nordstjernan The Swedish Newspaper of America
Published by Swedish News. Volume 144 No. 05, March 15, 2016. Price per copy $2.50
This Week, Page 5
Two Oscars for Sweden
The first official photo of Prince Oscar, 5 days old. Photo: Kungahuset.se
Hailed as the new Ingrid Bergman, Swedish Alicia Vikander won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at the 88th Academy Awards for her role as the wife of an artist about to undergo one of the first sex-change operations in the 2015 drama The Danish Girl / Page 11
Photo: Tinseltown/Shutterstock.com
Sweden, Page 2, 3
Creative Swedes find a way to trump Donald / Paying to ride the bus just got easier, but more expensive / Will Kanye West design for IKEA in Sweden? / Mushrooms may be the new popcorn / Swedish-American research team gets answers in Alzheimer’s study.
Feature, Page 4
American airmen unexpectedly found themselves in Sweden during WWII.
Feature, Page 8
The days of Easter have both religious and practical meanings in Sweden.
Vasaloppet
Dashboard, Page 10, 11
Skiers arriving at the first hill in the 90k Vasaloppet ski race on Sunday March 6.
The summer cottage
A need for and the resources to get away from it all is built into Sweden’s national mentality. The Swedish calendar presents plenty of opportunities to satisfy this longing. In addition to weekends and some five guaranteed weeks of vacation each year (usually consuming the entire month of July), Swedes also enjoy regularly scheduled holidays including New Year’s Day (and Jan. 2), Twelfth Night (Jan. 6), and of course the long weekend of Good Friday through Easter Monday, Swedish Labor Day (May 1), Ascension Day and Midsummer … all times to get away to spend time at the family summer house, like in / Page 6 Building on tradition
Dining experiences and gastronomic creativity get high marks at many Swedish restaurants / Goggles get happy in Swedish McDonald’s.
Local, Page 5
The new Consul General Leif Pagrotsky is welcomed in New York City. Page 5
Perspectives, Page 11
Living between Russia and the USA...
Page 11
Photo: Gunilla Blixt
Spicing up waffles for Våffeldagen, March 25
Photo: Vasaloppet/Ulf Palm
Vasaloppet 2016 on March 6 this year was decided with exciting final spurts in both the men’s and ladies’ class. Norwegian John Kristian Dahl won one of the largest group spurts in Vasaloppet history and took his second victory ahead of his compatriot Stian Hoelgaard. Czech/Austrian Katerina Smutná won the ladies’ class two seconds ahead of the two Swedes Britta Johansson Norgren and Lina Korsgren. Behind the winner of the men’s race came a row of three Norwegians and young Stian Hoelgaard and Anders Mölmen Höst joined Dahl in the top three. Fourth was another Norwegian, Öyvind Moen Fjeld, Team Santander. Best Swede was Markus Ottosson, Lager 157 Ski Team, in sixth place, ahead of Jerry Ahrlin, Team Tynell. Third best Swede was Oskar Kardin, Östersunds SK, in tenth place. Story on page 15
Page 16
news in brief. page 2
Swedish News Kvinnor ska visst gå ut på natten Gästledare
Sydsvenska Dagbladet 8 Mars, 2016
I Östersund och alla andra svenska städer.
Swedes (in Sweden) have never really understood American politics. But, leave it to the ingenuity of Swedes to make fun of certain aspects of the present GOP forerunner.
Close to 90 million ‘trumped’ Donald
More popular on Twitter than the Donald himself, the new website trumpdonald.org was launched simply so you can do just that. Jacob Sempler and Emil Tiismann, creative designers at the advertising agency Animal in Stockholm, Sweden, noticed that while most domains with the political candidate’s name in it weren’t available, trumpdonald.org was. So the team made a game out of clicking on a trumpet and blowing it in The Donald’s face (which sends his famous hairstyle flying). That is all, but it’s fun. “We just came across the domain name and saw an opportunity to make use of it,” Sempler said. He explained that the site took a while to perfect, because it was “fairly complex to work with Mr Trump’s hair.” But the site is getting millions of users to blast a digital version of the U.S. presidential candidate with a trumpet. ‘Why Donald Trump when you can Trump Donald?’ was the slogan used by the site, which has quickly become a viral hit and even had #TrumpDonald trending ahead of #DonaldTrump on Twitter in Sweden. The counter on the site indicates the virtual trumpet has been blown in Trump’s face more than 88 million times since its launch in early February. Sempler has been “blown away” by the global reaction ... much like Trump’s hair on the website. “Obviously Swedes can’t vote in the election, so creating this site became our vote; it’s our way of commenting on the election.” (If you visit www.trumpdonald.org while you’re at work, make sure to wear your headphones because, of course, the trumpeting comes with trump sounds.)
Four months left in the great exchange
As of March 1 there’s a push for Swedes to empty their banks and wallets of certain banknotes. It won’t be long before the 20 and 50 krona banknotes are outdated: They will be invalid at the end of June. In October 2015 the great exchange of notes and coins began circulating the new 2050- and 1,000 krona banknotes, released to the public from the Riksbank. New 100- and 500-krona banknotes, as well as new coins will be released in October of this year. Some coins will remain the same, some will get a new look. The coins and the old 100- and 500-krona banknotes will remain valid until the end of June 2017.
Paying for the bus with credit
It will be possible to pay for a ride on the bus with a credit card, but it will cost extra, according to a March 1 announcement in southern Sweden. The new “on board fee” will be introduced April 3. It will cost 32 crowns ($3.71) to ride the bus in Malmö, Lund and Helsingborg for those who pay by card — that’s 10 crowns more for adults; children’s tickets will cost five crowns more than the regular price when paid for with credit on board a bus. It costs nothing extra to buy tickets with credit in a vending machine or via the app. Of course purchasing tickets ahead of time greatly reduces queues and keeps busses on their timetables.
Nordstjernan, March 15, 2016
På studentboenden i New Delhi i Indien får killarna vara ute hela natten medan tjejerna måste vara inne redan tidigt på kvällen. Aparajita De som undervisar på Dehli universitet säger till Ekot att reglerna motiveras med att man värnar om kvinnors säkerhet. Men som Aparajita De konstaterar – reglerna minskar istället kvinnors rörelsefrihet. För att kvinnor inte ska bli brottsoffer begränsas deras rätt till frihet och självständighet. Offret får betala, blir den som ska ändra sitt beteende. På samma sätt som när en mobbad skolelev uppmanas att försöka undvika mobbarna. Eller som när polisen i Östersund varnar kvinnor för att gå ut ensamma på kvällen och natten. “Ordna skjuts eller gå i grupp”, säger polisområdeschef Stephen Jerand i Aftonbladet efter en rad brutala överfall på flickor och kvinnor i Östersund under de senaste veckorna.
Polisen vet i nuläget inte om det rör sig om samma gärningsman, eller gärningsmän. Det är ett yttrande i välmening. Men det är obetänksamt och olämpligt. I polisens uppgifter ingår att skapa trygghet för alla medborgare.
Polisens resurser är på många håll i landet hårt ansträngda. Men det får inte leda till att potentiella brottsoffer ska anpassa sitt beteende efter kriminella. Då befinner vi oss på ett sluttande plan och små – var för sig kanske nästan omärkliga – steg åt fel håll kan tillsammans förändra värderingar som generationer har kämpat för. Och som det fortfarande kämpas för.
Sverige är inte Indien. Ingen skulle få för sig att ha olika regler för när manliga och kvinnliga studenter ska vara inne på kvällarna eller för den delen ha några sådana regler alls. Ännu händer det att våldtäktsoffer får Ändå finns likheten där – de som frågor om sin klädsel. Advokat Elisabeth riskerar att bli brottsoffer ska anpassa Massi Fritz lyckades lyfta fram hur irrelsitt beteende – för sitt eget bästa. Men evant detta är när hon i en rättegång för i en svensk stad är det varken rimligt en tid sedan frågade den misstänkte om eller praktiskt genomförbart. Som kom- vilken sorts kalsonger han hade på sig. munalrådet Ann-Sofie Andersson (S) i Flickor och kvinnor ska inte anpassa Östersund mycket riktigt säger: sitt beteende till potentiella våldsverkare. De har en självklar rätt att få vara ifred “Det är naturligtvis inte hållbart att – dygnet runt, oavsett klädsel eller något uppmana kvinnor att stanna inne eller annat irrelevant. Det är gärningsmän bara röra sig i grupp. Vi har en stor, stor som ska få sin frihet inskränkt – inte grupp kvinnor i hemtjänsten och vården tvärtom. som alltid befinner sig ute ensamma på nätterna i jobbet.” Bakgrunden till ledarinslaget är att Kvinnor liksom män rör sig ute dag Sedan 20 februari sex anmälningar om som natt, det är alldeles självkart. Polisen våld mot kvinnor anmälts i Östersund. i Östersund får arbeta bredare för att öka Alla har handlat om oprovocerat våld tryggheten – förutom att intensifiera jak- mot kvinnor utomhus. I samtliga fall har ten på de skyldiga kan det handla om att det varit okända gärningsmän. Polisen i tillfälligt ha en större polisnärvaro och i Östersund gick därför ut med en varning samarbete med kommunen hitta sätt att till kvinnor i staden som varnades för att öka tryggheten på gator och torg. gå ut ensamma om natten. /Ed.
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News in brief. page 3
Swedish News
There may be Kanye West fans out there longing for a Kanye Kitchen or a Kardashian bubble bath but they will have to wait—there are no plans for a cooperation at this point according to IKEA official spokespersons. Above: West with his celebrity bride, Kim Kardashian West.
Waiting for a big reveal
The melody of language Blame it on the showers of spring, or even more likely, the high pollen count down here in South Georgia, but the other day when I was walking toward my car, out of nowhere the word “parapluie” popped into my mind. As a Swede, I always loved the sound of “parapluie.” It had something optimistic about it in its sound, the sound of the ending of the word going up like an umbrella. This was before I knew that quite a few words used in Swedish are imported from the French. Of course, since moving to America and obtaining more education, for better or worse as they say, I am unable to form the word “parapluie” without extending the ending of the word to emphasize and imitate what so many of us here in America associate with France: A bunch of presumptuous, snobby people (who have a language police that will not allow any English or American phrases to enter if they can help it), who will serve you their cordon bleu (make sure to say that in an ugly, bleating way, while contorting your face) as slowly as it pleases them and take the Ugly American’s tourist money. But I have to give the French, albeit reluctantly, extra points when it comes to the word they have given the Swedish for umbrella, “paraply.” Here in South Georgia we pronounce umbrella UHM-breh-lah, with the finesse of Johnny Weismueller as Tarzan trying out his first spoken words on Jane. Imagine being surrounded by a bunch of folks who say UHM-breh-lah, and not in a breezy way, just grunt-
Born in Sweden and raised in Europe and the U.S., Ulf Kirchdorfer is as Swedish American as we come. As a contributing writer for Nordstjernan he has shared eloquent and witty essays on how his Swedishness has influenced his life, reflecting on his childhood with his Swedish grandmother and experiences as an adult in America. You might just see a little of yourself in what he (AKA Super Swede) writes, in a collection of essays Kirchdorfer calls Swede Among the Rednecks: The Language That Just Won’t Stay Buried, now available from Nordstjernan and through amazon.com. grunt. By the way, South Georgians pronounce “pergola” purr-GOAL-uh. However, to be fair as an equal-opportunity connoisseur and gourmand of language, sometimes the sound of Swedish does not render things with much emotion, and that can be a bad thing. There is little difference in urgency, for example, between “Ja, det var ju en fin sockerkaka” and “Bomben skadade många människor.” As I write these words I hear them said in Skånska, even in the dialect of the people of Ystad. Saying the lines like an ex-08, I hear a little more of a breeziness (everything is faster up north, we know that), but a building could be burning or an ant crossing the road on the tongue of a Swede in any corner of that long land, and any rumor for alarm would be highly exaggerated. Which brings me back to “parapluie.” I so wish I had only the sound of “parapluie” of years ago in my Swedish ears and on my Swedish tongue. The Saturday Night Live-like sound, if you imagine John Belushi speaking the word, is now forever burned into my linguistic register. But,
and this comes with being a citizen of the world, I have to contend also with the South Georgia pronunciation of words, so the good that has come out of this linguistic ordeal is that I realize just how superior and inferior everyone is as they make a homo sapiens sound. But Swedes wouldn’t know about that, would they? Or at least not admit it. Keeping an eye on the language, Your faithful skribent, Ulf Kirchdorfer ulf.kirchdorfer@nordstjernan.com Editor’s note ... Paraply from French parapluie (stop the rain) is so much more “correct” than the English umbrella (from the Latin word umbra - shadow). To create shadow with an umbrella in Swedish demands a new word, parasoll (from French also: parasol) - which would be the equivalent of patio umbrella ... a name that better corresponds with the Latin origin and the original use of the device (going back to China a couple thousand years ago we understand).
NORDSTJERNAN: Life Made Sweder Call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10 to order or see www.nordstjernan.com
Swedish media was buzzing on Tuesday, March 8 when U.S. rapper Kanye West was spotted visiting the IKEA headquarters in Älmhult, Sweden. He got a tour of the famous furniture store, but no one was revealing the reason behind the mystery appearance. The hip hop artist and celebrity husband of Kim Kardashian didn’t leave with a blue and yellow bag; so it may be safe to say he was there on business as he is known for having a number of entrepreneurial ventures including a clothing line, a collaboration with Adidas and a burger chain. His tweets included, “super inspired by today’s IKEA visit ... my mind is racing with the possibilities...” We’re not sure of the common denominators between the traditionally grounded furniture retailer and the flamboyant hip hop artist, but maybe it’s just a matter of time before the two international sensations reveal a partnership ... A Kanye Kitchen maybe ... or, a Kardashian bubble bath?
IKEA plans to use mushroom packaging
The Swedish furniture retailer is looking into using biodegradable mycelium “fungi packaging” to reduce waste and increase recycling. The packaging, which can decompose in a garden within weeks, will replace polystyrene, which is tricky to recycle. The ingenious, eco-friendly packaging is a revolutionary invention, developed by American company Ecovative and manufactured in Troy, New York. Mycelium is the part of a fungus that effectively acts as its roots. It grows in a mass of branched fibers, attaching itself to whatever surface it is growing on. It is then dried to prevent it from growing any further, creating the perfect packaging for boxed retail products.
Swedes, Americans team up
New research on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) offers ground breaking progress on fighting the disease. Professor William Jagust, of UC Berkeley, led the research with brain researcher Michael Schöll at the Sahlgrenska Academy in Stockholm, where 53 Swedes participated in the study. It is the first study which surveyed brain changes in living people. PET scans identified the so-called tau-protein in the brains of sick and healthy people, from 20 to 90 years old. Scientists can now measure the exact accumulations of protein in memory centers and cognitive centers in the brain, tracking how the tau-protein spreads as the brain ages — and revealing that some answers about Alzheimer’s may appear early in life. “Now we can see in the living brain, even before people develop symptoms, where this protein accumulates,” says Schöll. “Imaging techniques such as PET will probably mean we can provide a much earlier diagnosis.” The results are published in the scientific journal Neuron.
The Exchange Rate: $1.00 = SEK 8.46 03.09.2016
March 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
feature. page 4
An Unexpected War Story A World War II internment in Sweden leaves indelible memories, but they’re not the ones we usually hear about. Jan-Olof Nilsson documents them in his latest film, Lucky Strike: When the Americans Came to Our Village.
The 1945 flight crew. Bob Birmingham’s Gift to Jan-Olof Nilsson.
in what Birmingham recalls was a “winter wonderland paradise.” Relationships developed with the locals, and by the end of the war, many had girlfriends to say good-bye to and wives to bring back to America. Bob Birmingham never saw his plane again, though it was his job to repair planes while he and the others worked in Sweden until the end of the war. The Americans were interned in Rättvik, Gränna, Främby, Västerås and Falkenberg. Everyone who lived in the small towns that hosted the Americans seemed affected by their presence. And for decades, Nilsson grew up hearing all kinds of stories about these airmen from his father, who himself grew up to be a pilot. He had to find out for himself what really happened, so Nilsson, who still lives in Falkenberg, began a research project that culminated in a wonderful friendship with “Uncle” Bob Birmingham — and this documentary.
50 years later
Swedish filmmaker Jan-Olof Nilsson, already working on his Bob Birmingham shows special memorabilia to his good friend, author and next project. filmmaker Jan-Olof Nilsson. Amanda Olson Robison editor@nordstjernan.com
I was very impressed by the energy of Bob Birmingham when I met him on Feb. 15 at an event near his home in Greendale, WI. At age 90, he is an example of what we all hope to be should we be lucky enough to reach that age. I don’t know whether he has a secret for living with such vitality, but if the way he survived the war in 1945 is any indication to how he’s lived out his life, this is but one great story in his long life. “It was January 1945, I was 19 years old,” began Birmingham at the presentation of the documentary, “Lucky Strike,” in which his story is told. “I was in the right place at
WWII memorabilia from Sweden.
the right time.” That place was Sweden — though he didn’t immediately know it when he parachuted from his B24 bomber before it crashed into a farm field. “I represent the 1200 airmen, from 33 planes, whose lives were saved by being able to make it to Sweden,” he said. They had been damaged while flying over Germany and needed to land their war-torn planes, so they headed in the direction of safety, not knowing where they’d land. Or if they’d land. Birmingham’s crew jumped from their plane before it crashed, while the residents of Rättvik, Sweden heard — and saw — the sputtering plane above. Jan-Olof Nilsson’s father, who was 10 years old in 1945, had
been outside playing “Cowboys and Indians” with some friends when they heard the noise in the sky and saw parachutes dropping into a nearby farm field. The kids rushed there on their bicycles.
Rättvik changed
And from that moment, Rättvik was changed. The lives of the American airmen were changed. Sweden took good care of the airmen: “The government provided us sanctuary,” said Birmingham, “and the Swedes themselves joyously received us into their communities.” The Americans felt welcomed and part of the towns they lived in, dancing together on the weekends, skiing
World War II veteran Bob Birmingham eagerly talks about his experiences in Sweden during the war in 1945.
Nordstjernan, March 15, 2016
In 1995 in England, a reunion of WWII airmen brought together a lot of veterans — and Nilsson. There, the son of the Swedish pilot met the Wisconsin airman who fell from the sky 50 years earlier. That started an unlikely friendship that, two decades later, has been the foundation of several visits in each other’s countries, and many conversations about experiences during the war. Birmingham did learn a little Swedish while he lived in Sweden and easily recalls a couple important phrases: “Tack så mycket” and, blushing a little he said, “Of course I can say, Jag älskar dig.” When I met him near a table full of memorabilia, I asked whether there was anything in particular — an item, a memory or tradition — that he made sure to bring back to the States when he returned from Sweden. He rushed over to the table and picked up a straw wreath to show me. It was actually from 1997 when he and his wife traveled to the site where he dropped from his plane. The land is still owned by the family who ran the farm during WWII, and they met the farmer. Unexpectedly, the farmer showed them a door of the barn which somewhere along the line was replaced with the exit door salvaged from Birmingham’s Flying Fortress B24. That was the only piece of the plane he has seen since 1945. The farmer directed the Birminghams to the area where Bob fell to his safety … and it’s the grasses from that spot which made the wreath they hang on their Christmas tree every year. How very Swedish.
Bob’s son, Greendale village president Jim Birmingham, proudly shares details of his dad’s story.
feature. page 5
SACC luncheon with It’s a boy, hurrah! Leif Pagrotsky
Crown Princess Victoria has given birth to a son, the third in line to the Swedish throne: HRH Prince Oscar Carl Olof, Duke of Skåne was born on Wednesday, March 3, 2016.
Friends and members of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in New York gathered at 21 Club, to welcome the new Consul General, Leif Pagrotsky on March 2. The engaging Leif Pagrotsky, who had arrived to New York one month earlier, included in his remarks his thanks to Honorary Consul General David E.R. Dangoor for having kept the Honorary Consulate General running during the past six years. “There are two elements which I intend to highlight during my time in New York, which is increasing trade between both nations and highlighting Swedish culture,” Pagrotsky said. One of Sweden’s current largest export markets is the U.S. and it is growing rapidly. “Something we need to realize: New York is the most visible city in the world, with the most diplomats and journalists — nowhere are you as visible as in New York,” Pagrotsky added. He particularly recognized and celebrated Restaurant Aquavit and its owner Håkan Swahn for hiring accomplished Emma
Bengtsson, who in turn has earned two Michelin stars, and is one of three female chefs in the entire U.S. to hold two or more Michelin stars. Consul General Pagrotsky spoke of the importance of reconnecting alumni of larger educational institutes from Sweden in New York, and using them as ambassadors of Sweden. Sweden has grown significantly with young entrepreneurs leading the way, rather than following already set trends. “After Silicon Valley, the Swedish capital produces the highest number of so-called “unicorns” per capita than any other global city, which is something we should be very proud of,” Pagrotsky exclaimed. The new Consulate General is also very pleased to announce the extended hours throughout the week for passport issues and applicants, to the convenience of Swedes in the city. Ebba Long www.saccny.org
Princess Estelle visited Karolinska Hospital and met her baby brother before the family went home to Haga Palace. Photo: Kungahuset.se
Renée Lundholm, SACC President with Leif Pagrotsky.
Mats Carlston, Winston & Strawn and Max Knagge, Scandinavian Airlines.
Linda Björk and Donna Nardella.
Henrik Steffensen, Nordea Bank and John Matthews, SwedBank. Right: Emmy award-winning writer and producer Christopher Elam and Susanna Svartz, Handelsbanken.
The Crown Princess family welcomed a boy into their family on Wednesday, March 2, 2016. The baby’s father, Prince Daniel, announced the arrival, joyously sharing the news that baby and mother are both doing well. Prince Oscar’s name was announced the very next day by his grandfather, King Carl XVI Gustaf, to the accompaniment of a 21-gun salute, or Kunglig Salut (Royal Salute) in Stockholm in celebration of the birth. The traditional Te Deum service was held at the royal chapel in praise of the royal baby’s birth. The King also assigns a royal child’s dukedom. Sometime called “duchies” (though not exactly the same thing), dukedoms have been allotted in Sweden since the 13th century. They were often centers of regional power, where their dukes and duchesses had considerable executive authority of their own, under the central power of their king or queen. Since the reign of King Gustav III (17711792) the titles have carried nominal authority, though often maintaining castles and leisure residences in their provinces and some limited measure of cultural attachment to them. Today, Swedish dukedoms are the provinces of Sweden, which are no longer governmental entities. Titles are given to Swedish royals for life, except in the case of monarchs, who no longer hold ducal titles after ascending the throne. (Before his ascension to the throne in 1973, King Carl XVI Gustaf was the Duke of Jämtland.) There was speculation over whether the new baby would be given a dukedom with a close familial link, or one of the six provinces to never have a royal duke. The King announced the new prince is Duke of Skåne; he is the third royal to claim this duchy — the previous one being Gustav VI Adolf (18821973), whose mother was also named Victoria. Skåne is in southern Sweden. There are seven other dukedoms in Sweden: - Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel are the Duchess and Duke of Västergötland - Princess Estelle is the Duchess of Östergötland - Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia are the Duke and Duchess of Värmland (they, too, will soon have a baby to name and assign a dukedom) - Princess Madeleine is the Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland - Princess Leonore is the Duchess of Gotland - Prince Nicolas is the Duke of Ångermanland March 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
feature. page 6
Building on Tradition B uilt on a peninsula near Gothenburg, Sweden this small but perfectly formed summer house is the creation of Swedish architect Peter Hulting. When Hulting was asked to transform this old farm site into a couple’s new summer home, he immediately saw the potential to create a modest, sensitive space with the ability to connect with both its immediate surroundings and the neighboring open landscape. Specific only in their demands for a concrete floor and clay roof tiles, quality craftsmanship and simplicity were key to the couple’s vision of “a house that could age with dignity.” Walking into this small, yet stunningly designed guest/summer house situated on Sweden’s west coast, a sense of space that belies its fifty square meters of floor space is immediately striking. Constructed in the shape of a traditional Swedish summer house with a contemporary twist, everything from the furniture to the lighting has been designed to enhance the building’s shape and size — from the elongated Japanesestyle Movitz table and benches, designed by Per Holgersson and Nicko Åberg for Loo Design, to the long steel pipe chimney that guides the eye from the open fire upward to the wood ceiling.
Old, traditional and new
Using a combination of wood, concrete and plaster, Hulting has succeeded in creating a range of tactile surfaces that compare and contrast in equal measure. The smooth concrete floor incorporates the water-carried heating system, while the use of sawed larch wood for the exterior walls and reclaimed clay tiles on the roof allow the building to sit perfectly within this picturesque setting. In order to maximize the available space, Hulting opted for an open plan design. “I wanted to create a large space, but also an interesting flow of space,” he explains. “I also wanted to expand the interior space while maintaining a sense of privacy from inside the house.” By creating a large glass frontage overlooking the south-side landscape, sliding doors define the inner space when required, while at the same time keeping the guesthouse cool during summer. Creating compact, innovative solutions for the sleeping area, toilet, shower and kitchen were also key to Hulting’s design concept — achieved, in part, by allowing the walls of these areas to work like large pieces of furniture within the main space. Toward one end a wardrobe doubles as a wall divider, separating the sleeping area from the rest of the house. Two sliding doors provide dual access to the bed, while the reverse of the wardrobe divider doubles as a set of bookshelves at the foot of the bed. There is also space for two loft beds here, while the simple design of Ulf Scherlin’s Birå 4 cupboard ensures that any clutter is
Nordstjernan, March 15, 2016
From the Royal Family and their summer mansion on the island of Öland, to the apartmentdwelling Swede who spends summer evenings on the outskirts of town at a quaint little “shed” in his own miniature garden - the act of getting away from conventional residential surroundings is a passion built into the Swedish national mentality.
Leading out from the dining area, a wooden deck appears to float on the grass outside, while chairs designed by Yngve Ekstrom Lamino for Swedese and exterior lighting by Andrew Gauld of Gauld Design provide the finishing touches.
neatly stored away out of sight. Low-level windows in oiled pine wood provide some natural light — as well as views of the grassy slope outside — supplemented by Olga Popyrina-designed lamps. To the left of the bedroom, two sliding doors conceal the toilet and shower areas. The floors, tiled in Portuguese stone, offset standard white tiles that have been ‘brick-mounted’ and finished with a dark grey grout to create a compact, yet contemporary design solution.
Kitchen and dining central
The central section of the house has been dedicated to the kitchen and dining areas. The kitchen sits in a semi-recess, cleverly defining its parameters without encroaching on the open plan of the overall space. The stainless steel of the kitchen contrasts beautifully with brightly colored handmade Portuguese tiles by Ceramica de Bicesse. Effective storage solutions are key to the design of small spaces, especially in the kitchen, where storage has been incorporated on three levels. A stainless steel rail mounted onto the tiled backsplash keeps regularly used items off the main work surface yet within easy reach, while the positioning of the window allows the windowsill to be used as an extra shelf. More storage is provided by open shelving that stretches the length of the kitchen area for
easy access to crockery and other items. For Hulting, the interaction between the kitchen, dining table and exterior decking that almost appears to float on the grass outside is one of the most interesting aspects of his design. “It is a very interesting axis that is a contradiction to the structure and the design of the house,” he says. At the far end of the house, classic designs, such as Bruno Mathsson’s 1939 Sofa Mathsson [Källemo] and Jasper Morrison’s Globall floor and ceiling lamps provide the perfect Getting away from residential surroundings to balance of old and new. In addition to the summer house, Hulting a setting on a peninsula on Sweden’s west coast. was also asked to create a storehouse and main villa on the same site. The summer design. “It has been really great to work house and storehouse were built on the with and get to know such interested and sites of two old dilapidated barns. The ar- committed clients,” he concludes. “Aside chitect chose to rebuild on the old site for from building this house together we also both historical and architectonic reasons. have become friends.” In addition to maintaining an historic connection to the old site, with just two and By India Lang a half meters between the corners of the Photography James Silverman two buildings, he was also able to use their positioning to create an informal entrance to the couple’s home. The guesthouse will remain the couple’s You deserve a Sweder Life: home for another year until the main villa is completed. “They love the house and Call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10 tell me that living in it makes them enjoy for your own subscription. it more and more as they continue to disNORDSTJERNAN cover small details and thoughts about the
feature. page 7
The Home Away from Home
Swedish architect Peter Hulting.
The shape of the dining table and benches add to the sense of space. Vast glass sliding doors capitalize on the view and provide easy access to the exterior deck.
Portuguese stone tiled flooring defines the toilet and shower areas, separated from the main living space by sliding doors in grey painted MDF.
The stainless steel kitchen area is brought to life with brightly colored handmade tiles, and kept clutter-free by maximizing storage space.
Per Holgersson and Nicko Åberg’s “Svenska Bär” chair perfectly complements a 1939 Bruno Mathsson sofa in the compact living area.
Low-level windows make the most of wonderful views from the comfort of the homeowners’ bed.
Vi har öppet måndag till fredag kl 9:30 till 15:00 Den mobila passtationen är i Fort Lauderdale den 13 - 15 september.
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
March 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
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aster in Swedish is called “påsk” and comes from the Hebrew word “pesah” meaning passing. Easter in Sweden is decidedly yellow. The yellow color has nothing to do with the liturgical colors for Easter, which are black, white and violet. No, Easter’s yellow comes from the fact that many of the symbols we have for Easter seem to be yellow (as opposed to Christmas for instance, which is red): the feathers, the daffodils and the chickens on the Easter cards.
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Påskkärringar
The “påskkärring” or “påskakärring,” is an old tradition that has its roots in the activities of Maundy Thursday. According to folklore, all the world’s bad spirits were let lose the instant Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus. During the 17th century the belief in the devil created witch hunts, and women (mostly) were executed for having participated in the banquet of the devil on Maundy Thursday. Where did it all take place? On the island of Blåkulla (also known as Blå Jungfrun) situated in the Kalmar Strait of the Baltic Sea. The witches flew there on brooms. Swedish children dress up like påskkärringar complete with grandma’s dress, apron and a kerchief tied under the chin, they paint rosy cheeks and freckles on their faces and therefore don’t much resemble the American picture of a witch. A påskkärring also carries a broom, an old-fashioned coffee pot and a basket, and walks around the neighborhood, Halloween-style, giving out drawings in exchange for candy. When this tradition began is hard to tell, it seems it started in western Sweden some time in the beginning of the 1800’s.
The days of Easter week
According to the Swedish old customs the special days of Easter, are almost over as we reach Easter Sunday, the one important day for most Americans. Swedes today celebrate Påskdagen [Easter Day] and but for one more Holiday on Monday, “the third day of Easter” in Swedish called Annandag Påsk. Many people in Sweden left their jobs early on Wednesday or Thursday in the week of Easter or took the entire week off. Here, below you’ll find a comprehensive list of the different days of the Swedish Easter almanac:
Address City State
The colorful twigs with feathers (påskris) that you see everywhere in Sweden at this time of year, has less jolly implications. Bound by birch twigs, the påskris was in the 17th century used for Long Friday’s flagellation. Today you buy it at the local market and tie colorful feathers to it. You can also decorate your påskris with blown out eggs that you dye yourself, or you can buy plastic eggs. Roosters, hens, chickens and witches are also used to decorate not only the påskris but your house as well.
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Palmsöndag Palm Sunday opens the Easter week in memory of Christ’s entrance to Jerusalem on a donkey when people spread palm leaves on the ground. Years ago it was difficult to get palm leaves in Sweden, so pussy willow was
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Easter in Sweden used instead. And today pussy willow is still used as an Easter decoration. Svarta måndag In the old days this day was called Black Monday because it was the day when chimneys were swept. Vita tisdag Tuesday was called White Tuesday because the chimneys had been cleaned and were nice and white. Dymmelonsdag Exactly why it is called “dymmel” and what a “dymmel” is remains unclear. But on Wednesdays everybody had to be quiet to observe Easter, and a little wooden clapper was put on all the bells of the churches. Such a thing is called a “dymbil” and perhaps that’s why it is called “dymmelonsdag”. Also, the old Nordic word for quiet is “dumb” and it might derive from that. Skärtorsdag Maundy Thursday in Swedish is called “Skärtorsdag” but has nothing to do with the Swedish color for pink (skär). In this case “skär” is an old word for cleansing and cleaning as Jesus washed the feet of his apostles. Skärtorsdagen is also the day of the Last Supper. It was a dangerous day to be out, because the old spirits had been let loose (when Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus). Skärtorsdag’s night was the time to get engaged with the devil. He usually appeared at road crossings, and you could sign a contract with him that in exchange for riches, he would get your soul. Contracts like these have actually been found; the people who signed them were executed. Långfredag Good Friday was of course the day Jesus was crucified. As you can hear in the Swedish word for the day, it was a long (lång) day, and
painful. In remembrance of Jesus, fasting was especially important this day, and it has been a holiday in Sweden since the 17th century. Until 1969, public entertainment was prohibited in Sweden. Påskafton In Sweden påskafton is the Christmas Eve of Easter, a day for feasting and eating. After a week of fasting and seriousness, it is time for “påsksmällare” (Easter crackers) and “påskeldar” (Easter fires). This was also the day for the “påskkärringar” to return from Blåkulla. Not too long ago, Swedes would write “påskkort” (Easter cards) to each other, and children would make drawing of witches, chickens and eggs along with a little verse. This tradition is rapidly disappearing. Påskdagen Church bells chimed again on “påskdagen” and the organs in the church played. An old tradition was to go out early on Easter Sunday and watch the sun dance, which, people believed, it did out of happiness that Christ was resurrected.
Food for Easter
Each region or “landskap” in Sweden has its own traditions when it comes to what to eat for Easter, but most of the dishes include eggs, lamb and salmon. Unlike the food we eat for Christmas, Easter food is much lighter and almost always includes marzipan and candy-filled Easter eggs for dessert. There’s also the “påskbord” (Easter smörgåsbord) with eggs, pickled herrings, salmon and Jansson’s temptation. “Påskmust” is also sold in stores; it’s the same soft drink as “julmust.” Marzipan egg recipe Making eggs out of marzipan isn’t that dif-
Swedish children don’t have egg hunts or an Easter bunny, but they do have påskägg (Easter eggs) stuffed with candy.
The food for Påskafton, Easter Eve was traditionally similar to the Christmas smörgåsbord ... albeit with eggs in focus. Swedes consume 2,000 tons of eggs over Easter. Above a more modern Easter egg dish, with löjrom, a dollop of sour cream and asparagus.
ficult. All you need is basic marzipan. Ingredients for Basic Marzipan 2 cups sugar 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar 4 cups ground almonds (or almond meal) 2 egg whites powdered sugar for dusting 1. Prepare a workspace by sprinkling powdered sugar over a marble slab, wooden cutting board or large baking sheet. Fill your sink or a large bowl with cold water. 2. Place the sugar and 2/3 cup water in a large heavy saucepan and heat gently, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. 3. Add the cream of tartar and turn up the
heat. Bring to a boil and cover, boiling for 3 minutes. 4. Uncover and boil until the temperature reaches soft-ball stage, 240 degrees on a candy thermometer. 5. Place the bottom of the saucepan in the cold water you’ve prepared, stirring the sugar mixture constantly until it becomes thick and creamy. 6. Stir in the ground almonds and the egg whites, then place back over low heat and stir for 2 minutes more until the mixture is thick. 7. Spoon the marzipan onto your prepared work surface, and turn it with a metal spatula until it cools down enough to touch. 8. Coat your hands in powdered sugar and begin to knead the marzipan, working it until it is smooth and pliant. 9. Your marzipan can be used immediately or stored by wrapping it in plastic wrap and keeping it in an airtight container. Now that you have marzipan you can make påskägg (Easter eggs) or other figures with a little bit of yellow food dye and baking chocolate (approximately 100 g). Melt the chocolate. Just use a few drops of the food dye. Shape little eggs of the marzipan, then dip in melted chocolate. Let cool in the fridge.
‘Not my time to die’ The Titanic and the Swedes on board Perfect bound, large size paperback, 296 pages. Richly illustrated. Please send me ____ book(s) x $19.95 = _______
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The 123 Swedes on board made up the third largest ethnic group on the Titanic after the American and the British. The book profiles each of the Swedish passengers; including the 34 survivors... Mail order form to: NORDSTJERNAN P.O. Box 1710 New Canaan CT 06840 Or call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10
March 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
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Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden’s best restaurant in terms of gastronomical experience according to the White Guide? Esperanto in Stockholm’s fashionable Östermalm district, which according to the website “(is) a treat for all senses. We strive to provide a whole - where food, drink and people work together, in the best possible way. We are inspired by all manner of things, from around the world. Gastronomically our tongue is universal, and the produce we favour is carefully selected, with a view to caring for, and respecting nature.” www.esperantorestaurant.se
Swedish proverbs on food Hungern är den bästa kryddan — [hunger is the best spice] Hårt bröd gör kinden röd — [crisp bread makes the cheek red] I brist på bröd äter man limpa — [with a lack of bread, you resort to limpa]
Fäviken, Sweden
We’ve reported on the wonders of Fäviken restaurant in the past, and now Fäviken’s Swedish chef has become the first in Sweden (outside Stockholm) to claim two Michelin stars. On Feb. 24 it was announced that Chef Magnus Nilsson earned double stars for Fäviken, what’s known as the world’s most remote restaurant — in the north, in central Sweden near the ski resorts in Jämtland, more than 600 kilometers north of Stockholm. Tables at Fäviken are usually booked more than a month or more in advance, though the list probably just got a lot longer. Nilsson trained in Paris as a sommelier and became a chef when he moved home to open a restaurant in his native north. His farm-to-table cuisine focuses on Swedish dishes, which must be paid for in advance — often 2,200 kronor ($260) per head. Plus drinks. This Swedish chef, photographer and storyteller is coming to the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis for a week this summer to install his large-scale works on paper in preparation for a museum show. The show, “Nordic: a Photographic Essay of Landscapes, Food and People” will first be on exhibit at Seattle’s Nordic Heritage Museum March 18 to May 8, and then move to the ASI June 2 to August 16, 2016. For more info, see www.favikenmagasinet.se, www.asimn.org, www. nordicmuseum.org
And a favorite by Hemingway: Somebody forgot the corkscrew and for several days we had to live on nothing but food and water... Food
Top Swedish dining experiences
Every year the Swedish White Guide is revealed with the top dining establishments in Sweden. On Monday, March 7, the 2016 list was announced, naming Sweden’s 34 best restaurants, including a record number of taverns. Stockholm’s Esperanto restaurant came in first place in gastronomy, just ahead of Fäviken in northern Sweden, which remains Best Restaurant overall. White Guide honored them both by appointing Fäviken the best restaurant while Esperanto wins for their art of cooking. “Esperanto has over the years refined its concept with Swedish ingredients with a Japanese touch in an amazing way. This past year, they have taken the food to new heights in flavor and visual interplay,” said
Michael Mölstad, wine expert and White Guide representative. Otherwise, there are few surprises in this year’s guide, though it is clear Sweden’s pub life has been flourishing. “In the last 10 years there has been an incredible development ... this is now spreading out in the country as the younger generation embrace these more continental habits,” said Mölstad.
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Leslie’s Rosemaling Wooden Eggs $15.00-$20.00 Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Eggs, $15.95 Free shipping with ad.
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Happy Meals in Sweden
Photo: Kerstin Alm
Celebrating Sweden’s nominations at Cecconis, LA, L-R: The Parents of Alicia Vikander—Svante Vikander, Maria Fahl Vikander; Ambassador Björn Lyrvall; Eva von Bahr and Love Larsson, nominated for Best Hair and Make Up.
Herr & Fru | Mr. & Mrs.
Her: Watching Downton Abbey..? Him: “I’m out of here”
Her: “Where are you going?” Him: “Out!”
Her: “Out? Now?” Door slams
In New York In Stockholm In Kiruna Lund In Los Angeles
March 15: Sunrise 7.07 a.m. 6.01 a.m. 5.56 a.m. 6.20 a.m. 7.03 a.m.
Sunset 7.03 p.m. 5.51 p.m. 5.39 p.m. 6.11 p.m. 7.02 p.m.
An Oscar for Alicia Vikander Swedish Alicia Vikander won Best Supporting Actress at the 88th Academy Awards. Alicia Vikander, who some call the next Ingrid Bergman, has two Golden Globe nominations and British Bafta awards, and now the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. The last time a Swedish actress was nominated was 1990 when Lena Olin was in “Enemies: A Love
Her: “who will I complain to now during commercials?”
‘Name’s days’ of the Swedish Calendar: March 16 Herbert/Gilbert /Kommande två veckors namnsdagar
Photo: Tinseltown/Shutterstock.com
McDonald’s Sweden is celebrating the Happy Meal’s 30th anniversary by turning Happy Meal boxes into virtual-reality viewers. Called “Happy Goggles,” some 3,500 of them will be available for purchase at 14 restaurants in Sweden during the weekends of March 5 and March 12, which fall during “sportlov,” the winter break. Many families go skiing during sportlov, so the fast-food chain created a ski-themed VR game, “Slope Stars,” for use with the goggles (and any mobile VR experience). Designed by a marketing company in Stockholm, the box is easy to transform into Happy Goggles: just tear along some perforated lines, fold it and insert the VR lenses (included) and a smartphone (your own). This is the first trial run in the world, so there’s a chance the program will be expanded if it proves popular.
March 17 Gertrud March 18 Edvard/Edmund March 19 Josef/Josefina March 20 Joakim/Kim March 21 Bengt March 22 Kennet/Kent March 23 Gerda/Gerd March 24 Gabriel/Rafael March 25 Marie bebådelsedag March 26 Emanuel March 27 Rudolf/Ralf March 28 Malkolm/Morgan March 29 Jonas/Jens March 30 Holger/Holmfrid March 31 Ester
Story.” And the last time a Swedish actress won an Oscar for best supporting actress was in 1974, when Ingrid Bergman starred in Murder on the Orient Express. We started paying attention to Vikander in 2009 and even more so after Lisa Langseth’s “Till det som är vackert” (“Pure”). Having seen her performance in the film an international jury of film industry professionals selected Alicia Vikander as one of the young promising talents to be showcased as Shooting Star at the Berlin Film Festival 2011. She was praised in the 18th century drama “A Royal Affair” about the Danish queen Caroline Mathilde and was cast as Kitty in the new version of “Anna Karenina.” Her other recent Hollywood productions include The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Ex Machina, as small part in Burnt and will be in at least four movies presently in production or just completed including the yet to be released latest Bourne movie. Born in 1988, Alicia Vikander trained at the Royal Ballet School in Stockholm, but acting took over from dance early on. When she was just seven years old she appeared in Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ musical “Kristina från Duvemåla”. She has also appeared in productions of “Les Miserables” and “The Sound of Music” at the Göteborg Opera. March 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
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Squeaky cheese and coffee Valorie Arrrowsmith, Minnesota valorie@nordstjernan.com
Cheese with coffee may not be the first thing that comes to mind for fika. But what about cheese in coffee? That was the focus of a coffee break during the Kalevala and Finnish Folklore Class at the University of Minnesota during spring semester. Students in the class pressed for the special coffee when Professor Tom DuBois of the University of Wisconsin-Madison came to their Minneapolis classroom for a visit. He is teaching a joint course between the two universities, and usually broadcasts from Madison. For much of the semester he sees the Minnesota students through a two-way interactive television screen, but a couple times during each term he visits them. This was the case in February. But why the coffee with leipäjuusto, or squeaky cheese? Some of the Minnesota students had participated in his dual college course a year ago, focused on Sami culture and history. He had introduced them to the northern Sami tradition of putting a chunk of cheese in the bottom of the coffee cup, where it warms, softens, adds a sort of cheesecake flavor at the end, and offers a little protein.
Sliced, fried or dissolved
While Minnesota students enjoyed the coffee and cheese experience, the Wisconsin students had to sit and watch. Professor DuBois promised them leipäjuusto coffee at another time in the semester. Minnesota students had one other advantage over their Wisconsin peers: they got to attend an orchestra performance about Kullervo, one of the characters in the epic poem. No doubt the Wisconsin students will find some way
A joint effort between the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin Madison results in a Kalevala and Finnish Folklore class taught by Tom DuBois. He usually teaches with the Wisconsin students, pictured on the screen, but in this case he visited Minnesota to teach on site there in February.
to enhance their class experience before the semester ends. The current college course includes readings of the “Kalevala,” the national Finnish folk epic, plus Longfellow’s “Hiawatha,” Kivi’s “The Seven Brothers,” and Niemi’s “Popular Music from Vittula: A Novel.” Students will create their own epic using five songs important in their lives; they will
illustrate a segment of the Kalevala and interview a character from the story to find out what they were doing after their participation in the epic ended.
Cheese in coffee was a new experience for some students in the Kalevala and Finnish Folklore class at the U of M. A Sami tradition is to put squeaky cheese in the bottom of a coffee cup, and then pour the hot liquid over it. Photos by V. S. Arrowsmith.
LINGONBERRIES
It might have been the first time for some students to try cheese in their coffee, Sami style, but others had already tried it in a Sami culture class from a different semester.
Nordstjernan, March 15, 2016
Cheese in coffee is a Sami tradition. Students at the U of M got to try it during the Kalevala and Finnish Folklore class in February.
• Fresh Frozen • Dried • Preserves www.sturdiwheat.com
feature. page 14 perspectives.
Olle Wijkström olle.wijkstrom@nordstjernan.com
Att hitta de rätta orden
Det är alltid viktigt att hitta de rätta orden. under sken av att ge beröm. Många minns Orden avslöjar hur bildad man är. Vad för hans omdöme om konkurrenten Attlee vars slags uppfostran man fått. Alla vet att ut- intellektuella förmåga många ifrågasatte. trycket: ”Kola vippen” betyder att någon Vid en debatt mellan dem gav Winston avlidit. Därför skulle man tro att det vore följande karaktäristik av sin konkurrent: helt riktigt att säga: Kejsare Wilhelm ko- ”Mr Attlee, You are a very modest man lade vippen, när han avled. I sitt slott. Han and you have, indeed, very much to be dog ju de facto. Ändå anses det obelevat modest about” och brist på aktning att uttrycka sig på det Så finurligt roande uttalar sig sällan dasättet när en kejsare eller annan vördad gens valkonkurrenter. Svinaktigheter av människa går till sina fäder. Olof Palme den grövsta sort förekommer. Mottot tycks kolade visserligen vippen på Sveavägen vara. Den som sig i leken ger får lekens alla den ödesdigra natten för trettio år sedan. hänsynslösa regler tåla. Ett annat motto Men det är ogrannlaga att utrycka sig på är att gripa till felaktiga generaliseringar. det sättet. Han avled I ett av Donald Trumps “You are a very modest man uttalanden läser jag att på grund av mord. Det gäller att använda de and you have, indeed, very han påstår att mexirätta orden. Kola vippen much to be modest about” kanare är potentiella gör pajaser på cirkus. våldtäktsmän. Några Det finns många tveksamheter i den mexikaner blev kanske för någon tid sedan vokabulär vi använder oss av. Ordet ”skit” haffade och i tidningarna omskrivna för är ett ord som användes i alla möjliga och sådana brott. Såväl Donald som de flesta omöjliga sammansättningar. Ursprungli- av hans åhörare vet emellertid att de flesta gen tror jag skit betydde ungefär detsamma mexikanare är hyggliga och skötsamma som avföring eller gödsel. Så icke längre! människor. Det finns givetvis rötägg bland Nu tittar vi på TV program som annon- alla nationaliteter. De flesta människor seras vara skitkula eller skitbra. Sådana förstår efter någon sekunds eftertanke att program som förr var roliga har nu blivit våldtäkter och mord har ingenting med skitbra. Man frågar sig varför rolighet kan nationalitet att göra. bli roligare om man förstärker dem med På samma sätt blir budskapet att riva ner skit. Lika ofattbart är det att begripa varför alla moskéer heltokigt. Bakom en sådan en vacker kvinna kallas för skitsnygg. uppmaning står givetvis faran att moskéer Ingen kan väl ens tänka sig att kalla henne tillämpar omoraliska irrläror. Dock förstår avföringsvacker. Vårt vackra språk tunnas de flesta att muslimer är lika fridsamma ut om vi inte går tillbaka till gamla fina ord människor som folk som till exempel bor och adjektiv. Det finns många svenska, utanför Askersund. Gott folk som hyllar målande och bättre synonymer till skitbra, fred och kärlek. Det är en annan sak att skitdåligt och skitskönt. Strålande, förtju- många föredrar att gå till moskén medan sande, glimrande och behaglig är några. andra känner sig bekväma i baptistkapellet. Att hitta de rätta orden är framför allt Lyckligtvis tror jag att många generaliviktigt i politiska sammanhang. Inte minst seringar slår tillbaka som en bumerang på när det drar ihop sig till val. Därför är det den som uttalat dem. Folk i gemen förstår särskilt intressant och roande att lyssna att den som gjorde sig skyldig till generpå dem som ställer upp att nå åtråvärda aliseringen är korkad nog att inte inse att ämbeten. Delstatsval i Amerika. Att bli uttalandet var grovt felaktigt. president över hela Amerika är förmodliFörhoppningsvis återgår vi snart till den gen den mest åtråvärda post någon politiker typ formuleringar som praktiserades på kan nå. Därför är det extra intressant att Winstons tid följa vilken taktik och formuleringskonst de kandidater, som nu tävlar om att kamma hem flesta röster fastnat för. Ibland kan det löna sig att skjuta från höften. Att snabbt finna dräpande ord som får motparten i gungning. Winston Churchill var en mästare. Han kunde konsten att säga svidande elakheter
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Gustav Vasa couldn’t ski?
The 16th century King, Gustav Vasa, considered founder of modern Sweden, may not have skied the famous 90k-race after all ...
One of Sweden’s most famous kings, Gustav Vasa is perhaps mostly known to the after world for skiing across the forests through Dalarna in 1520 while being hunted by Danish soldiers. But according to a new theory from a local researcher, Gubb Tage Bevring in a district of Dalarna, Gustav Vasa did not even know of skis, much less how to use them. Bevring, a reputed genealogist and researcher in the area, has found correspondence that clearly indicates the King was not aware of the local practice of using “planks” to cover distances in the snow. The researcher thinks that Vasa instead used a horse and perhaps snow shoes. Gustav Vasa (1496-1560), the first monarch of the House of Vasa, and one of the most (if not the most) important people in Swedish history. Vasa became the first truly autocratic native Swedish sovereign and was a skilled propagandist and bureaucrat who laid the foundation for a more efficient centralized government. During his reign Protestantism was introduced in the country. The history of how Gustav Vasa escaped the Danes by skiing has today resulted in the world famous Vasaloppet, held the first Sunday of March each year. http://www. vasaloppet.se/ Today, there’s also the Vasaloppet in the USA, in Mora, Minn we wrote about in our latest issue. A Vasaloppet in Japan has been held in
Gustav Vasa, not a skier after all..?
Asahikawa, Hokkaidō, In China in Changchun and more recently also in Canada, in Jonquière, Québec. Gustav Vasa, with or without skis has always been a big part of Swedish history. Beloved national painter Carl Larsson painted his entry to Stockholm 1523, in 1908. The painting is painted on the wall at the entrance to Nationalmuseum -National Museum of Fine Arts in Stockholm. Vasa is omnipresent in Sweden. Gustav Vasa, considered the founder of modern Sweden, illustrates the old 1000-kronor bill (being replaced by former UN SecretaryGeneral Dag Hammarskjöld on October 1 this year), the Vasa museum (not the King, however, the ship that sank) is among Stockholm’s biggest attractions, www.vasamuseet.se and there’s of course a Gustav Vasa Hotel, near Odenplan in Stockholm, at Västmannagatan 61 in the so-called Vasastaden district of the city.
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Vasaloppet 2016 from Sälen to Mora, Sweden, is one of the world’s oldest and longest cross-country races and is based on Gustav Vasa’s attempt to gather peasants in a revolt against occupying Danes in 1522. Vasa fled after failing to gain support, but the Mora locals changed their minds and sent their best skiers to bring him back. He returned to lead the Swedes to independence, and was later proclaimed King Gustav Vasa. As the Vasaloppet, the race was first run in 1922 and is always held on the first Sunday of March. Vasaloppet 2017 will be open for registration on March 20; if it’s like recent years, the 15,800 skier limit will be reached in less than two minutes. (About 3,800 of the registered participants come from nations other than Sweden; this year there was a record 55 nations represented during Vasaloppet Winter Week). Register or get more information in Swedish or English: vasaloppet.se
Photo: Vasaloppet/Nisse Schmidt
Nearly 500 years since Gustav Vasa supposedly skied the route, Vasaloppet 2016 was raced on March 6 by 15,800 people and decided in one of the largest, most exciting group spurts in Vasaloppet history. Norwegian John Kristian Dahl won his second victory ahead of his compatriot Stian Hoelgaard; and Austrian Katerina Smutná won the ladies’ class two seconds ahead of Norwegian Britta Johansson Norgren. Due to fresh snow in the tracks, this year’s cross-country ski race became a group effort where the elite female skiers stayed ahead with the lead group for a very long time. Unfortunately they were disrupted by male skiers on the final stretch and didn’t get open tracks as the Vasaloppet organization had planned. It is a fairly new phenomenon to have so many female skiers: This is only the third year that as many as 14 percent (a little over 2000) of the skiers were female. The historic 90-kilometer (56 miles) race
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John Kristian Dahl and Katerina Smutná
John Kristian Dahl crossing the finish line after 90k and the time 4.08.00 Above left: The sign at the finish line says “In the steps of our fathers, for future victories.” The annual Vasalopp races draw tens of thousands. Here, the 3-10-yearolds racing to the finish after their 1,000 yard-race.
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March 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
feature. page 16
Spicing up Waffle Day Gunilla Blixt, Sweden gunilla@nordstjernan.com
When you’ve celebrated Waffle Day year after year with jam and whipped cream on your waffles, it can be fun to spice up tradition with de lux toppings on your waffles. Variety is the spice! For this holiday, waffles with heart-shaped sections are the norm. Start with completely plain waffles, and break apart the hearts to decorate each of the sections. You can also serve toppings in bowls so guests can decorate their own hearts.
March 25 is våffeldagen, the day for eating waffles. This tradition to eat waffles on Jungfru Marie bebådelsedag or Vårfrudagen (Lady Day or The Feast of the Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady) came about when people in Sweden lazily began to pronounce Vårfrudagen as “våffeldagen” — a mistake that makes many people happy today since it means waffles with whipped cream and jam are being served almost anywhere you go.
Delux topping ideas
• Egg butter: Mix unsalted butter with chopped, hard-boiled eggs. Add chopped parsley and spread on the waffle heart. • Avocado hearts: Add sliced avocado, a small dollop of creme fraiche and finely chopped red onion. Spread on the waffle heart and decorate with fresh coriander. • Cooked ham: Spread cream cheese over slices of ham. Roll like a jellyroll (rulltårta) and place in the freezer for 30 minutes. Cut thin slices and decorate with cherry tomato and parsley. • Löjrom / bleak roe: Add a dollop of creme fraiche on the waffle heart then add 1/2 tsp of roe, finely chopped red onion and decorate with dill.
Våffeljärn/waffle irons can be found at several Scandinavian specialty stores or at for instance JC Penney, Williams & Sonoma, Target and a variety of other stores. (Ask for a Belgian Waffle Iron - and yes, the Swedish waffle is only distantly related to the Belgian but, US retailers call the appropriate irons ‘Belgian’ nevertheless) During a quick search online we found an Old Fashioned Cast Iron Waffle Iron at www.casa.com ($21.99). This is a stove-top waffle iron. We recommend electric waffle irons rather than the stove-top variety or the moulds that can be baked in the oven. You’ll find several electric and iron heart waffle makers on amazon.com ranging in price from $20 - $150
‘Trandagen’ There was and is more to March 25 than waffles in Sweden—in certain areas this date is also “trandagen,” that is “the day of cranes,” a day on which children receive candy from the crane. The candy might be hidden, in which case the children are given a map to find it, or a cap might be put under the bed where the crane, if the child in question has been good, leaves an egg filled with candy or a marzipan
Nordstjernan, March 15, 2016
egg. It was also common to put up stockings or socks to be filled with candy. According to sources this tradition has been around since the 16th century. There were also “tranbrev,” colorful “crane letters” that children would run and throw at each other. And the crane “bär ljus i säng,” meaning that from this day on, there was no need to light a candle or a lamp inside your home, the daylight outside was enough of a light source.
Tip: If you have leftovers, freeze the waffles. They are easily thawed and reheated in the toaster!
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feature. page 17
• Mini omelette: Fry a small, beaten egg omelet, thin as a pancake. Let it cool and spread a thin layer of cream cheese on top. Grate lemon peel over and sprinkle with parsley. Roll like a jellyroll and cut thin slices. • Smoked salmon and wasabi: Mix together the cream cheese with wasabi. Cover slices of smoked salmon with the mixture. Put in the freezer for 30 minutes and then cut thin slices. Decorate with dill. • Västerbotten butter: Mix the grated Västerbotten cheese (or other flavorful cheese) with unsalted room temperature butter. Spread on the waffle heart and decorate with chopped chive.
Waffle recipe
These waffles turn wonderfully golden and crispy, and fit nicely with a variety of luxurious toppings. In my family, this recipe is usually called “Waffles of Lübeck” because I got it from my classmate, Cecilia Lübeck, at Poppius School of Journalism. These waffles are also an obvious fit with whipped cream and jam. Makes 10 waffles: 3 tbs butter (40 g) 1-3/4 cup flour (112 g) 1/2 tsp salt 1-1/4 cups water 2-1/2 cup whipping cream 1 small egg 1 tsp melted butter for frying
Melt the butter and let it cool. Stir the salt into the flour. Whisk flour and water into a fine smooth batter. Beat the egg in a cup. Whip the cream until it’s a thick foam. Mix together egg and cream in the batter, and finally stir in the melted butter. Heat the waffle iron. Butter the griddle; you typically won’t have to butter it again after the first waffle. Pour 1/3 cup (3/4 dl) batter per waffle into the iron, close and let the waffle bake about 1-1/2 minutes. Lift out the waffle using a fork. Let the waffles cool completely on Cooked ham with cream cheese, cherry tomato and parsley. a rack. Text & Photography: Gunilla Blixt / www.gunillablixt.se
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March 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
local events. page 18
More events and list your own, at www.nordstjernan.com-EVENTS
l California l Florida
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 Illinois
01.15.2016 - 03.26.2016 MIgrating Visions: The Art of Indira and Karl Johnson. Living and creating together in India, Sweden and the United States for over 40 years has had a profound influence on the work of wife and husband artists Indira and Karl Johnson. They met at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the late sixties and as their work evolved over the next four decades, their individual thoughts
and ideas have migrated back and forth appearing in different forms in each other’s art. 773728-8111 | www.swedishamericanmuseum.org
to attend with a parent. Only Swedish is spoken at this event. www.swedishamericanmuseum.org | 773-728-8111
02.21.2016 12:00 PM - 04.17.2016 03:00 PM The Swedish American Museum houses the Andersonville Winter Market on the third Sunday of the month now through April.
03.26.2016 10:00 AM - 03.26.2016 12:00 PM Genealogy Session: Let’s Visit Sweden! Join us for this discussion led by members of the Swedish American Genealogical Society as they talk about planning tips for traveling to Sweden. Cost is free/ Swedish American Genealogical Society members; there is a suggested donation of $10/nonmembers to participate. Reservations appreciated and can be made via email to genealogy@ samac.org or by calling the museum. Swedish American Museum. 773-728-8111.
03.04.2016 07:30 PM - 03.18.2016 10:00 PM Scandinavian Dances with Linda and Paul Three Friday Sessions: March 4, 11, 18, 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. www.swedishamericanmuseum.org |773-728-8111 03.15.2016 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM Easter Crafts for Kids. Kids will learn about all the fun Swedish Easter traditions from creating Easter trees with feathers to dressing up as witches! Suggested donation: $5/child paid onsite. 03.15.2016 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM Adults’ Easter Craft Workshop Adults are invited to this special workshop to create Swedish Easter decorations, treats and more. A suggested donation of $15/members, $20/non-members is requested. www.swedishamericanmuseum.org 03.19.2016 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM “The Dream of America” Guided exhibit tour of the Swedish American Museum’s permanent exhibit 03.19.2016 06:30 PM - 11:30 PM Dinner & Fundraiser for Vasa Park Scandinavian Park, Inc. NFP presents their 13th annual dinner dance and fundraiser for Vasa Park, South Elgin, IL. Social hour 6:30 p.m. Dinner 7:30 p.m. Dance music provided by Mark Nilsson, DJ. Cash drawing and raffle table with prizes donated by organizations and businesses. Donation $50/person. Scandinavian Park, Inc. NFP. 847-358-1527 | www. vasaparkil.com 03.20.2016 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Bullerbyn 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 ages 6 months to 5 years are welcome
03.26.2016 05:00 PM - 03.26.2016 08:00 PM Påskmiddag: Swedish Easter Buffet at the museum. www.swedishamericanmuseum.org |773728-8111 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 Minnesota
01.23.2016 PM - 05.22.2016 04:30 PM The Watercolor Worlds of Lars Lerin. Solo exhibition of contemporary Swedish watercolor master Lars Lerin (b. 1954). American Swedish Institute 2600 Park Avenue Minneapolis MN 55407. 612-871-4907 | www.asimn.org 03.17.2016 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM Celebrate St. Urho’s Day with the Scandiband. Concert performed by the Spirit River Scandiband at North Country Coffee in North Branch. A meal beings at 5 p.m., with music at 5:30. Donations of $5-15 are cheerfully accepted for the music. All are invited to wear purple and green, St. Urho’s colors. We R Able. www.scred.k12.mn.us 03.19.2016 02:00 PM - 03.19.2016 03:00 PM Two Perspectives on Swedish textiles Taking Care of Modern Swedish Textile Legacies: Two Perspectives. Tapestry artist Helena Hernmarck
Välkommen till
Tisdag 15 mars kl. 18.30
Veckomässa i Taizéton med kyrkkaffe Påskhögtiden
firar vi tillsammans med Norska sjömanskyrkan enligt följande program: Skärtorsdag 24 mars: Måltid kl. 18.30, mässa kl. 20 (svensk predikan) Långfredag 25 mars: Middag kl. 18, gudstjänst kl. 19.30 (norsk predikan, svenska kyrkans kör medverkar) Påsksöndag 27 mars: Högmässa kl. 11, kaffe kl. 12.30 (norsk predikan, svenska kyrkans kör medverkar) Mer information och senaste nytt om alla våra aktiviteter på vår Facebook- och hemsida!
Svenska kyrkan, Los Angeles 1035 South Beacon Street, San Pedro, CA 90731 Tel. 310-832-6800 • Epost: losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se Hemsida: www.svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles På facebook heter vi “Svenska kyrkan i Los Angeles”
5 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017 Tel: +1 (212) 832-8443
mdv xnqj Öppettider 20 mar-2 apr SÖNDAG
Caféet öppet 12-16 20/3 Familjemässa 11.00 14-16 Ung Svensk i NY
27/3 Påskdagsmässa 11.00
Kyrkokören medverkar 14-16 Ung Svensk i NY
MÅNDAG
www.svenskakyrkan.se/newyork TISDAG
ONSDAG
TORSDAG
Caféet öppet 12-18
Caféet öppet 12-18
18.00 Passionsandakt
18.00 Passionsandakt
18.00 Passionsandakt
18.00 Skärtorsdagsmässa
12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Aftonbön
12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Aftonbön
12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Aftonbön
12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Aftonbön
Nordstjernan, March 15, 2016
Stilla veckan
03.12.2016 02:00 PM - 04.02.2016 08:00 PM Damascus II. August Strindberg’s tale of life in decadent artists’ circles of 1890s Sweden is brought to life in 1960s California. Presented by August Strindberg Repertory Theatre in association with Theater Resources Unlimited. The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St., NYC. (212) 346-8450 | www. strindbergrep.com
l Pennsylvania
03.20.2016 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM Easter Family Fun Day and Egg Hunt Introduce your little ones to Swedish Easter traditions. Children can make Swedish Easter crafts, dress up as Swedish Easter witches, enjoy face painting, and go on an egg hunt. This year, artists from The Clay Studio will be joining the fun by helping families design a clay animation! Join them to create and animate clay characters using the art of stop motion. Learn to create a story, supply voices for characters and bring your creation to life. The Clay Studio will edit the videos and post to YouTube. Free for members and children 2 years and under, $8 for non-members. Pay at the door, no registration needed. American Swedish Historical Museum. 215.389.1776. www.americanswedish.org
l Washington
03.15.2016 05:00 PM - 03.18.2016 08:00 PM Immigration Conference In collaboration with six cultural institutions from the Nordic Region, the Nordic Heritage Museum is hosting this exciting international Immigration Conference. A comprehensive program of five sessions with 17 museum professionals and academics from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, and various locations in the United States will explore the impact of Nordic immigration to the Pacific Northwest from the 1850s to the 21st century. Key Note Speaker is Diana Pardu, Chief of Museum Programs at the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island National Immigration Museum. Nordic Heritage Museum. www.nordicmuseum.org | 206.789.5707 03.17.2016 06:00 PM - 05.08.2016 08:00 PM Exhibition— Magnus Nilsson’s Nordic: A Photographic Essay of Landscapes, Food and People. Nilsson, who was just awarded two Michelin stars for his restaurant in northern Sweden, Fäviken, will have his first museum exhibition in the U.S. It highlights his original travelogue photography - an illustration and examination of Nordic food culture that unravels the mysteries of Nordic ingredients and introduces the world to Nordic culinary history and techniques. www. nordicmuseum.org | 206.789.5707 03.20.2016 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM The Dania Project. The Mostly Nordic Chamber Music Series and Smörgåsbord presents the Dulcina ensemble. A historically informed performance from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance with douçaines, vielles, recorders, rebecs, citoles, bagpipes, sordunes, and rackets in works by Danish masters Truid Aagesen, Mogens Pedersøn and Carl Nielsen expanding into Danish national song tradition, and forays into the contemporary world of Danish jazz. www. nordicmuseum.org | 206.789.5707
Svenska kyrkan i New York
Caféet öppet 12-18
Stilla veckan
l New York
@sk.ny
Caféet öppet 12-18
Stilla veckan
and Frida Lindberg of Alice Lund Textilier AB discuss their partnership in extending the legacy of modern Swedish textile designer Alice Lund and sustaining Alice Lund Textilier in Dalarna, Sweden. Registration recommended, $10 ASI Members/ $15 non-members. American Swedish Institute. 612.871.4907 | www.asimn.org
Stilla veckan
FREDAG
11.00 Långfredagsgudstjänst Därefter stänger kyrkan 12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Aftonbön
LÖRDAG
Caféet öppet 12-16
sports. page 19
Västerås seeks record bandy title
Alexander Nylander skates past Russian defenseman Alexander Bryntsev during the 2014 World Junior Championship in Toronto.
Chipp Reid, Sports Editor chipp@nordstjernan.com
It has not quite been the season Västerås forward Jonas Nilsson expected. The 31-year-old Swedish international bandy star is poised to go to the finals with Västerås for the third-straight year, but despite the team’s success, Nilsson admits his own season has been something of a disappointment. “I have not felt 100 percent for much of the season,” he said. “I don’t know why. I just know I wasn’t scoring the way I thought should.” After firing in 42 goals last season as he led Västerås to its 19th Swedish bandy championship, Nilsson had yet to crack 20 goals by February as the regular season entered its final month. That’s when Nilsson not only rediscovered his scoring touch, but found it at just the right time as Västerås made a push to clinch the regular season title. Nilsson scored nine goals in February, including four in a 5-4 win over Hammarby on February 16. The win assured Västerås of the top seed in the playoffs. Västerås finished with 21 wins and 42 points, barely holding off second-place Villa Lidköping, which finished with 40. Bollnäs finished third with 39 points while Sandvikens AIK was fourth with 38. The top four all pro-
gressed through the quarterfinals as Västerås swept aside IFK Vännersborg in three games while Sandvikens swept its series with IF Esdbyns, the team that dominated Swedish bandy in the early 2000s. Nilsson notched seven goals in Västerås’ three-game sweep in the quarterfinals. “I really didn’t think about the not-scoring,” Nilsson said. “It was easier that way. I just worked hard every day. I skated more and that was a help.” He points to the Hamarby game as the point when he finally rediscovered his scoring touch. “Something happened in February. I was finally fit and skating well,” he said. “Everything just feels better.” It is good news for Västerås and its fans as the club seeks its 20th Swedish championship. Västerås is the most successful of any bandy club in the world. VSK has reached the finals of the Elitserien 34 times, the finals of the Bandy Club World Cup nine times and has won the World Cup six times. It has also lifted the Swedish Cup. The weather was not a factor March 3 when Västerås and Sandvikens met in the first game of their best-of-five semifinal. Although Sandvikens is the No. 4 seed, it features the top offense in the Elitserien. SAIK team captain Christoffer Edlund led the Elitserien in scor-
William Nylander
Photo:Peter Grauvhold/Bildbyran
Photo:Joel Marklund/Bildbyran
Bandy is widely played in Scandinavia and the nations of the Russian Federation. Teams of 11 skaters — one goalkeeper and 10 “out” players, defenders, midfielder and forwards — compete on a soccer-field sized ice sheet. All the players use a small stick similar to what field hockey players use although the blade is longer and not as curved. Instead of a puck the game has a small ball. It is the only winter team sport in which the weather can play a major role as the rinks are all outdoors.
Jonas Nilsson celebrates after scoring one of his four goals against Hammarby in the final regular season for both teams in the Bandy Elitserien. Bildbyrån photo/Simon Hastegard
ing with 59 goals in 26 games while linemate Erik Pettersson fired in 45 goals in 25 games. VSK’s top scorer was Joakim Andersson, who had 44 goals in 26 games while Nilsson was second on the team with 27 tallies in 23 matches. In the first semifinal, it was Nilsson and not Sandviken’s big two who was in prime form. Nilsson scored four goals as VSK trounced its rival 11-3. “We were very even in the first half,” Nilsson said. “I think it showed our resolve when we turned them back in the second half when they started to get close to us.” Västerås held a 5-3 lead early in the second half when head coach Michael Carlsson called a timeout.
“We talked about keeping our cool and thinking more,” Nilsson said. “It was a stressful situation but we found our strength.” Nilsson scored all four of goals after the timeout as VSK overwhelmed SAIK in the final half hour. The two teams met in their second semifinal on March 6. In the other semifinal series, Villa Lidköping walloped Bollnäs 8-1 in the first match March 3. Bollnäs came back March 5 to eke out an 8-7 victory. The two teams meet in Game 3 on March 9.
March 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
HHH ”Sweden´s best experience” – TR I P Global Award HHH
The Classic Canal Tour Treat yourself to a classic canal cruise in the height of luxurious comfort on one of the most beautiful waterways in the world. Göta Canal is wending its way through the heart of the Swedish countryside between the two largest cities in the country. On board the traditional canal boats, authentic Swedish style is combined with an atmosphere that harks
back to the glory days of Continental rail travel. Travelling at a leisurely pace, there’s plenty of time to rest and reflect, and to forge new friendships with fellow travellers from Sweden and the rest of the world.
Welcome on a magical journey that brings lifelong memories!
bookings@gotacanal.se or read more at www.gotacanal.se