nordstjernan The Swedish Newspaper of America
Published by Swedish News. Volume 143 No. 17, October 15, 2015. Price per copy $2.50
Hunting: Sweden’s living heritage
Pelle Lööf, Florida Swede of the Year 2015.
A nearness to nature runs deep in the Swedish psyche. As October comes around, close to 300,000 Swedes (including the Swedish King) take to the woods for the annual moose hunt. For an account of one former hunter’s first moose hunt as an adult, turn to page 6.
Photo: Svensk Jakt/Nordic Reach
Sweden, Page 2, 3
The Queen of Sweden in the U.S. / Dolphins in the Baltic / Rest assured, the newly wed prince and princess won’t be homeless / The noble Nobel season has started with prizes so far awarded in medicine, chemistry and physics—Swedes and Americans awarded.
From the Publisher, Page 3
A few words on hunting and netiquette.
Sweden, Page 3
The first fossil-fuel free nation in the world.
Feature, Page 8
The transformation of an airline.
Royal Visit
HRH Queen Sylvia was recently in the U.S., and we were reminded that few things bring out our Swedish-American “national pride” more than a royal visit. And while the relationship between modern Swedes and second and third generation Swedish Americans and “their” royalty has been interesting in the 20th and 21st centuries, no one can deny the royal family is a clear symbol of Sweden and the “Swedish.” We need symbols, and the royal family is a strong symbol of Sweden, of being Swedish and everything it represents. It would be useful for all the royal family’s detractors to visit Swedish communities in America to get a sense of how strong a symbol and how important the royal house is for Sweden’s image abroad. Swedish Americans, who are often more fond of the Swedish than Swedes themselves, are the royal family’s biggest supporters. It’s not always easy to find common ground, but when it comes to Sweden in America, better friends of Sweden do not exist! /Page 4
HRH Queen Silvia of Sweden in NYC. /Page 4
Dashboard, Page 10,11
Queen Silvia reveals the new Childhood flower pin in NY / Temple Williams shares his uplifting new medical memoir / Swedish watercolor artists in Stockholm and New York / Author of Nordic noir leaves behind legacy in novels, theater and humanitarian work.
Viewpoint, Page 14
The things we miss from Sweden ... now in LA! /Page 11
A Fall for Movielovers
Swedish Americans and Swedish Canadians have been sitting in theaters at various film festivals in North America, peering through the darkness to see who else in the audience might be of Swedish descent. Nowhere will it be more true than for the opening of the documentary about - and with - Ingrid Bergman. With little means of knowing who’s who, we just sit back with a certain pride for what’s about to be shown on the screen. If it’s made it to an international film festival, it’s bound to be good. Really good. That was the case this year, with not just one or two great movies coming from Sweden, but many, and a couple / Page 5 lucky local reviewers shared their thoughts with us.
Guest thinker Andreas Henriksson on why SD is growing in the midst of a public outpour of support for the refugees.
Feature, Page 16
Three generations coming from three Scandinavian nations building a legacy in R.I.
Page 3 ‘Tis the season of one of the greatest honors.
Photo: Anette lemmel
This Week, Page 13
news in brief. page 2
Swedish News
Svårt för stormakterna att enas om Syrien. Men ännu svårare att låta bli. få bort den blodbesudlade diktatorn Men för tillfället måste fokus snarare Bashar al-Assad från makten. Kreml, läggas på att styra upp den diplomatisSydsvenska Dagbladet som har starka band till den syriska ka kollisionskursen mellan de storpoli2 October 2015 regimen sedan Sovjettiden, anser å sin tiska aktörerna. Ryssland agerar, minst Ryssland fortsätter att utföra flygan- sida att Assad bör sitta kvar. Det leder sagt, provokativt i Syrien och är därtill fall i Syrien. Men riktade mot vad? till misstankar om att Ryssland strävar arrogant i tonen mot USA. Likväl blir Alltmer kretsar nu kring den frågan efter att stärka al-Assads ställning, det nödvändigt att snabbt få till stånd något slags samtal mellan Moskva och och svaret har stor betydelse i flera snarare än att försvaga IS. Washington. Båda lär vilja undvika avseenden. Assadregimen är ansvarig för at- lägen där deras respektive stridsplan Kreml hävdar alltjämt att det enbart tacker som dödat tusentals civila och kommer för nära varandra i luften. I rör sig om bombningar mot terrorgrup- befolkningen lever i ett skräckvälde. bästa fall kan den dialogen utvecklas pen IS posteringar. Fast enligt flera käl- Det framgår inte minst av den do- till ett konstruktivt resonemang om hur lor har ryska bomber fallit tiotals mil kumentation över säkerhetstjänstens Syrienfrågan skulle kunna hanteras därifrån – i områden som kontrolleras övergrepp som en syrisk man smug- inom FN. av oppositionella rebeller, varav vissa glat ut och som uppmärksammades i Visst kan en sådan lösning verka vältränats och utrustats av den amerikan- torsdagens DN. digt avlägsen, men vad är alternativet? ska underrättelsetjänsten CIA. “Innan revolutionen så torterade Med två involverade stormakter som “Det är en sak att sikta in sig på IS, regimen för att få upplysningar, idag drar åt olika håll blir det inte lugnare torterar den för att döda”, säger manmen det uppenbart oroande är att i krigets Mellanöstern. Läget hotar nen som kallar sig Caesar. Tidigare det inte är vad som hänt”, sade den tvärtom att förvärras och då inte minst jobbade han med att fotografera ofamerikanske utrikesministern John för Syriens befolkning med ännu fler fren från regimens fängelsehålor och Kerry i en kommentar till händelseuflyende, skadade och döda som följd. tortyrkammare. Bilderna visar döda tvecklingen. som svultit ihjäl, piskats svårt, fått Trots det stora avståndet mellan den Amerikanerna varnar nu öppet rys- kroppsdelar brända i syra, ögon ut- ryske presidenten Vladimir Putin och hans amerikanske kollega Barack sarna för att attackera annat än IS-mål. slitna, genitalier avskurna … Obama lär ingen av dem vilja se en Förklarligt nog, men det återstår att se utveckling av det slaget. Det inger, I Frankrike används bilderna nu i om det får någon effekt. krigsbrottsutredningen mot al-Assad. trots allt, lite hopp Den USA-ledda koalitionen och dess Det påminner om var han hör hemma allierade rebellgrupper strävar efter att – inför rätta, inte vid makten. Gästledare
The Queen of Sweden was recently in New York. Here in conversation with Queen Rania of Jordan and Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson.
The Queen of Sweden in the U.S.
HRH Queen Sylvia was in the U.S. September 21-25, participating in meetings and special events with Mentor International and World Childhood Foundation in Washington, DC and visiting the UN in New York. She met students from Cesar Chavez School in Washington, which works with the Mentor program to give youth a future without violence and drugs. While she was in DC, the Queen enjoyed a personal tour of the Ingrid Bergman exhibition at the House of Sweden and was present at the opening of the general debate of the UN General Assembly in New York. “The United Nations Special Event on Children’s Wellbeing and the Sustainable Development Goals” was hosted by the World Childhood Foundation and Mentor International, with Queen Sylvia presenting a powerful speech and awards of thanks to individuals and groups that have worked toward protecting children’s rights. Mentor is a leading organization in drug prevention. Since the queen founded the foundation in 1994 with the World Health Organization (WHO), Mentor has reached over 2.5 million youth. It is also in the Middle East, South America, UK, Germany and the Baltics, and has completed projects in 70 countries through various field organizations. www.mentorfoundationusa.org. More on the World Childhood Foundation and the recent Thank-You gala dinner in NYC, pages 6, 10.
Dolphins in unfamiliar territory
Residents along Sweden’s southeast coast were treated to a special sight on September 22 when two dolphins were spotted in the Baltic Sea. They appeared off a dock 35 kilometers north of Kalmar, where kayaker Kerstin Möller paddled right next to them. Dolphin sightings are a rare occurrence for Sweden’s Baltic coast though not entirely unheard of. Earlier this month, two bottlenose dolphins were spotted near the port city of Norrtälje, which is unusually far north. The Baltic is a rare place for dolphins because its cold, brackish water tends to makes their skin shrink. Marine biologist Tom Arnbom believes the dolphins followed a school of mackerel along Sweden’s east coast. He fears the dolphins may die if they haven’t made their way back south again before the sea starts to ice over.
The royal newlyweds won’t be homeless
Prince Carl Philip and his bride Princess Sofia were to live in the Djurgården estate bequeathed to Carl Philip by his uncle Prince Bertil. Earlier this spring as they were updating Villa Solbacken, last lived in by his aunt Princess Lillian until she died in 2013, it was discovered that extensive renovation was needed; it would not be ready for occupancy in a long time. So the newlyweds needed another plan. They will move into Drottningens Paviljong, the Queen’s Pavilion on Djurgården. The villa is a few kilometers from Villa Solbacken and part of Rosendals Palace. The interim villa is quite large and luxurious, largely preferred by Queen Sofia of Sweden (spouse of Oscar II with a tenure from 18721907) and Norway when she spent time at Rosendals Palace built in the 1820s for King Karl XIV Johan, the first Bernadotte. Besides Villa Solbacken, Carl Philip has an apartment in Trosa and a farm in Ökenäs. He also owns a home in Värmland which he received upon his baptism.
Nordstjernan, October 15, 2015
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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 August. 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
Hunting and Netiquette We have included an account of my first moose hunt as an adult in this issue. Please remember, whether you support it or not, the fact is for thousands of Swedes—and Americans—one way to enjoy nature is to hunt. Yet, as we will try to show in this issue and next, there are some astonishing cultural differences between Swedish and American hunting traditions. I have to admit that for different reasons I no longer hunt. But hunting is just as natural as the seasons, a primordial human role in the cycle of life. A generation ago, the make-believe targets in pre-electronics arcades were most often animals, not the martial arts masters or virtual monsters that our children today slaughter without remorse and banish into digital oblivion. Carried out in nature, the instinct to move our limbs and stalk our prey, an instinct deeply rooted in humanity, becomes a solemn and serene experience. An experience I try to convey with my story (page 6). Comparing hunting and our different ways of dealing with nature and firearms elicits some clear differences between Sweden and America, however. From my account of my first moose hunt as an adult to the compelling analysis by Wisconsin professor Thomas Heberlein we’ll run in our next issue, we’ll examine the cultural implications
of hunting in Sweden versus America—a way of life that is directly connected to our reverence for the natural.
Proper netiquette
On August 27 social media site Facebook passed an important milestone. For the first time ever, one billion people used Facebook in a single day, according to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. That means 1 in 7 people on earth used Facebook to connect with their friends and family. As for Nordstjernan, we have our share of friends on Facebook and elsewhere in the social media universes. We’re not near a billion yet, but we have over 26,000 Facebook friends—friends that are just as passionate about Sweden and things Swedish as you and we are. Our latest issue, No. 16, featured a story about how Sweden has opened its doors to predominantly Syrian refugees— headline: “One Thousand Refugees a Day.” The reactions to the aforementioned story after it ran online became a bit of a surprise—hard words were flying and we ended up blocking some commentary while some readers even chose to call us to vent frustration or opinions. Please allow me to mention to anyone who was shocked by some comments and didn’t respond: The reactions were limited to 0.003% of those that read the
story online and fewer than that reverted to using expletives. Most people stick to a proper netiquette and remember to be polite—after Ulf Barslund Mårtensson all, anything you Editor & Publisher say online, just as in print will stay forever. (“Netiquette” is slang for “Internet etiquette.”) One thousand refugees per day is, however, a large number for a small country like Sweden and we were pleased to read about Hans Rosling’s creative way of putting even these large numbers into perspective at a recent event in Stockholm (page 12). His presentations make for an easy understanding of often complex issues. Our guest Op-Ed under Viewpoints (page 15) does add another aspect, which should not be forgotten or overlooked; it will not be politically possible for individual nations to solve the present refugee situation. Any long term solution to the present chaotic events that force people away from their homes in so many parts of the world will have to be global in scope.
Hope for a fossil fuel-free future Sweden is poised to become the first fossil-fuel free nation. Sweden already has one of the lowest carbon footprints in Europe, and since the 1990s Sweden has followed a consistent path of green investment and has become a world leader in energy efficiency technologies. According to the ecologist.org, Sweden is one of several small nations that are setting their sights on becoming increasingly powered by non-fossil fuel energy sources, particularly renewables such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power. Costa Rica met the entirety of its national power demand using renewable energy for 75 days straight. Shortly afterward, the U.S. island state of Hawaii passed legislature decreeing that, by 2045, the entire island will be powered by renewable, sustainable energy sources. On a particularly windy July day, Denmark generated 140 percent of the nation’s electricity demand through wind power alone, as reported by theguardian.com. Much of the excess was given to Germany, Norway and Sweden. The Swedish government announced a huge increase in green energy funding
with its 2016 budget, aiming to end its dependence on fossil fuels. Sweden is on track for becoming a nation powered by sustainable, renewable energy sources alone by the next half-century, a remarkable feat. They haven’t yet set a deadline for this ambitious goal, but last year the government identified that Stockholm aims to be powered only by sustainable energy sources by 2050. The Nordic country already gets two-thirds of its electricity from non-fossil fuel energy sources — predominately hydroelectric and nuclear — and now focuses on increasing its solar and wind energy potential as well as making its transport industry more sustainable, according to a September 25 sciencealert.com report. In the meantime, Sweden’s Red-Green coalition prepared an ambitious program designed to make it an example in climate action at COP21 (United Nations Climate Change Conference) in Paris this December. The autumn budget allocated SEK 4.5 billion ($546 million) for 2016 toward infrastructure — funding such things as more solar panels and wind turbines, cleaner public transport and a smarter energy grid and energy storage system — and technol-
ogy and tax reforms aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thus positioning Sweden as a catalyst for global transition. Fifty million kronor annually will be spent on research into electricity storage, and 1 billion will be poured into upgrading residential buildings to make them more energy efficient, according to a report in the Independent. Several nuclear power stations are also scheduled for early closure, according to The Guardian. The plants are aging and unprofitable, but rather than invest in restoration, the plan is to shift to renewable energy. The ultimate aim is as ambitious as it is honorable, says iflscience.com: Sweden hopes to become one of the world’s first nations to end its dependence on fossil fuels. Solar energy, in particular, has seen its budget increase by 800 percent. “Sweden should be a leading force in climate adaptation,” said Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson in her budget announcement. “By setting ambitious goals, Sweden will take a leading role in the international negotiations on a new climate agreement.”
NORDSTJERNAN: Alltid mer att läsa—There’s always more to read! Call 1.800.827.9333 for your own copy.
Swedish News
On November 27, 1895, Swede Alfred Nobel signed his last will and testament, giving the largest share of his fortune to a series of prizes in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace - the Nobel Prizes. The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel was introduced in 1968.
Noble Nobel season
Every year the Nobel Laureates are formally awarded their prizes by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden on December 10 at the Stockholm Concert Hall. The Nobel Prize amount for 2015 is set at Swedish kronor (SEK) 8 million per full Nobel Prize. Three scientists, including one from the U.S., have won the Nobel Prize in Medicine. They have discovered drugs for fighting malaria and other tropical diseases that affect hundreds of millions of people every year. “The discoveries have provided humankind with powerful new means to combat these debilitating diseases that affect hundreds of millions of people annually,” the Nobel committee said. “The consequences in terms of improved human health and reduced suffering are immensurable.” On Oct. 5, the Nobel judges in Stockholm announced the prestigious prize to William Campbell, who was born in Ireland, received his doctorate at University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1957 and became a U.S. citizen in 1962, the first-ever Chinese medicine laureate Tu Youyou, and Satoshi Omura of Japan. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2015 goes to Tomas Lindahl, Paul Modrich and Aziz Sancar for their research into the mechanisms that cells use to repair DNA. Swede Tomas Lindahl, American Paul Modrich, and Aziz Sancar, the first Turkish-born scientist to win a Nobel prize, have mapped and explained how the cell repairs its DNA and safeguards its genetic information. “Their systematic work has made a decisive contribution to the understanding of how the living cell functions, as well as providing knowledge about the molecular causes of several hereditary diseases and about mechanisms behind both cancer development and aging,” the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which awarded the prize, announced. The Nobel Prize in Physics is awarded each year to winners who made the most outstanding contributions for mankind in the field of physics. This year, Takaaki Kajita of Japan and Arthur B. McDonald of Canada have won the Nobel Prize in Physics for their discovery that neutrinos, fundamental subatomic particles which make up the universe, change identities. The discovery has changed the understanding of the innermost workings of matter and can prove crucial to our view of the universe. Kajita and McDonald led two teams which made key observations of the particles inside big underground instruments in Japan and Canada. Göran Hansson, secretary general of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which decides on the award, declared on Oct. 5: “This year’s prize is about changes of identity among some of the most abundant inhabitants of the universe.” The winners in each dicipline will share the 8 million Swedish kronor (about $960,000) award, and each will get a diploma and gold medal at the annual Nobel Prize award ceremony in Stockholm on Dec. 10. The other Nobel prize winners — for literature, economic sciences and the Peace Prize — weren’t yet announced at press time.
The Exchange Rate: $1.00 = SEK 8.23 10.07.2015
October 15, 2015 Nordstjernan
people. page 4
The Childhood ThankYou Award was established to recognize the individuals and organizations that are significantly promoting children’s rights worldwide. This year, IKEA Foundation was selected to receive the Childhood ThankYou Award for its outstanding achievements in supporting vulnerable children and promoting their rights. Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan and Mrs. Marilyn Carlson Nelson received the ThankYou Award for their work on child protection and fight against human trafficking. Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan was awarded in celebration of her work in advocating for children’s rights in Jordan. The Queen of Jordan praised the Swedish Queen for the foundation’s efforts for children of the world: “For thousands of children, your foundation represents the hope of a better life. Not only do you protect the most vulnerable but your support reassures them that in spite of what they’ve endured, there is still kindness in the world.” World Childhood Foundation was founded in 1999 by Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden with the mission to defend children’s rights and promote better living conditions for vulnerable and exploited children all over the world. To date, the foundation has provided $100 million
Photography: Catarina Lundgren Åström
Two individuals representing a nation and a corporation, along with the IKEA Foundation, had been selected to receive the Childhood ThankYou Award for their work on child protection and fight against human trafficking.
The 2015 ThankYou Gala
Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden with Mrs. Jeannette Nyiramongi Kagame, First Lady of Rwanda, left, and Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, right.
Actress with a Swedish connection, Uma Thurman whose mother grew up in Sweden. Left: Efva Attling surrounded by friends, Seth and Marie Bernstein
Swedish Ambassador Björn Lyrvall with wife Madeleine.
Ms. Barbro Ehnbom and Lloyd Mayor Left: Mrs. Monika Heimbold and Mrs. Lena kaplan
in support to over 600 projects in more than 20 countries. With offices in Sweden, Brazil, Germany and the United States, Childhood focuses on assisting children who are at risk of or are victims of abuse. The vision is to help create a world where every child is protected from all forms of violence, has the opportunity to realize their development potential and can grow up with memories of a safe and loving childhood. In recent years, Childhood launched the ThankYou Campaign, a global initiative with the goal of building greater awareness surrounding the issue of abuse and exploitation of children. Under the guidance of Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine of Sweden, the ThankYou platform allows anyone to recognize and thank the individuals who helped them have a happy childhood, and inspires others to be there for a child in need today. For more information visit www.childhoodusa.org and www.thankyou.org
Nordstjernan, October 30, 2009
About the Awardees
The IKEA Foundation (Stichting IKEA Foundation) is the philanthropic arm of INGKA Foundation, the owner of the IKEA Group of companies. www.ikeafoundation.org Marilyn Carlson Nelson and Barbara Carlson Gage share ownership of Carlson Inc., a global travel and hospitality company that Nelson formerly lead, as chairman and CEO. She was only the second chairman of the company, preceded by her father, the founder, Curtis L. Carlson, and succeeded in late 2012 by her daughter, Diana L. Nelson. H.R.H. Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was born in Kuwait to Palestinian parents. Queen Rania was educated at the American University in Cairo and worked for Citibank and Apple prior to her marriage to the son of King Hussein of Jordan, the present King Abdullah of Jordan. Since her marriage, Queen Rania has used her position to advocate for various sectors of society in Jordan
One of the evening’s honorees, Mrs. Marilyn Carlson Nelson.
Angelina Jolin and Christina Mack.
Renee and Lars Arne Lundholm
and beyond. In tune with modern times, the queen uses several online social networking tools to communicate with huge followers around the world. Representing a 21st century view, the Queen has publicly stated she is not opposed to women choosing to wear the traditional Islamic veil hijab as long as it’s not compulsory: “Modern Islamic women should be entitled to wear any veil of their own individual choice but not be ‘pressured’ by a traditionalist interpretation of Islamic law in society.”
feature. page 5
Swedish record at Toronto Film Festival North America’s most important film festival showed a smorgasbord of splendid films from all around the world.
Göran Rygert goran.rygert@nordstjernan.com
Toronto’s movie loving audience gets a yearly dose of treats in the beginning of the fall. And not only did Swedish films break a record during the 10-day event, but the country’s brightest actor also stepped up as one of the frontrunners for an Oscar. Alicia Vikander’s time is now. In recent years the 27-year-old actress has made an extraordinary impression with her mixture of dynamism and sensuality in films like “Anna Karenina” (2012) and “The Royal Affair” (2012). But in 2015 she is rising fast and taking the A-list by storm. She has no fewer than eight films with meaty roles, like “The Man from U.N.C.L.E and “Ex Machina,” which are both released this year. And she voices one of the most talked about documentaries: “Ingrid Bergman - in her own words” (“Jag är Ingrid”). In Toronto she was the talk of the town for her role in the anticipated British film “The Danish Girl” by Tom Hooper (The Kings Speech). She plays the wife of the transgender pioneer (played by Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne) and demonstrates an astonishing range of emotional depth and provocative strength, mixed with grace and receptivity — her Oscar odds look pretty solid. Even more fascinating, but not gaining as much attention as Vikander, were the Swedish-made feature films in Toronto. All four, a record number at the festival, had a coming-of-age theme at the core. In Alexandra-Therese Keining’s innovative fairytale “Girls Lost” (“Pojkarna”) the focus lies on three Swedish girls, gender identity and sexual awakening, with a supernatural twist. In Magnus von Horn’s excellent debut feature “The Here After” (“Efterskalv”), previously screened at Cannes, a teenage boy (pop singer Ulrik Munther) returns home to an environment that finds it hard to forgive after serving a prison sentence. This insanely dense and controlled drama unfolds a thoughtful psychological portrait that shakes the inner core
Above: Rebecka Josephson in “My Skinny Sister” - courtesy of WIDE. Right: Blanca Engström in Granny’s Dancing on a Table” Photo: Joakim Eriksson/courtesy of Nordic Factory Sweden
and interrogates the essence of quilt. Another powerful and surprisingly attention-grabbing film, but with a less accessible narration, was the ironically named “Granny’s Dancing on a Table” by Hanna Sköld. Here we follow a 13-year-old girl (Blanca Engström) who grows up with her violent father, isolated from society. The brutality she endures threatens her. Yet, through an unshakable fantasy depicted with dolls, she is able to create a world within, from which she draws the strength to survive. The last Swedish film at the festival, which took home the audience award at Göteborg International Film Festival and the Crystal Bear in Berlin, was Sanna Lenken’s debut feature “My Skinny Sister” (“Min lilla syster”). Here the perspective comes from the tubby girl Stella, superbly acted by Rebecca Josephson, the granddaughter of legendary Ingmar Bergman actor Erland Josephson.
REVIEW: My Skinny Sister This year there were so many — eight — excellent movies coming out of Sweden that the Milwaukee Film Festival curated them into a deserving collection called “Passport: Sweden.” The films are a mix of documentaries and fiction, showcasing some of the best contemporary filmmaking in and about Sweden. After seeing several of them, “My Skinny Sister” moves to the top of my list of favorites.
It was easy to understand why “My Skinny Sister” drew such a large crowd at the Milwaukee Film Festival screening I attended with my teenage daughter last night. This film, even from my novice movie-reviewer’s perspective, was especially deserving of all the compelling reviews and awards it’s re-
ceived in its home country and at various film festivals in the U.S. and around the world. “Min lilla syster” (“My Skinny Sister”), Swedish director Sanna Lenken’s debut, is told through the eyes of Stella (Rebecka Josephson), on the brink of adolescence. Through stunning cinematography, we follow chubby Stella as she observes and idolizes her pretty, thin older sister Katja (Amy Deasismont). Stella tries to do everything her sister does, and in doing so discovers that Katja has a dark secret. Stella now bears the burden of knowing her sister’s secret. And while she is otherwise trying to be her true self with her friends and collecting little black beetles, whose armor covers them like masks, she realizes her sister’s purging and excessive exercising is far worse than it seems. The love, humor, conflict and concern in the sisters’ relationship, and within the fam-
The complex little girl, who is on the tip of adolescence, idolizes her older sister: a good-looking ice-skater (Amy Diamond) who suffers from an eating disorder. With nuance, charm and unusually strong performances this touching film delivers an authentic light on a significant subject. Beautiful yet poignant “My Skinny Sister” deserves to be seen by a large audience, not only by Swedes and highly enthusiastic Canadians at Toronto International Film Festival. By Niclas Goldberg
ily as a whole, is very real and relatable. As the story develops, these young actors — so carefully chosen for their chemistry together and their abilities to act with both depth and childlike innocence — tell this story with an incredible authenticity. As sometimes happens in screenings of foreign films, I wondered if the quiet but obviously engrossed American audience was missing some Swedish humor. As a 100% Swedish American I laughed a little more often than most people around me, but I’m pretty sure that even though “My Skinny Sister” definitely has delightful comedic relief now and then — and the sisters’ laughter was genuine and contagious — this was a melodrama by American standards. But the subtitles were easy to read, and it really was an uplifting film about a heavy topic rarely portrayed on screen. On the way home, my daughter and I
reviewed some details with each other, noting that one of the quietest messages of the film was that deep relationships will reveal themselves in the most difficult times. A nice thing for a mother of a teen to hear. By Amanda Robison For more info, see http://minlillasyster. tumblr.com/engsida
October 15, 2015 Nordstjernan
feature. page 6
Hunting: Sweden’s Living Heritage ing in the winter and assembling by open fires in springtime to plan the upcoming year’s work. My re-introduction to my father’s fellow hunters was awkward; most remembered me as a boy. My first meeting with these seasoned elders was an eerie encounter haunted by memories. Suddenly, although an adult, I was demoted in rank back to those youthful years when I merely helped with the dogs or cleaned weapons. These veterans all understood the forest and hunting grounds much better than I did. They knew the animals’ movements and migration patterns, which to shoot, which to ignore and how to keep a balanced stock of each species. These hunters also had unique words, conversations, ways of communicating. I was an outsider, even though these were ‘my own’ hunting grounds, and I was obliged to undergo yet another set of tests in order to become fully accepted as a member of the hunting team. A year had passed since then and now, fully initiated, I returned to hunt my first moose. When I first heard the noise, I was startled by the tumult that accompanied the creature. It ploughed through the forest to my right and headed into a clearing before cultivated rows of farmland. One thousand pounds of beast blasted through the woods, and I expected to see an elephant. No, it was not actually beautiful, but with amazing majesty the animal walked out into the open. My heart pounded so loudly that I thought the moose would hear it beating and bolt. This was where I belonged, under the open skies, in direct contact with nature, on par with the rest of the creatures, from the tiny, feathered birds chirping in the morning sun to this powerful, living statue of nature that stood right in front of me.” What follows is my account of my first moose hunt as an adult. I have to admit that for different reasons I myself no longer hunt. Please remember, whether you support it or not, the fact is for thousands of Swedes—and Americans—one way to enjoy nature is to hunt. For a brief look at the differences between hunting in the U.S. and Sweden, see Professor Thomas A. Heberlein’s The Gun, the dog and the Thermos in our next issue. “Quiet woods, pitch dark, mid-October before sunrise, five o’clock in the morning, five degrees below zero Celsius, the moss crunches with each step and the earth sucks onto the soles of my knee-high boots. Guarded whispers, thrifty words preserve the precious silence in which all know what to do. Prodding forward, I gently push the brush aside. A branch scratches my Goretex trousers. A moose could hear that. A curtain of silence suddenly falls. Rigid, noiseless, breathing slowly while my senses flare within me to detect the slightest sensation, I attempt to emulate this muteness. The night fog lifts as I step deliberately across the bog. Leaves rustle from the cautious scurrying of an anonymous little creature that crosses my path, as I move towards the appointed watchtower that sets on the skirts of the woods and overlooks a patch of cultivated land.
Nordstjernan, October 15, 2015
Two days earlier, I walked this same route to clear dry branches and bushes from the path so I could descend quietly on this, the first day of open moose hunting season. I have reached the final stretch, a 50-meter downhill hike through thick forest. As first light strikes high in the eastern sky, the black grouse start serenading and bucks bark blindly in the dawn to impress their audience of eager does. Nature is so crisp and clean, a serene experience. Never have I felt so close to it and to myself. I inherited guns and the hunting grounds from my father, who passed away at an all too young age. In a mixture of real interest and the feeling of a connection to my father and this forest and these grounds, I was finally here. I had gone through the eight weeks of intense theoretical and practical training to become licensed to use weapons as a hunter, and I was now about to encounter my first big game. Growing up in a hunting family in a small town in the central Sweden means a lot of time spent in the forest: hiking and cycling in the summer, preparing for the autumn hunting season, sowing seed so that wildlife could survive a harsh winter, building watchtowers, draining ditches, collecting berries and mushrooms, ski-
Many Swedes yearn to step into the scenario of my true story: over 300,000 are licensed hunters, and their prey includes a bevy of game birds, beavers, boars, deer, foxes and, the greatest of Sweden’s wildlife trophies, moose.
Four-legged hunters
However, the green-clad, upright-walking creature with the smoking metal pole is not the only hunter in the Swedish forests. Sharing the food supply and maintaining nature’s balance are four major predators: brown bears, lynx, wolves and wolverines. All have been listed as more or less endangered species in Europe, and in Sweden, diligent preservation efforts by hunting and wildlife groups have helped maintain steady and growing numbers of these animals. The accomplishment has been controversial, however, particularly with farmers and with Sweden’s aboriginal Sami people (known commonly outside Sweden as Lapps), whose reindeer herds represent easy prey for predators. Government programs compensate both groups for many of their losses. The reappearance of bears, wolverines and wolves on the outskirts of remote settlements throughout Scandinavia has also led to concern from small farmers and village residents. Close to 500 wolves are estimated to be left in Scandinavia, and six family groups have
The story of my first moose hunt as an adult. been traced in the regions of Leksand, Hagfors, Filipstad and Dalsland-Halden as well as Årjäng-Kongsvinger. Wolves have been hunted or chased away from civilization in recent years. In addition, Norwegians report that new packs of wolves are being formed following mating of the wild animals with runaway German Shepherds, and experts express concerns regarding these new and unpredictable hybrid races. The lynx, also nearly extinct, is slowly regaining its numbers. At the same time, this feline predator, despite its relatively small size compared to mountain lions of North America, is encroaching on reindeer and domestic stock. Bo Toresson, chairman of the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management (Svenska Jägareförbundet), has supported measures to control the lynx population by professional hunters.
Wolverines and friendly bears
The Sami are also calling for control of the growing wolverine population, which these traditionally nomadic herders blame for loss of reindeer. On the other hand, far from the spiritual and natural attitudes of native North American tribes, the much modernized Sami (snowmobile-riding hunters and herders who have obtained measurable political clout) display little reverence for any flora or fauna that impede the unlimited expansion of their vast reindeer holdings. The wolverine’s name in Swedish (järv) has been translated to for instance German as Vielfrass, which means “glutton,” but recent documentary film footage indicates that the animal is neither as vicious nor aggressive toward humans as its reputation suggests. But research remains to be done about population densities and natural habits so that the elusive and wide-ranging wolverine, seldom encountered by hunters, can be properly maintained as an important predator in the wilderness. One of the friendliest of the bear species, the Scandinavian brown bear was reduced to only about 100 animals in Sweden by early in the 20th century. Naturally an omnivore, Swedish brown bears find farm animals and reindeer to be easy prey. But only seven attacks of bears during the last century caused injuries to people, and the last recorded fatality following a bear attack was in 1902. Today, assisted by closely related bear species from neighboring countries, the population has increased to around 3,000, and some carefully controlled hunting of around 250 bears per year is licensed to professionals. The indigenous Swedish beaver vanished into extinction 200 years ago. Restocking during the last century has resulted in an estimated current population of some 100,000, of which about 5,000 are killed annually. Beavers, like many other wild animals, are partially or completely protected against hunting in some provinces. Deer are abundant throughout Sweden, although annual takes have fallen to around 200,000, with another some 30,000 perishing Continues on next page
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in traffic accidents. Predominant game birds include Canadian geese, cormorants, European woodcocks, greylag geese, hazel hens, mallards, partridges, pheasants, ptarmigan, ravens, willow grouse and wood pigeons. Although alpine hares, boars, minks, muskrats, otters, pine martins and red foxes are among the plentiful assortment of other Swedish fauna, the quest for glory in Swedish hunting circles centers on but one magnificent challenge: the moose.
Alces alces, the Swedish moose
The moose hunt is front-page news each autumn in Sweden, and over a quarter-million camouflaged Swedes—over 80 percent of all hunters in Sweden—along with their invited guests from abroad migrate to the forests when the season starts. (Notably, about five percent of Swedish hunters are women, and nearly all of them participate in moose teams.) The timetables of this system have been fine-tuned in recent years to enable local groups to control their moose populations by visually counting and observing individual animals. During the season, moose can be hunted from one hour before sunrise until sunset. Moose hunting in southern and central Sweden starts at the beginning of October and continues for about two months. In northern Sweden, the season for moose starts at the beginning of September and is divided into two parts, with a break during the rutting season toward the end of September and beginning of October. In the smallest hunting areas, moose hunting is allowed for only a few days. Moose is tasty—similar in consistency to beef, it tastes even more akin to buffalo, without the gamy taste of venison (and not even vaguely reminiscent of chicken). In addition to private cooperative cold storage places used by hunters, moose can be found on restaurant menus or packaged in some grocery stores’ frozen food compartments in Sweden. (Reindeer and venison can also be found; in some places, these are sold in slices for sandwiches in the deli section). About half of the body weight of a moose becomes meat after processing. Approximately 100,000 animals are shot each year (the 1982 high was 175,000), a value of $90 million (SEK 600 million) in meat alone. Hunting moose is turning into a lucrative tourist business, too. To be part of a hunting group compares in price to a luxury vacation week—actually bagging a moose is accompanied by further expenses, and a coming home with a mounted trophy is a sizable investment. Estimates calculate that this fall’s annual take, which is down from last year, will still leave up to 300,000 moose romping around after the hunting season ends. And with reproduction rates of 40 percent to 70 percent, it is clear that moose do much more than munch on moss during long nights in the Swedish woods. Nevertheless, there is marked lack of truly elderly moose in Sweden, according to Bo
Lindevall, information chief of the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management. A moose reaches maturity between four to five years of age and is somewhat aging at ten to 12. By the age of 20, a moose is nearing the end of his days, because his teeth have worn down so much that the animal cannot chew the twigs and other tough to digest food it needs in order to survive the coldest winter.
late September is to masquerade in a moose costume and go running through the woods.
200,000 wildlife watchdogs
Sweden is one of the few countries in the world where hunting is organized on a voluntary basis by hunters’ groups and private associations. These groups can in no way be compared to gun owners’ associations, and their purposes reach far more widely than lodges or clubs. Besides influencing public opinion in favor of hunting, Threat to human lives their members, through their national organizaA moose is a 1,500-pound hunk of critter tion, conduct courses and tests to teach safety that, running at a breakneck speed without and respect for animals. These visible efforts regard for delicate objects in its path, can pose conserve the natural environment and, through perilous threats to anything or anyone that statutes that require issuance of licenses and gets in its way. Although culinary vegetar- guns registration, inhibit the uncontrolled spread ians, they take up to 20 of firearms. human lives each year ...whether you support it or not, the Setting the hunting by being involved in fact is for thousands of Swedes— seasons and quotas traffic accidents; these and Americans—one way to enjoy for animals in specific also leave a hundred regions, research and nature is to hunt. or so people seriously administration fall uninjured. der the umbrella of the Even a minor impact with one of these Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife dense creatures will crunch a car fender. At Management, established in 1830. Using dea rate of around 5,000 collisions annually, tailed reports from hunting teams, the associamany Volvos parked in driveways throughout tion assembles overviews of moose densities Sweden provide crumpled evidence of the and population changes within small areas animal’s inability to use crosswalks. The throughout Sweden. moose also creates considerable damage to Two-thirds of Sweden’s 310,000 hunters planted forest areas and agricultural crops. belong to the association. It distributes informaAt this point, considering all the regula- tion in the form of a Swedish-language monthly tions, restrictions and serious considerations magazine, newsletter and Internet web site involved in moose hunting in Sweden, one (www.jagareforbundet.se, with an abbreviated might believe that any enjoyment, sense of but valuable English-language section). humor or fun has been drained from the sport. In Sweden, where you can hunt is essentially But it’s quite the opposite. In many parts of regulated by law. Landowners retain the huntSweden, this is vacation time. Offices and ing rights on their land, which they can lease firms are simply vacated, and unless you’re out in whole or in part. Many hunters are also lucky enough to have their cell phone num- landowners, but more than half lease shooting ber, it’s even hard to locate public officials rights or belong to cooperative associations. when moose hunting season is underway. Because almost all hunting land is already Swedes think the moose itself a laugh- accounted for, there are few opportunities to able creature, and daily newspapers carry lease shooting rights in Sweden. However, many the “Helge” comic strip in which a cartoon foreign hunters are invited to enjoy “exchange moose ceaselessly bumbles from equally hunting” in Sweden, and another increasingly amusing hunters. In Sweden, where few popular option is to go as a paying guest. crimes involve firearms, the joke goes that About half the land in Sweden is owned by the only sure-fire way to get yourself shot in the state or large companies, particularly in
the northern and central regions. Most of the hunting rights there are leased to individuals or hunting associations. Where the available land is scarce, owners often pool their rights to make larger hunting areas; this is particularly important for moose hunting to ensure conservation of the stock. Many landowners and hunting hosts also require moose hunters to have passed an official test. Foreign hunters who want to go hunting for moose in Sweden should arrange through their host to visit a moose hunting training range before the hunt. Both the hunting permits and insurance can be arranged through the Swedish host. Only rifles can be used for certain game, including moose, red deer, beavers and bears, and there are special ammunition restrictions that also apply to hunting fallow deer and wild boar. Since 1985, all newcomers to hunting are obliged a theoretical and practical examination as a condition for possessing firearms. Foreign guests can loan firearms from a Swedish hunter if the owner of the weapon stays directly nearby. International hunters planning to take their own firearms on a hunting trip to Sweden are best advised to request their host to make an application on their behalf at least one month in advance.
Ethics preserve hunting
Laws, safety regulations, rules of common sense and ethically moral procedures are drilled into the minds of all Swedish hunters, and the public is also kept alerted to avoid accidents. Responsible hunting entails more than merely wearing brightly colored clothing. Precautions for the safety of fellow hunters as well as others in the vicinity include training, planning, communications, weapons handling, public notices and warnings and group awareness procedures. Another aspect is the welfare of the animals themselves, and this requires updated and thorough knowledge of each individual species. Replenishment is assured by hunting from groups, flocks or herds rather than eliminating individual animals, and pairs in mating ages are passed over for younger, more plentiful specimens. With unbending rigidity, seasonal quotas are strictly kept. To keep a natural balance, the rights of other predators are respected, and a hunting expedition never takes on the character of a gun-blasting massacre of everything bearing feathers or fur. The entire nation reacts with shock when reports of poaching, illegal hunting or mindless slaughter come to the attention of the press, as well as the police, and culprits are relentlessly pursued and brought to justice. In one way or another, laws regulate most aspects of hunting, while on the other hand, the fraternity of hunters in unison with an educated and concerned public make hunting in Sweden a safe sport and preserve natural resources for future generations. Ulf Barslund Martensson Next issue: The gun, the Dog and the
Thermos; Freedom and the Wild West
October 15, 2015 Nordstjernan
The Pacific states. page 8
SAS transforms into a competitive leader duced each of the SAS team to applause and invited Roald to share the story of the success of SAS with SACC members. He first came here three years ago to inaugurate the new SAS flight from Scandinavia to San Francisco. Since then SAS has transported 350,000 people on this route, making this its most successful route. Now he came to thank everyone for helping the company by significantly contributing to the company’s dramatic turnaround. SAS has become competitive, and it is strategically investigating how to become dominant tomorrow. Their total longhaul traffic to Scandinavia has more than doubled in just 10 years. Today they are focused on young and modern frequent travelers.
Ted Olsson, San Francisco ted@nordstjernan.com
SAS flew into town to celebrate its turnaround at its most travelled route, between San Francisco and Scandinavia. The Scandinavian Airlines team came from Seattle and were bound for Los Angeles after visiting entrepreneurs at the Nordic Innovation House in Silicon Valley. That Monday they were feted at a beautiful dinner hosted by Swedish Consul General Barbro Osher at her penthouse, with some four dozen guests representing various constituencies. The evening was as delightful as the food was delicious. The guests of honor were Eivind Roald, SAS Executive VP and COO, Max Knagge, SAS General Manager for the Americas, and Joy Skaardal, SAS’s new representative for California. Roald spoke briefly about SAS’s dramatic turnaround in profitability and specifically about its inauguration that night, September 21, 2015, of its new longhaul Airbus A330-300 Enhanced route from Copenhagen to Chicago. This, the Nordic airline’s 13th and newest long-haul aircraft, named Tore Viking, is the first of four new A330-300 Enhanced models that will be added to the SAS fleet over the next six months and 2016. In 2018, SAS will receive the first of the new Airbus A350-900 models, which will enable SAS to improve service to customers and fly longer distances with lower fuel consumption. This intercontinental offering with new aircraft is but one of the new routes to destinations with high demand. Coming to SAS from Hewlett-Packard in 2012, Roald revealed in November of that year the company was within hours of dissolution. From 2003 to 2013, SAS had experienced a disastrous decline, including a period in 2012 when they had lost more than one billion SEK in three months. Now, barely three years later, they have totally
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Eivind Roald, SAS EVP & CCO. Photo:Ted Olsson
transformed Scandinavian Airlines and are celebrating the newly profitable and vigorous company, which has flourished on a completely revised strategy with dramatically increased traffic results.
SACC-SF/SV presentation
On Tuesday, September 22, the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce (SACC) hosted the SAS team at a breakfast meeting – with thanks to the hospitality of Lars Johansson -- at the Embarcadero Center. SACC-SF/SV Chairwoman Helena Kristersson thanked Johansson, introduced the latest class of SACC interns and thanked SAS for supporting the chamber in its annual contribution of tickets to the Lucia Luncheon silent auction. Kristersson intro-
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The new SAS
Their strategy has focused upon the great number of Scandinavians in North America, many of whom travel to their ancestral homeland or continually commute for bilateral trade with Scandinavia. SAS has discovered the U.S. is still underserved by traffic between both areas; so, they have created many new destinations and will be expanding their service to new American destinations. They have been increasing the number of routes each year since 2010 and continue to bring new services. There is much demand among Scandinavians for international trade, and a couple weeks ago SAS inaugurated their direct route to Hong Kong, now with flights five times every week. The Copenhagen-Chicago route opened up the American midwest and in March 2016 they will inaugurate their Stockholm-Los Angeles route. Soon will come a Miami route, alternately from Oslo and Copenhagen. SAS must quickly adapt to changing times. With a decline in oil customers, they had to eliminate the Stavanger-Houston route. But an additional evening departure which allows clients to spend an extra day in Copenhagen or New York, will be operated by PrivatAir with a reconfigured Boeing 737 that most recently flew the Stavanger-Houston route. Tickets went on sale September 16. And, starting in late October, SAS will fly twice daily between New York and Copenhagen, enhancing its service for frequent fliers with more than
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60,000 seats (an increase of 25 percent) on the Copenhagen-New York route in 2016. They will be shifting all these long-haul flights to newly purchased AirBus AB330 planes and later the AB350. All this is part of their strategy to upgrade their entire fleet and more specifically to optimize those flights with the best of several planes in the fleet. These new planes are not merely more efficient and economical, but they also have totally new cabins. With these new routes they will have increased their flights by more than 400,000 new seats; that’s the largest expansion in SAS’s 44-year history.
The SAS transformation
New leadership turned the company around with these strategies and investments and by changing pensions and reducing salaries. No one has witnessed a turnaround as fast as theirs, but they are confident they can continue to increase their success and profitability: For three years in a row they have returned to profitability; this July they recorded their most profitable (almost SEK 1 billion) year. SAS’s commercial strategy is based upon a bold – and now proven – vision of a membership program, investments in planes and technologies, enhanced service and a desire to reward loyal customers, and even new and infrequent customers. As another demonstration of solving customers’ concerns, in 2014 they became the second most punctual global airline. To accommodate their customers, when necessary, they even buy seats on other international airlines of similar rank. They are focused on adding more than 50 routes, primarily from other regional hubs, not just Copenhagen. However, Roald pointed out that whereas the three Scandinavian countries amount to about 15-20 million people, other EU countries have larger populations. This behoves them to have routes to many of these important destinations, too. They are also focused on corporate customers, the frequent fliers: They live by flight, their businesses thrive on flying and often travel from secondary hubs. On short hauls, most European corporations forbid their employees to fly Business Class, but SAS has been upgrading their other classes for these frequent fliers. To further enhance their enjoyment and to reduce hassles for these frequent travelers, SAS is now investing a lot in Customer Products and Customer Service to improve service. This means increasing digitization to personalize service for each of these customers, analyzing procedures to fast-track people both in-flight and at the airport, increasing automation to speed up boarding and deboarding, and improving lounge offerings. Now customers can download SAS’s new app; more than 2 million have done so already. It provides all SAS customers with their flying history since 2003. This same history allows the company to individualize the customer’s experience, rather like an online news or music subscription can personalize media for the customer or recommend new items likely to be appreciated. The company’s research even uncovered that the top searches
The Pacific states. page 9
related to food, music and now travel. This also indicates a new focus on young customers, while still caring for longtime, older customers.
SAS: The membership airline
Strategic pillars for the future Statistics and information as they relate to SAS’s strategic pillars for the future of SAS –- digitization, service excellence, brand experience and loyalty platform.
Customer-focus
When Eivind joined SAS in 2012, the company was not really customer focused, it tried to do and be everything for everyone. There are about 20 million people in Scandinavia, five million of these fly at least twice a year. Another 2.2 million Scandinavians fly more than five times a year, but these contribute the great majority of SAS’s 1 billion SEK profits. So, now SAS is focusing upon earning the membership and loyalty of these people. To learn how to satisfy these clients, they interviewed more than 6,000 people. By studying such companies as Apple, they learned how to become more profitable
Respected history While central Europe smoldered and guns still blazed in the PAcific during WWII, a private Swedish airline, SILA(Svensk Interkontinental Lufttrafik AB) in defiance of Hitler, optained ten “grounded” B-17s (the “Flying Fortresses”) from
based upon offerings by class and comfort, not by price. Currently they have about 140 aircraft. A majority of these are used in short-haul flights. Now SAS is investing both in new airplanes and in airport facilities. By noting the high-end cars parked at their airports, they believe that such owners are willing to pay more for those airlines that offer more personalized services.
Most profitable routes
They have studied their customers: 35 percent of flights are sold in the U.S.; the rest in Europe. SAS gets better business from corporations than Ryan Air or Norwegian Air. They have studied these and their major competitors (Lufthansa, KLM, and British Airways). All these other companies are reducing their number of routes from Scandinavia. Scandinavians are loyal to SAS Uncle Sam at a cost of one dollar apiece. On June 17, 1945, only weeks after the Third Reich was obliterated, SILA’s “Jim,” one of the former Fortresses, with seats replacing its guns (SAAB in Linköping even placed seating over the bomb bay doors!), flew the first post-war civilian flight to the U.S. from Stockholm to New York. Another first was seven years later, on Nov. 19, 1952, as Captain Poul Jensen flew a newly
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and to a lesser degree to Norwegian Air. All airlines must continually adapt to become nimble because conditions and popular trends change so quickly.
Constant Analysis
SAS Labs are continually studying their customers’ choices, identifying new parameters and experimenting with new personalized services, such as testing a lot of digital recognition and appreciation services. Another aspect of such study is that now they are partnering more with startups to serve their loyal customers rather than hiring new employees to create all such services internally. Their goal is rather like the introduction of new trends: As you see others receiving more and more benefits of membership, you will question why you aren’t a member yet. And this will allow SAS to continually increase the benefits to their loyal members. delivered DC-6B “Arild Viking” on a polar test route with 24 prominent passengers, among them Marcus Wallenberg from Los Angeles to Copenhagen. After another 18 months of permits and preparations, the first polar route was inaugurated when “Helge Viking” took off from Copenhagen to Los Angeles on Nov. 15, 1954. At the same time “Leif Viking” left Los Angeles and headed toward Copenhagen. As crowds cheered the Leif Viking upon arrival in Copenhagen, Los Angeles Mayior Norris Poulsen waived and “L.A. City Limits” sign as the Helge Viking touched ground.
SAS’s goal is to become a membership airline with a target of five million EuroBonus members. They intend to implement this vision by creating a more attractive bonus program and then establishing an “eco system” for these members. All the amenities of the new SAS emphasize the comfort of the customer. Some have even said that SAS’s business class matches Lufthansas’s first class. SAS has partnered with the Swedish company Hästens, famous for sleeping products, to prioritize sleep for customers. Like other airlines serving Scandinavia, all SAS airplanes will have WiFi, and they are serving Scandinavian food, so that, like other national airlines, one feels welcomed to Scandinavia. While investing in planes and services, another major field for investment is a wide range of personalized technologies. One example is wearable technology. They have developed a new SAS ring, to be worn only while traveling -- a mere swipe of the hand at various monitors in the airport speeds a customer along. Working toward their goal of digitization, they studied other industry leaders, such as Apple, the most profitable company in the world. SAS is among the first companies to create an app for the Apple Watch, which can identify one’s personal bag tag. By this November one can even buy groceries in flight on the way home to Scandinavia, and have them delivered before arrival. In other words, they are taking the responsibility for making easier the life of their frequent travelers. Similarly, SAS is enhancing all their lounges with technology. Like a valet, this focus on digitization allows them to know a client’s preferences and location; therefore, they can anticipate what services to have ready whenever a client is at their airport, whether it’s a personalized beverage or preferred reading materials. Since they have the potential to know you so well — and how long it takes you to commute to the airport according to current conditions — maybe someday they’ll even offer you a wake-up alarm and summon Uber for your ride, with your preferred demitasse of coffee awaiting you in their lounge before you board. SAS is once again a leading entrepreneurial and transformative company, one that all Scandinavian-Americans can be proud of.
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New York, NY
The design for the 2015 Childhood ThankYou Award was created by the Stockholm and New York based designer and silversmith Efva Attling. Above are the renowned and multitalented Attling’s own photography of the process; from drawing board for the Childhood flower, to an intimate image of H.R.H. Queen Silvia of Sweden wearing a final version of the award on her recent visit to New York City. Efva Attling’s thoughtful, sometimes provoking designs can be found at concept stores in Scandinavia, at the concept store on Little West 12th Street in Manhattan and at several retailers in the U.S. For mroe info, see www.efvaattling.com. Photographs: Efva Attling
SACC FLorida Swede of the Year, Per Olof (“Pelle”) Lööf, left, with Kerstin “Kickan” Williams and Temple Emmet Williams at the Grand Bay Club in Key Biscayne. We’re happy to see Temple at the occasion—his long bout with illness was publicized in the award-winning medical memoir “Warrior Patient,” a book that has given hope to countless others. The book follows the three-year journey of the journalist, editor and author through a series of life-threatening medical events. Most of the health problems result from the system designed to prevent them. The author will receive the 2015 Gold Medal in the Non-Fiction/Health/Medical Category at the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards during the Miami Book Fair in late November. From our earlier review: Warrior Patient is the partly scary – and educational! – story of one patient; part biography and part love story. Everyone should read it to prepare or understand our medical system. Do it before you need the common sense it brings. Highly recommended; www.warriorpatient.com, www.miamibookfair.com More on the Florida Swede of the Year, page 13. Style
what to expect coming up in Our next issue
How to make your kids safer with IKEA furniture? / The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has ordered a recall of 27 million IKEA chests and dressers triggering the firm’s widespread “Secure It” campaign. The Gun, the Dog and the Thermos and Freedom and the Wild West / Why a Swedish hunter would find the American deer hunt utterly foreign.
A Swede takes over at Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is handing his CEO title to a Swede. The fashion and home decor empire that Lauren founded nearly 50 years ago will be led by Stefan Larsson, effective this November. The New York-based company announced that Stefan Larsson, a Swede who studied at the Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration and Jönköping International Business School in Sweden, currently the global head of Old Navy as CEO. Not surprisingly Larsson was previously part of the executive team at Swedish fashion giant
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H&M where he was a part of the team responsible for growing H&M, with revenues increasing from about $3 billion to about $17 billion and operations expanding from 12 to 44 countries.“Stefan Larsson is exceptionally talented, and he will bring our company a fresh and exciting global perspective,” said Lauren, who will continue to drive the company’s vision and strategy as executive chairman and chief creative of- Stefan Larsson ficer.
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Photo: Old Navy
Photography: Efva Attling
Key Biscayne, FL
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Los Angeles, CA
Table set at Olsons in LA. The store on 5660 West Pico Boulevard has turned into a smörgåsbord for the local finicky Scandinavians; the proprietor and chef Chrsitian Kneedler and staff offers a range of homemade Scandinavian delicacies at the store and for catering events—meatballs, salmon, shrimp skagen and a large variety of open faced sandwiches. Photo: Linnea Bergh, Christian and Felicia Wennström at a Recipe.TV recording of Taste of... Scandinavia. www.olsonsdeli.com Icons
Henning Mankell, a Swedish legend
The father of modern Nordic noir, renowned Swedish crime writer, children’s author and dramatist Henning Mankell has died. “Henning Mankell was one of the great Swedish writers, loved by readers here at home and around the world,” said his publishers. His books about Wallander, the detective in the southern Swedish town of Ystad, have been turned into television series in Swedish as well as English. Mankell also wrote numerous plays and children’s books, and in 1996 he was awarded the Astrid Lindgren Prize for excellence in children’s writing. In recent years, Mankell divided his time
New York, NY
New York based Cecilia Lotse’s watercolors are showing at the 5 East 48th Street church in October. The Swedish native moved to the U.S. in 1966. After a long and distinguished career at the UN, primarily with UNICEF, Lotse started painting. www.svenskakyrkan.se/newyork
between Sweden and Africa, active in critical social issues in Africa and directing at various theaters. He was the artistic director of a theater in Maputo, Mozambique. He founded Leopard Publishing House, where his later books were published, in 2001 with his colleague and friend of 40 years, Dan Israel. Israel said on Monday that Sweden had
Göteborg, Sweden
Henning Mankell, one of Sweden’s most famous crime writers, has died. Mankell was born in Stockholm in 1948. In his lifetime he wrote some 40 novels and plays, including a dozen books with fictional detective Kurt Wallander, translated into 40 languages and sold around the world. After an 18-month battle with cancer the author died at age 67 on Oct. 5, 2015.
lost “one of its greatest Swedish authors” of all time. “(Mankell’s) work was so infinitely greater than just being a crime writer,” he said. “He wrote plays, debate books, everything. He was always driven by the same burning passion to give people the tools to understand,
first and foremost, their reality.” Mankell leaves a widow Eva Bergman, 70, the daughter of Swedish cinema great Ingmar Bergman, and his son Jon.
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Him: “Where’s my Him: “Jacket?!” Him: “Of course wallet?” Her: “Did you I looked in the check your jacket?” jacket?”
‘Name’s days’ of the Swedish Calendar: /Kommande två veckors namnsdagar
In New York In Stockholm In Kiruna Lund In Los Angeles
October 15: Sunrise 7.07 a.m. 7.26 a.m. 7.43 a.m. 7.38 a.m. 6.59 a.m.
Sunset 6.16 p.m. 5.40 p.m. 5.05 p.m. 6.07 p.m. 6.19 p.m.
NEW!
Her: “Did you find it?” Him: “…soon maybe.”
October 15 Finn October 16 Antonia/Toini October 17 Lukas October 18 Tore/Tor October 19 Sibylla October 20 Ursula/Yrsa October 21 Marika/Marita October 22 Severin/Sören October 23 Evert/Eilert October 24 Inga/Ingalill October 25 Amanda/Rasmus October 26 Sabina October 27 Simon/Simone October 28 Viola October 29 Elsa/Isabella October 30 Edit/Edgar
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feature. page 12
Hela Sverige Skramlar [All of Sweden is chipping in.] It was only two weeks ago that plans began for an enormous charity event in Stockholm to raise money for the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR. Since that time, 60 of Sweden’s greatest artists and entertainers came together to perform Tuesday evening, September 28, at the Ericsson Globe Arena to show support in the ongoing refugee crisis. Forty million kronor was raised and donations are still coming in. “There are moments that define a generation,” said writer and comedian Jonas Gardell. “How we act in a certain specific
situation will determine how history judges us, if our children and grandchildren later look at us and say, ‘How could you let that happen?’ How we choose to act right now, to refugees who need our help, is such a moment,” he said. The gala, Hela Sverige Skramlar, sold out its 12,000 tickets and all proceeds went to UNHCR. The concert was broadcast live on television, radio and the web with the hope of not only providing outstanding entertainment and raising money for the charity, but also to inform and educate — breaking down nega-
pride as the little lamb grew stronger with each passing day. It wasn’t long before she was standing on all fours frisking around the house. Pretty soon, it was time for it to be returned to its mother and meet her siblings. But every time the little lamb spotted my mom coming out of the house she ran up to her for a loving pat on the head like a child running up to its mother!
InBox Dear Editors, My mother, Adina Lindholm was born in Småland on a farm on March 1, 1905 and passed away at 103 on March 18, 2008. A life-long member of Vasa Lodge Freja #100 in White Plains, she kept active up until the last two years of her life. She cooked, cleaned and baked right up until the end of her days. (I can still taste her limpa bread with a slice of bondost on top dipped in a cup of coffee!) What kept my dearest mom going all those years came from the beginnings of good fresh farm vegetables right from the garden that Morfar along with his crew of seven children all helped to plant. On Mom’s 90th birthday, I threw a party with 20 people. I played all of her favorite Swedish folk dances on the piano and, believe it or not, she was dancing with a partner and never seemed to get out of breath. The best of the “younger people” had so many excuses for not taking part: bad knees, bad back, etc. This leads me to believe that age is only a number! Mamma lilla, sov i ro! The Gift of Love Every time we sing “the Gift of Love” a little lamb comes to my mind. You’re probably saying to yourself, “What on earth has a lamb got to do with this hymn?” Well, here’s my story. When my mom was about 10 years old living on a farm in Sweden, she experienced a delicate situation. One of the sheep had given birth to baby lambs, but one of them
tive propaganda and media fear-mongering. It was indeed an evening to raise awareness on racism and xenophobia, and to promote compassion and solidarity. “I have long hoped to have the opportunity to contribute in a more personal way than through regular contributions. We are making a statement here of solidarity. We do not stand for just money to help fellow human beings in need, we are standing for humanitarianism and solidarity at a time when fears and prejudices must be combated,” said singer Lisa Nilsson.
I truly believe the “The Gift of Love” in this story was given in two ways. This is a true story of my mother, Adina Lindholm, mother of Erna Burton and Len Lindholm. Erna Burton (nee Lindholm) Valhalla, NY Dear Editor, Mom dancing at her 90th birthday party along with Dorothy Selander - also a Vasa member from Connecticut, now deceased.
seemed rather listless and would not feed on its mother. My grandfather was in doubt as to what he should do about the little lamb. So on the spur of the moment, Mom asked if she could take it indoors to at lease try and take care of it. Reluctantly, Grandpa said “yes” or “ja” in Swedish. So as Mom did such, she first cleaned up the little tyke, wrapped it in a warm blanket. Then she rocked it while sweetly talking and singing to this little sickling. She even took it to bed with her at night with both arms wrapped around it. The next day she asked her mother for a warm bottle of milk and happily the little lamb accepted it finishing the whole bottle. Mom kept up this procedure, watching with
Being able to read Nordstjernan is ever so uplifting. It gives me a sense of real pride that I’m first generation of Swedish parents who emigrated from Uppsala in the 1920s. My dad Lage Lundgren was a friend of Gerry Rooth, as you know, a past editor. I so want to find out about my ancestors on my mother Svea’s side. Her maiden name was very rare, Thenstedt, and I’m so wondering if there is someone somewhere who has any knowledge of this name. I would so like to find out. The paper is the best ever and it should go on and on for our future generations. Ms. Marion Ready Pulaski, NY Thank you. Clearly two examples of our favorite letters from you, our readers! /Ed.
Your newspaper. Your stories. Submit to editor@nordstjernan.com Nordstjernan, October 15, 2015
Sweden’s greatest artists and entertainers came together to fundraise support for refugees, and it was Hans Rosling who stole the show and brought the message home. The evening’s entertainment began at 7 p.m., but it was Hans Rosling, professor of international health — whose impassioned speech explaining the refugee crisis so that all could Professor Hans Rosling. understand — Photo: David Shankbone who brought the Globe arena to full attention. So silent was the audience that one could hear a pin drop as he spoke about Sweden’s responsibility to the world’s refugees. “I’ll explain the size of the tragedy in Syria,” Rosling began. “You guys are 12,000 people in the Globe Arena. Imagine that you are the Syrian population — 24 million. So each of you is 2,000 Syrians.” He went on to explain that half the audience represented the Syrian population that has fled. Eight million are displaced within the country, and four million — the equivalent to the audience on the floor — have gone to other countries. And the audience in the front section are the 300,000 who come to Europe: “It is three percent,” Rosling said. He continued to explain that those in the first three rows represent the 80,000 people who have come to Sweden. “Welcome!” Rosling said to the first three rows, amid cheers from the audience. His presentation ended with a standing ovation and social media erupting with praise for his speech. “Hans Rosling. Goosebumps. Lump in my throat. That speech may have been the best SVT sent in decades. Thank you. “One can not but like Hans Rosling. He’s straight on!” “We have far too little public education a la Hans Rosling – more stuff.” “Hans Rosling, Sweden’s wisest and most important man.” Sweden UNHCR is the UN refugee’s agency partner and works to protect people displaced by persecution and those fleeing war. They work also to secure human rights for all refugees and to raise public awareness about the situation of people forced to flee their homes. Lisa Mikulski
local events. page 13
Celebrating the 2015 Swede of the Year
Photography: Anette Lemmel
It was a festive, black tie dinner filled with laughter and friendship on Saturday, October 4 when the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in Florida/Miami honored their 2015 Swede-of-the-Year, Per Olof (Pelle) Lööf, Honorary Consul General of Sweden.
Swede of the Year, Pelle Lööf with Kickan Williams, founder of SACC Fla. and Jonas Haeger, SACC Fla. Chairman.
Gunilla Faber, Thomas Olander, Katri Olander, Karin Nordlander.
Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce (SACC) members, friends and colleagues Patrick Henning, Eva Friedel, Len Quist. celebrated the Swede of the Year, Per Olof (Pelle) Lööf at the exclusive Grand Bay Club in Key Biscayne, Florida. A kettle drummer tapped and tinged island music in the background as a long line of friends and supporters welcomed him. During dinner, Jonas Haeger, SACC’s chairman and the evening’s Swede of the Year, Pelle Lööf with, L-R: Lotta Collard, Anette Lemmel, Master of Ceremony, briefed guests about the Maggie Armbrust, Pia Azzara, Eva Friedel “Swede of the Year” award, its committee and the motivations behind this year’s choice of Pelle Lööf: “... for his outstanding contribution to the Swedish Community by developing the Swedish Consulate into an important service entity for Swedes in Florida, as well as by having been the initiator, founder and main financier of the Swedish Church in Florida.” Haeger read several long-distance greetings L-R: Anette Lemmel, Maggie Armbrust, Katri Olander, Karin and congratulations from, among others, the Nordlander, chair SWEA South Florida. Swedish Ambassador to the United States, Björn Lyrvall, and from Bishop Emeritus Lennart Koskinen. Speeches were in abundance. Maggie ArmLodge Linné’s 37th Annual brust told the story of Pelle’s musical help SCANDINAVIAN IMPORT & GIFT SALE on short notice during a SWEA midsummer Tiffany and Daniel Tumba with Mona Tumba. celebration. “You can always count of Pelle One Day Only when in need.” SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 designer Ulrica Hydman Vallien of Kosta Boda. Joe Collard spoke about Pelle’s accomplish10 AM to 3:00 PM Pelle’s thank you-speech followed, showing humilments, noting his deep involvement and voluntary ity and respect for the traditions and hopes of Swedes support to the people of Kisengo Province in the abroad. He noted the irony of succeeding as a Swede in Democratic Republic of Congo. Admission Free Patrik Henning praised Pelle’s business know-how America without ever actually working for a Swedish Salt Brook School company. “I am truly a Swedish-American” he told the and his ability to advise and lead. 40 Maple Street, New Providence, NJ Kirstin “Kickan” Williams, a former Swede of the SACC gathering. He gave special tribute to those who have worked Linens • Crystal • Pewter • Tomtar • Sweaters Year, suggested that every award cermony resulted in with him, offering Swedes in need quick solutions that Wooden, Paper & Straw Decorations • Kitchen & Housewares better and better honorees, and with this year’s award, they can not always find in beaueaucratic environments. Cash and Checks only the event originated by Jonas Haeger had arrived at the He also recognized an extraordinarily solid foundation • Lunch 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM Best of the Best: Pelle Lööf. Others thanked Pelle for bringing together the Swed- behind his success: his wife, Åsa Lena. The celebratory evening ended with birthday songs for FROM NY: Lincoln Tunnel, Tpk to Exit 14 (Newark Airport). ish community in Florida — through hard work and Pelle, Jonas Haeger and Mona Tumba, whose birthdays Route 78 & 24 WEST to Summit, coordination between not only the Swedish Church, all collide on and around this wonderful event, a true SWEA and the two Chambers of Commerce, but also Springfield Ave. to Maple St. night to remember. with regular folks with Swedish connections. INFO: Karen Jenshoej (908) 665-1292 or Kerstin “Kickan” Williams Pelle received the traditional “Swede of the Year” Sandy Olson (973) 479-7873 plaque, together with a beautiful bowl by the Swedish October 15, 2015 Nordstjernan
Viewpoints. page 14
Why is SD growing at the height of the refugee crisis?
By Andreas Henriksson, finance and political journalist; editor, opinion and op-ed sections for Dagens Samhälle, periodical for public decision makers. www.dagenssamhalle.se
One of my favorite voices on Swedish radio is journalist Katarina Gunnarsson. She often goes her own way, and has a responsive and open mind when she reports: “Has the recent commitment to the refugee issue been overly covered by Swedish media? Does media lack reflection on the other side of things, that deals with concerns about the refugees?” Those were questions that were discussed in a studio conversation between Karin Olsson of Expressen and Folkbladet’s Widar Andersson in a recent Studio Ett. The question is relevant, and the conversation was certainly good, but the question is whether an interview that was posted during the discussion was the most interesting thing that came out of it. For the interview Gunnarsson had found two people at the central station in Stockholm and asked them about how they see the last few weeks of media coverage of the refugee crisis, what it meant and why the Sweden Democrat party is growing in public opinion. I think one of these interviews in all its simplicity has a lot to tell us about why the SD continues to grow. It also answers a question
interviewee reasoned about one of the reporters at AftonRecent polls bladet implicitly posed just put the Sweden Demo- the motives of someone who is prepared to give over a week ago when crats (SD), which wants his vote to SD. he wrote, “The public to put more restrictions on “I do not think that support in the refugee immigration, at 20 percent of those who vote for issue is not reflected in public opinion,” the vote, up from 13 percent in the the Sweden Demoin an article on the general election in 2014. So far, the crats are voting for newspaper’s own established political parties in Swe- something, they vote against someopinion poll, which gave SD record den shun away from SD, considering thing. They vote it non-democratic, and effectively against our politics numbers despite the blocking its participation in the being so different fact that the refugee from the rest of Eucrisis had emerged decision making of the Swedish when the survey was parliament, Riksdagen. Mean- rope. We are nine million in this country, and conducted. while, the party is growing we expect to pull this off. The man’s response to in popularity. It takes enormous amounts Gunnarsson’s questions of money as I see it,” was the addressed, among other things, reply. that we in Sweden should certainly Later the same day Swedish and Danish help, but there are so very many we can help. Then he was asked how the recent weeks’ TV merged its two debate programs in an unusual and fortuitous new effort, which journalism looked. “I hear only one voice, and that’s how we’ll allowed the Danish and Swedish politicians help. There’s nothing wrong with being help- and debaters to meet in a simulcast to discuss ful and good-natured, but there will always the refugee crisis. In a plug at the end of the broadcast the be a tomorrow. And nobody is talking about this, as if we magically have housing for all hosts, Kristina Hedberg from SVT and DR’s and jobs for everyone. So simple, it is not. “ Clement Kjersgaard, recounted that the two “In my world, it’s if we are to maintain newsrooms could not agree on the theme of our welfare systems or not. Whatever else, a the broadcast. The Swedish editorial staff great deal of these people have low education. wanted to call the program “refugee crisis.” What will they work with? How will they Danes for their part wanted to call it “refugee support themselves, or should we support chaos.” Possibly we have here another explanation them? These are the questions I ask myself. “ The Sweden Democrats are always ques- for why SD is growing. What some primarily tioning issues such as this, but everyone look at as a crisis, others see as chaos — in who is questioning is not necessarily an SD Sweden as well as Denmark. And as we all know, chaos requires other polfollower. “People are worried about where icy measures and responses than a crisis does. this will end, and I am too.” Toward the end of the interview, they disExpressen, Aftonbladet: daily nationwide cussed how it could be that the party reached another peak in a poll the other day, and the tabloids with Expressen considered the more
conservative and Aftonbladet more liberal. Folkbladet: local daily with a connection to the traditional workers’ movement and the Social Democrats. SVT: Swedish Television; DR: Danish Television Studio Ett: A daily program on Swedish radio with in-depth reporting on present big events in Sweden and the world. As reported in Nordstjernan’s previous issue (No. 16) the number of refugees seeking asylum in Sweden — including hundreds of unaccompanied children — has sharply increased in recent weeks, pushing Migrationsverket (the Swedish Migration Department) to its limit, causing emergency responses from NGOs and an outpouring of Swedish humanitarianism. Over one thousand refugees now come to Sweden every day. /Ed.
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Perspectives. page 15
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Jämlikheter och orättvisor i tillvaron Det sägs, att i Sverige måste en människa vara medelmåttig för att vara populär. I vårt fagra land bör man aldrig tro, att man är någonting, sägs det. Den som tror, att han är någonting, blir betraktad som överlägsen och dryg. I Sverige råder, som i varje fall en del medborgare känner till, ordning och lag. En av våra många lagar heter Jantelagen. Många anser, att den är den enda sanna lag, som man vill leva efter. Uttrycket: ”Du ska inte tro att du är någonting” får säkert alla höra någon gång. Det smärtar somliga, när de upptäcker, att andra är duktigare än de själva. Att grannens gräs är grönare. Det kan förstås anses orättvist och ojämlikt om det förhåller sig på det sättet. Inbilska människor har stundom svårt att glädjas åt sina medmänniskors framgångar. Säkerligen är vi alla överens om att ta avstånd från attityder av det här slaget, när vi möter dem. Att hysa avund bör vi ej göra. Det är föraktligt och ett utslag av dålig uppfostran att vara avundsjuk. De flesta är överens om en sådan sak. Orättvisor härskar som bekant i vår tillvaro. Kvinnor som arbetar och gör samma jobb som män har länge belönats med lägre lön än sina manliga kollegor. Unga pojkar fick länge skolundervisning medan unga flickor fick stanna hemma för att diska och städa. Att en kvinna skulle bli verkställande direktör, biskop, boxare eller överbefälhavare var en ab-
Jämlikhet och orättvisor surditet för inte så många decennier sedan. Det behöver knappast sägas, att ”det var då det”. Tiderna förändras, gudskelov. I detta sammanhang är det emellertid motiverat, att vi håller skillnad mellan orättvisa och ojämlikhet. Orättvisor bör vi ständigt bekämpa. De bör vi ha nolltolerans mot, som det heter numera. Såväl inom arbetslivet som generellt. Att det råder en del ojämlikheter finns däremot föga skäl att gråta över. Tillvaron skulle vara odräglig och fantasilös om den inte innehöll mängder av variationer på mänskliga företeelser. Alla människor är enligt min mening lyckligtvis inte fullständigt jämlika från första början. Några föds till män med muskler, skägg och andra skavanker. Andra har lyckan att födas som kvinnor med mjukare väsen, skönare former och snällare sinnelag. Jämlikheten råder inte alltid på BB. En del småbarn föds till världen med briljanta hjärnor. De växer upp och blir kanske Nobelpristagare, uppfinnare, pillertrillare, kirurger eller annat som gagnar världen. Andra nyfödda kommer till världen med mindre snillrika vindlingar i sina skallar. De får nöja sig med att bli truckförare, lagårdsförmän, telefonister, direktörer eller gatsopare. Även om huvudparten av oss föds med mindre fascinerande talanger än andra hittar vi alla ofta vägar att leva meningsfulla liv. Någon direkt jämlikhet från själva födseln råder dock inte. Uppenbara orättvisor i samhället har däremot ofta bekämpats. Lennart Hyland gladde
på sin tid svenska folket i radio och TV. Lennart Hyland lyckades i ett TV-program, Karusellen och senare Hylands Hörna, få hela Sverige att omvandla familjelivet för en dag. Söndagen den 24 januari 1954 fick han de flesta att delta i vad han kallade FRU FRIDAGEN. Orättvisan, att det alltid skulle vara mamman i familjen, som skötte sysslorna, ville han bekämpa. På frufridagen såg han till att mannen i varje familj tog över matlagning, städning och disk. Samhället i övrigt ställde upp på Hylands apell. Povel Ramel skrev och ändrade sin forna låt ”Titta det snöar” till ”Titta jag diskar” . Tidningarna fylldes med matrecept, som de hoppades att även männen skulle klara av att laga. SJ bjöd på gratisresor för alla hustrur. En del orättvisor har under decenniernas gång långsamt försvunnit. Det måste dock medges. Många - inte minst kvinnosaks föreningar – menar dock, att allting går i alltför släpig takt. Åtskilliga mer manliga klubbar undrar vart samhället är på väg. Kommer kvinnorna slutligen att bestämma allting? I en tidningsnotis häromdagen läste jag, att det blev fler kvinnor förra året i styrelserna för de svenska börsbolagen. Det verkar hända en hel del även om många tycker att takten borde vara högre.
‘Jantelagen’ - just so... Swedish? Or is it? There are certain things that are so Swedish, they could be symbols for the country. And yet, when it comes to the ‘Law of Jante’ it actually has other origins. The Jante Law, which Olle Wikström assresses in his column, (Swedish: Jantelagen) is a concept created by the Norwegian/Danish author Aksel Sandemose in his 1933 novel “A Fugitive Crosses his Tracks” (En flygting krydser sit spor). The small Danish town, Jante, is modeled upon his native town, Nykøbing Mors, as it was in the beginning of the 20th century, but typical of all very small towns, nobody is anonymous. There are ten different rules in the law, but they are all variations on a single theme and are usually referred to as a homogenous unit: “Don’t think you’re anyone special or that you’re better than us.” The ten rules are: 1. Don’t think that you are special. 2. Don’t’ think that you are of the same standing as us. 3. Don’t think that you are smarter than us. 4. Don’t fancy yourself as being better than us.
5. Don’t think that you know more than us. 6. Don’t think that you are more important than us. 7. Don’t think that you are good at anything. 8. Don’t laugh at us. 9. Don’t think that anyone cares about you. 10. Don’t think that you can teach us anything. In the book, those who transgress the Jante Law (it should be said that this is an unwritten “law”) are regarded with suspicion and hostility, as doing so goes against communal desire in the town, which is to preserve social stability and uniformity. The Jante Law has become symbolic of what many see as a permeating cultural code in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and other Nordic countries: it is frowned upon to appear to elevate oneself or claim to be better or smarter than others. Those who assert to the influence of the Jante Law often maintain that the values of the Danish and other Nordic welfare states can be credited to the persistence of the Jante Law, in particular their stress on social equality
and their emphasis on fairness for all. Others point to such traits as Protestant work ethic and an early development of a modern central government in the Nordic states. The Jante Law is a product of the agrarian society that existed in Scandinavia until the beginning of the 20th century, where adherence to social norms was necessary to maintain cohesion and stability in the small villages. Due to a fairly recent industrialization compared to many other countries, as well as a general sparse population, Scandinavia has maintained many social aspects of this society even while being among the most modernized regions in the world. October 15, 2015 Nordstjernan
feature. page 16
Immigrant stories: The Nordic Lodge
Goody, now deceased, sits (front, right of center) with her family in this 2011 photo of all the Persson family members on staff at Nordic Lodge.
Wending my way deeper into the woods of rural Charlestown, Rhode Island, I came upon chartered buses parked with 300 patrons filling the restaurant with the finest, quality, gourmet foods available. It was my introduction to the Nordic Lodge, originated, developed and now successfully managed by three generations of Persson emigrants from three different Scandinavian countries. In the late 1920s when the Depression struck Scandinavia, two immigrants made the decision to head west to start a new life in “the land of opportunity.” Karl O. Persson, a skilled Swedish carpenter, and his bride Irma, from Denmark, entered Ellis Island and established themselves in Brooklyn, New York. When their son Dick was 10 years old the family returned to Sweden for 10 years so Dick could become oriented to Swedish ways. They all returned to the U.S. when the Swedish economy worsened. Dick married a Norwegian immigrant and U.S. citizen, Gudny (Goody). Mother Goody
Building a legacy
Immigrants Karl from Sweden, Irma from Denmark; with Gudny (Goody) from Norway and son Dick, born in the U.S. Their three children are the current owners: Steve Persson, Nancy Persson Log and Lisa Persson Brown.
partitions. A man with discipline, he was a dedicated, old school U.S. Marine, a force to be reckoned with, and a strong presence in their lives. These characteristics undoubtedly contributed to their success. Dick died in 1996 but lived to see the success of their years of struggle.
Putting down roots
Current two (of three) co-owners Steve Persson and Nancy Persson Log. Musk ox trophy from Steve and his father.
was a quiet, loyal, supportive and hard working stand-by-your-man Norwegian, frugal
Nordstjernan, October 15, 2015
the Perssons named it Nordic Lodge. Having little publicity, located deep in the woods and only summer visitors, though, they were barely afloat. Soon the lodge became a year round restaurant, but it took seven years to obtain a liquor license. Meanwhile, in 1980, Custy’s, a successful local all-you-can-eat restaurant, burned down. Seeing the potential, the Perssons added a new addition in the same style as Custy’s, and the restaurant took off as part of the Nordic Lodge. Soon, with research into quality dining, diverse menus and local fresh food, they were thriving. With lots of planning, struggling, working long hours, strong work ethics, total family trust and cooperation, the three siblings Steve Persson, Nancy Persson Log and Lisa Persson Brown, along with their dedicated spouses, Lorna, John and Bryan, finally made it. They have arrived! Now, all eight children of the three owners and all their families are working in the Nordic Lodge, contributing new ideas and original menus. Total staff is about 65 people. After a humble beginning and 35 years, the restaurant has become one of the top 10 “belly-busting buffets” in the world according to the Smarter Traveler food editor Caroline Morse, and acknowledged by Huffington Post in November 2014. It was featured several times this year on the Travel Channel. Additionally, the establishment owners and staff were interviewed and video taped by the Phantom Buffet which had anonymously visited and reviewed the establishment. Today, it can be viewed on You Tube Food Channel Buffet advertised as Buffet Paradise.
and nurturing. Both Swedish and Norwegian languages were spoken in their home. Dick’s livelihood was as a carpenter and made steel
In 1963, with their two children and a third one on the way, Dick and Goody decided to leave the city life for rural living. They struggled to purchase a 28-acre vacation spot in rural Charlestown, Rhode Island, with small cottages, a dining hall and summer recreation beside a lovely, placid lake. Serving three meals a day, there was swimming, boating, dancing, smoking of eels, and volleyball. A money pit, inaccessible in winter and only used in the summer, they found guests were not particularly attracted to it. With their shared Scandinavian heritage, and given the Nordic influences seen in the rustic, wooded, natural setting along the lake,
Co-owner Steve Persson, a bearded, rugged outdoorsman (who, some say, looks like a Viking) considers himself to be positively connected to the Swedish ways. At age 19, after visiting family in Sweden and Norway, he worked for a year in Sweden which gave him some Swedish language skills. He and family still visit both countries. Whenever my own Swedish family visits I take them to see Steve who loves to communicate with “homeland” folks. Like most other immigrants that I have interviewed, Steve has not personally been discriminated against because of immigrant roots. He is quite proud of his diverse, Scandinavian heritage. Nordic Lodge is surely an unusual restaurant at which to dine. No fancy white tablecloths and candle light, just fun and rustic wilderness décor including trophies of the Perssons’ hunting adventures in New England and Canada. There are bears, turkeys, bison, musk ox, mountain lion and coyote all hunted by Steve, his dad Dick and son Pelle. Such unique restaurant ambiance! Near the lodge is a large and lovely fountain, a great place for photos. At the entrance we are greeted by a huge, two-story-tall carved wood Viking. Outside in the 90 wooded acres are a bucolic lake, fireside pit for outdoor cooking, hammocks and lounge Continues on next page
feature. page 17
Sunday from April to December. Reservations are required only if there are 20 guests or more. It is an exciting place for special event parties. With such a large staff, including all the Persson family, the waitstaff is also known to be really helpful, friendly and efficient. Two generations have passed on but they left a wonderful legacy of strong work ethics, confidence and pride in a highly successful, world renowned restaurant, The Nordic Lodge. Interview of Steve Persson and written
Continued from previous page
chairs along the grassy shore. Keeping an eye on me was Thor the fjeldic, Norwegian draft horse and two alpacas named Grover and Pedro, grazing near their bright red barn. A large sauna is situated right next to the water’s edge as is a gazebo for live musicians — who played while we were there with drinks and appetizers outside. Luring guests to this restaurant located in the middle of nowhere isn’t difficult, when it’s known for remarkable feasts, a plethora of fresh seafood, fished right from local waters. Rhode Island, the “Ocean State” is well named. Large, fresh Rhode Island lobsters boiled in seawater are most popular. On any given day, Steve can order 1,000 to 3,000 pounds of lobsters depending on the number of expected patrons. Seating is available for 300 people. Next most popular items are Alaskan crabs, mussels, scallops, shrimp, oysters, chowders, as well Narragansett Bay little necks (clams). In addition, there are fresh local veggies, a fresh salad bar, a full service bar and a dessert buffet. There are cakes baked on the premises, pies, cannolis, cupcakes, a Haagen Dazs ice cream bar with the fixens as well as imported Belgian chocolate. I counted at least 30 desserts. Basically it is an all-you-can-eat, two hour limit, casual dress (great after the beach), luxury dinner, open Friday, Saturday and
by Dr. Lorraine Colson Bloomquist, Prof. Emerita, Dept. Kinesiology, University of Rhode Island. Lorraine is a Board member of Quahog Vasa Lodge, RI and Board member of Lorraine Colson the Rhode Island Swedish Bloomquist Heritage Association. For mroe info on Nordic Lodge, see www. nordiclodge.com
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The author’s son Mark Andrew Bloomquist stands with the two-story-tall Viking that welcomes guests to the Nordic Lodge.
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October 15, 2015 Nordstjernan
local events. page 18
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
10.25.2015 05:00 PM - 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
10.18.2015 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Bullerbyn Swedish Language Playgroup Taking place roughly every other Sunday in tandem with Svenska Skolan, Bullerbyn is a time for singing cherished children’s songs, reading fun tales, and having lots of fun in Swedish. Children up to 5 years in age are welcome to attend with a parent. Only Swedish is spoken in Bullerbyn, so Swedish should be also be spoken regularly at home too! We meet in the gallery space or the Children’s Museum. Kids are welcome to stay and play in the Brunk Children’s Museum after the program. The classes are free for members. Non-members pay $5 per child/ class; payment can be made at the Museum. Reservations are recommended and can be made by emailing lnordstrom@samac.org BULLERBYN FALL SCHEDULE: Oct. 4, 18 and 25 Nov. 8 and 22. Swedish American Museum. www.swedishamericanmuseum.org | 773.728.8111 10.20.2015 06:00 PM - 08:30 PM LOVA Fashion Event Join us for fashion, fun and more at this event debuting the latest trends from LOVA COLLECTION. Shoppers at the Kerstin Andersson Museum Store may be familiar with LOVA’s
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
gorgeous ruffled scarves. Now get acquainted with their new line of clothes and accessories at this chic evening. Attendees making purchases will receive 10 percent off orders made at the event. RSVPs are appreciated and can be made to museum@samac.org. About LOVA COLLECTION: From the moment LOVA COLLECTION was created, it was more than just a brand. Our vision is to bring timeless, quality clothes and accessories to our customers while being a source of inspiration of style, wellness and charity support. The importance of LOVA isn’t just the products we bring to market, but also the relationships we build with our clients and partners. We are as inspired by you as we hope you can be inspired by our story, clothes, accessories and charity contributions. Founded in 2015 by Lovisa Tedestedt and Jessica Lederhausen, LOVA COLLECTION is based in Chicago, USA with local manufacturing in Chicago. www.swedishamericanmuseum.org | 773.728.8111 10.25.2015 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Bullerbyn Swedish Language Playgroup. www. swedishamericanmuseum.org | 773.728.8111 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 Jersey
11.21.2015 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM Saturday, November 21, the 37th Annual Scandinavian Import and Gift Sale. One Day Only. SALT BROOK SCHOOL , 40 MAPLE ST., NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ. Features merchandise from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. Lunch served at 11:00 a.m. Sponsored by Lodge Linne No. 429, Vasa Order of America; benefits cultural programs and facilities. FREE ADMISSION, Cash and checks accepted, For Info. Call: (908) 665-1292 or (973) 539-4066.
l New York
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 10.04.2015 02:00 PM - 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
Hos oss kan du ta en svensk fika, läsa tidningar,
Öppettider 11 okt – 24 okt SÖNDAGAR
MÅNDAGAR
låna böcker samtala och tända ljus i kyrkan och
be för något som är angeläget
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 10.22.2015 07:00 PM - 10.22.2015 09:00 PM Swedish gospel choir in Harlem Svenska gospeltoner på USA-export Spectra från Sundsvall laddar inför musikaliska möten i Harlem! Spectra is a gospel choir from Sundsvall, whose program includes a new collaboration with a gospel choir from New Light Baptist Church in Harlem. Spectra Gospel is one of Norrland’s oldest and most experienced gospel choirs. They sing most contemporary gospel music, but this season they gladly make traditional gospel and spiritual music. They perform anywhere, from small chapels to large concert halls. Choirmaster Ulrica Wendle is enthusiastic about the trip across the Atlantic: “It feels very exciting, both with disc recording and also to get to practice and sing along with the choir of New Light Baptist Church. We get a completely unique concert.” . Spectra. 646-207-7766. hteike@heavenlydownloads.com. 10.23.2015 10:00 AM - 10.25.2015 04:00 PM Scandinavian Collectors Club at Stamp Show Celebrating 80 years in NYC
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.
5 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017 Tel: +1 (212) 832-8443
www.svenskakyrkan.se/newyork
TISDAGAR
ONSDAGAR
TORSDAGAR
FREDAGAR
LÖRDAGAR
11 okt Familjemässa Caféet öppet 12-18 11.00 Caféet öppet 12-16 Ung Svensk i NYC 14-16
Caféet öppet 12-18 18.00 Konsert - VOD
Caféet öppet 12-18
Caféet öppet 12-18
Caféet öppet 12-18
Caféet öppet 12-16
24 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 Veckomässa
12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Aftonbön
12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Aftonbön
Högmässa Gloria Dei 16.00
Nordstjernan, October 15, 2015
sports. page 19
Bildbyrån photos
Surprise leaders in Allsvenskan
Tom Pettersson watches in disbelief as his shot goes wide while time runs out in the 1+1 draw between IFK Göteborg and Halmstads BK Oct. 4 at Gamla Ullevi. Chipp Reid, Sports Editor chipp@nordstjernan.com
The Norrköping “nobodies” vault to top There is a great scene at the start of the iconic baseball movie “Major League” in which Cleveland Indians fans are reading out loud the names of the team’s new players and don’t have a clue who any of them are. There are probably a lot of Allsvenskan fans who feel the same way about IFK Norrköping. David Boo Wiklander? Nikola Tkaclic? Arnor Traustsson? Who are these guys? The answer, at least with five matches left to play, is three starters on first place Norrköping. Peking vaulted past IFK Göteborg to take over the top spot October 4 with a 3-1 win over BK Hacken. Göteborg, meanwhile, played to a 1-1 draw with lowly Halmstad, giving Norrköping the opening it needed. Although it’s in first place, IFK Norrköping remains something of a mystery team. Peking has a core of Allsvenskan castoffs and alsorans, among them Daniel Sjölund, Niklas Bakroth, Andreas Johansson and Christopher Nyman. Head coach Janne Andersson then added some low-budget signings from the Superettan, sprinkled in a few internationals, such as Traustsson and Sierra Leone striker Ahaji Kamara, and somehow, this mix has simply blitzed its way to the top of the table. Against Häcken, former Halmstads BK striker Emir Kujovic had a pair of goals to lead Norrköping to the win. Kujovic, who was a free-agent signing last year after his club in
Turkey released him, led Peking in scoring in 2014 with 10 goals and now has a leagueleading 19 goals this season. Kamara had the third goal as he came on as a first-half substitute for Christopher Nyman, who left the match in the 41st minute with a knee injury. Nyman is Peking’s second-leading scorer with 10 goals. Norrköping entered the weekend a point behind IFK Göteborg and got exactly the help it needed as second-to-last Halmstad held Göteborg to a 1-1 draw at Gamla Ullevi. James Keene put Halmstad in front after 37 minutes while summer signing Haitam Aleesami tied the match at the 72-minute mark. AIK all but ended any chances Malmö FF might have had at a three-peat with a 2-1 win over the reigning champions October 4 at Friends Arena in Solna. Henok Goitom scored his 16th goal of the year to lead AIK to the win. Malmö has 48 points and trails Norrköping by 12 with five matches left to play. While still mathematically possible for Malmö to claim its third consecutive crown, it is highly unlikely.
Marta may miss out
Magic Marta might just be losing some of her magic. The Brazilian superstar has won a club championship in every season since she turned pro in 2004 when she joined then-powerhouse Umeå IK in the Damallsvenskan. Now playing for Rosengård FC in Malmö, Marta this season finds herself in an off position as Rosengård is in second place with two matches left to play. The Brazil-
ian, who led the Damallsvenskan in scoring in seven of her nine seasons in Sweden, has just eight goals this year, well off the pace of league-leading scorer Pernille Harder, who has 17 tallies. Harder plays for Linkoping, which is two points behind Rosengård and three back of current leaders Eskiltuna United. Marta will have the chance to show she still has some of the magic that netted her five FIFA Women’s Player of the Year awards as the top-three teams play one another in the final two rounds of the season. Eskiltuna, with 46 points, plays Linkoping, 43 points, on October 11 while Linkoping ends the season October 18 against Rosengård, 45 points. The schedule favors Linköping, which has the chance to beat both teams ahead of it. “It will be very exciting and fun to be fighting for the SM-gold,” Harder told the svenskfotboll.se website. “We have our future very much in our own hands but we have to keep focused in every match and do what we must.”
Ronaldo matches records
It was a history-making day October 1 when Real Madrid took on Malmö FF in a Group A match in the 2015-16 UEFA Champions League at Swedbank Stadium, but it wasn’t exactly the type of history Malmö fans wanted to see. Real superstar Cristiano Ronaldo equaled a mark many viewed as unreachable as Lou Gehrig’s storied baseball streak when he scored twice to lead Real to a 2-0 win over MFF. His
first goal gave the Portuguese striker 500 career goals and Real a 1-0 lead. He spent much of the second half berating and exhorting his teammates to set him up for a second goal, which came with seven minutes left to play. That second goal tied the all-time scoring mark for Real Madrid. Former Spanish international Raul and Ronaldo now hold the record with 323 career goals for the storied Spanish club. It took Raul more than 700 games to score his 323 goals while Ronaldo needed just 374 career matches to equal the record. Ronaldo’s record-setting performance overshadowed what was a second-straight strong game from Malmö. The reigning Swedish champions, who are struggling domestically, played a mostly defensive game punctuated with sporadic counterattacks. Although Real controlled much of the play, it could turn its ball possession superiority into goals. Malmö net minder Johan Wiland had nine saves. It is the second-straight 2-0 loss for Malmö in the Champions League and the second-straight match in which the Swedes again surprised a vaunted opponent with their defensive play. Malmö opened the group stage with a 2-0 loss in Paris to Paris St. Germain, managing to hold Zlatan Ibrahimovic without a goal. Malmö next faces Ukrainian champions Shaktar Donestk in a home-and-home series that will likely decide whether the Swedes grab third place in the group and a spot in the later stages of the Europa League. Malmö plays host to Donestk on October 21 and travels to Donetsk November 3.
October 15, 2015 Nordstjernan
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