
Nordstjernan, February 15, 2015
how to fix things. So even if we didn’t have money, we could still manage.” Another member, Carl Boberg of Nisswa, MN, was invited to share news and notes of his recent trip to Sweden, where he travels regularly to visit his son. He talked about the weather, helping to build his son’s ga- Joanne Olen always serves real whipped cream with the pancakes when rage, about the local the Dala Heritage Society of Mora offers the delicacy to members and the general public every January. Cool whip is available, but not encouraged. dialect of the area and about recent issues where his son lives involving immigration into in southern Sweden, Sweden. The group also got to hear about the upcoming Vaka festival and conference in Akureyri, Iceland, on June 11-14, 2015, which focuses on traditional Nordic folk music and dance. Hallstrom said the word “vaka” means to be awake in Swedish, while it also means a gathering of fidSkinny pancakes means you can eat several, right? The Dala Heritage Society dlers, musicians and revelers in Icelandic. pancake flippers produced stacks ready to serve with blueberries, strawberries, For more info about the Gordon Hallstrom, leader of the Dala Heritage Society of Mora, and whipping cream at the annual lunch. Dala Heritage Society and told a story that engaged the audience at the annual pea soup and pancake lunch. Besides the meal, participants enjoyed a slide its activities, contact its presentation about a year in the Swedish countryside, and had a president at 320-869-6577.
January’s announcements included news about two television entities, which recently spent time with group members in order to create documentary programs to be aired in Sweden in 2015 and 2016. The focus in both cases was the early life of Swedish immigrants in America. The interviewers wanted to know what it had been like, what kind of work the families did, and what sort of occupations the children of immigrants found for themselves when they were of an age to be wage-earners. Dala Heritage Society president Gordon Hallstrom was one of those interviewed about these questions. He explained: “You know, when I look back on it, it was kind of hard at times,” talking of money limitations and the physical work required for a Minnesota Swedish immigrant farm family. “But we didn’t know any different, and my dad was good at figuring out
chance to connect with friends and neighbors over coffee.
Photos: V. S. Arrowsmith.
Pea Soup and Pancakes
feature. page 7
World’s healthiest spices Many people are getting back to nature when it comes to concerns about health. Medicinal herbs and natural remedies have been in use for centuries to prevent and treat a variety of conditions. Most of our common spices have also been in use in a variety of areas — for coloring, as medicine and for making fragrances. Not only do they make our food taste better, but spices are also generally good for our health as they are full of antioxidants. According to Svenskakryddforeningen. se and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, here are the top five spices for good health. In case you didn’t know, antioxidants are measured in ORAC per 100 grams of food. The recommended daily dose is 2500 ORAC. (Looking at these you may stop wondering why we drink glögg in the winter time....) Cumin (76,800 ORAC - Kummin in Swedish)) Cumin is commonly found in cheese and spiced wine. It’s one of the spices with the longest history in Europe but has been hidden in a corner of the spice shelf. Dried cumin seeds have a sharp scent, and tea made with cumin is good for colic and stomach aches. Turmeric (159,000 ORAC - Gurkmeja in Swedish) Turmeric is good for skin. It is a strong antioxidant that is also helpful for inflammations, arthritis, joint problems, stomach problems and gallstones. Turmeric has a strong yellow color, a pigment called Curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties that are similar to cortisone. Turmeric works against fungus and bacteria and is used when healing wounds. There are bandages in India that have turmeric in them.
Cinnamon (267,000 ORAC - Kanel in Swedish) A super spice full of antioxidants, two grams alone is said to equal over 2.2 pounds of fresh tomatoes, so you do the math. It kills both bacteria and fungus, improves digestion and is great when you’re feeling nauseated or have diarrhea. A teaspoon of cinnamon a day keeps the blood sugar on an even keel. And if your stomach bothers you, then sprinkle some cinnamon and cardamom on your breakfast yogurt to prevent gas.
Cloves (314,000 ORAC - Nejlika in Swedish) Cloves are a great expectorant and fight against bronchitis. They also help minimize hay fever. Cloves are also good against nervousness and for soothing the stomach, colic, gas, nausea and a poor appetite. If you chew on a clove slowly, it is also said to soothe a toothache. Oregano (200,000 ORAC) Oregano is good against cough, whooping cough and infections in your mouth and throat. It also aids against indigestion and is an effective spice in fighting bacteria and fungus. Oil made of oregano is often called Mother Nature’s antibiotics, as it is said to strengthens the immune system
A different kind of meatball
Cinnamon can be used as a way to control your weight because it stabilizes your blood sugar.
Five spices to keep you slim
There are more reasons than health benefits to spice up your food, however. According to the Swedish magazine Må Bra, spices can actually keep you slender, and here are the ones that count.
Cinnamon (Kanel) It’s the classic Christmas spice, but you should use it all year. Cinnamon can give food a sweeter taste without having to add sugar (calories). The spice can also be used as a way to control your weight because it stabilizes your blood sugar. When you eat cinnamon, you reduce the amount of fat building insulin after the meal; you feel full longer and your body doesn’t store as much fat.
Mustard—one single teaspoon is all you Mustard need to increase your body’s ability to (Senap in Swedish) One single burn fat by 25 percent. teaspoon is all you need to increase your body’s ability to burn fat by 25 percent, according to a study from Chili powder British Oxford PolytechDo you know what gives chili powder its nic Institute. And the stronger the mustard the stronger the effect, heat? It’s a component called capsaicin. Capsaicin increases fat burning and funcaccording to the scientists. tions as an appetite reducer — two important factors in weight loss. A meal spiced with chili powder will increase burning fat up to three hours after you take your last bite.
The piperine in black pepper makes it easier for the body to profit from the nutrients in your food. It also boosts the fat burning process by 8 percent.
Black pepper (Svartpeppar in Swedish) Piperine is the alkaloid responsible for the pungency of black pepper, and it does more than add taste to your food. Piperine also makes it easier for the body to profit from the nutrients in your food and boosts the fat burning process by 8 percent.
Ginger (Ingefära in Swedish) Add a teaspoon of ginger to your breakfast juice and burn 43 more calories after your meal, according to a study from Columbia University.
Afficionados will grumble but here’s a variation on the traditional Swedish meatball.
Cinnamon lamb meatballs in tomato sauce Serves two Ingredients: 8 ounces minced lamb 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 pinches of cinnamon 1 pinch cayenne pepper 1/2 Tablespoon rapeseed oil (or canola) 8 ounces strained tomatoes 4 ounces water 2 pinches raw sugar 4 ounces couscous 2 Tablespoons raisins parsley to taste salt and pepper to taste
Instruction: Mix the meat with egg, salt and spices. Shape into four big balls and brown them in oil about 2 minutes. Pour tomatoes, water and raw sugar on top and let boil until the balls are ready, around 10 minutes. Taste and add salt and pepper. Make the couscous according to directions of the box, and add raisins. Remove from heat and let sit 3-5 minutes. Around 455 calories per portion. Recipe courtesy of mabra.com
Cinnamon gives food a sweeter taste without the addition of sugar (calories). The spice can also be used as a way to control your weight because it stabilizes your blood sugar. Above: Cinnamon lamb meatballs in tomato sauce.
February 15, 2015 Nordstjernan
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A 49-year-old Swedish tradition is shared with Zhuhai, China in celebration of the Year of the Goat. Adorned with 60,000 Chinese flowers and sunshine rather than straw and snow, the 42-foot-tall Gävle goat (Gävlebocken) from Gävle, Sweden is now standing proudly in China. After heroically surviving efforts to burn or dismantle it while it stood another year in Gävle’s city center before Christmas, it was officially welcomed on January 30 as a symbol of the Year of the Goat in Gävle’s sister city of Zhuhai, China. Zhuhai’s Vice Mayor Long Guangyan, joined by a crowd of hundreds, inaugurated the beloved Swedish symbol in an opening ceremony ahead of celebrations of the Chinese New Year, which falls on Sunday, February 19, 2015. Join the thousands around the world who are following the Gävle goat on Twitter: @gavlebocken
“Att sköta sig är att se till att man hinner med det roliga” [Taking care of oneself means making sure you have time to do the fun stuff.] — Margareta Krook, Swedish actress (1925-2001)
Style
Göteborg and Sweden
Since the end of the 1980s, the average Swede has gained close to 5 kilos (11 pounds). According to some statistics, 49 percent of the Swedish population may be considered overweight or fat. A medication approved in the U.S. for obesity will soon be approved for Swedes, too. The drug, called Saxenda, has been used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and proves to have an effect on weight. “It has an appetite suppressant,” says Björn Eliasson, chief physician at the diabetes and obesity clinic at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Göteborg. Eliasson, who is wary of other anti-obesity drugs that can raise heart rate and blood pressure, emphasizes this could be a solution for many in Sweden, especially people who are on the verge of developing diabetes.
More Beckham at H&M
H&M once again invited former soccer player David Beckham to lend his name to a new collection. Titled “Modern Essentials selected by David Beckham,” the new menswear line will be available March 5. After collaborating on the David Beckham Bodywear line, H&M and the sports icon are extending their partnership with a new menswear collection. “I am thrilled to continue and extend my collaboration with H&M by selecting my favorites from this spring’s Modern Essentials collection. Each piece is a new wardrobe classic that will update every man’s spring wardrobe with great style.” The Modern Essentials selected by David Beckham line includes some of the season’s important menswear pieces, including a linen bomber jacket, a white denim jacket, a linen blazer,
Sports and style icon David Beckham
a polo shirt and a classic white poplin shirt. Naturally, the athlete is also the face of this new ready-to-wear collection in a campaign shot by filmmaker Marc Forster (“World War Z,” “The Kite Runner”). Modern Essentials selected by David Beckham will go on sale March 5, on the same date as the celebrity’s latest Bodywear collection, in select H&M stores and online.
CHOICES
a physicians journey on two continents.
A must read for Americans with Swedish or Scandinavian roots Lose yourself in the historical memoirs of an immigrant’s journey on two continents— from upbringing, education, and training in Sweden to a challenging career as a professor and practicing physician in search of the American dream. Order (signed) from author, or Authorhouse, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Google Books. info@staffannordqvist.com Price: Hard cover $28.95 plus shipping Soft cover $19.95 plus shipping e-book $3.99
www.staffannordqvist.com Staffan RB Nordqvist, MD, PhD 2176 Regents Blvd., West Palm Beach FL 33409
Nordstjernan, February 15, 2015
Photo: Ryan DeBiase
Gävle, Sweden and Zhuhai, China
dashboard. page 9
Malmö, Sweden
After nearly 10 years of hoping, the people of Malmö will finally have their wish: Rental bikes will soon be available in the city. Financing the program has been a long-term concern while the city considered sponsorships, but a new plan is in place to have the program financed by advertising — the same solution as Lund, Copenhagen and other cities have chosen. The main purpose for rental bikes is getting more commuters to cycle, so starting this fall when the bikes should be ready for use, many of them will be near the bus and train stations. Eventually there should be at least 500 bikes ready for use in the city. Food
For ABBA fans all over the U.S.
ABBA lovers are so lucky. ABBA music — one of Sweden’s biggest-ever exports which continues to be a hit sensation even after the pop band’s last recording in 1982 — is coming to the U.S. again. From Feb. 13 through March 19, the beloved pop music group comes alive in Sweden’s ARRIVAL’s huge production of The Music of Abba. ARRIVAL is Sweden’s biggest, most popular and successful ABBA cover band, celebrating its 20th year of entertaining ABBA lovers. This is their 38th tour around the U.S. From Santa Rosa, Calif. to Stamford, Conn. find out what city you can see them perform in: www.themusicofabba.com
A ‘real’ Swedish chef
The 2015 White Guide Global Gastronomy Award has been announced, and for the first time in its nine-year history, the international award goes to a Swedish chef. The annual award recognizes a creative chef of international prominence, an example and inspiration in contemporary gastronomy. Chef Magnus Nilsson, of Fäviken Magasinet restaurant in Järpen, Sweden, won for his unique approach to preparing local food with secrets of the area’s woods, fields and waters. With deep understanding of their potential, biology and sustainability, he delivers it all
“in a stunning restaurant culture bridging history and future, local with global, science with art — seasoned with poetry and humor,” according to the judges. Nilsson will receive his award at the White Guide Gala in Stockholm on March 9, 2015. Since Fäviken Magasinet opened in 2009, it has gained international fame for its ultralocal gastronomy and is now ranked 19th on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The restaurant is located in an old dairy farm at the resort-like Fäviken estate in northern Sweden, close to Åre, Sweden’s foremost winter sports destination.
The rustic, cozy interior of restaurant Fäviken Magasinet in Järpen, Jämtland, run by chef Magnus Nilsson.
Another delicious slimming recipe Salmon with ginger
Serves two
Herr & Fru | Mr. & Mrs.
Radio: “Knees up!!”
Radio: “Hands to the Radio: “Leg ground!” stretched!”
‘Name’s days’ of the Swedish Calendar: /Kommande två veckors namnsdagar
In New York In Stockholm In Kiruna Lund In Los Angeles
February 15: Sunrise 6.50 a.m. 7.23 a.m. 7.56 a.m. 7.31 a.m. 6.38 a.m.
Sunset 5.30 p.m. 4.40 p.m. 3.50 p.m. 5.11 p.m. 5.37 p.m.
Her: “Shoulder dislocated!”
Ingredients: 2 salmon filets (5 ounces each) salt and pepper 1 1/2 ounces fresh cheese (any taste) 1 lemon 1 teaspoon freshly ground ginger 2 Tablespoons fresh coriander (or other herb) 4 ounces couscous 1 teaspoon butter 1/2 red bell pepper, diced 4 ounces green peas Ginger is another spice that will 1/2 teaspoon turmeric keep you slim. Above: Salmon Serve with green salad
February 15 Sigfrid February 16 Julia/Julius February 17 Alexandra/Sandra February 18 Frida/Fritiof February 19 Gabriella/Ella February 20 Vivianne February 21 Hilding February 22 Pia February 23 Torsten/Torun February 24 Mattias/Mats February 25 Sigvard/Sivert February 26 Torgny/Torkel February 27 Lage February 28 Maria March 01 Albin/Elvira March 02 Ernst/Erna
Instruction: Preheat oven to 400° F. Make a cut in the salmon pieces. Salt and pepper them and put in an oven-safe pan. Mix the cheese with the finely ground peels of half a lemon, ginger and herb. Spread the mixture on top of the salmon and add lemon juice from the other half of the lemon. Bake in the middle of the oven for 15 minutes. Make couscous following the directions on the box. Stir in butter, bell pepper, peas and turmeric, and juice and peels from the rest of the lemon. About 455 calories per portion. Recipe courtesy of mabra.com
with ginger.
February 15, 2015 Nordstjernan
The Pacific states. page 10
Royal visit to Bay area, San Francisco and Continued from page 1
mediately palpable. Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel sat in beautiful armchairs, but the little princess felt more comfortable on her father’s lap than sitting on the wee chair placed between her folks. Deacon Åsa Sjöberg told Estelle, who’s not quite 3, that here in America young children sing some of her favorite songs, and together they all sang — in Swedish — “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” They sang several of Estelle’s other favorites, accompanied on guitar by Åsa’s husband, Jan. It was such a warm welcome, and they all joined the congregation, as the spider climbed up the rainspout, as though they were back home in their palace.
Warm welcoming
After Consul General Barbro Osher officially welcomed Their Royal Highnesses to the Bay Area on behalf of all Swedes, Estelle led everyone upstairs for refreshments. With the royal family sitting on a sofa behind a coffee table with cakes, cookies and drinks, and photographers swarming to snap photos, people greeted the family and thanked them for returning to San Francisco. Nothing could have been more thoughtfully arranged, for the church was originally a private home, and this upper floor at the front door level has an unsurpassed and unobstructed view of the bay from the Golden Gate to the Bay Bridge. One of the first to greet the couple was Lisa Wiborg, the grande dame among all Swedes here. She spent several minutes with the family and was so warmly received, as though Her Highness was welcoming a grand aunt or a visiting dignitary, which is the place of honor that Lisa holds in the hearts of all here. That set the tone for everyone else. The Crown Princess was so cordial in taking time to warmly greet and sincerely talk with each person. Everyone was buzzing about the opportunity to have spoken with Her Highness, to greet her daughter, and welcome Prince Daniel. Just imagine the many kids’ memories of that day: to see not one but two real, live princesses — one their age and one with her Prince Charming. And should anyone doubt them, they have the pictures to prove it. Ambassador Björn Lyrvall thanked Their Highnesses for this visit, emphasizing how significant it was for them to meet with their Swedish flock abroad who keeps the values, reputation, and enterprises of Swedes in this most dynamic area of the world. As the family and their entourage left the grand mansion, a cable car was passing the church, and in that car happened to be a group of Swedish tourists, gazing in amazement. They greeted their princess as the car climbed the hill, much to the surprise of everyone. It was quite a memorable day.
Nordstjernan, February 15, 2015
Consul General Osher welcomes the royal family. Photo: Ted Olsson
firm K&L Gates, SACC-SF/SV, and the Silicon Vikings were also acknowledged. The 150 guests enjoyed Chef Pelle’s table of delights complemented by beverages from West Wines and Sjoeblom Winery. Lidgard began the program by reiterating the success of Nordic entrepreneurs — though Scandinavia represents but 4 percent of Europe’s population, their entrepreneurs garner 30 percent of venture capital’s yearly investments, attesting to the premium value of the Nordic brand. Consul General Osher and Ambassador Lyrvall welcomed the royal couple and the entrepreneurs; a show of hands revealed that almost everyone was an entrepreneur and a first-generation American or recent arrival.
Expert wisdom worth gold
Jan & Åsa Sjöberg led all in nursery songs. Photo: Ted Olsson
Royals visit Silicon Valley
The purpose of the royal couple’s visit to the Bay Area was to learn about the success of Sweden’s entrepreneurs in this capital of innovation. Their wish was granted by four notable sponsors: Anne Lidgard of Vinnova, who designed and hosted their tour; Yvonne Ericsson from Nordic Innovation House, who executed flawlessly the entrepreneurial reception; Anne-Sofie Safa of Business Sweden, who arranged for the tour; and the indefatigable Consul General Barbro Osher. The royal couple visited high-tech leaders Tesla and Google as well as notable Nordic enterprises Runway and Stripe. They lunched at the Nordic Innovation House — sponsored by all Scandinavian countries and
home to several dozen startups. At Stanford University they visited Vinnova as well as the university’s famed Design Center, a model of multidisciplinary integrative innovation. A highlight of their journey was Monday evening’s reception — The Nordics and Silicon Valley—From Startup to Success. In welcoming all, Lidgard acknowledged three centuries of Swedish business among the evening’s sponsors: Ericsson (begun in the 19th century), IKEA (20th) and Yubico (21st). In addition to the tour’s four sponsors, Lidgard thanked Marguerite Hancock of the Computer History Museum for welcoming them to this temple of innovation. The support of Lars Johansson of international law
A distinguished panel of entrepreneurs — Magnus Aronsson (ESBRI) as moderator, Stina Ehrensvärd (Yubico), Peter Arvai (Prezi), Lene Schulze (Innovation Center of Denmark) and Nikolai Wadström (Bootstrap Labs) — addressed the topic of the evening by comparing entrepreneurism here and in Sweden. The insights were worth gold. While Scandinavia, for its population, has the largest number of entrepreneurs in Europe, the panel said that living in Silicon Valley was absolutely necessary to thrive and grow globally, because only in Silicon Valley is there the critical mass and competition to learn from, to collaborate with, and to execute at the pace necessary to succeed. Everyone from the first day here learns that what distinguishes this axis of invention is meritocracy and pragmatism, distinctive American values. Talent matters: Everything depends upon what you can do. Yet perhaps experience is valued even more highly. The motto of Silicon Valley is “fail fast but learn from your mistakes.” Unlike most places, including Sweden, failure is not a sign of defeat here unless you allow it to conquer you. Here, too, are 46 percent of the world’s venture capitalists searching to invest in and
The Pacific states. page 11
Silicon Valley nurture new enterprises. They are distinctive not merely for their money but also for the generosity of their advice. Because they have succeeded, part of their culture here is to give back to the ecosystem by sincerely helping and advising promising new entrepreneurs. Silicon Valley is home to the icons of technology. If you can get your product associated with one of them, you can tie your brand to theirs and leverage that among many new customers. Better yet, as one panelist cited, if you find an intrapreneur to advocate your product within that company, that person spreads your message as they move during their career. And moving from one company to another as one climbs a career is typical here. The diversity and variety of people continually arriving in Silicon Valley is the secret sauce. All immigrants are welcomed and engaged. This diversity is the valley’s strength. Working collaboratively with people from other backgrounds and disciplines yields many new solutions. It is true that many Swedes need to learn to balance their natural humility and equality by learning how to become individually distinctive. While every panelist was proud of their native roots and value as Nordics, they were challenged to think big and then to act to realize their dreams here in the U.S.
The Royals learn from and delight in meeting new entrepreneurs. Photo: Annika Lehes, Nordic Innovation House.
The panel concluded by discussing the most important question: Can Silicon Valley be replicated in Sweden, in Scandinavia? This ecosystem is unique and has been imitated but never duplicated elsewhere. Perhaps Sweden could apply these lessons and this model of entrepreneurial incubation to its native strengths, and find its solution in its own culture. While Sweden will not imitate Silicon Valley in high tech, maybe it would be in another field basic to their culture, such as social entrepreneurship.
Remarkable royalty The Panel & MC: Magnus Aronsson (by pillar), Nikolai Wadström, Lene Schulze, Stina Ehrensvärd, Peter Arvai. Photo: Annika Lehes, Nordic Innovation House.
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The royal family’s trip to visit entrepreneurs is particularly notable this year, for 2015 is the centennial celebration of the Panama-Pacific International Exposi-
tion, San Francisco’s 1915 World’s Fair. In it, Sweden was represented with a beautiful pavilion displaying leadership in social, cultural, governmental and entrepreneurial (L-R) Ambassador Lyrvall, Prince Daniel, Crown Princess Victoria enter the Computer History Museum. Photo: prowess. Annika Lehes, Nordic Innovation House. One of the companies exhibited in the Swedish Pavilion was Ericsson, notable then for telephony — and even more notable today for its leadership in data storage and communications, with a lab now in Silicon Valley. Sweden had many noteworthy entrepreneurs then and even more today. The polished expertise of the young royal couple was remarkable. They dazzled their visitors not with their royal bearing but with their common touch. Whether in the small congregation of admirers, famous companies and campuses, or during the evening of entrepreneurial insights, their genuine interest in the spirit and success of everyone they met was stunning. What a gracious, distinctive, remarkable couple represents Sweden’s future. Yvonne Ericsson & Ann-Sofie Safa beside host Ted Olsson, San Francisco organizations banners. Photo: Ted Olsson
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February 15, 2015 Nordstjernan
Viewpoints. page 12
Ulf Nilson Sweden, February 2015 ulf.nilson@nordstjernan.com
I am a romantic and still believe in a future of travel to other planets. Soon enough, we ordinary people will be able to buy tickets to space flights. Yes, I know I wrote it before, and so far no tickets have arrived. But we constantly get reports of new space projects and the rapid pace of development. In late 2014, the United States initiated a major effort to send people into space again. The new Orion project is a continuation of the Apollo project that took man to the moon in 1969. Now the plan is for Orion to be able to put people on Mars for more than 20 years. Virgin Galactic has already sold hundreds of tickets for huge sums to prospective space tourists. But there was a setback when the company’s commercial spacecraft crashed last fall. Now, it may take a few years before ordinary people will experience weightlessness in a spaceship. I am convinced it is only a temporary delay, for it is human nature to chase the unknown. “We must realize that space is a part of our home,” said Yuri Gagarin, who in 1961 became the first man in space, when I asked what was the most important thing with his spaceflight. I’ll never forget that answer. The Soviet cosmonaut became the first to travel around the earth in a capsule. I remember how I flew over to Finland (in a very ordinary plane) and participated in a press
One giant leap for mankind conference with Gagarin. He was also asked: “Did you see anything particular out there?” It was a priest who asked, and I think he was looking for God. But there was no answer. Space was extremely important in the 1960s when I had just moved to the United States. Would the United States or the Soviet Union win? Everything was about who would be the most powerful on earth. And the answer was possibly that no one was to become the most powerful. I made many trips to Houston and Cape Kennedy to report on the U.S. space program as the correspondent for Expressen. Both before and after July 20, 1969, the unforgettable day when man first set foot on the moon. “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind,” said astronaut Neil Armstrong, and since then, the world was changed. I myself had tears in my eyes. At the time believed — and still do — in a future of travel to other planets. We were 500 million people worldwide who watched the first two earth creatures dancing around in their bulky space suits in the lunar weightlessness, and we understood that we witnessed world history. Seeing a moon rocket launch is a sight like no other. Perhaps the American writer Norman Mailer, who was sitting a few feet from me in the press booth, was right when he wrote: “At last, man had created something with which he could talk to God.” Mailer wrote a grand and profound book
about the landing on the moon. I published a little less — both in terms of scope and philosophical ambitions — on the same subject, based on my reports in Expressen. The major space programs have made the world a safer place. All spy satellites, based on space technology, which are circling the globe make it impossible for the superpowers to surprise each other ... and has, at least so far, prevented the large nuclear war. Note: Orion is NASA’s new exploration spacecraft, designed to carry astronauts to destinations in deep space, including an asteroid and Mars. NASA’s Orion spacecraft is built to take humans farther than they’ve ever gone before. It will serve as the exploration vehicle to carry the crew to space, provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel, and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. On December 5, 2014, Orion launched atop a Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space Launch Complex Flight Test on the Orion Flight Test: a two-orbit, fourhour flight that tested many of the systems most critical to safety. The Orion Flight Test evaluated launch and high speed re-entry systems such as avionics, attitude control, parachutes and the heat shield. In the future, Orion will launch on NASA’s new heavy-lift rocket, the Space Launch System. More powerful than any rocket ever built, SLS will be capable of sending humans to deep space destinations such as an asteroid and eventually Mars. Exploration Mission-1, projected to occur September 30, 2018, will be the first mission to integrate Orion and the Space Launch System. We’ll have to wait for tickets a little while longer.
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Att spå om framtiden har alltid fascinerat människor. Många frågar sig: Vad kommer att hända? I morgon? Om tio år? Kommer aktierna att stiga eller falla? Träffar jag kanske den rätte jag vill gifta mig med? Det är inte bara folk med giftastankar eller bankirer med placeringsbekymmer, som vill veta hur de skall agera. Lantbrukare som håller på att ta in skörden? Eller seglare som oroar sig för busväder? Som alla behöver veta vad morgondagen kommer att bjuda på för överraskningar. Vi är alla av varierande skäl intresserade av att veta vad morgondagen kommer att bjuda på. Sierskor och spåtanter som lägger stjärnor eller tittar i kaffesumpen har gjort det till ett yrke att berätta för oss vad de ser. Eftersom vi alla är funtade på olika sätt förväntar vi oss förmodligen helt olika om vad framtiden kommer att innebära. Optimister och drömmare har säkerligen andra förhoppningar än torra och realistiska vardagsmänniskor. Den som vet, att det alltid gäller att slita hårt och bjuda till allt man kan förstår vad som är praktiskt möjligt. Att drömma om guld och gröna skogar ligger inte till för individer som vet hur världen normalt funkar. Många har av en oförstående värld kanske redan fått sina smällar. Våra dagars moderna kvinnor hyser förmodligen sällan drömmar om att virila
Nordstjernan, February 15, 2015
Att spå om framtiden shejker skall föra dem in i en annorlunda och spännande värld på arabiska springare. Å andra sidan vore tillvaron enahanda och trist om inte djärva tankar och orealistiska hugskott skulle få dyka upp. Anledningen till att människan tycker det är svårt att vara glad är att hon hon alltid ser dåtiden som bättre än den egentligen var och framtiden mer komplex än den blir. Framför allt gäller den iakttagelsen så här vid årskiftet, när det gäller att spå vad som kommer att ha hända med ekonomin nästa år. Så uttryckte sig en skribent som siade om vad som kommer att hända i den svenska ekonomin nästa år. Den iakttagelsen är säkerligen korrekt. Vi har en tendens att se vad som en gång hände i ett förlåtande sken. Vi vet ju att det faktiskt hände. Därför är det ingenting vi kan göra åt det så här i efterhand. Däremot är ovisheten stor över vad som kommer att hända i fortsättningen. Då famlar vi. Vi lever i en orolig värld. Det är ett slitet uttryck som tyvärr innehåller den rena sanningen. Många frågar sig om världen någonsin varit så orolig som den kanske just nu uppfattas. Tveklöst har den också blivit mycket bättre än den någonsin varit. Det inser alla som följt den tekniska utvecklingen. Problemet är kanske egentligen, att den blivit farligare allteftersom vi blivit mer utvecklade. Omfattningen av våra resurser att förstöra vår
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local events. page 13
Fundraising at the Swedish Church, Fla Swedish singer and occasional songwriter, Carola Häggkvist — better known as simply Carola — has been among Sweden’s most popular performers since the early 1980s, and has released albums ranging from pop and disco to hymns and folk music. Her debut album, Främling (Stranger), sold around one million copies and remains the biggest selling album in Swedish music history. During her career, she recorded many top selling albums and singles and is referred to as Sweden’s most prominent female singer. Carola represented Sweden at the Eurovision Song contest on several occasions, finishing in first, third and fifth place, which makes her one of the artists with the best track record in Eurovision history. No wonder we were rejoicing when Carola finally accepted our One of Sweden’s most prominent female singer-songwriters, Carola, entertains the Scandinavian community of southern Florida. Here with invitation to visit us. Carola has been on top the equally popular singer and choir leader Gabriel Forss (You can sing Gospel!). of our wish list for a few years. is music very dear to Carola’s heart. “Så länge jag lever” (”For as long as I live”). On Friday, On Sunday morning guests were invited to A huge thank you to Carola and her band for Jan. 11 we hostthe Swedish-Norwegian church service. Car- entertaining us! ed a fundraiser ola was participating with the Swedish Choir, By Filippa Leijonhufvud-Reading that included a led by her friend and prominent Swedish choir VIP reception, director Gabriel Forss. The choir lifted the mini concert roof with their gospel song and Carola’s own and a conversation between Carola and Louise Linder, the new minister of South Florida’s Swedish Church. L-R: Kerstin “Kickan” Williams, Filippa Leijonhufvud-Reading, Carola The Scandi- Häggkvist and Ann Bryant—all, except for the visiting Carola, happy navian Center, members of the Florida church choir. built with funds contributed mainly by the Norwegian Sea- (bass) and Johan Röhr (director). Saturday’s concerts were magical. Carola men’s Church headquarters in Bergen, Norway required a commitment of support from told stories from when she sang with the Bee the Scandinavian community in South Florida Gees in Miami, and about the time her mom to help cover costs. Benefit events like this passed away but the next day a song come to help work toward the goal of honoring this her: “Allt kommer bli bra mamma” (Everything is going to be okay mama). I don’t think financial commitment. It was a very intimate and wonderful event. there was a dry eye in the audience. And of Carola sang a few songs before and after the course we got to hear “Främling” (”Stranger”) interview together with her band: Eleonor and “Fångad av en stormvind” (“Captured by Ågeryd (backup vocals), Jimmy Källkvist a lovestorm”) and a few gospel songs, which
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local events. page 14
‘King’ Carl, Stalwart Viking and Stellar Educator Written from an interview with Dorothy Ballestraci Lundbohm, wife of Carl. While most of the Swedish immigrants early in the 1900s worked at industrial, trade-skilled jobs, Carl Lundbohm personified the professional of the highest caliber both ethically and successfully, rising to the highest level possible in his field. His diverse titles include: teacher, director, building designer, program developer, musician, soldier, disciplinarian, educator, coach, administrator, carpenter, golfer, athlete, board member, church youth director, Vasa District Master, Vasa Grand Lodge Deputy, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. As I peruse the stack of photos, awards, ribbons, plaques, articles, news clippings and poems which Carl earned, there are so many plaques and awards that I cannot organize the to fit within one photo. What could possibly be the background of a humble Swede, a child of musicians and soldiers, with no tie to the USA? Born in Mjölby, Östergötland in 1921, at age 8 he played the trumpet in the Swedish Salvation Army band along with his father. Although talented, that was not to be his destiny in the new land. Traveling as a skilled trumpet player on ships Drottningholm and Kungsholm, he played in a dance band arriving in the U.S. in 1939, age 18, with no English language skills, and never looking back. In 1945 Dorothy Ballestraci of Bridgewater, MA commuted on the same train. Dottie was headed to Boston Dispensing Lab to become a lab technician and Carl was returning from Brockton, MA where he attended physical therapy school. As a physical therapist he worked in both Boston and Brockton Hospitals. As the war unfolded, Carl’s friends volunteered for the military service. When he asked the recruiter if he could also join, even though he was not a U.S. citizen, the response was that he would take them all.
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So Carl became a paratrooper who was so seriously injured during parachuting maneuvers when jumping from a plane, he was not expected to walk again. But the resilient Swede recovered. While in service, in January 1944, he was, to his surprise, sworn in as an American citizen. Carl was honorably discharged in 1945 as the war ended. Marrying in 1950, the Lundbohms both worked full-time supporting each other as Dottie assisted him in perfecting his English language skills. From total immersion while visiting Sweden and taking a Harvard language course, Dottie became quite proficient in the foreign language. This was especially unique as Dottie was a product of an immigrant Italian family. But Carl’s love was fitness and exercise; he was accepted in the renowned Posse Nissen School of Physical Education, earning a Bachelor’s degree and later a Master’s degree at Staley College in Brookline, MA. Closed in 1957, Staley had many famous graduates, including President J. F. Kennedy. With Carl’s physical fitness, education and experience with therapy, he taught in Boston schools and the Boys’ Club.He moved on to Rhode Island, teaching first in Hopkinton where he was elected to the Town Council, then on to the Chariho School system. In Chariho schools, Carl was known as a strict disciplinarian (which he really did not like), athlete, coach, dedicated teacher and athletic director; with a firm hand he kept the boys in line while the girls were quite taken with his skills, appearance and charm. However, at home, Dottie assures me, that he was a typical, patient, reserved Swede with his own family. His son Eric recalls entering Chariho
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‘King’ Carl Lundbohm
In the late 1880s through the early 1900s, Providence, Rhode Island, Boston and other cities in New England became a destination for many Swedish immigrants with industrial skills. Lorraine Colson Bloomquist interviewed members of five Swedish immigrant families that settled in Rhode Island in this series of stories. High School as a freshman with dad and others informing the boys that they should cut their hair. All must look clean cut and conservative. Carl’s talents, dedication and accomplishments continued. In 1988 the school’s new, huge, impressive athletic complex and field was dedicated to him. A large granite monument was erected at the complex which showed peoples’ respect for years of service. A Chariho year book
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was dedicated to him. While playing the professional educator role, he was active in civic activities, too. As an Ashaway Lutheran Church council member, he drew the preliminary design of the new church which he helped build. His many awards and articles include: Lions Club Outstanding Service, organizer of first Junior Olympics in Chariho; Chariho Sports Booster Club award, Chariho Athletic Complex constructed and dedicated in his honor; RI Rotary Club Harris Fellow Award for service to youth; Chariho Athletic Hall of Fame; 2009 RI Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Assoc. Hall of Fame. In RI, if Don Bousquet, the famous cartoonist, chooses to draw you in a cartoon, as he did of Carl, you have really made it. I was privileged to attend the awarding of the Rhode Island Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Hall of Fame award ceremony in 2009, when Carl gave his humble acceptance speech. It was moving to see his proud children and grandchildren in tears. Married for 61 years, the Lundbohms have two children, Karen Ebba and (Carl) Eric Paul as well as five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. One grandson, Björn, is especially proud of his Swedish heritage. When his son Jordan Carl was born, he went home from the hospital in a knitted Viking helmet baby cap. Although Carl was reputed to be a serious educator, he often dressed in Swedish costume, danced folk dances and even became “King Carl” along with Dottie as “Queen Silvia,” at the Vasa mock wedding of Crown Princess Victoria. At every Vasa meeting he led the Swedish birthday song for that month’s birthday persons. When he became very ill and in a hospital bed at home, he sensed my sadness and would don a silly hat and laugh when I entered and left. That is the last memory I have of my good friend “King” Carl Lundbohm. By Dr. Lorraine Colson Bloomquist Professor emerita, Dept. Kinesiology of the University of Rhode Island; member of Quahog Vasa Lodge, RI and member of the board of the Rhode Island Swedish Heritage Association.
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local events. page 15
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More events and list your own, at www.nordstjernan.com-EVENTS
01.24.2015 - 03.29.2015 The Poaching Wars THE POACHING WARS is a documentary photo exhibition on the struggle to stop rhino and elephant poaching in Africa. Frank af Petersens is a Swedish professional photographer with a background in Africa. He has spent several years documenting the rapidly escalating poaching crisis. Frank af Petersens is a contributing photographer to several conservation organizations, including Wildlife Conservation Network, Save The Elephants, International Anti Poaching Foundation and The Thin Green Line Foundation. He also works directly with national parks and conservancies in Africa in their struggle against organized poaching. Frank af Petersens is represented in private and corporate collections in the United States, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Spain and Italy. More information on the artist: ulla. tillgren@utillgren.se (+46705880853) / www. frankafpetersens.com Gallery 169. 310.963.3891. franklangen@mac.com. http://gallery169.com/
l Florida
03.01.2015 02:00 PM - 06:00 PM Scandinavian festival Dinner-Dance: A special event to celebrate the Nordic countries with a club dinner-dance. Full meatball dinner and dessert. Music by Jeanne Eriksson Andersen and Smörgåsbandet! $20.pp. Reservations a must!. Nordic Heritage Club. 561-737-6476. Continuously The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce of Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach has begun working to promote trade, commerce and investment opportunities between Sweden, Fort Lauderdale Palm Beach and members. See www.sacc-sfl.org
l Georgia
02.22.2015 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM Pea soup dinner Only once a year, in February, the Nordic Lodge celebrates the tradition of having Swedish style pea soup for dinner. It goes with home-made “semlor” and Swedish punsch. This event is one of the most popular of the year. Cost: $10/person, $20/family, free/children under 12 Please make reservation no later than February 16: Call George Smedberg, 404-634-5546. Nordic Lodge #708. 404-634-5546. ww.vasaorderatlanta. com 03.22.2015 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM The Viking Age in Ireland The topic at this meeting is The Viking Age In Ireland, which started in the beginning of the 9th century. A corned beef and cabbage dinner will be served, as will be ice cream with Baileys. The cost is $15/person, $30/family. Please RSVP by March 16.. Nordic Lodge #708. 404-634-5546. rygert@bellsouth.net. www.vasaorderatlanta.com
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08.22.2014 06:00 AM - 04.19.2015 12:00 PM Scandinavian Modern Design: Norwegian Enamel Featuring enamel design from the mid-nineteenth century, including designer Grete Prytz Kittelsen. . Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. 563.382.9681. bidstrom@vesterheim.org. vesterheim.org
l Illinois
02.17.2015 10:00 AM - 02.17.2015 04:00 PM Fettisdagen Fat Tuesday in Sweden is celebrated by eating a delicious treat called a semla. These
yummy marzipan filled buns topped with whipped cream have to be eaten to be believed, so come by our pop-up café and indulge before the fasting starts! Swedish American Museum. 773.728.8111 www.swedishamericanMuseum.org 02.20.2015 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Hejsan–Story & Craft Hour Third Friday of the Month, 11 a.m. – noon. “Over in the Arctic: Where the Cold Wind Blows” by Marianne Berkes (creating animal masks) 773.728.8111 www.swedishamericanMuseum.org 02.22.2015 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Bullerbyn Swedish Language Playgroup Bullerbyn, a program of stories and songs for young children and adults who speak Swedish; email lnordstrom@samac.org for information and reservations (Museum members free, non-members $5).. Swedish American Museum. 773.728.8111 www.swedishamericanMuseum.org 02.28.2015 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Swedes in Chicago Genealogy Session, Film Viewing: This month join the Nordic Family Genealogy Center as we watch the WTTW documentary, “Swedes in Chicago.” Cost is free for Nordic Family Genealogy Center members; non-members pay $10. Reservations appreciated and can be made via email genealogy@samac.org or by calling the Museum at 773.728.8111. 02.28.2015 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM The Dream of America Guided tour of the permanent exhibit, “A Dream of America: Swedish Immigration to Chicago; reservations at museum@ samac.org (Museum members free; non-member adults $4, seniors and students $3). 773.728.8111 www.swedishamericanMuseum.org Continuously Step back in time in historic Bishop Hill. Utopia on the Prairie, then and now. For information call 309-927-3899 or email heritage@bishophill. com. Visit our Website at: www.bishophill.com
Tuesday-Saturday, 12-6pm (Wednesday until 7pm) www.scandinaviahouse.org | 212.779.3587 01.31.2015 02:00 PM - 03.21.2015 03:30 PM Transform! Where Tradition meets Tomorrow Transform! -Exhibition Workshops with Art Educators. Saturdays, 2 – 3:30 pm, January 31 through March 21, 2015 (No workshop on February 14) $12 ($10 ASF Members), Series pass: $60 ($50 ASF Members) | Ages 6 – 11 Enrollment is limited; early registration is strongly encouraged. www. scandinaviahouse.org | 212.779.3587 02.05.2015 06:30 PM - 05.04.2015 08:30 PM Spring 2015 Language Courses The Department of Foreign Languages, Translation, and Interpreting (FLTI) at New York University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies brings language learning to life at Scandinavia House! Broaden your knowledge of Scandinavia and deepen your passion for its culture by learning one of the five Nordic languages. A national leader in adult foreign language instruction, FLTI offers courses in 20 languages, including Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish; Finnish and Icelandic courses are offered upon request. Led by native speakers experienced in adult language instruction, levels of learning range from beginner to advanced. Should there be a demand, higher levels of proficiency and special sections of language instruction are available, with private and small group instruction also a possibility. 02.09.2015 07:00 PM - 09:30 PM SATC Contemporary Reading Series Contemporary Reading Series with Scandinavian American Theater Co: “All is as it should be”/Allt är som det ska. Pre-reception 7:30 pm. The free Series continues spring 2015 Written by Vera Näsström (Bulgaria/Sweden, 2009) and translated by Tullan Holmqvist (Sweden). “All is as it should be” is about being a woman in society today and the demands imposed upon one. In a time when flawless appearance is of the utmost importance, the search for a beautiful surface has become a mod-
02.10.2015 11:00 AM - 03.03.2015 06:00 PM Fredrik Wicklund at Agora Gallery. Fredrik Wicklund Creates Monumental Pieces Reflecting Time, Experience and Feeling at Agora Gallery NYC. The monumental, multimedia pieces of Swedish artist Fredrik Wicklund have the imperturbable aspect of stone while maintaining a sense of modernity, reflecting our contemporary lives. Agora Gallery. 212.226.4151 | www.agoragallery.com 02.16.2015 06:00 PM - 11:00 PM Swedish Jazz Musician Elsa Nilsson at LIC bar. www.elsanilssonmusic.com 02.24.2015 06:30 PM - 02.24.2015 08:00 PM The Age of Vikings-A free lecture by Professor Anders Winroth. Yale University professor Anders Winroth sheds new light on the complex society and culture of the legendary seafarers. Scandinavia House: 212.779.3587. info@amscan.org. www.scandinaviahouse.org
l Pennsylvania
03.23.2014 02:00 PM - 02.16.2015 04:00 PM Do You Know Pippi Longstocking? This original ASHM exhibition engages visitors with Lindgren’s delightful sense of humor and love of play. American Swedish Historical Museum. 215.389.1776.info@americanswedish.org. www.americanswedish.org
l Wisconsin
02.20.2015 06:00 PM - 02.23.2015 12:00 PM Annual Scandinavian Retreat with lectures, discussions, films, axe casting, spark sled races, weaving, wood carving and great homemade Nordic food. More info, see page 15.
l Minnesota
01.30.2015 07:00 PM - 05.24 05:00 PM Nobel Creations Nobel Creations- Inspired By The Nobel Prize: Exhibit Opening Night on Jan. 30 at 7 PM (Price: $7 ASI members/$10 nonmembers, includes museum admission. Cash bar available.) Discover the world’s greatest honor through fashion and music. Couture designs by Beckmans College of Design and original musical scores from the Royal College of Music in Stockholm all inspired by the Nobel Laureates in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine,Literature, Economic Sciences and Peace.. American Swedish Institute. 612) 871-4907. info@asimn.org. www.asimn.org
Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center
l New York
01.08.2015 06:00 PM - 02.14.2015 06:00 PM “Behind the Curtain” Solo exhibition with Mamma Andersson’s work at David Zvirner Gallery, 525 West 19th St. www.davidzvirner.com | 212.727.2070 01.25.2015 12:00 AM - 04.04.2015 06:00 PM Voyage to the Virtual. The first Scandinavia House exhibition dedicated to digital, moving image, and light-based Nordic art, Voyage to the Virtual takes the metaphor of “the voyage” – a concept deeply rooted in Nordic identity – as a starting point for an exploration into the ways contemporary artists are expanding on the human perceptual experience. Combining video, animation, sculpture, light, and interactive media, the exhibition invites viewers on expeditions to the far north, travels through time and space, and perceptual journeys into the realm of the virtual. Free admission. Gallery hours:
National archives and library for Swedish-American historical research Publishers of Swedish American Genealogist 639 38th Street | Rock Island, IL 61201-2296 Telephone 309.794.7204 www.augustana.edu/swenson
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February 15, 2015 Nordstjernan
sports. page 16
Bandy builds bridges for Somali refugees
Photography: Martin Henricksson/Bildbyrån
A group of Somalia refugees are making a Swedish sport their own.
Ahmed Ahmed, left, fights over the ball with a Mongolian player during the Bandy World Championships in Irkutsk, Siberia. Chipp Reid, Sports Editor chipp@nordstjernan.com
Take a soccer field, fill it with water, let it freeze and then spend 90 minutes skating on it. Add in a shortened, field hockey-like stick and a small pink or orange ball and you have bandy. A prototypically Nordic sport, bandy requires strength, finesse and stamina. The two 11-player teams skate an average of six to eight miles in a match. The rink is outdoors where the elements are often as important as the players’ skills. Sweden, Finland and Russia have long been the bandy banner carriers, with the Swedes leading a losing effort to have bandy included in the Winter Olympics. Although not as popular as hockey or football, bandy holds a special place for Swedes, Norwegians, Finns, Danes (and yes, even the Russians) who view it as their sport. That, however, could be changing. At the recently concluded Bandy World Championship for second-tier teams, a new face emerged as a contender — or at least participant: Somalia. No, it’s not a misprint. Somalia. The Somali National Bandy team owes its existence largely to the liberal immigration and refugee policy of Sweden. Every player but one now lives in Sweden and plays for Borlänge Bandy. How they made the transition from the hot sands of Somalia to the frozen rinks of Borlänge has become something of an international feel-good sports story. “Bandy is a lot like football, except you are skating,” said Somali team captain Ahmed Ahmed. “Of course you have the short stick
Nordstjernan, February 15, 2015
Somalian head coach Per Fosshaug talks to his players after their loss to Mongolia at the Bandy World Championships in Irkutsk, Siberia.
and you are shooting a small pink ball and if you score one goal it is just one point, just like football.” Many of the Somali players never saw ice or snow until they left their war-torn homeland and fled to Sweden. Upon arrival, they faced the same sort of problems all immigrants face as they tried to learn a new culture, language and most of all, adjust to the climate. Although football — or soccer — is the top sport in their country, a small group of Somalis wanted to learn more about winter sports. Hockey was a bit too fast and physical, but bandy ... bandy fit the bill. “Until I was 20 years old I did not know what snow was,” said Ahmed. “And ice, I just knew ice came in a cold drink that I could only afford once in a while. I came here [to Sweden] five years ago and now I am representing my country. To wear my country’s colors, my country’s shirt, it is a great thing for me.” Ahmed said his teammates understand the
game because of its similarities to soccer. “It is like hockey because we are skating but it is also like football because we are on a football pitch so there is a lot room and it is very fast,” said Ahmed. “You cannot just stand there. You always have to move even when you don’t have the ball. I really like it.” The idea for an all-Somali team was the brainchild of Patrik Andersson, a former professional bandy player who lives
in Borlänge. “If we are going to live in Borlänge together we have to talk to each other to create a good place to live in, so I came up with this idea because I wanted us to do something together that seems to be impossible. If we do it together it can be possible and we can make a big change in Borlänge.” Ahmed said bandy was the perfect vehicle for the local Swedish population to get to know the newcomers and for the newcomers to show they wanted to fit in, and credited Andersson with helping to create a bridge between the two communities. “He came up with this idea, a perfect idea, for the Somalian people,” Ahmed said. “It made us easy people to get to know. We are impressed with him, we are proud of him.” Andersson, who is the secretary general of the Somalia Bandy Federation (also based in Borlänge), turned to former teammate Per
A cold “Borlänge player” of the Somali National team in Irkutsk (Average February temperature -3.6oF with lows of close to 50 below. Compare with the Borlänge February average of 32o F or Somala with annual mean temperatures of 75 to 88F...)
Fosshaug to turn the refugee footballers into bandy players. Fosshaug started with the basics of simply learning to skate, a skill many of his players are still trying to master. Fosshaug said he has no worries about the learning curve due the psychological make-up of his players. “What they experience in their home country and everything — they have courage,” Fosshaug said. “They have been a part of things we don’t ever want to dream about. So going on ice, going on skates, it was nothing for them.” Fosshaug’s easy style and teacher-student approach to bandy made him instantly popular with his players. “He is ‘Uncle Pelle,’” said Ahmed with a broad grin and a laugh. “He is the best, the best coach we can have, ever. He always says to us don’t worry about the result. Just focus on how we are playing, how we are training. He is an amazing man.” Somalia competed at the bandy world tournament in Irkutsk, Siberia. Although the Borlänge-based team did not win a game, Ahmed said his team proved anything was possible. “Of all the countries in Africa, we are the only one who plays Bandy,” said Ahmed. “I am very proud of that.