Nordstjernan 1516

nordstjernan The Swedish Newspaper of America

Published by Swedish News. Volume 143 No. 16, September 30, 2015. Price per copy $2.50

This Week, Page 3

Magdalena Andersson (s) Finance Minister.

Sweden, Page 2, 3

The new Swedish Princess reports for her first day onf work / McDonalds enters the world of fashion with the Big Mac collection / Swedish NGO wants to fly refugees to safety / Several new healthcare initiatives were included in the government’s budget proposition / New Swedish video game success story on YoutTube.

‘Welcome Refugees’—Sweden and many Swedes are indeed opening their hearts to recent waves of migrants and refugees from war-torn parts of Africa and the Middle East but the volumes and the pace of arrivals is truly stunning. / Pages 3, 12

Photo: Lisa Mikulski

In Brief, Page 3

Gothenburg welcomes refugees—right now, one thousand arrive every day to Sweden.

Sweden, Page 5

“Black holes ain’t as black as they are painted”—Stephen Hawking in Stockholm.

Eco-tourism in Scandinavia

Page 14

Everyone is going eco. Whether kayaking along one of the many coast lines of Scandinavia, biking, hiking, skiing, or searching out more adventurous experiences, the Nordic countries offer a smörgåsbord of opportunities on land or water, in warm weather or cold for the eco-aware traveler. Still a fairly new phenomenon, ecotourism — travel that preserves the environment and promotes the welfare of local people — continues to gain momentum throughout the world. According to the Quebec Declaration on Ecotourism, ecotourism “embraces the principles of sustainable tourism … and the following principles which distinguish it from the wider concept of sustainable tourism: [It] contributes actively to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage;

Continued on page 10

Staple alternative at many crayfish parties and delicious any time.

Pacific States, Page 6

Sveadal visitors stay fit while having fun.

Review, Page 7

“The Swedes of Cleveland” - Immigrant Stories by Lilly Setterdahl. Peace and quiet, fresh air and a careful usage of nature along with accessible trails has made Grövelsjön a favorite among families with little children and elderly hikers. The STF Mountain Station offers convenient and spacious accommodations in rooms and cottages. Photo: STF

Sharing Cultural Heritage

Throughout the year, The Embassy of Sweden in Washington, DC offers a Mobile Passport Station to Swedish citizens all over the U.S. as it travels to consulates in New York, San Francisco, Fort Lauderdale, Seattle, Chicago, LA, Atlanta, San Diego, Dallas and Houston. This year, the Seattle-based Swedish consul of Washington and Oregon hand-delivered passports to some Portland area Swedes in an effort to meet them for himself. Together with more of the Swedish American community, they all met at the historic Fogelbo (left) and Broder restaurant, the Swedish hubs of the community, and at the celebrated new Nordic Cultural Center. / Page 4 (Image: Fogelbo, a Swedish Pacific treasure)

Dashboard, Page 8, 9

Swedish architect in America / Junior Water Prize to American student / H&M praised for first muslim clad model / ‘The Golden Moose’ awarded to a Stockholm inventor.

Perspectives, Page 11

Living between Russia and the USA...

Page 11

Photo: David Back

by Emil Sergel guest@nordstjernan.com

news in brief. page 2

Swedish News

Regeringen försämrar för flertalet. Gästledare

Photo: visitvarmland.se

Sydsvenska Dagbladet 21 september, 2015

The Duke and Duchess of Värmland, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia, visit their dukedom for the first time.

A princess reports for her first day

On August 26 and 27, Princess Sofia and Prince Carl Philip traveled to their dukedom, the province of Värmland in western Sweden, for their first official royal visit. It was also the first day of Sofia’s new job as a princess. The newlyweds attended the opening of the Byamossarnalänk nature reserve outside Arvika, the home of protected marshland and a 3.5-kilometer-long (about 2 miles) trail — part of the wedding gift the county of Värmland gave the royal couple, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Värmland. They also visited the home of 1909 Nobel Prize winning author Selma Lagerlöf, enjoyed dinner with the county governor and his wife, and stopped at the Mariebergsskogen Children’s vegetable garden, where they appreciated the flowers and a special welcome concert. They met many Värmland residents, old and young, and attended celebrations on the main square in Karlstad. Their visit ended in Kristinehamn, where Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia attended an installation at the Picasso exhibit and got a guided boat tour through the historic Kristinehamn archipelago.

Big Mac fashion in Sweden

Fashion statement? Maybe. As McDonald’s works to improve its image in the Nordic countries, the American-based company has concentrated on initiatives in Sweden during 2015. In March, McDonald’s launched a line of clothing, linens and accessories (including rubber boots and a dog jacket) that benefited McDonald’s Swedish Ski Initiative. Bedding and wallpaper (yes, wallpaper) sales benefited the Ronald McDonald Children’s Fund. http://bigmacshop.se And starting this week, Big Mac loving Swedes can reserve seating for up to four people at a nearby McDonald’s using the popular website Bookatable.se. Staffan Ekstam of McDonald’s Sweden explained the Scandinavian branch of the firm had a good partner in the Swedish population to test the strategy ahead of other countries to see if there is demand for it.

Swedish NGO flies refugees to safety

A group of Swedish entrepreneurs and humanitarians is organizing Refugee Air to provide safe passage for Syrian refugees. The non-profit initiative, which has backing from both private and corporate donors, will charter airplanes or work with existing airlines to fly migrants from areas of unrest to safety in the EU. Due to an EU directive, legal restrictions have made it impossible for people without visas to travel with airlines, but with many donations, support from the crowd and cooperation with NGOs, there is hope this project can overturn that, and reduce deaths and otherwise risky travels in the hands of smugglers. Organizers expect to have the first airplane ready this fall. “We’re going to have a first airplane flying refugees to safety before the first snow falls over Stockholm,” said Susanne Najaf, co-initiator of Refugee Air. More info, see www.refugeeair.org, www.facebook.com/refugeeair

Nordstjernan, September 30, 2015

Utan att förklara varför. Finansminister Magdalena Andersson (S) log nöjt under sin promenad med budgetpropositionen till riksdagen på måndagen. Det lär ha känts bättre än förra gången. Till skillnad från i fjol kunde hon gå med luntan tryggt förvissad om att den kommer att få stöd i kammaren. Efter decemberöverenskommelsen sitter den rödgröna regeringen ganska säkert. Men det ledande regeringspartiet står alltjämt inför stora utmaningar. Det påpekade Socialdemokraternas valanalysgrupp när den nyligen presenterade sina slutsatser. “Det upprepade låga resultatet kan inte tolkas på annat sätt än att väljarna inte längre uppfattar att socialdemokratin har tillräckliga svar på de stora samhällsfrågorna”, hette det bland annat. Partiet sades ha varit alldeles för otydligt. Så hur tydliga svar ger Andersson om de politiska prioriteringarna? Vilka övergripande mål regeringen har råder det ingen tvekan om. Sverige ska byggas starkt genom lägre arbetslöshet, bättre skolresultat och mindre klimatutsläpp. Nya miljarder läggs på bostäder och infrastruktur samtidigt som det satsas på pensionärer och arbetslösa. Visst verkar detta utmärkt – men bara så länge de ekonomiska reformerna inte synas i sömmarna.

Arbetsmarknadens parter säger sig redan tvivla på att satsningarna räcker för att nå regeringens mål om EU:s lägsta arbetslöshet till år 2020. Samtidigt frågar sig tunga ekonomer – på goda grunder – varför de rödgröna inte passar på att ta billiga lån till långsiktigt lönsamma investeringar. Flera satsningar går också på tvärs med tidigare löften.Inför valet lovade Andersson att inte höja bensinskatten. Nu sker det ändå som en eftergift till Miljöpartiet. S-ledaren Stefan Löfven lovade i sin tur att inte röra rotavdraget. Nu reduceras det från årsskiftet. Och han var dessutom tydlig med att inkomstskatten inte skulle höjas för personer med medelinkomster. Likväl höjer regeringen nästa år skatten för personer med genomsnittliga tjänstemannalöner – om än, förklätt i byråkratiska termer, som en slopad uppräkning av den nedre skiktgränsen för statlig inkomstskatt. Det kan också diskuteras hur Socialdemokraterna håller sitt löfte om bättre ekonomiska villkor för äldre. Budgeten ger visserligen sänkt skatt för pensionärer, men detta finansieras till stor del genom sämre villkor för personer över 65 år som jobbar. Och äldre som har hemtjänst kan få mindre pengar att röra sig med eftersom det öppnas för höjning av den kommunala hemtjänstavgiften. Budgeten kommer på det hela taget att försämra ekonomin för en majoritet av svenskarna. Fast exakt hur stor majoritet det rör sig om diskuterades på

måndagsmorgonen. Enligt källor till Svenska Dagbladet får 80 procent av hushållen lägre disponibel inkomst med regeringens politik. Samma uppgifter gör gällande att Andersson beslutat att lyfta ut denna siffra ur budgeten. Till skillnad från i tidigare budgetar redovisas politikens effekter nu inte på hushålls- utan enbart på individnivå. Då är det istället 60 procent som förlorar på budgeten. Att effekterna inte redovisas som tidigare beror, enligt Andersson, på att “den typen av beräkningar är lite svåra i den här budgeten.” Som om det inte vore hög tid för regeringen att ta sig an just det svåra. Som om det inte vore hederligare att försvara en siffra än att gömma den. Det behöver inte vara fel att föra politik som försämrar privatekonomin för de allra flesta, men det krävs en stor tydlighet om att det sker och – framför allt – varför. Här lämnas övrigt att önska. De rödgröna har identifierat flera stora samhällsproblem och satt upp ambitiösa mål, men gör åtminstone så här långt inte mycket för att nå dem. Det saknas tillräckliga svar på viktiga frågor, som det heter i Socialdemokraternas valanalys. Hur ska de stora målen nås när reformerna inte tillåts bli större än att de kan finansieras krona för krona? Magdalena Anderssons nya budget gör dessvärre inte regeringspolitiken särskilt mycket tydligare.

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

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 October. 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 URL: www.nordstjernan.com email: subs@nordstjernan.com East coast local number: 203.299.0380 West coast: 1.800.827.9333

News in brief. page 3

Swedish News

Delivering ‘Nådiga Luntan’ [The “gracious pile”]. Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson during her first “budget walk” to Parliament on Oct. 23, 2014.

Increased ages for free healthcare

Thousands gathered at Götaplatsen on September 9 to show support as the “Welcome Refugees” rally kicked off.

Banners, flags and signs drifted over the crowd, which filled not only the square, but extended far along the avenue. “The earth is round because there are no limits” read one banner. “No one chooses to be a refugee” read another. Police estimate that approximately 8,000 to 10,000 people were in attendance for the rally, which kicked off at 5:30 p.m. on the beautiful late summer evening. Speakers included Mona Sahlin (S), Education Minister Gustav Fridolin (MP), and Save The Children’s General Secretary, Elizabeth Dahlin, and 10 others. Representatives of all parliamentary parties, except the Sweden

Democrats (SD), took part. Other representatives from various organizations were also in attendance: Green Youth Western Green Party in Gothenburg, SSU Göteborg, Social Democrats Gothenburg, S-students Gothenburg, Liberal Youth Western, Centre Party Youth Västra Götaland, Church against Racism, Centre Party Göteborg, Young feminists Gothenburg, Swedish Muslims for Peace and Justice, Sweden Syrian Association Syrian, Women’s Association, Iran Refugees National Organisation, Make Noise for Human Rights, Youth against Racism Gothenburg, Chilean National Association and many others. Issues such as requirements of

legal escape routes needing to be established, pleas for municipalities to accept more refugees, and adding pressure on the EU to increase refugee quotas fairly among countries were topics rallied. The evening concluded with hundreds of candles being lit for those refugees who died on their way to Europe. On Saturday, September 12, countries around the world joined together in an international day of welcoming refugees to show solidarity with those fleeing war, violence and destitution. Text & Photography: Lisa Mikulski

One Thousand Refugees Every Day Over a thousand refugees now come to Sweden every day seeking asylum, according to multiple news sources. Over 10 thousand unaccompanied children have arrived since the beginning of the year. And in addition to these numbers, another 700 to 800 refugees arrive in the country each day then proceed to Norway and Finland. In order to deal with the influx of people, most of whom are fleeing war in Syria, Migrationsverket has had to extend their hours, conduct emergency management meetings and reallocate staff. The agency maintains that they are able to handle the situation and have no plans at present to hire additional staff, but they admit to working around the clock. Continues on page 12

Red Cross workers at Central Station, Gothenburg.

NORDSTJERNAN: Alltid mer att läsa—There’s always more to read! Call 1.800.827.9333 for your own copy.

All children with impaired vision, up to age 19, should get free glasses according to a proposal in the upcoming budget, scheduled to be presented September 21. Free glasses have only been offered to children under 8 years old in the past. The announcement comes following a deal with the Left Party, which estimates reaching some 150,000 children in need. The new rules are expected to be applied starting at the beginning of 2016. The age limit for free dental care will also increase — from 19 to 23 years. “It is very clear that class affects dental health. This is another step to expand Sweden’s welfare. It is very good for all young people in Sweden,” said Ulla Andersson, the Left Party’s economic policy spokesperson. This increase will take place in two stages: In 2017 it will be raised to age 21, in 2018 to age 23.

More free healthcare initiatives

In the budget drafted for presentation at parliament on Monday, September 21, Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson presented health care proposals in addition to those that would raise the age of free dental care to 23 and free glasses for everyone with impaired vision up to age 19. Free outpatient care for everyone over 85 years will now be discussed as will free mammograms for women between 40 and 74 years and free contraception for women up to age 21. Free admission at 18 state museums is also being proposed.

New Swedish video game success story

Swedish web-based comedian and producer known by his online alias PewDiePie, is now an international phenom: He holds the unprecedented distinction of having more than 10 billion views of his videos. Since August 2013, Felix Kjellberg, 25, of Gothenburg, Sweden, has had the most subscribed to channel on YouTube for his Let’s Play commentaries — described as humorous, energetic and obnoxious but genuine and unfiltered — on the video games he plays; on September 6, 2015 he made history with reaching more views than anyone in the world. Kjellberg started his channel when he was an industrial engineering student at Chalmers University of Technology, and he worked in a hot dog stand to support himself. He dropped out of school to expand his business and is now a multimillionaire.

The Exchange Rate: $1.00 = SEK 8.41 09.23.2015

September 30, 2015 Nordstjernan

Photo: Frankie Fouganthin (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons

Gothenburg Welcome Refugees

The Pacific states. page 4

Consular visit in Portland

Local Swedes mingle around the Swedish smörgåsbord at the Portland Oregon Restaurant Broder Nord. For more info, see http://broderpdx.com/

Swedish Consul Lars Jonsson of Seattle by Leif Rosqvist guest@nordstjernan.com

Portland was recently visited by Lars Jonsson, the Swedish Consul for the states of Washington and Oregon, based in the Seattle office of the Consulate of Sweden. More than 30 Swedes from the Portland/ Vancouver area went to Seattle to renew their passports in May 2015 when the new mobile passport station was on location there. When the time came, the consul elected to deliver the passports in person to save the applicants another trip to Seattle. However, the deeper objective with his visit was to meet and learn about as many Swedes as possible for the benefit of his role as consul for the northwest region. In the morning of May 30, Jonsson met with members of New Sweden Cultural Heritage Society and Scandinavian Heri-

Billigaste Priset Till Sverige.

L-R: Carol Tripp, Lars Jonsson and Ross Fogelquist at Fogelbo

Swedish specialties at Restaurant Broder

tage Foundation (SHF) for a pancake breakfast (ugnspankaka) at Fogelbo, the Swedish epicenter in Portland. After a delightful breakfast the group proceeded to the new Scandinavian Center next door, lead by Greg Smith, the director of the center, for a preview of the facility, which opened officially in June. The center, called The Nordic Cultural Center, serves all the Nordic countries and is a 10,000-squarefoot building at 8800 S.W. Oleson Road dedicated to all things Nordic. The building includes an exhibit gallery, a concert hall, a conference room, three outdoor patios and a Nordic-themed café.

Garanterat! 1204 Fifth Avenue San Rafael, CA 94901 415-454-4932 Fax: 415-454-5783 www.skytours.com

Nordstjernan, September 30, 2015

Local Portland restaurateur Peter Bro of Broder Restaurant.

Introduction to Lars Jonsson of the Nordic Cultural Center.

Continues on next page

Eva C. Eriksson DDS General Dentistry for Adults and Children Prevention Minimally Invasive Dentistry

662 Las Gallinas Avenue San Rafael, CA 94903 Phone: 415-479-6540

tion for every tri right solu p! e h T 415.552.5300

The Pacific states. page 5

The northwest’s Swedish consul met and learned about Swedes in the Portland, Oregon region after the new mobile passport station had been visiting his Seattle offices. Construction of the $4 million Nordic Cultural Center, which has been under discussion for twenty years, began in the fall of 2014. An open house to celebrate the opening of the center was held on June 27 and 28. The following afternoon allowed the consul to see another of the local Scandinavian hubs when all Swedes in greater Portland were invited to the Swedish restaurant Broder. On the menu was a traditional smörgåsbord sampler, including marinated herring, meatballs and other typical specialties. The event provided ample opportunity to meet with many Swedish locals and a happy and pleased Swedish consul for the Northwest no doubt returned to Seattle at the end of the visit. By Leif Rosqvist, editor of the Newsletters of New Sweden Cultural Heritage Society and SRIO in Portland, Oregon. For more information, visit: www.consulateofswedenseattle.com www.newsweden.org www.scanheritage.org

The interior of Swedish epicenter in Portland Fogelbo In front of the elaborate 9-foot-tall front doors at the Nordic Cultural Center, L-R: Swedish Vice Consul Emeritus of Oregon Ross Fogelquist; Greg Smith, executive director of the Scandinavian Heritage Foundation; Consul Lars Jonsson. The doors were created by the late Leroy Setziol, often referred to as the “father of woodcarving in Oregon.” Café area at the new Scandinavian epicenter in Portland and Oregon, the Nordic Cultural Center, 8800 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223

Stephen Hawking visits Stockholm: ”Black holes ain’t as black as they are painted” There is a way out of black holes. That was the message communicated by Professor Stephen Hawking in a public lecture in Stockholm which attracted more than 3,000 people to the audience. The international “Hawking Radiation Conference,” held at KTH Royal Institute of Technology August 24-29, brought together the world’s leading researchers in cosmology and theoretical physics. The conference was

organized by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and hosted by Nordita, the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics at Stockholm University and KTH. The best known participant was of course Professor Stephen Hawking of the University of Cambridge and author of numerous bestselling books about space. In connection with the conference, a public science lecture with Stephen Hawking was organized at Stockholm Waterfront Congress.

Tickets for the 3,000 seats were quickly sold out earlier in the summer.

Standing ovations

Professor Hawking was welcomed by a standing ovation when he entered the lecture hall in his permobil power chair. He started by giving an overview of how research has concluded that there should be existence of black holes in the universe and the calculations behind these theories which have crucial importance for physics and astronomy, an area where Hawking is probably the foremost researcher. However, Professor Hawking has not yet received a Nobel Prize. “If some researchers would find a black hole, I will get a Nobel Prize,” he noted. Hopefully the CERN Particle accelerator in Switzerland will be able to find proof for the existence of black holes.

Passages to alternative worlds

Stephen Hawking at Stockholm Waterfront Congress. Photo: Per Larsson

Hawking talked about alternative worlds and black holes as passages to them. “But you couldn’t come back to our universe. So although I’m keen on space flight, I’m not going to try that,” he said which made the audience burst into laughter. During the conference week, Professor Hawking presented new theories which show that black holes are not “as black” as believed so far.

Matter that falls into black holes is not destroyed but is rather preserved in another universe. “If you feel you are in a black hole, don’t give up. There’s a way out,” was his concluding message to the audience. More information about the conference, see Nordita: www.nordita.org/hawkingradiation, www.su.se

Vi har öppet måndag till fredag kl 9:30 till 15:00 Kontakta konsulatet för mera information. Välkommen!

Consulate of Sweden

Tower 101 101 NE 3rd Avenue, Suite 1700B Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Phone: +1 954 467 3507 Fax:+1 954 467 1731 fortlauderdale@consulateofsweden.org www.consulateofsweden-fortlauderdale.org Like us on Facebook

September 30, 2015 Nordstjernan

The Pacific states. page 6

Staying fit while having fun by Ted Olsson, San Francisco ted@nordstjernan.com

“Love-60” is definitely not competitive in tennis, but the phrase accurately describes the typical lovefest at Sveadal as competitive sports, food and conviviality fill the day and night on every festive Fourth of July weekend. At Sveadal, even from its earliest days there have been friendly competitions. Perhaps it was King Gustav V, an avid tennis player, who instilled tennis in Sveadalians, and as tennis became more popular in America, it became more popular in Sveadal. So it was only natural to have a championship to determine boasting rights; we have had some superb players over the years, including nationally ranked players, but mostly it’s the love of the sport that brings everybody to the courts on the Fourth. For many years tennis was what brought the community together on this holiday. Gradually other traditions shared the limelight, including the horseshoe tournament that’s now a memorial event. Dave Hansen, was a man of strength, humor and friendship. He died tragically at a young age, so his friends established this competition in his memory, a wonderful testament to friendship.

Sizing up the competition

Everyone begins rolling into Sveadal on Friday night. After they have unpacked, had a bite of dinner and spoken with neighbors, they amble up to the Clubhouse where they chats together and sign up for the competitions and wagers on the Big Board. Some focus on tennis; others are drawn to the Dave Hansen Memorial Horseshoe Tournament; a few do both, knowing that the next day they’ll be running to courts on one side of the swimming pool or the other to compete in each sport. Although both competitions serve food and drink continuously, many competitors and spectators start the day with the traditional pancake breakfast at the Old Dance Floor, prepared by a full crew from Svea Lodge (VOA#348). The food is abundant and filling: pancakes topped with butter, drizzled with syrup or lingonberries and served with a slice of ham, watermelon and a Bloody Mary. Many then climb the hill to the parking lot filled with classic cars from a local antique car club. Club members make the trek year after year to rendezvous at the pancake breakfast and chat with admirers of their beautifully restored vehicles. The cars usually parade off around 10 a.m., and the athletes get ready for competition. The horseshoe tournament has also been enlivened for many years by several who come in costumes - convicts and Yankee Doodle proudly made appearances this year. Everyone else seeks the relief of the pool or the shade of the poolside bleachers and adjoining grounds. By noon, a golf cart arrives piled with boxes of just baked pizzas, chicken wings and other fast food.

By 3 p.m. it’s time for a break with scoops of ice cream. This, Sveadal’s newest Fourth of July tradition, is also a memorial. Charlotte Weissenborn was an indefatigable exemplar of generosity and hospitality, and like so many of us, she loved ice cream. So, what’s more typical of any Fourth of July celebration than ice cream with all the toppings? As the competitions continue into the early evening, each player displays his and her best to become champions in tennis and horseshoes. Dave Baughman carried on a lively commentary during this year’s horseshoe tournament, one of the biggest in the series with 72 teams. The final rounds were intense but the atmosphere was convivial, concluding around 6:30 p.m. The tennis championships were just as fiercely contested.

The crew for Svea Lodge’s annual traditional pancake breakfast is always a hit.

Memories and bragging rights

Even during competition we know dinner is going to be delicious, as we watch the kitchen crew shuck corn at the horseshoe pits. Everybody enjoys a delicious dinner, as the winners are awarded for their part in the competitions. Following dinner, the Clubhouse bar opens for business as everyone moves onto the New Dance Floor to dance late into the night. As some visitors pack up the next morning, others lounge around the pool throughout the

The championship is always close.

Anita Beroza as Yankee Doodle Dandy (with feather in her cap and macaroni T-shirt) gave a patriotic toss.

July Fourth is a good time to reflect upon our country’s past and the value of perpetuating traditions. Photo: Twinkle Peterson

day, recalling the events of the weekend. And that’s not the end of the competitions: Many of the same athletes will be back the next weekend for the Sveadal Club’s annual Golf Tournament at Gilroy Golf Course. Whether in sports, dancing, drinking, or improving the community, Sveadal’s abundance of athletes continues to grow, staying fit while having fun. There are always pick-up games, but the next annual sporting weekend in Sveadal is Labor Day when the competitors are honed for swimming and diving, for Mothers vs Kids softball and Renters vs Cabin Owners baseball and basketball grudge matches. The competition is fierce, the memories are long, and the bragging rights last all year. For more info on Sveadal, see www.sveadal. org Sveadal is located near Morgan Hill, California in the eastern Santa Cruz Mountains.

Nordstjernan, September 30, 2015

Photography: Twinkle Peterson

Celebrating Independence Day’s holiday weekend is always a special time for American families to gather with friends to share brats, beer and good times. And in communities steeped deeply in traditions, it’s always interesting to watch how traditions begin, continue and evolve.

feature. page 7

The Swedes of Cleveland Olympic Games or competitions between the provinces Skåne and Småland, was informative as well. Some information was entertaining and funny, other information more factual and in some cases disturbing, though true. This is just one of about 20 books written by Setterdahl. Up to this point I was most familiar with “Not my time to die — Titanic and the Swedes on Board,” which she was promoting at a convention where I personally got to meet her. Her 2015 release of “Minnesota Swedes Vol. 1 — The Emigration from Trolle Ljungby to Goodie County” is a revision of the 1996 book. Setterdahl’s books can be found on Amazon.com.

A Swedish-American immigrant reviews Lilly Setterdahl’s True Immigrant Stories – The Swedes of Cleveland Ohio 1873–2013.

The book “True Immigrant Stories – The Swedes of Cleveland Ohio 1873–2013” is a comprehensive and detailed book written by Swedish American Lilly Setterdahl. The author was born, raised and married in Sweden before she moved from Frändefors in Dalsland in 1959 and settled in Moline, Illinois with her sons and husband, Lennart. This is an unusual and interesting book, with excerpts of many people’s lives and their immigrant stories. I truly enjoyed reading about immigrants coming to the Cleveland area at the end of the 20th century, and even more so with the recent generations as I can personally relate to that (my family and I settled in the U.S. in 1978). The hardships encountered by earlier generations are well known, but their successes in Ohio were nicely captured by Setterdahl; I felt as if they [the Ohio immigrants] made the right decision to come here. I mostly enjoyed the way she captured the oral histories. These were actual interviews — many done by her husband Lennart, who also took most of the photographs, and my absolute favorite part of the book was Lilly’s own emigration story. Cleveland is a portrait of “little Sweden” as so many Swedes settled there. There were a lot of Swedes to keep track of in the stories, but they all came alive and were all an interesting read. They organized churches, Swedish groups and businesses, and so much of their Swedish-influenced craftsmanship seemed advanced at the time, and therefore in high demand. As part of the Rust Belt many migrant Swedes of the late 19th century ended up working for the steel mills. In some cases

Author Lilly Setterdahl.

they became such a strong part of the work force, one of the mills ended up being called the “Swedes’ Mill.” It was also interesting to find out that many were able to go back to Sweden for — if not on a regular basis — a few visits with family. Some returned to Sweden after “retirement,” as they may always have felt a little homesick. But it was heart warming to learn some were clearly trips to proudly show their families that they had done well in the new country and to show off their offspring. Setterdahl uses Swedish words or segments in Swedish — such as farfar, mormor or mormorsmor, lists of towns, or provinces in Sweden — in an appealing way. Reading about activities such as unions, benefit societies or sports, and then especially the

By Liza Ekstrand, who immigrated to the U.S. from Sweden with her young family in 1978. She has been active in

True Immigrant Stories: The Swedes of Cleveland Ohio 1873-2013 ISBN 978-1-4951-1547-9 400 pages, illustrated $26.95

the Swedish American communities of Milwaukee and the midwest, and has had dual citizenship in America and Sweden since 2010.

W

Singer-songwriter Joe Hill (Born Joel Hägglund, Gävle)

hile on steel workers and itinerant immigrant labor, another Swedish immigrant worker comes to mind. It’s been 100 years since a Swedish migrant laborer was executed in Utah for a murder he may not have committed: songwriter and labor activist Joe Hill (or Joel Hägglund from Gävle, Sweden) was convicted of murdering a former policeman and his son. According to many historians, it was unjustly so and solely based on conjecture and circumstantial evidence. His work and his songs have been immortalized in several ways — much of it based on an Alfred Hayes’s 1930s poem “I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill Last Night.” The subsequent song has been performed by a diverse group of musicians, from Pete Seeger, Joan Baez to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. /Ed.

‘Not my time to die’ The Titanic and the Swedes on board Perfect bound, large size paperback, 296 pages. Richly illustrated. Please send me ____ book(s) x $19.95 = _______

Shipping & Handling $ 4.95

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:

/

The 123 Swedes on board made up the third largest ethnic group on the Titanic after the American and the British. The book profiles each of the Swedish passengers; including the 34 survivors... Mail order form to: NORDSTJERNAN P.O. Box 1710 New Canaan CT 06840 Or call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10

September 30, 2015 Nordstjernan

dashboard. page 8

Stockholm, Sweden

H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria awarded the 2015 Stockholm Junior Water Prize to Perry Alagappan, of Houston, TX at the Global Water Conference in Stockholm on August 25, 2015. Alagappan, now 18, spent the last three years inventing a filter that purifies drinking water from heavy metals. “This project addresses a critical water issue with broad implications for the whole world … The technology used could revolutionize the way water can be treated and heavy metals recovered,” the jury concluded. Crown Princess Victoria awarded the prize at an award ceremony during World Water Week. She has been the patron of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize since 1994. For more info, see www.siwi.org Photo: Jonas Borg/SIWI

Eat, sleep,love

Who wouldn’t want to wake up with Big Mac? The range of accessories from Swedish McDonalds covered on our page 2 includes bed linens, tights, tents and much more.

Swedish architect in America

Global

H&M gets props for Muslim model—Swedish clothing retailer H&M is getting international acclaim and respect for featuring a Muslim model in its advertising. Mariah Idrissi is the first model to wear a hijab in an ad for H&M’s “Close the Loop” campaign about maintaining individuality and accentuating personal style. The reinvented clothing line, promoting recycled and donated clothing, began in 2013 and is now getting more attention than ever, being hailed around the world for using the veiled model, who stands in a doorway and wears round glasses, a pale pink coat, wide black trousers and a loosely tied hijab. “Maria Hidrissi didn’t just model for an ad campaign, she awakened the people. In a simple and quiet way she made others look at a Muslim woman without fear or contempt but with a healthy curiosity. Maria opened a conversation that has always been strained” wrote fashion blogger Muslim Girl.

The book Swedish Architects in the USA, 1846-1930, advance copies due later this year, offers a sneak peak into the fascinating stories and lives of some of the 150 plus Swedish architects who immigrated to and worked in America during the Great Swedish Migration. While a lot is known about professionals in education, religion, journalism and farming, very little has been written about Swedish architects in America - until now. After years of research, Goran Rygert compiled this comprehensive collection of architectural histories to be published by Nordstjernan. Here, left, is an excerpt about one architect to whet your appetite. Cantonment Burgwin, later Fort Burgwin Research Center, eventually South Methodist University-In-Taos at Fort Burgwin. Image: Southern Methodist University.

Herman Cedershield (1827-1864) What makes an architect — graduated at the Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden — a soldier in the U.S. Army to partake in campaigns against indians? We don’t know. A childhood dream? He could have read early books about the Indians, such as “The Last of the Mohicans,” printed in 1826. Cedershield (Cederschöld) was born in Småland, Sweden of a noble family. After graduation in 1847 he worked as an architect for two years. Then he moved to Chicago and got enlisted in a U.S. Dragoon Regiment and in 1850 was sent to New Mexico to fight against the Jicarilla Apaches and the Utes, in the northern parts of the state. We know Cedershield became stationed at the Cantonment Burgwin, 10 miles southeast of Taos, a fort whose location was chosen because it was far enough away from population centers and their bars. In 1852 the Dragoons began the construction of buildings, barracks and stables. The fort was designed for defense and not comfort. There was no gate and no windows in the outer fort wall, so no hostile Indians could hope to overrun such a classically designed fortification. We don’t know if Cedershield was involved in the building of this fort, but he was an architect and an officer there,

Nordstjernan, September 30, 2015

so it is most likely that he participated in the supervising. One encounter Fort Burgwin had with Indians was disastrous. In the morning of March 30, 1854, about 250 Jicarilla Apaches ambushed 60 Dragoons at Cieneguilla (today Pilar), near Fort Burgwin. After a three-hour fight the Dragoons had to retreat. The U.S. suffered 22 killed and 36 wounded. This battle was reported as one of the most severe ever to take place between American troops and Red Indians. In 1855 Cedershield left the Army. At that point he had advanced to the rank of colonel. For some reason he had changed his first name to Samuel, a family name. He lived in Santa Fe as a stone mason and died in 1864, only 37 years old. He is buried at the U.S. Veteran Gravesite in Santa Fe at Section K, Site 342. Today Cantonment Burgwin has become Fort Burgwin Research Center, devoted to the pursuit of education.

‘Kanelbullens Dag’ October 4 is ”Kanelbullens dag”, or the day of the cinnamon bun. This means that in stores all over Sweden, you can get your fill of the warm, freshly baked bun, that may very well be Swedish in origin (at least several Internet sources say it is so). In Sweden, ”kanelbullens dag” was launched in 1999. Nowhere near a bakery and no recipe handy? ..simply go to www.nordstjernan.com and search for “Kanelbulle.”

32nd Annual

Sacramento Scandinavian Festival Saturday, October 3, 2015 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

DIVINE SAVIOR CATHOLIC CHURCH 9079 Greenback Lane Orangevale, CA 95662 Adults $5 - children free

dashboard. page 9

San Francisco

Fylgia (SF) cooking class at Nordic House—Amateur Mycologists and long time member of SF Mycological Society Patricia George gave a talk to a group of Swedish Americans about the use and history of mushrooms in Swedish Cuisine. She also prepared two wonderful dishes for the group. For a born Swede, picking wild mushrooms in the U.S. might feel as a novelty. We have it from a safe source from earlier reporting by the former consul in Texas, Mr. Jan Dryselius, that even golden chanterelles grow everywhere (yes, we’ve seen them too—in Connecticut, in Michigan and in Illinois).

Food

Swedish dairy farmers protest

Hundreds of farmers, some on their tractors, were quite a sight as they made their way through the city of Stockholm on Monday, Sept. 21 to protest outside parliament as the government presented its annual draft budget. Some travelled 600 miles across the country to call on the government to save Swedish dairy farmers. In all, more than 1,000 Swedish farmers and supporters rallied to convince politicians to launch a series of measures designed to rescue milk production in Sweden, including financial support

for farmers and raised diesel tax refunds for agriculture companies. Dairy farmers are also dealing with a lower demand in Sweden, where milk consumption has dropped by nearly half since 1980 as Swedes’ dietary habits have changed. “The politicians need to realize this is not just about the dairy farmers but also about what kind of food and what kind of Sweden we should have in the future,” said Helena Jonsson, chairperson of the Federation of Swedish Farmers (Lantbrukarnas riksförbund, LRF).

Stockholm, Sweden

Allt kommer att bli bra = Everything will turn out well.The sign was captured on the public roof garden and café at Sveavägen 44 by Professor James Kaplan of Moorhead, MN this summer. “.. a great place to go and chat with a friend or spend a quiet hour with a book in the heart of central Stockholm.” The address, a block really, close to the Sergel roundabout, is a multi-used building with office space, restaurants, stores and the new concept hotel Hotel With. The newly renovated building was classified Excellent sustainability by the environmental assessment method BREEAM. www.sveavagen44.se

Swede wins prize for moose sensor innovation

Herr & Fru | Mr. & Mrs. Just about every day there is an accident involving a moose in Sweden. Photo above: E. Pettersson/ Älgskadefondsföreningen; Right: S. Sundkvist/ Älgskadefondsföreningen

Him: Eh ... well, I’d...

Scratch, scratch

Her: “Sure, you can go to the hockey game on Sunday.”

‘Name’s days’ of the Swedish Calendar: /Kommande två veckors namnsdagar

In New York In Stockholm In Kiruna Lund In Los Angeles

September 30: Sunrise 6.51 a.m. 6.51 a.m. 6.49 a.m. 6.34 a.m. 647 a.m.

Sunset 6.40 p.m. 6.23 p.m. 6.08 p.m. 7.32 p.m. 6.39 p.m.

Her: “When he picks his nose it means he’s busy.”

October 01 Ragnar/Ragna October 02 Ludvig/Love October 03 Evald/Osvald October 04 Frans/Frank October 05 Bror October 06 Jenny/Jennifer October 07 Birgitta/Britta October 08 Nils October 09 Ingrid/Inger October 10 Harry/Harriet October 11 Erling/Jarl October 12 Valfrid/Manfred October 13 Berit/Birgit October 14 Stellan October 15 Hedvig/Hillevi October 16 Finn

A Swedish man has won a Guldälgen (“Golden Moose” or “Golden Elk”) award for inventing a motion sensor system that could potentially reduce the number of wildlife accidents on rural roads. Winner Benjamin Eliasson of Stockholm has developed a sensor system to be hung on trees and poles near roads in unfenced areas where moose and other large animals live and graze. The sensors detect movement of the nearby animals and send a signal to the roadside poles, prompting a light to flash and alert drivers to proceed with caution.

The innovation prize was awarded September 8 by Älgskadefondsföreningen, a nonprofit organization working to reduce road accidents with animals. In 2015 alone there have been 27,000 incidents of these large animals colliding or near collisions with cars in Sweden. An average moose weighs half a ton, so hitting one is no small matter, often fatal to both car driver and moose. For more info, see www.algen.se/se/guldalgen or www.guld-algen.se

Moose, moose hunt and Elk vs. Moose: As the summer comes to an end, fall inevitably draws nearer, and with fall comes the hunting season. The moose hunt is usually front-page news in Sweden when it begins in southern and central parts of the country in October. Over 250,000 camouflaged Swedes – including the Swedish king! – migrate to the forests.

The word moose refers to the Swedish älg, or Alces Alces, not to be confused with the smaller elk. In North America, the elk is another species altogether – Cervus elaphus – which Swedes commonly call kronhjort. American moose are usually found only in the north, towards the Canadian border.

September 30, 2015 Nordstjernan

feature. page 10

Eco-tourism in Scandinavia Continued from page 1

includes local and indigenous communities in its planning, development, and operation, contributing to their well-being; interprets the natural and cultural heritage of the destination to the visitor; and lends itself better to independent travelers, as well as to organized tours for small size groups.” (www.peopleandplanet.net) Photojournalist Emil Sergel shares his experiences of eco-tourism in Sweden in photos and vignettes, starting with an archipelago trip of kayaking, an eco-friendly activity up and down the west coast. Kayaking brings a person really close to nature, and there’s nothing but personal muscle strength to propel navigation. If you plan to kayak, you can decide whether to paddle amongst rocks and skerries or venture out among the bigger waves in the open sea. Sergel’s archipelago trip took off from Marstrand, an hour by car from Gothenburg, Sweden’s second largest city. If you venture here and stay at a hotel in Gothenburg, there’s easy access to the southern archipelago and kayak rentals in Styrsö. Then an hour or so north of the city, there’s Marstrand and several hotels to choose from. There are also kayaks for rent in Orust, and if you don’t want to paddle back the same way you came, ask to be picked up along the coast. The cross-country winter experience originated at Storulvån Mountain Station, which is reached by night train from Gothenburg or Stockholm. Go to bed in metropolis and wake up in a mountain paradise in central Sweden. Storulvån Mountain Station has become a certified ecotourism site by the Swedish organization Naturens Bästa (Nature’s Best; see below). You can hit the mountaintops, fill up on adrenaline, and sleep overnight in the snow, or go for a casual day tour. Kitesurfing — a sport in which a skier is pulled by a small kite — is the current “in” thing, but Sergel came to ski in the stillness and quiet of the mountains. Under bright sunshine and no wind at their backs, Sergel’s party heads for the highest peak, Storsnasen, close to 5,000 feet above sea level. Ascending the deep untouched snow in a steadfast rhythm, the slow and winding dance of skis and poles brings them to the top. They remove most of their clothes to bask in the sun and take in the view of the entire region in silence.

Ecotourism organizations

The development toward a more sustainable society in the Nordic countries is comprehensive and not only the domain of a few eco-village activists. The world’s oldest ecotourism organization is in the U.S. The International Ecotourism Society, TIES (http://www.ecotourism.org), based in Washington D.C., was founded in 1990. Most North American-based operators work

The southern archipelago along Sweden’s westcoast offers a throng of inhabited and uninhabited little islands, and the nature is quiet and beautiful in spite of the nearness to the city. Photo: Emil Sergel

with adventure programs which organize experience- and activity-tours to Greenland, Iceland and more remote areas of the Nordic region. Finland is eco-friendly simply because 70 percent of the country is covered by forest. It also offers bicycle tours, brown bear watching in the summer, and family oriented trips in the winter, including dog sledding and visits to the alleged Finnish home of Santa. (http://www.responsibletravel.com) It’s a well-known fact that Denmark has some of the best produce in the world. But ecology and sustainability are much more than food to the Danes. The country has had a long love affair with renewable energy — and has gained the position as one of the world’s leading wind turbine nations. Solar energy technologies are gaining popularity, even in private homes. The island of Ærø, south of Funen, is creating the world’s largest solar panel system. Plan your trip with “Green Key” hotels at Visit Denmark. (http://www.visitdenmark.dk) Norway has its own Ecotourism Norway organization (http://www.grip.no/okoturisme), but for general travel information and ideas, see www.visitnorway.com. Sweden launched Nature’s Best (http:// www.naturensbasta.se)— the first national quality label for ecotourism in the northern hemisphere — during 2002’s UN International Year of Ecotourism. Nature’s Best

Nordstjernan, September 30, 2015

A majestic feeling skiing all alone through the mountain ranges of Jämtland, not far from Östersund in the center of Sweden. Photo: Emil Sergel

certifies and promotes the best Swedish tour operators and their products. To pass inspection for this, one must respect the limitations of the destination, support the local economy and be as sustainable as possible. It is primarily backed by three organizations: The Ecotourism Society of Sweden (http://www.ekoturism.org – web-

site in Swedish only), The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (http://www.snf.se/ english.cfm) and Visit Sweden (http://www. visitsweden.com).

feature. page 11

Finding earth-friendly vacation spots and activities in Sweden or in Scandinavia is not rocket science. Scandinavians love to travel and are constantly chasing sunny beaches in far away places, but there are amazing adventures waiting to be had right in their own backyards.

Hiking in the summer months has become increasingly popular. Above, the 270 miles of Kungsleden are clearly marked. Photo: David Erixon/STF For more info, see www. svenskaturistforeningen.se

Kayaking is a relaxing break from everyday demands and a wonderful way to be close to Mother Nature. Photo: Emil Sergel

Sylmassivet in northern Jämtland, not too far north of Sweden’s center offers a magnificent mountain range and unlimited hiking trails. Photo: David Erixon

perspectives. Sweden tests its national alarm system four times a year, whether you know it or not. Expat American Leanne Stewart on “living between Russia and USA.”

Sounding the alarm In Sweden, outdoor sirens are tested on the first non-holiday Mondays of March, June, September and December, at 3 p.m. local time. The test consists of the general alarm for two minutes, a series of long and medium-high pitched sounds blown in succession, followed by a 90-second gap before the all-clear is sounded. According to Wikipedia, there are different types of signals to indicate different types of emergencies. The outdoor signals used are as follows: • Readiness alarm: 30-second tones with 15-second gaps. Used when imminent danger of war exists. • Air raid alarm: Short tonebursts for a duration of one minute. The country will be or is being attacked from the sky. • Important message to the public, general alarm: Seven-second long tones with 14-second long gaps. Go inside, close windows and doors, close ventilation and listen to radio channel P4.

• All clear: Used for all above signals when danger is over. 30-second long single tone. As an American living here for a little over a year who has somehow managed to miss this, I did not know what to think during the latest test. Phoning my roommate at work and holding up the phone to the open window, I said, “Can you listen to this and tell me what it is?” “Ahh, I know what you’re hearing because we’re hearing it here, too. It’s just the sirens for emergencies like war or air raids,” she replied. Blink. Pause.

“What do you mean when you say, ‘war and air raids,’” I questioned with rising concern. “Well, you know, if Sweden gets bombed or attacked, the sirens let you know.” “And, what am I supposed to do and where am I supposed to go if I hear these?” was my incredulous response. “You should go to the bomb shelter in the basement,” was the matter of fact reply I

received. Blink. Pause. “We have a bomb shelter in the basement?” As I sat perched on the ivory sofa looking out the window at the clear, blue sky for signs of fighter jets, I realized I was not in Kansas anymore, as Dorothy said to her little dog, Toto, in The Wizard of Oz. Instead, I was now, as my oh-so-Swedish roommate put it, “living between Russia and the USA” (and who knew what Putin might do?) and I was also “just north of Germany.” War, and the possibility of it occurring in their country, was something Swedes have grown up knowing is a possibility. Blink. Pause. By Leanne Stewart September 30, 2015 Nordstjernan

perspectives. page 12

One Thousand Refugees Every Day... Continued from page 3

“We hired a lot of people in the last year and have strengthened the organization to handle the need. Now we reprioritize the resources we have,” Fredrik Bengtsson, Migrationsverket Press Officer, told Dagens Nyheter. Refugees have been welcome to Sweden with open arms. Support rallies have been organized in most major cities, football teams have opened their clubhouses to house unaccompanied children, non profit organizations work tirelessly setting up welcome stations in Central Station and ports of entry. Malmö, Gothenburg and Stockholm are cities seeing the greatest number of applicants, and it is doubtful that a drop in numbers will happen any time soon.

The need for housing is urgent

Migrationsverket is now facing many challenges — in addition to application processing, temporary housing accommodations for the refugees are urgently required. The authority warns of an impending housing crisis. New arrivals must be placed close to the city where their registration and application process takes place, a process which now takes approximately 10 months. Therefore, temporary housing needs to be arranged in or around city centers, or in areas which provide public transportation to and from each city of entry. Attempts are being made to provide such accommodations. In Gothenburg, the idea is to create temporary housing to meet urgent needs, however, the city does not intend to build what would appear to be refugee camps. Instead, housing will be developed with a more permanent character but the situation demands that many more land areas be allocated to meet the need today and in the future.

Many children arrive alone

Unaccompanied children present yet another challenge to Migrationsverket, a situation that tugs on the heartstrings of many a Swede. In Gothenburg, these children are often brought to Sweden by smugglers who then dump them at Central Station, Järntorget, Backaplan or other locations. The children are hungry, frightened and extremely sad. These numbers are growing as well. Accordingly to Göteborgs Posten, Gothenburg received more than 100 children in 2013. At the beginning of 2015, Migrationsverket in Gothenburg agreed to receive 500 children. This summer that number was adjusted to 900 children, and the newspaper reports that the city must now be prepared to accommodate

Public support for Refugees

WEAR OUR HERITAGE

T-Shirts by NORDSTJERNAN

Food station set up by volunteers at Central Station, Gothenburg.

between 1,200 and 1,300 unaccompanied young refugees in 2016. Migrationsverket regularly informs the government of the current asylum situation. In July the latest report forecast 74,000 asylum seekers in 2015. Recent developments certainly mean that number will increase with the new report due in October.

Finding alternate routes

Unlike countries such as Germany, Finland, Hungary and Croatia, Sweden has no plans for tightening border control. Morgan Johansson, Minister for Justice and Migration, was unavailable for comment after the emergency meeting on September 17, however, his press secretary Jonathan Holst reported the government has been made aware that the immigration service is under pressure. “There is a continuous preparation in government to look at measures which can ease the situation,” Holst told Expressen. He went on to explain that signals and markers, initiated by the police, have not yet been received and therefore border control at this time is not needed. It is the police who make such assessments for border control considerations. As winter approaches, migrants are forced to look for alternative routes to Europe due to razor-wire fences blocking a traditional route in Hungary, constantly shifting border controls within the EU, and the continued bickering among EU countries. One such route is known as the Arctic Route which brings travelers into northern Finland, Sweden and Norway via Russia. While the trip is long and cold, refugees are finding passage to be less problematic than the traditional routes. The traditional routes taken by refugees included the Aegean Route through Turkey and into Greece, the Balkan Route which brought travelers through Hungary, and the Mediterranean Route into Italy. These routes, however, are extremely dangerous. As of September 15, over 2,800 people died in the Mediterranean this year, according to the International Organization for Migration.

Transportation to Sweden

Nordstjernan, September 30, 2015

In Europe, Sweden is a top destination for

those seeking a better life and a warm generous welcome. They come mainly via the Arctic Route, Denmark and Germany. Hundreds of refugees are now making their way to Gothenburg from Kiel, Germany via Stena Line. The rules for Stena Line are not the same as those for aviation when it comes to transporting refugees. Stena has no responsibility to check passports of those traveling with the shipping line. Passports are checked with the authority once the passengers arrive. Stena can also transport many more passengers and allows for a direct, safe route to Sweden. A new enterprise known as “Refugee Air” was announced on September 10. The brainchild of Emad Zand, a young Stockholm investment manager, and Susanne Najafi, founder and chief executive of one of Sweden’s largest retail beauty products, the concept is being developed to transport refugees from troubled areas in the Mediterranean directly to Sweden bypassing the hazardous land and sea routes. There are a number of logistics involved, however. Under current EU rules, airlines can only fly passengers with a valid passport or visa — and passengers who are promised asylum in the country of arrival. Sweden grants asylum to all Syrians, but erring on the side of caution, many airlines unfairly block people with a right to asylum as many have no documentation. “The governments have pushed the onus on the airlines to stop asylum seekers from getting on planes, whereas under the 1951 [refugee] convention there should be no such barrier to those with a genuine fear of persecution from escaping,” Leonard Doyle, spokesman for the International Organisation for Migration, told the Guardian. Use of established airlines also creates concern within the industry that airplanes will be overrun with refugees rather than paying business and tourist travelers, but Refugee Air hopes to create controls and alleviate these concerns. They hope to bring the first refugees to Sweden before October. Text & Photography: Lisa Mikulski www.lisamikulski.com

FYI: I am Swedish!

A sense of being Swedish! Adult sizes: S, M, L, XL / $19.95

“Grandma’s Darling” (For Your daughter’s child) / $16.95

Black print on white 100% cotton • T-Shirt, “Känsla för Svenskt” S, M, L, XL (Svensk! on back) $19.95 x __ • T-Shirt, “FYI: Jag är Svensk” S, M, L, XL $19.95 x __ (Adult sizes) • T-Shirt, “FYI: Jag är Svensk” 3T, 4T $16.95 x __ (Child sizes) • T-Shirt, “Farmors Älskling” 3T, 4T, 5T $16.95 x __ (For son’s child) • T-Shirt, “Mormors Älskling” 3T, 4T, 5T (..daughter’s child) $16.95 x __

Please circle your size. (order online at www.nordicsampler.com)

Check enclosed ❏ Name Address City State

Zip

Telephone Credit card# Exp

Amex Disc Visa MC

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

Signature

1.800.827.9333 - ext 10

local events. page 13

Blue and yellow networking in Florida When you focus your effort on bringing people together and in the process spread good energy, you have a winning concept. With our motto “All Inclusive Not Exclusive” we are not only bringing Swedes and Swedish companies to join our chamber but we are also bringing in anyone who can benefit from our organization. It all starts with how we operate. Our organization is run with creativity and we continuously reach out to our audience. In a short time we have created trust within our community for our fun and productive networking events. The operational team, led by Hicham Larhnimi and his awesome group of young people, takes action and creates high quality work. The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in Fort Lauderdale West Palm

Beach is the youngest of all the SACC-USA chambers. It started with an initiative from Peter Hult (we call him our Jedi master), Len Quist, Johanna Karlsson and our past treasurer Jan Norelid. This team of four spent hours putting the concept together. Our first board meeting was held in the spring of 2013. Since that day we have organized many successful events. Some of the most fun and unique were the Brännboll (a version of Swedish soft ball), which attracted participants from age 2 to 70, and the IKEA Pick and Mix Candy inauguration. This event really tested us Swedes, not only in eating a lot of candy but also knowing what we are eating. To grow and create an even bigger network we started cooperating with the German, Ribbon cutting at Axis Space. L-R: Justine Croteau, Quebec Chamber; Hicham Larhnimi, Swedish Chamber; Pascale Villet, French Chamber; Ellen Becker, German Chamber

French and Canadian chambers of commerce. Through our combined networks we now reach approximately 15,000 people, and on August 26, 2015 we had our first multi-national event with a ribbon cutting at the new workspace community Axis Space (www.axisspace.com) in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The joint event was an initiative to increase the trade opportunities among the Networking with fellow chambers and chamber members at Axis Space in August.

For Orders Visit www.capeclogs.com or Call 1-800-380-5977

Kerstin Holm Secretary of the Board of Directors SACC Fort Lauderdale West Palm Beach www.sacc-sfl.org

Göran Rygert’s collection of Swedish traditional schnapps songs, in English and Swedish $8.95 + S&H.

Pamela J. Irving Founder

Women's • Children's • Men's All sizes and exciting patterns

countries, adding value to our members and to have fun. We did.

PO Box 3081 Bourne, MA 02532 1-800-380-5977 www.capeclogs.com info@capeclogs.com

Dala Horses and much more!

A selection of new funny, and old classic Swedish snapsvisor (schnapps songs) One third of 130 songs is in English. Indispensable! Call 1.800.827.9333 x10

A SWEDISH AFFAIR swedensfinest.com Toll Free: (888)867-9567

Till vardag och fest

Crown Bakery

Specializing in Scandinavian Pastries 133 Gold Star Blvd.

(1 block after Super Shaws)

Would you like to move to the Hudson Valley? Full time or Part time? Call us 845-876-8803, 8AM – 9PM, every day!

Open Daily 6-6. Fri till 7. Closed Sunday

Speaking Swedish, English, Norwegian, Danish, Hebrew & some German.

Worcester, MA 01606 Tel: 508-852-0746 EST. 1960

Try our outdoor café and new sandwich lunches <www.thecrownbakery.com> We ship UPS anywhere

N.Y.S Lic. Real Estate Salespersons 268 Fair Street Kingston, NY 12401

Or email us: peterandstellarealestate@gmail.com www.villagegreenrealty.com/agents/peter-and-stella-ilani/

September 30, 2015 Nordstjernan

feature. page 14 perspectives.

Olle Wijkström olle.wijkstrom@nordstjernan.com

Humor

Om man säger att en människa har humor går uppfattningarna om vad man menar isär. Vad är humor? Den ena människan har ofta en annan uppfattning om vad humor är än en annan. Några skrattar sig fördärvade när de ser att annan människa får en gräddtårta kastad i ansiktet. Andra blir bara beklämda. Tycker synd om stackaren som fick tårtan i huvudet. Eller förtvivlas över att en läcker gräddtårta försvinner till ingen nytta och glädje. Många skrattar hejdlöst när Helan snubblar och sätter sig på ändan med en duns. Andra ler förtjust när Lasse Åberg i Sällskapsresan 1 tror att han kan fylla sin bägare med juice från friskluftreglagen i flygplanet. Charles Chaplin lockade fram såväl tårar som leenden både när han misslyckades och när han blygt klarade av sina uppdrag. Kanske är det den finaste humorn som förenar såväl glädje som sorg. I Sveriges TV annonseras en del program som varande humoristiska. De flesta program som rubriceras som humor brukar jag stänga av. Jag finner dem ofta tråkiga till döds. Förmodligen finns det tusentals andra TV-tittare som roas av dem och hoppas på repriser. I detta sammanhang är det intressant att notera att de som deltar i TV-programmen ofta själva har hejdlöst roligt. Särskilt ett sådant program går ut på att en tävlande deltagare skall gissa vad en annan medtävlare mimiskt och med diverse vågade gester försöker få sin medtävlare att förstå vilken melodi som gestikuleras fram. Skrattparoxsysmerna stegras för varje sekund detta humorprogram pågår. Även om jag upplever mig som en surpuppa när jag gnäller över vad många andra njuter av kan jag omöjligen finna det roligt att ta del av många så kallade humorprogram. Det sägs ibland att det finns en del ämnen som man inte skall diskutera om man vill förbli vän med sina vänner. Ett sådant

ämne rör politiken. När det gäller politik är det meningslöst att ge sig på människor med helt annan åsikt. Det är sällan möjligt att övertyga en sann socialdemokrat, moderat, kommunist eller person med annan politisk övertygelse hur fel han har. Ofta är det lika omöjligt att övertyga någon om vad som är humor. Vi har alla våra egna idéer. Vi bör vara tacksamma att det är på detta sätt. Det samhälle där alla medborgare har samma uppfattning inom dessa områden vore utomordentligt trist att leva i. Vi bör glädjas åt att tyckena är olika.

Säga vad man vill om politik och politiker men det är tacksamma måltavlor för allehanda skämt...

– Då ska du nog bli politiker.

Skrattet är en gudagåva. Det slog Nils Ferlin i sin dikt ”Monolog i månsken” som ingår i samlingen ”Med många kulörta lyktor”. Han diktar vidare: ”Kor och hästar skrattar ej, det har ofta slagit mej, fast de har så bedrövligt att ett skratt för deras del vore särdeles behövligt” Så vitt vi kan observera är skrattet ett fenomen som djuren ej ägnar sig åt. Kanske de ler i smyg när de upplever något humoristigt. Eller kurrar om de råkar vara en katt. De har ofta andra sätt att meddela sina känslor. I varje fall tror jag att den svala som svingar sig upp i den vårliga skyn och gör hissnande saltomortaler därigenom vill förmedlar en känsla av den svindlande glädje hon just då upplever. Att kossor som släpps ut på grönbete när sommaren kommer är överlyckliga ser vi alla på varje bensprattel och vartenda viftande med svansen de presterar i yran över sin frihet. Djuren har förvisso mängder av andra metoder än skrattet att visa sin förtjusning. De har ofta subtilare vägar än att flabba för att förkunna sin glädje.

– Varför klär sig en del moderater så gammaldags? – De visar att de moderatar!

Två riksdagmän resonerar: – Vad sa du egentligen i lokaliseringsfrågan? – Ingenting. – Nej, det är klart. Men hur la du orden?

– Vad ska du bli när du blir stor? – Vet inte. Jag bara ändrar mig hela tiden.

Centerpartiet minskar. Det är nästan en avLööfning.

Your newspaper. Your stories.

Submit to editor@nordstjernan.com Nordstjernan, September 30, 2015

Västerbotten cheese quiche with grilled red peppers

Västerbottenpaj (Västerbotten’s cheese pie) is a popular classic in Sweden and one of the dishes you’ll often find as a first course or even alternative at crayfish parties on this side of the Atlantic. Västerbotten, in northern Sweden, is the home of this popular sharp cheese often referred to as the king of Swedish cheeses. You will need: 1 8-inch pie plate Pie crust 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup graham flour 1 stick of butter 2 Tbsp water 1 egg white Filling 7 ounces grated Västerbotten cheese (or a hard, aged, sharp cheese. Västerbotten is these days available at IKEA stores along with Scandinavian specialty stores around the U.S.)

2/3 cup milk 1 egg 1 grilled red pepper (or substitute with fried pork belly (små fläsktärningar) or even small pieces of prefried bacon) salt and white pepper Instructions Pie shell: Put flour, butter and water in a food processor and mix to form a pastry Line a greased pie plate with the dough and place in fridge for 30 minutes Heat oven to 450°F Prick and baste pie shell with egg white Pre-bake pie shell for 10 minutes. Filling: Cut the grilled red pepper in strips and layer them in the bottom of the shell Mix the rest of the ingredients for the filling and pour into pie shell Reduce temperature to 350°F and bake for another 30 minutes This quiche is at its best when served at room temperature. Enjoy!

NORDSTJERNAN

MAIL TO: P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan CT 06840 or CALL 1.800.827.9333 - ext 10 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 Gift ❏ Renewal ❏ New subscriber ❏

Amex Disc Visa MC

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

Name Address City State

Zip

Telephone Credit card# Signature

Exp:

/

local events. page 15

More events and list your own, at www.nordstjernan.com-EVENTS

l Florida

10.24.2015 06:00 PM - 12:00 AM Crayfish Party .. although Crayfish or Crawfish is always the question do not miss the party!! We are happy to brag about our crustaceans: They are exclusively harvested and prepared in Oregon, USA. Reception at 6 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m. Happy Hour Bar all night Eating, singing snaps song and enjoying our Swedish tradition - what can be better! . Swedish Club of Sarasota. www. swedishclubsarasota.org

Continuously The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce of Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach promotes trade, commerce and investment opportunities between Sweden, Fort Lauderdale - Palm Beach and members. See www.sacc-sfl.org

l Georgia

09.27.2015 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM Finland Dinner Finland is the subject at this meeting. Margareta Martin will talk about current Finland. The dinner that follows will include Finnish specialties.. Nordic Lodge #708 770-3611074. www.vasaorderatlanta.org 10.25.2015 05:00 PM - 07.19.2015 03:00 AM The Seventh Annual Scandinavian Show For the seventh consecutive year the Nordic Lodge will present an hour of great music. This time the Atlanta Balalaika Ensemble will perform music from Sweden and other European countries. Cost: $13/ individual, $25/couple, $5/children under 12. Nordic Lodge #708. 770-361-1074. www.vasaorderatlanta.org

l Iowa

09.19.2015 01:00 PM - 04.17.2016 09:00 PM Woodcared Figures, Nordic Roots Delight in the distinctive and often whimsical figure carvings by past and present artists from the Nordic countries and the U.S. Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. 563-382-9681.www.vesterheim.org.

l Illinois

09.18.2015 10:00 AM - 11.29.2015 04:00 PM Appleton: Portrait of a Swedish Chicago Legacy.” Albert Ivar Appleton came from Sweden to Chicago in 1885, and by 1903 he had founded Appleton Electric in Chicago at a time when the electric manufacturing industry was in its infancy. Appleton continues to innovate in the electric and lighting industry, today as a subsidiary of Emerson Electric. www.swedishamericanmuseum.org | 773.728.8111 09.30.2015 06:00 PM - 08:30 PM Andrew and Elsa Peterson–The True Pioneers The Swedish emigrants Andrew and Elsa Peterson, who inspired Vilhelm Moberg’s “Emigrant” novels, also inspired Jan Hermelin to compose a CD of music using the Petersons’ diaries, bookkeeping and letters. Join us for this free concert debuting the recording in Chicago. Swedish American Museum. 7737288111. 10.03.2015 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM The Swedish Organizer: Preserving Your Photos Have a photo collection that’s unlabeled? Stuck with digital photos on a bunch of different devices? Scared to lose your memories in the face of a natural disaster? Join Caroline Guntur, the Swedish Organizer, for a free presentation on how to or-

ganize and preserve your photos. We will cover the basics of organizing, scanning, archival storage, photo management, and backups to ensure that your memories are kept safe for future generations!. The Swedish Organizer. 847.804.3148. caroline@theswedishorganizer.com. 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

l Kansas

10.09.2015 09:00 AM - 10.10.2015 10:00 PM Svensk Hyllningsfest 2015 Come join us for our 75th anniversary! Occurring in October in odd numbered years, the residents of Lindsborg host a community-wide festival and don traditional Swedish folk costumes to celebrate the Swedish pioneers who settled the Smoky Valley in 1868 – 1869. The festival features a grand parade, Swedish folk dancing, arts and crafts, a lavish Smorgasbord, food demonstrations and vendors, unique music and other special entertainment.. Svensk Hyllningsfest Committee. 888-227-2227. www.svenskhyllningsfest.org

l New York

09.16.2015 11:00 AM - 10.06.2015 06:00 PM “Three Swedish Artists” The original work of three innovative and talented Swedish artists - Anette Lillhammar, Lizz Sandelin and Susan Lidström will be on display at Agora Gallery’s Enigmatic Visions exhibit. Agora Gallery. (212) 226-4151 www. agora-gallery.com 09.17.2015 11:00 AM - 01.17.2016 05:00 PM Swedish Wooden Toys—an exhibition at Bard Graduate Center Gallery. 212-501-3074 | www. bgc.bard.edu/gallery 10.03.2015 07:00 PM - 10.29.2015 08:00 PM August Strindberg’s “Burnt House”—the story of a dyer of fabrics whose house has burned down. There are a number of suspects and anyone could be the culprit. Adultery, family criminal activity and old sibling rivalries emerge as the mystery unfolds.Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 4 p.m. $18/ general admission; $12/seniors and students; $9/student groups Box office: SMARTTIX, 212-868-4444; www.smarttix. com. Gene Frankel Theatre. (212) 924-0496. www. jsnyc.com/season/burnt_house.htm

Välkommen till

Söndag 11 september kl 11.00

Svensk gudstjänst på Tacksägelsedagen

Kyrkoherde Staffan Eklund, Diakon Åsa Sjöberg, Sångsolist Karin Bengmark. SWEA bjuder påKyrkkaffe. VÄLKOMMEN! Save the date: 7 november kl. 16 Autumn Celebration - Fundraising afternoon.

Church of Sweden at Norwegian Seamen’s Church 2454 Hyde Street, San Francisco • Tel: 415-632-8504 Mer information: www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco

Hos oss kan du ta en svensk fika, läsa tidningar,

Öppettider 27 sep – 10 okt SÖNDAGAR

MÅNDAGAR

låna böcker samtala och tända ljus i kyrkan och

be för något som är angeläget

10.04.2015 02:00 PM - 10.30.2015 08:00 PM The Storm, August Strindberg “The Storm” is a remarkable picture of old age, depicting an elderly government minister who lives in an apartment in a house where he had once been happy with his divorced wife. Having left her because he was too old for her and having lost access to his daughter in a painful divorce, he is about to be lured into marriage again by a distant cousin who is living as his housekeeper. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 4 p.m. $18/ general admission; $12/seniors and students; $9/student groups Box office: SMARTTIX, 212-868-4444; www.smarttix.com. Gene Frankel Theatre. (212) 924-0496. http://www. jsnyc.com/season/storm.htm 10.09.2015 11:00 AM - 10.29.2015 06:00 PM Symphonic Abstractions by Swedish artist Linda Nilsson Chelsea’s at Agora Gallery. (212) 2264151 | www.agora-gallery.com 10.09.2015 04:00 PM - 10.12.2015 04:00 PM FinnFest USA 2015: The annual national festival of Finnish and Finnish American culture, this year in Buffalo, NY. www.finnfestusa.org/ buffalo2015.html

l Pennsylvania

10.18.2015 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM The Great Meatball Match Up. The American Swedish Historical Museum’s invites you to our fifth edition of the museum’s popular meatball contest. Enter your meatballs for a chance at culinary glory and see if your meatballs are the greatest of them all! Or come to savor the delicious entries of area restaurants and vote for your favorite restaurant meatball! Meatballs are FREE with general museum admission ($4 $8). (215)389-1776. www.americanswedish.org 10.20.2015 10:30 AM - 10.20.2015 11:30 PM Toddler Time: Do You Want To Meet A Reindeer? Disney’s Frozen made Sven the reindeer known to children across the world. In October, ASHM’s Toddler Time will expand their knowledge and introduce the important role reindeer play in the lives of the Sami people in Scandinavia. Children will even meet two live reindeer from Z Arch Barn Farm. Members and non-members of all ages are also welcome to spend time with these beautiful animals. The cost is $5 per child, free for museum Household Members, or museum admission prices for adults wishing to view the reindeer. No charge for accompanying caregivers.

l Wisconsin

09.24.2015 10:00 AM - 10.08.2015 11:00 PM Passport: Sweden at Milwaukee Film Festival. Milwaukee Film Festival. http://mkefilm.org 10.03.2015 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM Scandinavian Fest Scandinavian entertainment featuring ABBA SALUTE--also dancing and more music. Scandinavian food, genealogy help, vendors and more. Ronald Reagan Elementary School 4225 S Calhoun Rd New Berlin, WI For more information--www.nordiccouncil.com or 262-255-2127. Nordic Council of Wisconsin. . jokre_76@yahoo.com. 10.10.2015 01:30 PM - 10.10.2015 03:30 PM A nnual meeting of the Swedish American Historical Society: The Tradition (& sampling) of Seven Cookies. Free event. Redemption Lutheran Church is at 4057 N. Mayfair Rd (Hwy. 100, just north of Capitol Dr.), in Wauwatosa, WI. 414-3527890 | www.sahswi.org

5 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017 Tel: +1 (212) 832-8443

www.svenskakyrkan.se/newyork

TISDAGAR

ONSDAGAR

TORSDAGAR

FREDAGAR

LÖRDAGAR

27 sep Högmässa 11.00 Caféet öppet 12-18 Caféet öppet 12-16 Ung Svensk i NYC 14-16

Caféet öppet 12-18

Caféet öppet 12-18

Caféet öppet 12-18 16.00 Vernissage Cecilia Lutz

Caféet öppet 12-18

Caféet öppet 12-16

4 okt Högmässa 11.00 12.15 Middagsbön Caféet öppet 12-16 18.00 Aftonbön Ung Svensk i NYC 14-16

12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Aftonbön

12.15 Middagsbön 15-17 Träffpunkt 18.00 Aftonbön

12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Aftonbön 18.30 Open Mic

12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Aftonbön

September 30, 2015 Nordstjernan

sports. page 16

Allsvenskan title still wide open

IFK Göteborg goalkeeper John Alvbåge watches as a shot goes wide during the Angels’ 1-0 win over Hammarby Sept 20 in Göteborg. Carl Sandin/Bildbyran Chipp Reid, Sports Editor chipp@nordstjernan.com

The 2015 Allsvenskan is entering its final stretch of matches, and the championship remains up for grabs. It’s anybody’s race as the 2015 Allsvenskan heads into its final seven matches, with IFK Göteborg still the odds-on favorite to win a title most had ceded to Malmö FF just a few months ago. Göteborg, the surprise leaders in May, have turned from a surprise into a juggernaut as the Blåvitt just keep winning. The Angels won their sixth-straight match Sept. 20, beating Hammarby 1-0 on a goal from Soren Rieks. The victory was the 16th in 24 matches to go along with five draws and just three losses. Despite the near run-away season, Göteborg holds a slim two-point lead over the real surprise team of the season, IFK Norrköping, which has won 15 matches out of 24 and has 51 points, coming from out of nowhere to mount a challenge for the Lennart Johansson trophy. AIK also has 51 points but sits in third place on goal difference. Elfsborg holds fourth place, a distant eight points back, while Malmö, the two-time defending league champions, is nine points behind Goteborg. “There are no easy games any more in the Allsvenskan,” said IFK Göteborg goalkeeper John Alvbåge. “The bottom teams can beat the top teams just as easily as the top can beat the bottom. All the teams this year are very strong and the league is a lot stronger.

Yes, it’s a surprise that Norrköping is doing so well, but any team could be at the top.” Alvbåge is one the main reasons Göteborg holds its lead. The 33-year-old leads the league with a .895 save percentage and has 14 clean sheets. Göteborg has only surrendered 13 goals this season, also tops in the Allsvenskan. “We’re playing with a lot of confidence,” Alvbåge said. “Our defense is really part of our offense. I have gotten more involved in the attack than ever before, and now everyone defends, so when the other team does get off a shot, it’s usually an easy save for me.” The final six matches will be a test of Alvbåge’s and Göteborg’s confidence as the top-five teams all play one another. Göteborg played Elfsborg on September 24 and faces AIK October 26. Norrköping has matches with Elfsborg in October and ends the season at Malmö. AIK and Malmö lock horns on October 4. “Every game now is like a final,” Alvbåge said. “It’s not the championship — teams want to qualify for Europe as well so every game is important.” Malmö has a double task as it qualified for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League for the second-straight year. Malmö has played particularly well in Europe. The Sky Blues overcame a two-goal deficit in its first qualifying series with Red Bull Salzburg, wining at home 3-0 to advance. Malmö then faced Scottish champions Glasgow Celtic and after losing in Glasgow 3-2 beat the Scots

Nordstjernan, September 30, 2015

A save by goalkeeper Johan Wiland, Malmö playing Djurgården. Bildbyrån photo

2-0 at Swedbank Arena. Playing a group with Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Paris St. German and Christiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid as well Ukrainian champion Shaktar Donetsk, Malmö faces another huge task to get out of the group. Malmö dropped its opener at PSG 2-0 on September 16, although Zlatan did not score. Zlatan will make his club return to Sweden on November 25 when PSG plays at Swedbank Arena. Malmö’s strong showing last year and the emphasis the team put on returning the Champions League this season might just cost the two-time defending champions a third straight title. Malmö struggled at the

start of the season and appeared somewhat over confident. Despite scoring 45 goals in its 24 matches, Malmö had difficulty putting teams away, playing to eight draws. The loss of 16 potential points could well cost the Sky Blues not just the title but a return to European play. Since Göteborg won the Swedish Cup in May, three UEFA Europa League spots are up for grabs. Elfsborg currently holds the third UEFA qualifying slot. “It’s going to be interesting,” Alvbåge said. “We all play one another so there are a lot of points that anyone can win. It’s like I said, every game is a final.”