nordstjernan The Swedish Newspaper of America
Published by Swedish News. Volume 143 No. 11, June 15, 2015. Price per copy $2.50
Cruising the Baltic
Midsummer events in all of Swedish America.
Cruise lines exploring the Baltic include Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Coastal Voyages and many more—some deluxe (or posh to use a seafaring term), others more focused on the travel experience or stop overs. Story and list of resources / Page 6
Photo: Bo Zaunders
Sweden, Page 2, 3
Sweden boasts another MelodifestivalenEurovision song contest winner / After time in Stockholm the growing family of Princess Madeleine and Chris O’Neill have found their next hometown / FIFA scores for women / The Pippi Långstrump (Pippi Longstocking) brand continues to be profitable for the family of the creator / Is Swedish police discriminating?
Dashboard, Page 10-11
Another Swedish Chef / Watch the royal wedding webcast by Swedish TV / The designer of Swedish American Hall.
Sweden Day at Sveadal Ted Olsson, San Francisco ted@nordstjernan.com
Where do you turn when you’re thirsty for a sip of akvavit (aquavit)? There are just so many choices and so much inspiration. At least that’s what everyone felt at this year’s aquavit championship in Sveadal, the Swedish American Patriotic League’s beautiful mountain park near San Jose. This third year’s competition, growing yearly, billed itself as the First International Akvavit Competition (or to give it its due: the “Akvavit Kryddat Brännvin World Championship”). It was Vasa District Lodge (Golden Gate) #12’s annual Sweden Day celebration, held a week early to accommodate everyone. The international flavor was a tribute to the panel of the three judges: Originally all three of them were to be Swedish chefs who know a thing or two about aquavit, but Lars Nordell (former master chef Continued on page 4
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Food, Page 6
After last week’s twist on Midsummer menus roving food writer Gunilla Blixt pinpoints the latest Swedish summer trends in food.
Dashboard, Page 10-11
Springtime in Sweden, a time of holidays and celebrations. Next up: Walpurgis Eve.
Local Events, Page 13-18
Celebrations from sea to shining sea... The Akvavit Judges: Roberth Sundell, Alexander Hult, Ben Hutchinson. Photo: Scott A. Schulkin
A Swedish Midsommar
Nothing comes close ...flowers, music, dance and the long hours of sunlight and joy. Whether the event occurs in a park in the midwest where many of the early Swedes settled, far west in California, Washington, Oregon or at the tip of Manhattan with Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty in sight, or in Sweden where similar observances have been held in the same places for centuries—the atmosphere is the same, an abandon of the usual activities and a return to the great feeling of joy. See our listing on page 14 to find an event near you and remember to check online, at www.nordstjernan.com under ‘Events’ as we get close to the actual date. Wishing you all Glad Midsommar!
Sports, Page 19
After a silver medal in 2003 and a bronze medal in 2011, the Swedish women’s national soccer team have its eyes on the gold.
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Photo: Dag Bennstrom/ww.dagomatic.net
This Week, Page 14