nordstjernan The Swedish Newspaper of America
Published by Swedish News. Volume 144 No. 09, May 15, 2016. Price per copy $2.50
This Week, Page 5
The Swedish National Day is also known as Day of the Swedish flag.
Sweden, Page 2, 3
TRH Queen Silvia and King Carl XVI Gustaf on their way to June 6 celebrations at Skansen, Stockholm. For Swedish National Day celebrations in the U.S., turn to / Page 12. For more on Swedish National Day and the celebration of H.M. the King’s 70th birthday, turn to / Page 5
Photo: Hans Christiansson
Nordic and U.S leaders meet in Washington / Löfven assures Russia Sweden will remain neutral / A Swedish ISIS suspect changes plans / Eurovision Song Contest to be broadcast live in the U.S. / Stockholm is on high alert / Unions score historic victory during labor negotiations in Sweden.
Column, Page 3
Reflections on a well-known colorful horse.
Feature, Page 5
International Swedish schools are recruiting American students
The Viking lives on
Page 10
Göran R Buckhorn guest@nordstjernan.com
Continued on page 6
Dashboard, Page 10, 11
Sweden’s youngest PhD / Design and eat (or share) your own chocolate bar / Get the taste of Sweden delivered to your door / Swedish chef’s San Francisco restaurant wins big. Drawing by Gunnar Brusewitz
In the wake of heightened interest in the Nordic Viking myths and sagas, here is a tale of Sweden’s most popular Viking and his originator. One of Sweden’s most successful authors during the 20th century was without question Frans G. Bengtsson, widely known outside Sweden for his story about the Viking Röde Orm. Frans Gunnar Bengtsson was born in 1894 at the Rössjöholm estate in northeast Skåne. After he graduated from school in Kristianstad, he attended Lund University, where he spent many years studying a wide range of topics including history, literature, philosophy and the English language. He was also a keen chess player. Bengtsson knew early in life that he
Perspectives, Page 14
In Swedish: Sweden’s radical culture experiment by Professor Claes Ryn.
The Viking Röde Orm (Red Snake) as the Swedish artist Gunnar Brusewitz pictured him.
Kubb season has begun
The 2016 kubb season has begun in the U.S. The old Swedish lawn game is making a comeback, with its American capital in northern Wisconsin, whose motto is: Kubb unites people and creates peace on earth! In 2007, Eau Claire, WI hosted the first official tournament in the U.S. Since then, the game has grown significantly and this year there are over 40 tournaments in the U.S., with the annual U.S. Team Cup on July 9-10 still open for team registration. The sport is growing with new Kubb teams getting organized all the time; teams for all ages and abilities are popping up all over - like the informal one Jessica Lied writes about on page 8, and more official ones you may want to go cheer for, if not join. / Page 9
Page 3
news in brief. page 2
Swedish News (S)amma gamla räcker inte. Gästledare
Sydsvenska Dagbladet 2 maj, 2016
A Nordic - U.S. summit and state dinner will be held at the White House in May.
Nordic leaders meet in Washington
President Obama is hosting a summit and state dinner for Nordic leaders on May 13. Prime Ministers of Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland, and the President of Finland will meet with President Obama with the goal of deepening U.S.-Nordic cooperation over America’s continued commitment to European security, trans-Atlantic trade and the promotion of common democratic values. “The summit in Washington is important for relations between the Nordic region and the United States. For Sweden, it is a good opportunity to develop and deepen our already broad cooperation with the U.S.,” said Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, who will attend the summit. Following the September 2013 meetings President Obama attended in Sweden, this summit will also continue collaboration on a range of issues concerning terrorism and violent extremism, environmental and nuclear security issues, the Global Health Security Agenda, and the migration and refugee crisis.
Sweden to remain neutral
In response to an April 28 remark from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that Moscow retains its right to take retaliatory measures if Sweden joins NATO, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven and Foreign Minister Margot Wallström said Sweden does not intend to give up its policy of neutrality. “Sweden has been a neutral country for a long time. We have told the world about that many times, and Moscow knows about that,” said Löfven, according to the Swedish news agency TT. During years of emphasizing the importance of understanding each other’s military doctrines, Russia has always warned that an enlarged NATO infrastructure approaching Russian borders would cause them to take all necessary military and technical measures. Lavrov said Russia wouldn’t expect Sweden would attack. But, he added: “Since the Swedish military infrastructure will be subordinate to NATO’s Supreme Command in that case, we will certainly have to take some military and technical measures at our northern borders.” He did not specify what measures Russia would take.
Swedish ISIS suspect
A Swedish suspect in the Brussels and Paris attacks decided against detonating a bomb. Instead, the Swede allegedly dumped the explosives into a toilet, and if he is found guilty and sentenced, he may request to serve jail time in Sweden. A legal amendment passed last year makes it likely this prison transfer could take place. Osama Krayem, 23, was born and raised in Malmö. He went to Syria in 2014 to join ISIS; he took his home-made explosive, intended for Brussel’s Maalbeek metro station, and tried to dispose of it in the bathroom of the apartment where the attackers were based. Krayem was arrested on April 8 and charged with “terrorist murders” over last month’s suicide blasts in Brussels that killed 32 people and injured 300. He was also charged with links to November’s Paris attacks. The lengthy judicial process could take up to a year before the court delivers the verdict.
Nordstjernan, May 15, 2016
Perspektivet var givet när Moderaterna presenterade sin ekonomiska vårmotion. Fokus låg på åtgärder för att fler som står långt ifrån arbetsmarknaden ska få jobb. “Vi är på väg mot en miljon i utanförskap”, sade M-ledaren Anna Kinberg Batra på måndagen och syftade särskilt på nyanlända som saknar gymnasieutbildning. Hon vill bland annat avskaffa dagens arbetsmarknadsutbildning till förmån för en ny form av ettårig yrkesutbildning som garanterar provanställning hos arbetsgivare. Det låter som en god modell – åtminstone i teorin – och behovet av nya grepp är stort. Det inser även Socialdemokraterna, som på arbetarrörelsens dag i söndags lanserade en modell med 5 000 nya statliga beredskapsjobb till år 2020. Det ska handla om alltifrån digitalisering av dokument till vård av natur och kulturarv, vilket förstås vore välkommet. Problemet är att satsningarna – även tillsammans med befintliga åtgärder – framstår som alltför små i förhållande till behoven. Risken finns att statsminister Stefan Löfven (S) underskattar de utmaningar som jobbpolitiken står inför. På sistone har han mest talat om de cirka 30 000 med utländsk bakgrund som väntas bli svårast att få in på arbetsmarknaden – personer över 39 år som saknar gymnasieutbildning.
Men det är långt fler än dessa som risk- bryter samarbetet med MP hävdade Serar att fastna i långtidsarbetslöshet. Utan ledaren att alternativet till det rödgröna nätverk, språkkunskaper och erfarenhet samarbetet skulle vara en “blåbrun sörja”. från svensk arbetsmarknad kan det vara Som om det inte gick att bilda en renodlad svårt att få jobb även för välutbildade S-regering eller söka en koalition över personer. Många lär till en början få söka blockgränsen. arbeten där det ställs lite lägre krav på Den rödgröna regeringen var svag redan förkunskaper. Och det är inte lätt att hitta när den tillträdde och har försvagats ytterenkla jobb i en tid då digitalisering och au- ligare på senare tid, som en följd av både tomatisering trendmässigt gör dem färre. väljarflykt från S och Miljöpartiets interna Därför har Moderaterna uttryckt önske- problem. Det förvånar att statsministern mål om att fack och arbetsgivare ska enas i detta läge väljer att vara så frän mot alom lägre ingångslöner i kollektivavtalen. lianspartierna. Trösklarna till arbetsmarknaden måste bli “Man brukar säga att lögner, personanlägre, resonerar Kinberg Batra. Långtid- grepp och höjd röst tillgrips när de egna sarbetslösheten vittnar tveklöst om det. argumenten tryter. Kan det vara så illa Löfven vill inte höra talas om lägre i Löfvens fall?” frågar sig Aftonbladets ingångslöner och svarar enbart med svart- Lena Mellin. målning och frontalangrepp. På första maj Det kan inte uteslutas att svaret på den anklagade han Moderaterna för att vilja frågan är ja. lagstifta om “fattiglöner” – som om M Socialdemokraterna siktar alltjämt på eftersträvat något slags statlig lönepolitik. EU:s lägsta arbetslöshet till 2020, men S-ledarens ovilja att förstå är symp- har ännu inte presenterat några åtgärder tomatisk. Socialdemokratin växte fram som gör det troligt att nå dit. Och särskilt ur strävan att bekämpa sociala orättvisor avlägset blir målet i frånvaro av fler för personer på arbetsmarknaden och den reformer som förbättrar integrationen på tycks framhärda i detta inifrånperspektiv. arbetsmarknaden. Trots att den stora klasskillnaden idag Sverige har tagit stort ansvar för att ta ligger mellan att ha och att inte ha jobb. emot flyktingar. Nu måste det också tas Mycket talar för att det kommer att ansvar för deras förutsättningar att försörkrävas breda politiska uppgörelser under ja sig – och bidra till det gemensamma. de närmaste åren för att undvika växande Den svenska välfärdsmodellen.Men utanförskap. Om det nu finns förutsättnin- ställd inför nya utmaningar tycks Löfvens gar för sådana – Löfvens ton lär inte öka huvudfokus ligga på att arbetsmarknaden samarbetsviljan. i alla avseenden ska förbli som förut. I en kommentar till uppgifterna om att sju av tio LO-medlemmar vill att S
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News in brief. page 3
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wedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, best known for his iconic sculpture of a revolver with a knotted barrel, died on May 3 at age 81. Reuterswärd was a prolific artist of various media and known around the world. The artist’s oversized bronze sculpture of a knotted revolver was created after the 1980 assassination of his friend, peace activist John Lennon; it was – and still is – a symbol of peace. Entitled “Non Violence,” the original sculpture stands outside the UN headquarters in New York and has inspired at least 30 copies in locations around the world. Reuterswärd was wheelchair bound after a stroke in 1989, and he lived the last years of his life back in his native Sweden. Whether he followed the current, sometimes violent events surrounding Sweden’s immigration crisis isn’t entirely known, but a copy of “Non Violence” is in Malmö, where there’s particularly deep social and political unrest. It’s a subject that prevails in the hearts and minds of many Swedes, and in those who survived the difficult trip to Sweden with hope only for a better life than the oppression they were fleeing. There are many struggles on all sides,
as many opinions and a lot of anger. It’s hard not to worry when violence is upsetting the peace. We have over time covered different perspectives on current Swedish events in Nordstjernan. The essay on page 14 actually appears in Swedish; for a variety of reasons we decided against trying to translate it to English. It’s written by Claes Ryn, a born Swede who was partly educated in Sweden but spent his whole professional life in America. He maintains very strong ties to Sweden, and he wrote this article with utmost care and concern for readers who really know Sweden - the Sweden of today and the Sweden of his youth. Ryn’s story is long and split into two issues. If you can’t wait that long to read the continuation, it’ll be available in its entirety at nordstjernan.com in the blog area under “Guest.” And if you just want to practice your Swedish, that’s OK — just be warned that it may be a challenge. We feel it’s a worthwhile challenge, a well-written perspective from one writer who loves the same Sweden we all do, the peaceful one we all want to visit again. The Editors
Swedish News
The Eurovision Song Contest, one of the most watched live events in Europe, is coming to American television for the first time ever. The show will be broadcast live in the U.S. on the Viacom-owned cable network Logo.
Eurovision Song Contest goes global
Famous Swedish horse becoming extinct (A little Swedish satire is always good for the soul.) When the Swedish Ministry of Culture called an emergency press conference this spring, speculation was that maybe they were deciding the colors of the Swedish flag should be changed to reflect a more current vision for Sweden. The surprise came when it was instead announced that a Swedish icon, the dalahäst, is in danger of becoming extinct. The Ministry of Culture expressed in a press release a concern for something to be done by the year 2029, or the Swedish dalahäst population just might experience a negative population growth. Attempts to reach the minister or any other bureaucrats regarding the matter have been unsuccessful. No matter how much journalists have pounded on the doors of their affordable Stockholm apartments, no word on the dalahäst’s fate is forthcoming. Even the Swedish press appears perplexed, Expressen featuring a headline that takes up an entire front page with a big fat black question mark. Aftonbladet is also offering a kind of cryptic solidarity, its question mark being red and covering the entire front page. Sydsvenskan, more in touch with agriculture and reflecting perhaps a good deed combined with an economic opportunity, has a giant dalahäst on the front page, with the caption, “Skåne welcomes the dalahäst to its new home!” Meanwhile, the Swedish Ministry of Defense has vowed that it will not allow the extinction of the dalahäst. A source asking to remain anonymous says, “We are ready to deploy our entire fleet of JAS Gripen, anything it takes to guard the sanctity and life of the dalahäst!” Donald Trump, who famously asked
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 shares 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 writes in a collection of essays Kirchdorfer calls Swede Among the Rednecks: The Language That Just Won’t Stay Buried, available through Nordstjernan and on amazon.com.
Rest assured, the Dalahorse is still being crafted at Nusnäs in Dalarna, the centre of Dala horse production.
if anyone has ever seen a Swedish terrorist, made it clear that he will tell China they cannot make any fake Swedish dalahäst. He will make sure the Chinese build a wall around their entire nation and the Chinese will pay for that wall. But it is the reaction of refugees and recent immigrants in Sweden that has drawn the most attention. They have offered to take over the work of the “overpaid” dalahäst makers in Mora, saying the Swedish government had proposed a work program for immigrants, at reduced pay, and this task would help the immigrants learn
Swedish customs. Besides, many immigrants say, they have good knifehandling skills. Of course preventing the extinction of the dalahäst is not dependent on putting a stop to Chinese output and lowering the prices of the horse. A major problem lies in Swedish family life. Says Sven Svensson: “Peter and Annika don’t care about a horse. They want to play on their #^*@*%!) smartphones.” Sambo Olle Mattson says, “When Camilla and I moved in together, we realized we had too much stuff. Each one of us had a dalahäst, but that kind of stuff is for the old people. So we just recycled the wood.” Now the only solution may be for a hockey or soccer team to adopt the dalahäst as its team name and mascot. But the Swedish Ministry of Health says “it is not good for Swedes to hit each other in the head with objects made of wood.” Meanwhile, the politicians in Stockholm are no doubt pacing inside their nice apartments and will have a brilliant solution. Long live the dalahäst! Keeping an eye on Sweden for you, Your skribent, Ulf Kirchdorfer ulf.kirchdorfer@nordstjernan.com
Life made Sweder through NORDSTJERNAN: Call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10, to order.
For the first time ever, the worlds’ biggest song contest will be televised in the U.S. Each year, Eurovision takes place at a major European city —this year it’s in Stockholm, and rehearsals are already underway. For the next couple weeks leading up to the contest at the Globe Arena on May 14, singers from 43 countries are flocking to the Swedish capital. Fans who can’t make it to Stockholm can now follow the action ahead of the contest itself, even specifying the countries you want to keep track of. Live stories contain short reports, rehearsals, photographs, videos and more at http://www.eurovision.tv. In addition, the European Broadcasting Union is making it possible to watch the Grand Final in the United States via Logo (part of Viacom’s Music & Entertainment Group that also includes VH1, MTV and Comedy Central). It will air live on Saturday, May 14 at 3 p.m. EST. The Grand Final will also be streamed in the U.S. on LogoTV.com and the LogoTV mobile app.
Stockholm on high alert
While concern was high for safety around the events of King Carl Gustaf’s 70th birthday jubilee during the last week of April, it’s even greater for Eurovision, the May 14 concert at the Globe Arena that’s expected to draw 16,000 people. Eight individuals with previous links to ISIS are known to have entered Stockholm recently and detectives have received information that Eurovision is an ISIS target. A spokesman for the Swedish security service Säpo said, “Information has come our way that we cannot ignore,” and Eurovision has confirmed that plans are underway for a high security level at the concert. Given the “general threat” of terrorism in Sweden and Europe, security forces are on high alert and citizens are encouraged to monitor media and local information sources, be prepared for additional security interruptions in their personal activities, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Historic victory for unions
On April 29 Swedish union leaders and employers negotiated and agreed on pay raises and working conditions for half a million public sector workers, including retail and railway workers as well as nurses. Now 400,000 employees will have three-year contracts for fairer wages after the Kommunal Union agreed on a deal with the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions. The union is calling this a “historic victory.” All members get a pay raise in real terms, and nursing assistants get an extra raise,” said Annelie Nordström, secretary general of Kommunal. The new collective bargaining agreement will provide each worker a wage increase of 520 SEK ($65) in the first year.
The Exchange Rate: $1.00 = SEK 8.07 05.04.2016
May 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
feature. page 4
Earth Day 2016
Swedish Minister for Climate and the Environment Åsa Romson prepares to sign the Paris Agreement in New York. Right: In 2015, more than 99 percent of all household waste was composted or recycled in one way or another in Sweden.
On Earth Day, Sweden was represented in New York at the signing of the United Nation’s Paris Agreement, the world’s climate change policy. The landmark agreement came out of negotiations at December’s climate summit in Paris. We know Sweden has already been active managing waste (a huge impactor of climate change) than just about any other country in the world. Their “recycling revolution” has caused less than one percent of household garbage to end up in landfills — that leaves a lot to be accounted for in other ways. And it is: As of last year, more than 99 percent of all household waste was composted or recycled in one way or another. Nearly every item of refuse was turned into something else — new products, raw materials, gas or heat. Today, recycling stations are often no more than 300 meters from any residential area. Most Swedes separate all recyclable waste in their homes and deposit it in special containers in their nearby recycling station. In fact, Sweden has become so good at recycling waste that it actually imports
800,000 tons of trash each year from the U.K., Ireland, Norway and even http://tiny. cc/s3zzay|[Italy] to keep their plants up and running. (Americans recycled just 34 percent of their waste in 2010; and more than 50 percent of the average U.S. household waste ended up in landfills, amounting to 136 million tons of garbage in total.) In Sweden, newspapers are turned into new paper pulp, bottles are reused or melted into new items, plastic containers become raw material for new products; food is composted and becomes soil or biogas through a complex chemical process. Garbage trucks often run on recycled electricity or biogas. Wasted water is purified to the extent of being potable. There are special collections for electronics and hazardous waste such as chemicals. Pharmacists accept leftover medicine. They are excellent examples of citizens who care for their environment and their ecological footprint and show that progress can be made in an effort to positively affect climate change.
Exercise Caution While Traveling The U.S. Embassy in Stockholm is encouraging Americans to review the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Alert if they are traveling abroad: http://travel.state.gov/ content/passports/en/alertswarnings/europe-travel-alert.html While terrorist groups continue to threaten attacks throughout Europe, Iraqi intelligence services reportedly warned Sweden of a terror plot against civilians in Stockholm. Major public events are rarely prime targets for terrorists, but Swedish police are assessing the information and working closely with national and international partners. The threat level has not been raised, but it is at “an elevated level.” Police reconsidered security measures for the 70th birthday of King Carl Gustaf, for whom week-long festivities were attracting many people to Stockholm through April 30. No problems have been reported, but U.S. citizens should continue to exercise vigilance when in public places or using mass transportation. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid crowded places. Exercise particular caution during religious holidays and at large festivals or events.
International Summer School After a flight from Sweden and a couple trains later, I board the last bus to take me to the picturesque mountain village of Engelberg, located in central Switzerland. It is a late evening in mid-October. On the bus I reunite with Nick, a Greek student who is on the way to the same conference as I am, and who I worked with during the Academia Engelberg Summer School the previous summer. Nick is a bit nervous; the day after tomorrow he will be the main presenter of our group project about Greece’s financial situation. The conference involves participation of around 150 personalities from science, business, politics and society. This year’s theme is about capitalism, what an ecological and social market economy might look like, and we — the future generation — were given a particularly extensive opportunity to present our ideas. During the conference we students did not only listen to educated experts as well as present and give lectures ourselves, but we also got to participate in lots of valuable workshops, panel discussions and debates. It all started with the summer school, a brilliant concept which involves students from all over the world meeting to discuss and potentially solve the big global issues of our time. The summer school precedes the annual conference of Academia Engelberg and joined students from six countries to discuss this year’s conference topic “Future Economic Systems.” The summer school took place in mid July 2015, in Ruswil, Switzerland. For my part, I had a number of incredible experiences at Academia Engelberg which I will always carry with me. I developed my thinking a lot during these couple days — and I received a tremendous amount of new knowledge, insights and friends from various parts of the world with different backgrounds. The result of our work during summer school was four innovative proposals for improving the economic systems: innovation capital for all 18-year-olds; the decentralization of political power; an independent person as central bank president for West Africa; and true-cost pricing for mobility. Watch our presentations of these proposals here: http://academia-engelberg.ch/en/ program/ (click on “October 15”). The participants were a good mix that included 12 students from different parts of the world, with backgrounds in social studies, economics, law and politics, just to name a few. Germany, Greece, Kenya, Romania, Sweden and Switzerland were represented. The Academia Engelberg foundation encourages young adults to make observations and express their views and integrate them in a variety of research areas. At least in Europe, it is not common to allow young students early in their studies to make comments on — and become involved in — important research. In my view, it is of crucial importance to
Nordstjernan, May 15, 2016
The Academia Engelberg Summer School needs American students integrate young students, as they often have different views on the problem and can come up with (other) important perspectives. This can attract more people to engage in research at an earlier stage. Of course, another major aim of involving us — the future generation — is to anchor the global questions and issues of our time among the young in order to give these questions and issues impact throughout the whole society. However, today’s society is a global one. All topics dealt with at the conference as well as at the summer school, are global issues, which must not only involve Europe, but also other parts of the world, such as the U.S. If you are an American student studying at an advanced level who wishes to participate and contribute to the discussion and the important work that will be addressed during the next summer school and conference — and you also want to get to know Europe and perhaps some participating Swedish students — send in your application to admin@ academia-engelberg.ch. Markus Nyberg Andersson Next year’s conference topic will be “At the Limits!” Read more about it here: http://academia-engelberg.ch/en/conference-2016/.
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feature. page 5
Sweden’s National Day is June 6. Only since the early 20th century has it been considered the Day of the Swedish Flag, becoming a national holiday as late as 2004. For a long time Sweden was perhaps the only country in the world with no official national day, which may be fairly symptomatic of the Swedes’ general skepticism of patriotic manifestations. On the other hand, there are few countries in the world where private flag poles are as common as in Sweden, and both on June 6 and other “public flag days,” such as Midsummer Day, the blue and yellow flags will be seen fluttering in most gardens, outside country cottages and from tower block balconies. Also called the day of Gustav Vasa it was initially - from the 19th century - to honor June 6, 1523, the day Gustav Vasa was elected Sweden’s King, and the Kalmar Union was finally dissolved. Gustav Vasa, born Gustav Eriksson or colloquially Gösta Jerksson, lead the rebellion against Christian II of Denmark, the leader of the Kalmar Union who controlled most of Sweden at the time. He was the first native Swedish sovereign and was considered a liberator of the country. The events made Sweden a sovereign state once again and are generally considered the foundation of modern Sweden. The new constitution and government proclamation of 1809 was also made on
June 6, as was the proclamation of 1974. Although celebrated as a Flag Day, it was not until 1983 that June 6 officially became the national day and noted the moderation of nationalism whereby the national day was still for many years a regular working day. The Riksdagen – Sweden’s parliament – made June 6 a national holiday in 2004. The decision made the third day of Whit, Whit Monday (following Whit Sunday or Pentecost), into an ordinary day and Swedes got a longer work week at the Whitsun holidays beginning in 2005. June 6 then became a day off no matter what day it falls on. While celebrations on June 6 itself may be low-key when compared with our July 4 in the U.S., there will be celebrations in many parts of Swedish America - see our list on page 12 or check www.nordstjernan.com/ calendar for a celebration near you.
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
Right: Scouts offer the King a birthday present. Below: The King’s children and grandchildren, including 2-month-old Prince Oscar (in the arms of his mother, Crown Princess Victoria) gather at the Royal Palace during the king’s 70th birthday celebrations.
The Swedish National Anthem In Swedish Du gamla, du fria, du fjällhöga Nord, du tysta, du glädjerika sköna! Jag hälsar dig, vänaste land uppå jord, din sol, din himmel, dina ängder gröna, din sol, din himmel, dina ängder gröna. Du tronar på minnen från fornstora dar, då ärat ditt namn flög över jorden. Jag vet, att du är och du blir vad du var. Ja, jag vill leva, jag vill dö i Norden! Ja, jag vill leva, jag vill dö i Norden! In English
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.
HM King Carl XVI Gustaf receives flowers from children on the morning of his 70th birthday.
Photo: H. Garlöv/Kungahuset.se
6:e Juni, Nationaldagen
Photo Claudio Bresciani/Kungahuset.se
Grattis King Carl XVI Gustaf
Thou ancient, thou freeborn, thou mountainous North, In beauty and peace our hearts beguiling, I greet thee, thou loveliest land on the earth, Thy sun, thy skies, thy verdant meadows smiling. Thy sun, thy skies, thy verdant meadows smiling. Thy throne rests on mem’ries from great days of yore, When worldwide renown was valour’s guerdon. I know to thy name thou art true as before. Oh, I would live and I would die in Sweden, Oh, I would live and I would die in Sweden. [Sweden in the last two lines is in a direct translation from the Swedish text actually the Nordic region.)
Swedes, Swedish Americans, Swedish foreign ministries, consulates, embassies, royalty and admirers from around the world wished HM King Carl XVI Gustaf a very happy 70th birthday on Saturday, April 30. If not in person, they sent greetings to the castle or posted them on social media using the special hashtag: #Kungen70. The jubilee celebration started the Monday before with special concerts and events taking place in Stockholm each day in his honor. Saturday itself started with a Te Deum church service in the Royal Chapel and was followed by special congratulations and a huge choral tribute that included a Gospel rendition of All You Need Is Love that King Carl XVI Gustaf himself was part of. He enjoyed an outpouring of excitement, support and pageantry with a changing of the guard in the Outer Courtyard after which children had the opportunity to present him with flowers. At noon, a 21-gun salute was fired from Skeppsholmen. Special gifts were offered, Prince Oscar (2 months old) made his first public appearance to wish his grandfather a happy birthday, and onlookers lined the streets to cheer and sing “Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah, hurrah” as he and the Queen were escorted through the city in the Parade Barouche. The celebrations continued into the evening with a banquet at the Royal Palace. Invited royalty who attended the evening banquet included Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, King Philippe of Belgium, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Princess Takamado of Japan and Jordan’s Prince Raad bin Zeid and Princess Majda Raad Zeid, but Norway’s royals did not attend as their nation is mourning the deadly helicopter crash which killed 13 oil workers the day before. It wasn’t forgotten that just nine months after the King was born 70 years ago, his father, Prince Gustaf Adolf, was killed in a plane crash. This is the King’s 43rd year on the throne. Several souvenirs were released in honor of the King’s birthday. A magazine called Kungen 70 år (The King 70 years) is being sold in stores throughout Sweden. It includes a long interview with the King and photos never before released to the public. Much of the day’s events were streamed live and can be seen at www.svtplay.se in entirety (3 hours, 41 minutes) or in shorter clips.
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Röde Orm, the Viking lives on Continued from page 1
wanted to be an author, or to be more exact, a poet. He became a contributor to the student paper Lundagård when it was first published in 1920, and his scholarly poems in Lundagård made him renowned in Lund. In 1923 Bengtsson published his first book of poems, Tärningkast (Throw of the Dice). It was a collection of sonnets, a very rare and old meter to be used in the 1920s. Nevertheless, Tärningkast was well received by the critics, some of whom were Bengtsson’s closest friends. They gave it positive reviews not because of their friendship but because the book was de facto remarkable, with poems about heroic achievements, lost love and tragic events, written with skill and great beauty. Two years later, Bengtsson published his second book of poems, Legenden om Babel. Again, both his way of writing and the poems’ subjects were considered out of date, but this time critics were more reserved. This had a negative impact on him and he found it hard to write poetry. In 1924, Bengtsson translated Henry David Thoreau’s Walden into Swedish, Skogsliv vid Walden. He continued translating major literary works, and in the late-1920s, two long, brilliant Swedish translations came out of his hands: Milton’s Det förlorade paradiset (Paradise Lost) and Rolandssången (Chanson de Roland). Soon he gave up poetry and started to write prose, publishing his first collection of essays in 1929. Litteratörer och militärer made it clear that Bengtsson had started down a new path that would give him a literary reputation seldom seen in his home country. He came to be known as the Swedish essayist and would publish three highly regarded books of essays during the 1930s and one in the 1940s. They are minor masterpieces. They show his ability to put his well-balanced thoughts into words and are filled with elegant esprit.
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In the mid ‘30s, Bengtsson finished a two-volume biography on the warrior king Charles XII, Karl XII:s levnad. It was well received, gave him more honor as an author and also a stable income for the first time. Bengtsson’s next book project made him a celebrated author in numerous European countries and a household name in Sweden. This project was the Viking saga Röde Orm (The Red Serpent).
A Viking from southern Sweden
The story of Röde Orm, a Viking who lives in Skåne (which then belonged to Denmark), begins in the year 980 and ends in 1010. The reader follows Orm on his adventurous travels from Scandinavia to the countries of Europe, to Miklagard (the Vikings’ name for Constantinople) and the Ukraine. Besides being an exciting saga, the volumes of Röde Orm are filled with humor. One of the most humorous passages — maybe the funniest found in 20th-century Swedish literature — is when Orm and his friend Toke are celebrating Yule at the court of King Harald Bluetooth of Denmark. Only Bengtsson could tell the entertaining episode that occurs at the feast when Orm chops the head off an opponent who is fighting Orm for his gold chain. The head bounces on the edge of the table where King Harald is seated and rolls into a cup of ale. Meanwhile, Toke has gone outside the hall to fight another antagonist, both men having left saying they shall, “go out and piss together, but not forget to bring our swords.” After a while Toke reenters the hall alone, badly limping, with blood running down one leg. When asked how it went with his foe, Toke replies, “It took time. But he finished pissing at last.” The first volume, Röde Orm, Sjöfarare i västerled, was published before Christmas 1941 and was immediately a bestseller, becoming the best-selling book in Sweden during the war. With the book’s great success, publishers in other countries were eager to jump on the money wagon too. Although Sweden was neutral during the war, the Swedish publishing business encountered concerns with other European countries. From Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia and Norway came inquiries about the correctness of Bengtsson’s racial policy, and Bengtsson refused to have his book published in those countries during the war. The second volume of Orm’s adventures Röde Orm, Hemma och i österled, was published in 1945 and met the world’s expectations. The story brought well-deserved fame to its creator and gave him financial independence. His books on the Viking have been translated into 22 languages. One of the most famous is the English translation by Michael Meyer, who in October 1952 was hired by the English publisher Collins to translate Bengtsson’s saga (for the miserable sum of 10 shillings a page). Meyer, who
Frans G. Bengtsson in 1923, the year his debut book of poems was published.
had been a lecturer at Uppsala University from 1947 to 1950, was worried, however, that his knowledge of the Swedish language was not good enough. Ragnar Svanström, the publisher at Norstedts, promised to help Meyer by having someone check his translation — and Meyer worked with Bengtsson himself.
The English translation
Bengtsson was delighted to help with the English translation. The two men wrote letters to each other, and Meyer sent his manuscript for Bengtsson to read through. The author made corrections, suggestions, and answered Meyer’s questions about old Swedish words and Viking customs. Later Meyer would write, “His answers were an education.” Sometimes Bengtsson would get angry with Meyer for a howler in the translation and he would tell off the translator, but eventually they would be friends again. When the two-volume novel Röde Orm was published in England in February 1954 — under the title The Long Ships — after seven months of translating, it was hailed as a masterwork. To this very day the books about Röde Orm, both in Swedish and in English, have never been out of print.
Later that year, the New York publisher Alfred A. Knopf published it in the United States. The critics loved it here, too. Hudson Strode of the N.Y. Herald Tribune wrote that Bengtsson “keeps his readers eager for the next chapter. He has a sharp eye for the picturesque and the comic in daily living, and though his style is sophisticated he often writes with a kind of festive abandon.” The Philadelphia Inquirer’s reviewer, Margaret Widdemer, ended her praising article by saying, “This is a lusty man’s book that women, too, will enjoy.” American readers embraced the story of Röde Orm, now in the version by Michael Meyer, who proved to have a real gift for turning the laconic and witty Bengtsson epic, filled with marvelous understatements, into a most enjoyable and brilliant English prose. Bengtsson was ill in 1954, but the success of The Long Ships made his life, in a way, content. He died on December 19 that year. With The Long Ships published in the U.S., another dimension appeared on the scene: Hollywood. To cheer up Bengtsson during his illness, author Ragnar Svanström wrote letters to him telling how well sales were going in England and the U.S., and that a film contract was maybe approaching from
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“How Yule was celebrated at King Harald Bluetooth’s court.” In 1991, the artist Jordi Arkö finished a 90-meter-long tapestry with illustrations from the story about the Scanian Viking. The tapestry has been on display at different exhibitions in Sweden, France, Germany, the U.S. and Japan.
Hollywood, as the film rights were under Michael Meyer became a renowned transnegotiation. It would take almost 10 years lator, responsible for English editions of before the film adaptation of the book was works by Ibsen and Strindberg. Meyer died released by Columbia Pictures. In the film in London August 3, 2000 at the age of 79. The Long Ships of 1963, Richard Widmark, The British edition of The Long Ships is Sidney Poitier and Russ Tamblyn play the available both as a paperback and a kindle leading roles. edition through www.amazon.com. OcIn a January 2000 letter to me, Michael casionally, the book can be found through Meyer summed up what many readers of antiquarian book dealers. The Frans G. Bengtsson’s Viking tale think of the screen Bengtsson Society in Sweden always welversion: “The film, of course, was one of comes new members. If you are interested, the worst that ever came out of Hollywood.” please contact the society online at www. Frans G. Bengtsson, had he still been fgb-sallskapet.org or via email kontakt@ alive at the time, would have undoubtedly fgb-sallskapet.org hated it. In 1942, when the first volume of Röde Orm was But that is another story.
O
n April 24 the world’s largest Viking ship, Draken Harald Hårfagre, set sail from her homeport of Haugesund, Norway to journey across the Atlantic Ocean, to explore the world as the Vikings did a thousand years ago. Expedition America started with a dragon’s head ceremony on April 23. The dragon’s head is traditionally not mounted until departure for longer journeys and its purpose is to protect the ship and the crew from sea
1.800.827.9333 ext 10 or www.nordicsampler.com
In 2015 Göran R Buckhorn published his book A YANK AT CAMBRIDGE – B.H. Howell: The Forgotten Champion about Benjamin Hunting Howell, an American who rowed and sculled in England in the late 1890s, first for Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and later for Thames RC. 152 pages. ISBN: 978-0-578-16289-8. Available at Mystic Seaport Bookstore, Mystic, Connecticut 1.860.572.5386 or at www.amazon.com
monsters, bad weather, evil creatures and unforeseen raids. The ship’s fantastic mythological head was uncovered in the ceremony, and the great adventure of sailing the historical route was wished fair winds and following seas. The route follows that which the Vikings took from Norway to Iceland, Greenland, Canada and finally through the Great Lakes of the U.S. No one can predict the weather, however, and the crew will stand trial for a real challenge, according to Swede Björn Ahlander, captain of Draken Harald Hårfagre: Draken Harald Hårfagre gets ready to set sail in the waters of Haugesund, Norway. “It’s hard to say which and the legends of Viking ships from the people to take on challenges,” said Sigurd stretch will be the toughest before we’ve set sail, but the area that Norse sagas. It is the largest Viking ship Aase, owner and the man behind the project. A few facts: should be respected more than anywhere else sailing in modern times. The 32 bold men and women in the crew The Draken Harald Hårfagre is an open is the waters of Cape Farewell by the coast of Greenland — among the most dangerous come from Norway, Sweden, USA, Canada, clinker-built Viking ship. Hull: Oak; Mast: Douglas fir; Rigg: Hemp; waters of the world. It’s extreamly windswept Estonia, Russia, Spain, France and UK, they are all under the command of Captain Björn Sail: Silk. Measurements: 115 feet from stem and there will probably be a lot of ice.” to stern; 26 feet wide; 78 feet mast; 260 Draken Harald Hårfagre is a re-creation of Ahlander. “The aim is to explore the world and square meters sail what the Vikings would call a “great ship,” Follow Expedition America at www.drakbuilt with archaeological knowledge from embrace the Viking spirit to look beyond findings, using old boat building traditions the horizon and seek adventure, to inspire enexpeditionamerica.com
The Draken Harald Hårfagre
Photo: Peder Jacobsson
Göran R. Buckhorn
already a tremendous success, Bror Chronander drew the picture, right, of its author.
The cover of the first American paperback edition of The Long Ships, published in 1957. This picture of Orm – with its Wagnerian horned helmets – differs a lot from the illustration by Brusewitz on page one.
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Folk Dancing • Children’s Activities Live Music • Kubb Tournament Food • Beer Garden
Lindsborg, Kansas Little Sweden, USA
One of the great things about kubb is it’s practically synonymous with the Swedish sun. You can’t have one without the other. Kubb, the simple game comprised of modest wood blocks, forces us into the open air and encourages us to celebrate life. I’m not exaggerating. Kubb really does that. In this day and age when people are seemingly more attached to the virtual world than the physical one, kubb gives us a reason to observe the present moment. Indeed, it refreshes us, brings us together and generates joy. And it’s accessible to everyone: young, old and all those in between. You can play with friends, neighbors, family. But you can’t play with a phone in your hand. And you can’t play alone. Swedes may be surprised to discover kubb isn’t common in America. I was 21 when I was first introduced to kubb while studying in Växjö. The winter frost had just broken, and the spring sun bathed the Småland landscape in warmth. University students burst into the sunshine from their dark rooms to spend each and every free moment in the day’s light, as if at any moment winter might rear its ugly head again. I immediately fell in love with the lawn game and became resolute to bring it back to the States when I returned from my year abroad. But would the game translate for American players? Would my friends back home see kubb’s appeal? Of course they did. Back in the U.S., I threw myself a giant homecoming party, wanting to share a few of my favorite Swedish experiences with friends. I decorated my apartment in blue and yellow streamers,
served IKEA meatballs alongside beets and lingonberries, and introduced my friends to the sounds of Håkan Hellström. The night concluded, of course, with a game of kubb. Watching my American friends play the Swedish game was a magical merging of two special worlds. It’s been 10 years since my transformative year in Växjö. Ten years since I fell in love with Sweden — its landscape, its people, its ways of life. When I returned home, I vowed to maintain some of the Swedish habits I’d amassed while living abroad. Some have been easier than others to hold onto. I still involuntarily utter “mmm” during conversations — a very confusing practice to Americans, who believe I’m having a hard time hearing so begin to repeat themselves. I still try to squeeze in a fika whenever I have time, and at breakfast, I’ve traded American white toast smeared with peanut butter for knäckebröd and prästost. But it’s been hard to uphold my desire to bike more and drive less. Kubb, however, has been easy to carry over from my Swedish life to my American one. It still excites me to set up the pitch, still thrills me to gather friends and family for a game. While I sometimes get wistful that it’s not the Swedish sun under which I’m playing, and while sometimes my heart aches knowing it will be a few more years until I can return to the land I love, kubb will forever be an indelible pastime joining me to my Scandinavian home. Jessica Lied
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Kubb: It’s like Viking Chess on our lawn (or even in the snow) Wherever you set up your game pieces is called the pitch, usually about 5 x 8 meters in size. Two teams of at least three people each are needed, along with the game pieces: a large king, 10 smaller kubbs, 6 batons, 4 corner stakes and 2 mid-pitch stakes. (There is no official kubb set, not even in championship play; in fact, sets are hand-made and personalized just as often as store-bought.) The kubbs and stakes are set up strategically on the pitch (see image). Play begins with the first team throwing their batons from behind their baseline, attempting to knock down the kubbs on the
Kubb in the U.S. Kubb has grown significantly and this year there are over 40 tournaments in the U.S., with the annual U.S. Team Cup on July 9-10 still open for team registration. The sport is growing with new kubb teams getting organized all the time; teams for all ages and abilities are currently organized in the following areas: Eau Claire, WI; Madison, WI; Minneapolis, MN;
opposite baseline. Then the second team throws, and teams alternate turns until all the batons are thrown. There are nuances and rules depending on where a baton falls, but play continues until the game is won by the team who knocks down all the kubbs in their opponent’s half of the field and baseline, then knocks over the king. However, if a team knocks down the king prior to knocking down all the kubbs, that team immediately loses the game. In tournament play, matches are often best-of-three games.
Ely, MN; Rockford, IL; Ravenna, OH; Lindsborg, KS; Ames, IA; Des Moines, IA; Alanson, MI; and Huntersville, NC. For more information visit www.wisconsinkubb.com and facebook.com/uskubbchampionship.
HOST COUNTRY: ICELAND
DENMARK | FINLAND | NORWAY | SAAMILAND | SWEDEN
JUNE 24 & 25 | 10am-5pm
SCANDINAVIAN HJEMKOMST FESTIVAL
MIDWEST VIKING FESTIVAL AND
CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT SCANDINAVIAN FOOD • FAMILY FUN More information: www.hcscconline.org | www.nordiccultureclubs.org LOCATED AT:
Tickets: Adult $10 | Kids 12 and under free
May 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
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Bohuslän, Sweden
Bohuslän on the northernmost part of Sweden’s west coast, with borders to the provinces Dalsland, Västergötland, the Skagerrak arm of the North Sea and the county of Østfold in Norway. The province is named after the Norwegian medieval fortress Båhus, located in Kungälv. “Båhuslen” was a Norwegian province from around 1050 until the 1658 Treaty of Roskilde, when also Skåneland (Blekinge, Halland and Skåne) was transferred from Denmark to Sweden. A variety of the Götaland dialect of Swedish is spoken in Bohuslän, still today traces of Norwegian remain in the dialect. Dramatic and beautiful, the geography is distinguished by the rocky coast, bordering an archipelago: there are about 3,000 islands and 5,000 islets. With fishing traditionally its main industry Bohuslän is dotted with pretty towns and quiet quays. Beginning this year, legendary Swedish Göta Kanal Steamship Company offers a west coast cruise from Göteborg to Grebbestad or Grebbestad - Göteborg, three days of experiencing the highlights of the dramatic landscape. This special cruise only leaves in early June and mid to late August. For more info, see www.gotacanal.se
Kitchen Visit: Chokladkompaniet
Stockholm, Sweden
It’s not new news that Sweden offers great education opportunities, even to non-Swedes. And it’s not news that so many international researchers spend time furthering their education in Stockholm. But the age of the latest PhD candidate to come out of Stockholm University may be a surprise: Stefan Buijsman is 20. Buijsman, a student from the Netherlands, just earned his doctorate in the philosophy of mathematics — as a 20-year-old. Buijsman, who finished his Master’s degree at age 18, said the main reason he came to Stockholm was because of the professors: “I had lots of supervision from two very good professors.” He wanted to work abroad and Sweden was one of the few countries with funding for his field. He also credits Sweden’s more informal working culture for making it possible. “Getting help is easier here (than in the Netherlands), people are very approachable.” Whether he will stay on in Sweden isn’t yet clear, but he would welcome the opportunity. For more info, see www.su.se/english
The chocolate is Belgian and purchased from Barry Callebaut, the world’s largest chocolate manufacturer. The milk chocolate has a cocoa content of 33.6 percent, the dark chocolate contains 56 percent cocoa, and the latter is also organic. For toppings you can choose different candy, nuts, dried fruit or sea salt. You get help to sprinkle on the toppings of your choice (for hygiene reasons). I chose liquorice and cocoa in a chocolate and pistachio nuts and sea salt on another.
Another sweet reason to visit Stockholm’s Söder next time you’re going to Sweden’s capital. For some time it’s been popular to design your own chocolate bar in the European chocolate countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium. Now the trend has come to Stockholm. In a beautiful building from the 1800s near Medborgarplatsen in Södermalm, Stockholm’s south, you find Chokladkompaniet, the Chocolate Company. Inside you’re met by high ceilings and chocolate brown walls, a crystal chandelier and an old ceramic stove in the corner. This is where Marcus Holmström and Robert Fransson set up to sell premium house-made chocolate and allow customers to create their own chocolate bars. Alexandra and Julia were there to help me make my very own chocolate bar, topped with up to three different flavors chosen from a list of 40. If you’re visiting Sweden but are nowhere near Stockholm you can also order your self-designed chocolate through the company’s web shop.
Nordstjernan, May 15, 2016
This is how it works: 1. Choose your chocolate. Select dark or milk chocolate for your base; it is mixed in a special machine which adjusts the chocolate to the right temperature. The liquid chocolate is poured into a form, and the machine vibrates the chocolate mold to avoid air bubbles. 2. Select toppings. Up to three different topping may be added to each chocolate bar. (Doing so is reminiscent of being a child in the candy store — pointing to this, that and that ... and THAT!) 3. Choose packaging. The chocolate needs to cool to become your solid, beautiful chocolate bar. When it has solidified, the bar is taken out of its mold and packaged into a small cellophane bag with the company logo and into the box you choose. The whole process takes about 20 minutes. Then you’re on your way with a heavenly good chocolate snack or unique gift. Gunilla Blixt www.gunillablixt.se Chokladkompaniet Kocksgatan 18 SE-116 24 Stockholm Open Tues. – Fri. 12 – 6.30 p.m., Sat. 12-4 p.m. and Sundays 12-3 p.m. www.chokladkompaniet.se kontakt@chokladkompaniet.se
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Stockholm, Sweden
Three-quarters of the Crown Princess family enter the Royal Chapel for a Te Deum, an ancient church service that marks important events such as royal christenings and other ceremonial occasions - like the King’s 70th birthday on April 30. Both Princess Estelle and her mother were praised for wearing clothing by new Swedish designers; and as most women did that day, Crown Princess Victoria wore a fantastic hat. She, like many other royals, exchanged it in the evening for a tiara, which is customary to wear to a royal birthday gala.
Food
The taste of Sweden delivered to your door
A new food delivery service is your ticket to the world. Subscribe to Try the World at https://www.trytheworld.com, choose your delivery frequency and payment plan, and receive boxes of different ethnic food every four to eight weeks. Your first box will ship within two weeks, and could be May’s featured food — from Sweden. Every box includes seven or eight gourmet or snack items selected by an expert chef. The Swedish box features selections by Chef Emma Bengtsson, who was born and raised in western Sweden and is the executive chef
of Aquavit in NYC. Chef Bengtsson shares food from two of Sweden’s most treasured culinary traditions: the smörgåsbord and fika — you’ll find the fixings for crushed berry saft, Swedish dumplings, salmon and dill toasts. Each box comes with a culture guide that includes the story behind each product, authentic recipes and tips to best experience the country’s culinary culture. They are items that are hard to find in the U.S. but loved by locals from the country of origin. Try the World and discover new places through food.
Herr & Fru | Mr. & Mrs.
Him: “Shares, funds, insurances, our future feels safe.”
Her: “But boring. Let’s do something fun with the money instead.”
Him: You have to be Her: “I’d much rather financially responsible speculate in fun in preparing for old memories.” age”
San Francisco, CA
Renowned Swedish-born San Francisco-based chef Staffan Terje’s new restaurant Volta has been named one of the Bay Area’s 100 greatest restaurants (we wrote about Staffan in 2014’s issue 19, with special emphasis on his other restaurants Perbacco and Barbacco). He has cooked Italian food for many years at his other successful restaurants, which are also run with partner Umberto Gibin. Volta is a cross between French bistro with European fare and classic Swedish. The menu, though mainly French, is clearly inspired by the chef’s Swedish roots—l’escargot and market pot au feu or herring five ways, and meatballs with, we hear, an incredible pan sauce, and buttery mashed potatoes, lingonberries … pressylta, skagen, gravid lax, steak frites … French or Swedish, pick your treat. For more info, see www.voltasf.com
‘Pingstdagen’ - Whitsunday May 15 Pentecost, follows 10 days after Ascension Day (this year on May 5) used to be celebrated in a similar fashion to Easter in Sweden. The third day of Pentecost (the day after Whitsunday) was a day off until June 6 was made a national holiday in 2005. Commemorating the Descent of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles, 50 days after the Resurrection of Christ, on the ancient Jewish festival called the “feast of weeks,” is Pentecost. Whitsunday (Pingstdagen) is so called because of the white garments worn by those who were baptised during the
vigil; Pentecost (Pingst in Swedish, “Pfingsten” in German), is Greek for “the fiftieth” (day after Easter). Whitsunday, as a Christian feast, dates back to the first century, al- Pingstlilja, in the though there is U.S. better known as no evidence that Narcissus. it was observed, as there is in the case of Easter.
GENEVA’S MIDSOMMAR FESTIVAL JUNE 21 – 26
‘Name’s days’ of the Swedish Calendar: May 16 Ronald/Ronny /Kommande två veckors namnsdagar
In New York In Stockholm In Kiruna Lund In Los Angeles
May 15 Sunrise 5.38 a.m. 4.13 a.m. 2.24 a.m. 4.54 a.m. 5.51 a.m.
Sunset 8.06 p.m. 9.15 p.m. 10.46 p.m. 9.12 p.m. 7.49 p.m.
May 17 Rebecka/Ruben May 18 Erik May 19 Maj/Majken May 20 Karolina/Carola May 21 Konstantin/Conny May 22 Hemming/Henning May 23 Desideria/Desirée May 24 Ivan/Vanja May 25 Urban May 26 Vilhelmina/Vilma May 27 Beda/Blenda May 28 Ingeborg/Borghild May 29 Yvonne/Jeanette May 30 Vera/Veronika May 31 Petronella/Pernilla
How Swede it is! Come fest at one of the Best of the West – Swedish Days, Geneva’s Midsommar Festival! The whole family will enjoy fabulous food, carnival rides, live music & entertainment nightly, plus Sweden Väst, our tent that’s everything Swedish. Visit www.genevachamber.com for a complete event schedule, or call us at 630-232-6060. Summer fun doesn’t get any swëder than this!
A picture postcard .
™
630-232-6060 visitgenevaillinois.com
May 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
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Sweden’s National Day celebrations in the U.S. California San Pedro 5 Jun 2016 11:00 AM The Swedish Church & SWEA LA & OC Swedish National Day celebration. Church service & food. More info www.orangecounty.swea.org/ or www.svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles Email: losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se or losangeles@ swea.org or sweaocprogram@gmail.com or call 310-832-6800 or 310-292-7079 San Diego, House of Sweden 6 Jun 2016 5:00 PM SWEA San Diego’s Swedish National Day Celebration. Swedish choir, interesting speakers and fika. More info www.sandiego.swea.org or www.houseofsweden.us or call 619-300-1738 Kingsburg 19 May 2016 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM 20 May 2016 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM 21 May 2016 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM Kingsburg Swedish Festival 50th Celebration. Swedish smorgåsbord and pancake breakfast, Swedish Village with crafts and food, Viking reenactment and parade. More info http://kingsburgswedishfestival.com/ or Email: info@ kingsburgchamber.com or call 559-897-1111 D.C. The Embassy of Sweden will, for natural reasons have some kind of celebration at the DC House of Sweden and the Embassy grounds. Check www.swedenabroad.com/washington or call 202.467.2600
Florida Davie 5 Juni 2016 11:00 AM The Swedish Church’s Swedish National Day Celebration. Church service, Majstång, children’s games, Swedish smorgåsbord. More info www.svenskakyrkan.se/florida Email: florida@ svenskakyrkan.se or call 954-604-0605 Georgia Magnolia Hall, Piedmont Park, Atlanta 6 Jun 2016 6:00 – 9:00 PM Join SACC-Georgia, the Consulate of Sweden in Atlanta and SWEA’s Celebration of Sweden’s National Day. Entertainment, Swedish food and drinks. RSVP 770-670-2480. More info www. sacc-georgia.org or Email: atlanta@consulateofsweden.org or info@sacc-georgia.org Pennsylvania Philadelphia 6 Jun 2016 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Celebrate Sweden’s National Day at ASHM! Free museum admission! Swedish summer desert, Swedish themed children’s crafts and activities And guided tours of the museum. All complimentary. Info: www.americanswedish.org, info@americanswedish.org or 215-389-1776 No celebration listed close to you? For continuous info from all over the U.S., see events at www.nordstjernan.com.
Explore the largest display of Viking treasures ever to visit North America!
64th Annual
Swedish Midsommar Festival June 17-19, 2016
THE THIRD WEEKEND IN JUNE finds Stromsburg welcoming thousands of people to enjoy Swedish culture and hospitality. Stromsburg’s locals become Swedish at heart as they serve their guest. Plan to enjoy Swedish foods, crafts, entertainment plus lots more. Experience the “Swede Capital of Nebraska” and celebrate the return of summer. Children adorned in Swedish costumes will dance around the Maypole as well as perform other Swedish dances. Highlights include the crowning of a new king and queen, free entertainment throughout the weekend, the return of Smorgasbord, a three-day carnival, plus lots more. The Skjaldborg Vikings will be back to reenact life during the Viking-age as they demonstrate weaponry and period costumes.
226 W 44TH STREET DISCOVERYTSX.COM
Nordstjernan, May 15, 2016
Friday, June 17 4:30-7:00 p.m. CHICKEN & PORK CHOP BBQ 5-10 p.m. Taste of Sweden 6:15 p.m. Swedish Dancers 7:30 p.m. Crowning of the King & Queen 8 p.m. Music - “Star Belle Ukulele Band” Saturday, June 18 7 a.m. Swedish Pancakes 8 a.m. 5K-10K-1M, Earl “Helge” Byleen Run/ Walk 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Midsommar Market Arts & Crafts 10 a.m. 1 & 3 p.m. Skjaldborg Viking Reenactment 10:30 a.m. Swedish Tractor Pull 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Taste of Sweden
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. SMORGASBORD Noon-4 p.m. Edgarton Explorit Center from Aurora 6 p.m. Parade “Swedish For A Day” 7:30 p.m. “The Pathfinder”, Men’s Choral Group from Fremont Sunday, June 19 Starting at 7 a.m. Boy Scout breakfast and lunch 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Car, Motorcycle & Tractor Show 3 p.m. - FREE Movie MIDWAY & CARNIVAL ALL THREE DAYS To learn about more events and details, call 402-764-5265 or visit www.theswedishfestival.com
feature. page 13 perspectives.
Olle Wijkström olle.wijkstrom@nordstjernan.com
Världen innehåller åtskilliga busar. Busar som gör tillvaron farlig. Samtidigt vandrar många trohjärtade människor här på jorden. Så är det bara! Särskilt besvärande blir det om de busaktiga elementen skaffar sig ledande positioner. Därför är det extra angeläget att kontrollera halten av hederlighet eller busaktighet på alla som ställer upp till val av höga ämbeten. Mitt förslag är att vi borde införa ett begrepp och en måttstock på hederlighet. Ett sådant mått skulle kunna kallas moralisk specifik vikt. Moralisk specifik vikt kan enligt mitt förslag utgå i skalan 1 till 100. Så högt som till 100 kan då endast nås av genuint hedervärda människor. Som till exempel människor sådana som Mother Theresa eller Nelson Mandela. Långt ner på skalan ligger förstås diverse mördare. Kanske också politiker som Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini och Saddam Husein. Egendomligt nog var dessa personer även betraktade som hjältar i andra sammanhang. Vilken moralisk specifik vikt anser vi våra politiska ledare besitter? Vore det inte också utomordentligt bra att redan nu få reda på den moraliska specifika vikten på kandidaterna till presidentposten i USA, Hillary Clinton och Donald Trump? Helst före valet. Intressant är också att spekulera i den moraliska vikten hos andra stora spelare i världssamfundet. Angela Merkel, Vladimir Putin, Ban ki Moon, Stefan Löfvén och många andra. För att komma fram till förnuftiga värderingar måste vi först givetvis noga ange vad vi lägger in i hög eller låg moralisk specifik vikt. Det räcker inte med att den som mäts är krigisk eller fredlig till sin natur. För att få höga siffror måste vederbörande
Busar & Helgon visa prov på en mängd andra kvaliteter. Ärlighet, ömsinthet, mod, kraft och inte minst strävan att göra tillvaron skön för andra. Det krävs sålunda mycket redan att nå siffror överstigande 75. Förmodligen skall vi vara glada om flertalet av våra nuvarande ledare når dit. Dessutom växlar värderingarna från år till år. Vår svenske kung är ett gott exempel. Ibland blir han hånad för taffliga framträdanden medan han ibland äras för sin rättframhet. Mycket beror givetvis också på vem som mäter. En del av våra nuvarande ledare når höga siffror på hemmaplan. Samtidigt ligger de besvärligt till i andra delar av världen. Ofta i sådana delar som har andra religioner och tänkesätt. Jag skulle inte förvåna mig om t.ex. Putin lyckas redovisa smickrande siffror hemma i Ryssland. Mätningar där pekar i den riktningen. Samtidigt blir han han förmodligen förtvivlad över att bli klassad som brottsling på andra breddgrader. Assad i Syrien sitter ännu kvar som president i sitt land. Framför allt på grund av att en liten del av befolkningen värnar honom. Andra och framför allt alla som flytt landet i skräck hatar honom. I Turkiet anser många turkar att president Erdogan förtjänar ett högt betyg vad gäller moralisk specifik vikt. Klart mer än 80. Många andra förfasas över att han inte längre tolererar att tidningar och press gör narr av honom. Det vittnar inte om storhet att bli sur över elaka skriverier. Det märkliga med den tid vi lever i är att så få av våra ledare får goda siffror. Jag emotser med glädje en förteckning över dem som når 90 eller mer. Ytterst få är allmänt accepterade att stå i det godas tjänst.
“ Olle Wijkströms nyutkomna och rikt illustrerade bok - Min Historia - handlar om hans minnen och möten med alla slags folk från tre kontinenter. Boken innehåller stämningar och möten. Stamhövdingar, presidenter och vanligt folk. Boken kan beställas och betalas via Nordstjernan”
NORDSTJERNAN
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United Swedish Societies, Inc. Presents
76th Annual SWEDEN DAY A NEW YORK “MIDSOMMAR” TRADITION
SATURDAY JUNE 18, 2016 At Manhem Beach Club “The Scandinavian Secret on the Sound!” 658 Clarence Avenue, Throgs Neck Bronx, New York
Park Opens 11 AM
Main Program 2 PM
Honoree of the Year 2016 Wayne Soderlund Rain or Shine — Swedes know how to celebrate in any weather! $10/entrance fee per person. Children under 12 that are accompanied by an adult are free. $1 from gate goes to the Scholarship Fund (T. Edward & Alvalene P Karlsson)
Entertainment featuring: “Smörgåsbandet” and Barnklubben Elsa Rix #1 Outdoor Patio, Swedish Menu, Outdoor Bar & Grill, Kids’ Activities, Traditional Dancing around the Midsummer pole (Majstång)
ht solution for every trip! g i r e Th
Large in-ground pool - Don’t forget your bathing suit!
MISS SWEDEN DAY CONTEST Scholarship Presentations Event information and applications for Miss Sweden Day Contest and Scholarship
415.552.5300 Tone@ScandiaTravelSFO.com www.ScandiaTravelSFO.com
www.SwedenDayNY.com
Throgs Neck Express Bus available from Manhattan Phone Manhem Club – (718) 822-8965 or Phone Sweden Day (516) 565-2091 Email SwedenDay@yahoo.com
May 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
perspectives. page 14
Sveriges kulturradikala experiment Av Claes G. Ryn Som utlandssvensk med djupa rötter i Sverige tänker jag ofta på mitt gamla hemland. Min bild av dagens Sverige bygger på mångåriga iakttagelser och reflektioner. Huvudskälet till att jag här kommer att skriva ner vissa av mina intryck är en allt starkare känsla, att landet har allvarliga problem men att flera av dem egentligen inte diskuteras eller bara berörs ytligt i den tongivande debatten. Ett särskilt betänkligt missförhållande är att debatten blivit orimligt snäv, på något sätt låst sig. Behovet av nya perspektiv och frispråkighet förefaller mig akut. Att svenskar av gammalt är obenägna till mer än marginell självkritik medger även många i Sverige boende svenskar. Jag har under större delen av mitt vuxna liv bott i Washington, D.C., där jag är professor i statskunskap. Eftersom min fru och jag bara har sommarbostad i Sverige, kommer jag att ha mindre att säga om det svenska vardagslivet än om utvecklingens huvuddrag. Hur jag uppfattar Sverige hänger delvis ihop med att jag i min akademiska gärning ägnat mig åt filosofi och idéhistoria såväl som statskunskap i snävare mening. Jag har också stor erfarenhet av andra länder, inklusive särskilt ett utanför västvärlden, Kina. Det borde ha sitt intresse för i Sverige boende svenskar hur en person ser på landet, som är en sorts utomstående men som känner samhörighet med Sverige och svenskarna och har rätt goda kvalifikationer för att göra en bedömning. Syftet med denna artikel är inte att försöka teckna en nyanserad helhetsbild av Sverige. Jag avser att ta upp problem och svagheter, som synes mig iögonenfallande och olycksbådande. Denna betoning av avigsidor kan väcka olust hos läsaren. Jag bör väl också förvarna om att artikelns grundperspektiv av många kommer att uppfattas som ovant och förvånande och att mitt ifrågasättande av i Sverige djupt rotade och förmodat oantastliga synsätt kan utlösa irritation. Låt mig först nämna, att det är motvilligt som jag kommit fram till nedanstående uppfattning om dagens Sverige. Våra i USA uppvuxna barn kan intyga, att jag känner mest beundran för det Sverige jag växte upp i—detta trots att jag redan som ung tyckte mig förstå, att något höll på att gå ordentligt snett. Den motspänstighet mot vissa tidstendenser som jag kände under gymnasietiden i Norrköping bara förstärktes under mina studier i ett intellektuellt snävt Uppsala. Under uppväxttiden tycktes mig likafullt ledande svenskar vara kunniga, duktiga och framåt. De var inte bara driftiga och uppfinningsrika utan var bildade, hade stil, var ansvarskännande och kosmopolitiska. De kunde hävda sig väl i internationell konkurrens. De gav andra svenskar något att se upp till—en uppfattning som jag behållit. Våra barn kan bekräfta, att jag under årens lopp varit benägen att se och uppehålla mig vid det som är mest berömvärt och tilltalande
Nordstjernan, May 15, 2016
i Sverige. Särskilt på senare år har mitt sätt att bedöma svenskars personlighetsdrag rentav fått svenska bekanta att betrakta mig som litet nostalgisk, ja, naiv, när jag sagt något om vad man väl kan vänta sig av svenskar: att de skall vara hederliga, pålitliga, noggranna, anspråkslösa, o.s.v. “Glöm det!”, sa en vän burdust. Jag har fått inse, att det inte minst i ledande kretsar, t.ex. bland politikerna, finns en opportunism, girighet, förljugenhet och lättsinnighet, som inte var tillnärmelsevis lika framträdande i det äldre Sverige. Ännu finns det för mig många och stora glädjeämnen. Som belägg för detta nämner jag, att jag redan längtar tillbaka när sommarvistelserna drar mot sitt slut. Som blott besökare i sommar- och semestersverige kunde man lätt tränga undan mindre behagliga aspekter av samhällslivet. Följer man emellertid media, lyssnar lyhört på vad människor säger och berättar och gör systematiska iakttagelser, får man ett mera varierat och delvis oroväckande intryck.
En kulturradikal epok
Min bild av Sverige skiljer sig inte markant från den jag har av Europa i allmänhet, men den har för Sverige karakteristiska drag. Huvudintrycket är att det ekonomiskt ännu välmående Sverige liksom Europa som helhet befinner sig i en epok av kulturell försvagning och förvirring. Med “kultur” menar jag här inte bara sådant som rör det konstnärliga och intellektuella livet utan ett lands allmänna livs- och tankemiljö, inklusive den politiska. Jag skyndar mig att nämna, att USA tycks mig vara på väg åt ungefär samma håll, även om starka krafter där också motsätter sig utvecklingen. Liksom resten av västvärlden lever Sverige ännu i viss utsträckning på ett mycket gammalt kulturellt kapital, men detta kapital är på upphällningen och ersätts inte av något av jämförbar valör. Jag gör gällande, att Sverige alltmer präglas av ett kulturradikalt experiment. Även om ordet “kulturradikal” länge i allmänt språkbruk betytt ungefär vad jag avser, är det på sin plats, att jag i korthet preciserar vad jag menar. Att vara kulturradikal är att vara fientligt inställd till gamla, djupt rotade synsätt och beteenden. Traditioner måste som allt mänskligt ha brister och smutsfläckar, men för kulturradikalen är det dessa avigsidor som utgör traditionernas själva kärna. I västvärlden riktas olusten specifikt mot de grundantaganden rörande människolivets villkor som har rötter i Aten, Rom och Jerusalem—det klassiska och kristna arvet sådant det utvecklats i samspel med olika länders speciella traditioner. Dess verklighetssyn betonar människonaturens kluvenhet mellan högre och lägre utvecklingsmöjligheter och behovet av inre och yttre daning. Frihet kräver självkontroll och ansvar. I dessa långsamt framvuxna kulturmönster och dithörande bildningssträvanden ser kulturradikalen uttryck för inskränkthet, orättvisa och
allmänt förtryck. Dessa gamla traditioner må kontinuerligt ha vidareutvecklats, förnyats och anpassats till moderna omständigheter, men de anses i grund falska. Kulturradikalismen inspireras i sina olika former ytterst av en dröm av rätt sent historiskt ursprung. Det är drömmen om att göra om jordelivet till något helt annat och ojämförligt bättre än historien känner. För att skapa denna nya tillvaro måste människorna frigöras från historiskt framvuxna institutioner och uppfattningar om moral, politik, sexualitet, tanke, konst, o.s.v. Det som hägrar är ett tillstånd av ohämmad, fördomsfri självutlevelse, frihet av ett tidigare okänt slag. Kulturradikalen anser sina idéer vara oemotsägliga, detta trots att deras självklarhet så länge undgått mänskligheten. Någon “historiens visdom” finns inte. Det gamla är tvärtom det onda. Ordet “radikal” kommer från det latinska radix, som betyder rot. Att vara radikal är att gå till roten och att vilja rycka upp det gamla med rötterna. Traditionella beteenden och synsätt är för radikalen uttryck för intolerans och rigiditet, men han är själv i hög grad intolerant mot traditionellt präglade människor och uppfattningar och rigid i kravet att det gamla skall utrotas. Eftersom det kulturradikala experimentet i Sverige inneburit nedmontering av äldre svensk kultur, ligger det kanske nära till hands att misstänka, att min misstro mot det beror på att det förstör det Sverige som jag växte upp i och som jag råkat fästa mig vid. Jag skulle alltså kunna sitta fast i “mitt” Sverige och ha svårt att uppskatta förändring. Men efter så många år utomlands och så många års forskning och reflektion tror jag mig ha avsevärd kritisk distans till både det äldre och det nya Sverige. Det är på basis av sakskäl som jag hävdar, att kulturradikalismen i väsentliga avseenden sänkt och fortsätter att sänka livskvaliteten i Sverige. Kulturradikalismen har förstås stött på motstånd. Ett lands djupt sittande traditioner kan överleva ganska länge trots bristande syretillförsel. Gamla svenska synsätt och beteenden har bromsat upp och spätt ut radikalismen. På vissa områden, särskilt inom politik och ekonomi i snävare mening, har många satt sig på tvären. De har velat se större utrymme för marknadskrafterna och fritt företagande och propagerat för lägre skatter och färre regler. En sorts uttunnad äldre svenskhet har levt kvar hos stora grupper. När det gäller grundläggande livsåskådningsfrågor, t.ex. innebörden i begrepp som moral, rättvisa, personligt ansvar, kärlek, sanning och skönhet, har de emellertid varit bortkomna, saknat djupare intresse, kunskaper och övertygelse. På dessa fält har tanke- och fantasibrist fått dem att retirera på bred front och att tillägna sig mer och mer av kulturradikalismens synsätt.
Den nya svenska regimen
Mycket i Sverige är förstås bättre än i min ungdom. Liksom andra folk i västvärlden åtnjuter svenskarna bättre hälsa, hygien,
Denna artikel publicerades först i Tidskriften Heimdal i slutet av februari, 2016. Heimdal är Sveriges äldsta och största studentförening, som, belägen i Uppsala, just i år friar 125-årsjubileum. Föreningen verkar enligt dess stadgar för “främjandet av en reformvänlig konservatism. Föreningens motto Tradere et resistere – föra vidare och stå emot – syftar till att en god politik såväl förvaltar som utvecklar, men också ifrågasätter och gör motstånd mot slentrianmässig och osund radikalitet.” Mer information: www.heimdal.nu
ekonomi, bostäder och arbetsmiljö. Jag pekar gärna på allt uteätande och den jättelika, varierade restaurangbranschen, även om detta fenomen också speglar något betänkligt, hemmens minskade roll som samlingspunkt. De flesta har också råd att resa i världen, om så utan all djupare kunskap om andra länder och kulturer. När det dock gäller sådant som är utslagsgivande för ett lands framtid—de influenser och institutioner som formar människornas grundläggande livshållning, deras framtidsdrömmar och farhågor—tycker jag mig kunna konstatera en markant radikalisering och förflackning. Mycket av det som skrivs och sägs om skolorna i jämförelse med den gamla s.k. “elit”- och “kunskapsskolan” är nedslående, ibland rentav svårt att tro på. Det handlar om allt från låga krav, disciplinsvårigheter, flum och rörighet till brist på lärare och lärarkompetens. Men dessa rapporter strömmar in från alla håll, inte minst från forskare. Den svenska skolan, som en gång låg i världstopp, placeras numera i internationella jämförelser närmast på u-landsnivå. Forskare som kunnigt, mer än anekdotiskt, kan jämföra med en äldre tid hävdar, att många av dem som gick ut den gamla folkskolan på femtiotalet nog var minst lika väl rustade för livet som många av nutidens “studenter”. Och de som nu studerar vid universitet och högskolor, t.ex. blivande civilingenjörer och läkare, behöver skaffa sig för äldre generationer elementära och självklara kunskaper innan de studerar vidare. På många håll har man helt sonika drastiskt sänkt kraven. Utexaminerade lärare i språk kan inte stort mer än en äldre tids gymnasister. Förmågan att skriva svenska och behärska ordförrådet har kraftigt försämrats. Inget språk står stilla—det lever—men det kan röra sig mot större eller mindre uttrycksförmåga, större eller mindre subtilitet. Jag har kunnat konstatera, att svenskan förlorat mycket av en tidigare självständighet och pregnans och blivit slapp och vårdslös. Jag kan föreställa mig hur svensklärarna låter i klassrummet. Hur många svenskar läser liksom massor av svenskar i min ungdom sådant som förtjänar att kallas litteratur? Att tidningarna blivit tabloider och bara innehåller kortisar om ditt och datt är bara ett bland många exempel på att svenskarna liksom andra västerländska folk tycks vara på väg att tappa förmågan och viljan att tillägna sig mera krävande sammanhang och resonemang. TV och sociala media tycks räcka för de flesta. Jämför denna förflackning med den äldre svenska kulturmiljö som
perspectives. page 15
Om författaren:
Claes G. Ryn är professor i statskunskap och f.d. institutionschef vid The Catholic University of America i Washington, D.C. (dock inte konvertit). Han har också undervisat på Georgetown University och University of Virgina. Bland hans många böcker märks Democracy and the ethical life; Will, imagination and reason; America the virtuous; A common human ground; och romanen A desperate man. 2000 inbjöds han av Pekinguniversitetet att hålla the Distinguished Foreign Scholar Lectures. Denna föreläsningsserie utgavs i bokform av samma universitet. Tre av hans böcker har utkommit i kinesisk översättning. Ryn fick 2012 en hedersprofessur vid Beijing Normal University i Peking. Han besöker ofta Kina. Ryn är i USA ordförande för National Humanities Institute och redaktör för den tvärvetenskapliga tidskriften Humanitas. Ryn var i ungdomen doktorand i Uppsala men disputerade i USA. Han medverkar då och då i svenska media. Han är hedersledamot i Föreningen Heimdal. hos breda folklager närde en stark vilja till förkovran och självförbättring. Särskilt talande belägg för detta var tillkomsten av de gamla folkhögskolorna och, i början på förra seklet, Arbetarnas Bildningsförbund, ABF. Svenskans förslappning bara exemplifierar effekterna av den kulturradikala anda som i årtionden genomsyrat samhällsmiljön. Dessa attityder och värderingar har dominerat på universitet, skolor, kultursidor och teatrar, i TV, radio och tidningar och har invaderat politiken. De har utgjort stommen i det nya svenska konsensus till vilket även förment borgerliga eller “konservativa” skribenter och politiker med tiden måst anpassa sig för att få tillträde till den mera synliga offentliga debatten. Detta konsensus definieras, bärs upp och förmedlas av ett vittförgrenat nätverk av personer och institutioner från politik, myndigheter och skolor till media, förlag, teatrar och underhållning. Denna elit har makt inte främst i snävt politisk mening utan därför att den kan prägla den anda och verklighetssyn som styr den långsiktiga samhällsutvecklingen. Jag har letat efter en term som beskriver detta samspel, denna symbios, mellan vilje-, fantasi- och tankeliv, opinionsbildning och regeringsmakt och stannar för termen “den svenska regimen”. Ordet “regim” ges här en äldre och bredare, mera aristotelisk, innebörd än som är vanligt i dagens svenska språkbruk. Den svenska regimens makt ligger mindre i rent politiskt inflytande än i förmågan att definiera hur människor skall uppfatta och närma sig livet. Att klart, utan inställsamhet, ta avstånd från regimens grundantaganden innebär sedan länge utestängning från den egentliga opinionsbildningen och annat inflytande. Finns det något land i västvärlden som i livsåskådningsfrågor mera fullständigt anammat kulturradikalismens perspektiv, smak och intressen än Sverige? En ny syn på uppfostran och samlevnad, inklusive sexualmoral, har gjort sig bred. Inte minst hos människor som anser sig vara borgerliga finner man förhållningssätt som så sent som på 1950- och 60-talen skulle ha ansetts extrema. Den tidens kommunister var i vissa avseenden avsevärt mindre radikala. Betecknande för denna samhällsomvandling är att “borgerliga” svenskar så lätt inordnat sig i den av regimen anbefallna livssynen och att de t.o.m. hjälper till att isolera och utestänga personer, som anmäler en avvikande uppfattning. De “borgerliga” är inte längre borgerliga i någon rimlig mening. De bara bor och lever litet bättre än andra. Så länge samhällsekonomin går någorlunda,
inkomsterna är bra och skatterna hålls nere ser de ingen större anledning att klaga.
En omvälvning
Detta “avborgligande” tar sig många olika uttryck. För inte så många decennier sedan ansågs det viktigt, att alla människor skulle bidra till tillvarons förhöjande genom sättet att bete och klä sig. Man skulle visa respekt för andra och för det man hade gemensamt. Det ansågs självklart, att man visade sig från sin bästa sida i fråga om hövlighet och klädsel när man rörde sig ute bland folk, t.ex. på stan, på jobbet, på resa, hos doktorn, på konsert, på museum, på bio eller i skolan och under besök hos vänner och bekanta. Folk på TV var prydliga och talade vårdad svenska. Att det här skett en omvälvning är uppenbart. Det anses numera acceptabelt att se ut praktiskt taget hur som helst var som helst och när som helst. På TV får man gärna se ut som en uteliggare—Leif G.W. Persson är bara ett exempel—och det språk som talas är ofta inte bara ovårdat utan smaklöst. Svordomarna yr. Det är coolt att bryta mot en äldre tids konvenans. En del gammaldags människor tycker väl, att det här gått litet för långt, men det tycks inte falla dem in, att denna kvalitetssänkning är symtomatisk för en genomgripande kulturell förändring. Och är det inte rätt skönt att slippa leva upp till alla de där gamla sociala förväntningarna? Visst är det väl nu mera “bekvämt”. Och visst var det väl ganska krystat och konstlat förr. Den s.k. borgerligheten har med andra ord gjort kulturradikalismens synsätt till sitt eget och avskaffat sig själv. Den svenska kulturmiljön i snävare mening—teater, konst, film, TV-program, underhållning, böcker, musik, m.m.—är inte entydig, men inslaget av smaklöshet, råhet, billighet, irrationalitet, våldspornografi och annan pornografi är så framträdande, att de flesta människor varken väntar eller önskar sig något annat: det är väl så här det är och skall vara. Hur är det då med det som brukade kallas “högre värden” och “andliga frågor”? Dessa termer klingar numera ganska falskt eller ihåligt och påminner mest om en svunnen tid. I den mån sådana termer alls används utan nedlåtenhet eller spydighet i den offentliga diskussionen, får de t.ex. i korta “andliga” radioinslag tjäna som beteckning för någon politiskt korrekt sensibilitet, kanske en speciellt stark omtanke om miljön eller en speciellt
intensiv önskan om “social rättvisa”. Sådana stämningar är ju så nobla, att de väl kan sägas ha “andlig” dignitet. Men den svenska kyrkan då? Där lever väl i alla fall äldre begrepp om en högre verklighet kvar, där finns väl något av den sorts djupare allvar som kännetecknade kyrkans grundare? På sina håll är det säkert så. Det är annars inte så mycket mer än byggnaderna och prästernas kläder som påminner om den historiska kristendomen. I den mån olika nyordningar avskaffat släpigheten och den stelbenta högtidligheten i min ungdoms svenska kyrka borde något vara vunnet, men det nya kyrkospråket, inklusive den senaste bibelöversättningen och prästernas attityder och manér, bidrar inte stort till intrycket, att en “gudstjänst” skulle vara något speciellt. Samtidigt har kyrkan fjärmat sig från den gamla kristendomens syn, att människonaturen är kroniskt kluven mellan gott och ont, att synden är en realitet och att personlig botgörelse är av nöden. Lika otidsenlig förefaller den gamla tanken, att kyrkan ofrånkomligen står i ett spänningsförhållande till “världen”. Delvis genom regimens och politikernas tryck, delvis genom inifrån kommande nytänkande har den svenska kyrkan tillägnat sig alltmer av världens modeåsikter, så att den numera i betydande utsträckning ger en sorts religiös sanktion åt den politiska korrektheten, t.ex. i idén om enkönade äktenskap. Med eller mot kyrkans önskan står prästerna, läran och liturgin till stor del under den svenska regimens överinseende. På sommaren 2014 råkade jag vid ett besök i Stockholms centrum hamna nästan mitt i gayparaden, första gången jag varit med om något liknande. Det är svårt att föreställa sig något mera smaklöst och fräckt provocerande. Karl Gerhard skulle ha blivit mycket illa berörd. Om heterosexuella hade betett sig lika vulgärt och utmanande, skulle det för inte så länge sedan ha ansetts gravt “förargelseväckande”, och polisen skulle ha ingripit. Numera kanske polisen inte förväntas beivra sådant beteende ens hos heterosexuella. Svenskarna har kanske satt sig över ett så förlegat begrepp som “förargelseväckande”, åtminstone i den mån det stötande beteendet hånar traditionella värderingar.
ga”, ansåg väl detta vara helt OK. Kanske tyckte de, att Reinfeldt var “modig”. Men vad kunde vara mindre modigt än medlöperi med den kulturradikala tidsandan? Så inhöstar man ju regimens stöd och applåder. Mod är vad de svenskar skulle behöva som vill kritisera ett sådant förakt för smak och god sed. Men skulle de framföra sådan kritik, funnes det väl för en gångs skull skäl att tala om förargelseväckande beteende. Ingen bild kan bättre illustrera Sveriges nästan villkorslösa kapitulation inför kulturradikalismen än statsminister Reinfeldt med sin lilla vimpel. Äldre generationers historiskt kunniga svenskar kände väl till vad som kallades “dekadensen” i nedgångens Rom, men hur många i dag kan dra historiska paralleller? Och vem skulle komma att tänka på likheten mellan dagens kulturradikalism och Platons beskrivning av det upp- och nedvändande av traditionella värderingar, som han anser utmärka demokratins slutskede och förebåda tyranniet? På grund av historielöshet och allmän brist på bildning inser folk i allmänhet inte i vilken utsträckning som de förkastat den sorts människo- och samhällssyn och de beteendemönster som möjliggjorde tillkomsten och vidareutvecklingen av den västerländska civilisationen, inklusive de ur denna framsprungna friheter som dagens människor tar för givna men inte länger underbygger. Fortsättning följer i No. 10
Professor Ryns inslag fortsätter i vår nästa utgåva, med avsnitt om - Nufixering och verklighetsflykt - Moral eller självbedrägeri? - Aningslöshet och tankeförbud - Då och nu: en summering - En väg framåt. För den som inte har tålamod vänta finns den att läsa i sin helhet, dels på heimdal.nu, dels på Nordstjernan’s websida under blog/ guest: www.nordstjernan.com/blog/6/
I spetsen för gayparadens orgie i smaklöshet gick Sveriges dåvarande “borgerliga” statsminister och viftade med en liten regnbågsvimpel. Många, inte minst s.k. “borgerliMay 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
local events. page 16
lCalifornia More events and list your own, at www.nordstjernan.com-EVENTS
05.19.2016 01:00 PM - 05.22.2016 04:00 PM The 50th Annual Kingsburg Swedish Festival! The ultimate Scandinavian vacation on the third weekend in May invites everyone to experience and taste the rich culture of Sweden in Kingsburg. This event is filled with entertainment, food and fun. It all begins on Friday night with a Swedish smörgåsbord. Start your Saturday morning with a traditional Svenska Pancake Breakfast, a parade and Viking Battle Reenactment @ Memorial Park. See more of the Swedish culture in the Swedish Cultural Village on Draper Street and discover many food, craft booths and entertainment. . Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce. (559) 897-1111. www. kingsburgswedishfestival.com
l Connecticut
04.30.2016 08:00 PM - 12:00 AM Valborg at Vasa Park District CT # 1 Vasa Order of America celebrates a Valborg/Walpurgis Pork Roast Dinner will be held on Saturday April 30, 2016 at Vasa Park 358 Main Street South Meriden CT Norden Lodge # 1 will host. $15.00 per person. Please contact Linda Steinmiller 860-563-0040 or steinmillerl@gmail.com District CT # 1 Vasa Order of America. 860.563.0040
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
lGeorgia 05.22.2016 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM Vasa Drängar 20th Anniversary Concert Atlanta’s Vasa Drängar will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a concert at Winters Chapel United Methodist Church. They will perform à cappella as well as with an ensemble from Atlanta Balalaika Society and pianist Gabe Granitz. A special guest is coming from the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm, Sweden - tenor Niklas Björling Rygert, who since 1999 sings with the permanent soloist’s ensemble at this opera house. Vasa Drängar, Swedish Men’s Choir. www.vasadrangar.org
l Illinois
05.12.2016 06:00 PM - 05.12.2016 08:00 PM Prohibition: “City of Big Drinkers” Even today, Chicago is known worldwide for being the home of gangsters like Al Capone and the speakeasies they ran during the “Roaring Twenties.” But long before then and in the chaotic years leading up to Prohibition’s repeal in 1933, Chicago was also one of the great battlegrounds in the temperance wars that swept the country and polarized American society after the Civil War. What role did the city’s Swedish-American community and other Scandinavian immigrant groups play in this fascinating story? This presentation will examine what alcoholic beverages meant to these immigrants and their sense of identity as they fought to make places for themselves and their Old World
traditions in a new country. This lecture will be followed by a sip and see at Simon’s Tavern — enjoy a drink at the bar and then head down in small groups to Clark Street’s own speakeasy on a tour given by Simon’s owner Scott Martin. A suggested donation of $10 is requested to participate in this program. The lecture is open to all ages, but guests at Simon’s Tavern must be 21 years of age or older. www.swedishamericanmuseum.org |773-728-8111
the Swedish church, New York in April. Swedish Church, New York] 5 East 48th Street. For more info, see www.karinlithell.se
05.15.2016 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM Chicago Swedish Male Chorus Concert presents a concert of songs in English and Swedish. www. swedishamericanmuseum.org |773-728-8111
Our Kubb season is starting at Charleston Kubb Club! Every Saturday from 11:00am to 12 noon. This is a free, family event. Rain date pending. Our kick off event is May 21, 2016 at 11:00 am. 843.324.8076|Find us on Facebook!
06.05.2016 04:30 PM - 06.05.2016 06:30 PM Spring Flies! with the Merula Choir Come join the singers of the Merula choir for Våren Flyr! Merula’s spring concert musically maps the journey of Syrian refugees as they flee their homeland in search of a better future in Sweden. Through interlacing folk songs, hymns, poetry and stories from nine different countries, Merula will open a tiny window into the world Syrian refugees experience on their journey. The concert includes Swedish spring songs, such as “Nu Grönskar Det” and “Men Liljorna De Växa Upp på Våren,” and compositions by J.S. Bach, Lina Sandell, Igor Stravinsky, Clint Needham and others. 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 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
l New York
Through April – Oil paintings, prints and mixed media by Karin Lithell at the Swedish Church, NYC. The exhibition ‘Home Sweet Home’ will be on display at
Välkommen till
Söndag 5 juni
Nationaldagsfirande öndag 12 juni kl 11.00
Svensk Högmässa
i Norska Sjömanskyrkan; Gudstjänstkören sjunger under ledning av Karin Bengmark.
Church of Sweden at Norwegian Seamen’s Church 2454 Hyde Street, San Francisco • Tel: 415-632-8504 Mer information: www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco
5 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017 Tel: +1 (212) 832-8443
www.svenskakyrkan.se/newyork
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l South Carolina
06.04.2016 04:00 PM - 06.04.2016 08:00 PM Midsommar Come and join us for our Midsommar celebration. Meet fun people and enjoy a wonderful tradition. Nordic Club. 843-3248076. wcui2@aol.com.
l Washington
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. www. nordicmuseum.org | 206.789.5707
l Wisconsin
05.14.2016 01:30 PM - 05.14.2016 04:00 PM Travel in Sweden When early immigrants from Sweden arrived in Wisconsin, there was seldom hope of returning to the country of their birth for a visit. In today’s world, Sweden is just hours away. Whether it is a trip you are planning or just an armchair dream expedition, join the Swedish American Historical Society of WI, Inc. as we explore Travel in Sweden today. Sometimes it’s a trip to visit family we’ve never met, or maybe to better understand what our ancestors left behind. Two of our members will tell us about their recent trips to the country of their heritage and we’ll see a video or two about Travel in Sweden. If you have been there, tell us your favorite experience or a favorite place of your trip. If you have pictures or an album of your trip, or a special souvenir you would like to share, bring it along. We’ll have a “visit and view table” and time before our coffee hour for you to share. Bring your travel questions; perhaps one of our members may have an answer for you. Redemption Lutheran Church is at 4057 N. Mayfair Rd. (Hwy.100, just north of Capitol Dr.) in Wauwatosa, WI. Everyone is welcome. . Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin, Inc.414-352-7890|swedishamericanhistoricalw isc@gmail.com. www.sahswi.org 05.19.2016 06:30 PM - 05.19.2016 08:30 PM Swedish author visit by Katarina Bivald who will present her book “The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend.” Socialize afterwards at the Pizza Man, 2597 N. Downer Ave. Katarina Bivald lives outside Stockholm, Sweden.This is her first novel, originally published in 2013 with the Swedish title Läsarna i Broken Wheel rekommenderar. Swedish Consulate in Milwaukee, 825 North Jefferson Street, Suite 300: 414-291-7835. www.boswellbooks.com/upcoming-events
Norska Sjömanskyrkan; Mer information se Generalkonsulatets hemsida.
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04.26.2016 07:00 AM - 05.17.2016 02:00 PM Nature Photography by Swedish Artist Tony Svensson, the Swedish photographer behind Artura Photo Art. www.agora-gallery.com| 212226-4151
@sk.ny Svenska kyrkan i New York TORSDAG
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local events. page 17
Swedish Artist Reuterswärd Nordic House
The creator of the iconic sculpture of a revolver with a knotted barrel displayed outside the UN headquarters in New York has died.
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Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, best known for his bronze sculpture of a revolver with a knotted barrel, died on May 3. He was 81 and living in Landskrona, Sweden. The artist studied with Fernand Léger in Paris, was a professor of painting at The Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm, a guest professor at the Minneapolis School of Art, and for many years he lived and worked
in Lausanne, Switzerland while his work was exhibited around the world. After a stroke in 1989 he was wheelchair-bound but began working with his left hand. He also published several collections of poetry and nonsense verse as well as his memoirs, a book titled “Look, I am invisible.” It was after the 1980 assassination of his friend and peace activist John Lennon that he created the famous oversized bronze
Colt Magnum .357 with the knotted barrel as a symbol of peace in memory of the former Beatle. Entitled “Non Violence,” the original sculpture stands outside the UN headquarters in New York and has inspired at least 30 copies in locations around the world. Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary General and Nobel Peace Laureate, said at the time: “The sculpture Non-Violence has not only endowed the United Nations with a cherished work of art, but it has also enriched the consciousness of humanity with a powerful symbol that encapsulates, in a few simple curves, the greatest prayer of man: that which asks not for victory, but for peace.”
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May 15, 2016 Nordstjernan
sports. page 18
Photo: Joel Marklund-Bildbyrån
Frölunda wins SHL title
Johan Gustafsson stos a shot during the final of the Swedish Hockey Leeague. RIGHT: Arturri Lekhonen kisses the LeMat Trophy during a victory celebration April 25 in Göteborg. (Photo: Michael Erichsen-Bildbyrån)
Chipp Reid, Sports Editor chipp@nordstjernan.com
Frölunda Hockey is finally back where it always wants to be. After finishing in second place in the regular season, the Indians proved unstoppable in the playoffs, completing their march to the Le Mat Trophy with a 4-1 series win over Skellefteå in the finals of the Swedish Hockey League. Frölunda wrapped up its fourth Swedish title on April 24 with a 5-3 win over Skellefteå, the team that just pipped them for the regular season title. “It went in waves but we found a way to win,” said team captain Joel Lundqvist. “It is as it was throughout the year when it is needed, we are best. We knew last fall that we had something special. We have the breadth and the squad. It’s just to thank the management that built the squad. It was a while ago there was gold so it’s really nice to feel the feeling again.” The Indians proved in all three of their finals series that they were going to give whatever it took to win the double of the Champions Hockey League and SHL. Frölunda excelled at the “little things” throughout the playoffs, grinding along the boards, blocking shots and back-checking. It also had a high-scoring American leading the way.
Nordstjernan, May 15, 2016
Ryan Lasch, a 2012 draft pick of the Anaheim Ducks, led Frölunda and all scorers in the playoffs with 19 points on 8 goals and 11 assists. Lasch, a former top scorer in the Finnish League and a veteran of both the American Hockey League and the East Coast Hockey League, blossomed as one of the top players in the SHL this season. He led the league in scoring during the regular season as he averaged a point per game in the 51 games he played, scoring 15 goals and racking up 36 assists. He remained hot throughout the playoffs and turned his linemate, 20-year-old Finn Artturi Lehkonen, into a scoring machine. Lekhonen also amassed 19 points in the playoffs, scoring 11 goals and 8 assists. Lasch assisted on eight of the Finn’s goals. “It’s incredible what efficiency we have,” said Frölunda head coach Roger Rönnberg. “And we have match winners who step forward when needed.” After splitting the first two games in the playoffs, the Indians used their defense to smother Skellefteå, notching a 3-1 win in Game 3 behind goals from Lekhonen and American winger Joel Crabb. Indians goalie Johan Gustafsson, who stepped in for injured No. 1 net minder Lars Johansson after Johansson suffered a concussion in the semifinal series against Luleå, stopped 29 of 30 shots for the win.
Game 4 was tighter, as Skellefteå played desperately to avoid a 3-1 hole. The Indians fell behind 1-0 then took a 2-1 lead on goals by Lasch and Johan Sundström (from a Lasch assist). SAIK tied the game late the in second period before Elias Faith scored an unassisted goal at 8:35 of the third period. Gustafsson made the goal standup, turning aside 11 third-period shots. Game 5 was a case of both teams playing with desperation — Skellefteå to stay alive and Frölunda to clinch its fourth Swedish title. The combination of Lasch and Lekhonen, however, was more than Skellefteå could handle, Lasch set up the Finn for a pair of first-period goals. Skellefteå fought back in the second, twice cutting the lead to two goals, but Lasch tallied at 11:46 of the second to restore the three-goal cushion and the Indians began to celebrate. The title is the fourth overall for Frölunda and its first since 2005.
Two Swedes crack NFL ranks
A pair of linemen received invitations to attend NFL training camps, offring them the chance to be the first Swedish field players in NFL history. David Hedelin, a 6-foot-4-inch, 298-pound offensive tackle, played 20 games for Purdue before agreeing to a deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Hedelin took a circuitous route to the NFL. A junior college transfer, he played for Purdue for only two years, but he was a 4-star recruit. He had to sit out the first few games of his junior season due to an NCAA suspension for playing for a European team. Then he missed the final two games of 2015 due to a concussion. He still impressed the Cowboys’ scouts to merit a contract. Sebastian Johansson, a 6-foot-5-inch, 277-pound offensive guard out of Marshall University, signed a contract with the San Diego Chargers. He played in 12 games for the Thunderig Herd in 2015, notching 36 knockdowns in 773 snaps. Undrafted free agents usually are long shots to make the first team. The Swedes, however, could either buck the odds or get assigned to either the reserve team or the practice team.
Explore Europe in your new volvo THE ALL- NEW VOLVO XC90
When you pick up the Volvo of your dreams in Sweden, you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime. The roads of Europe beckon and you’re free to discover anything from breathtaking natural beauty and historic heritage, to fabulous shopping and vibrant cities. And best of all: the Volvo Overseas Delivery Program takes care of everything. There are savings off your U.S. MSRP, complimentary round trip tickets for two, European car insurance and registration as well as home shipment services, all included. Order your new Volvo from your local dealer and pick it up at the home of Volvo in Sweden – or anywhere else in Europe. Then experience the continent at your own pace, in your own personalized car and on a dream vacation in first class. And back home, you’ll enjoy your Volvo as the ultimate souvenir of Scandinavian luxury.
VISIT WWW.VOLVOCARS.US/MYBAGSAREPACKED OR JOIN US ON FACEBOOK .COM/VOLVOOVERSEASDELIVERY
THE NEW VOLVO V60 CROSS COUNTRY
VOLVO OVERSEAS DELIVERY Visit your Volvo retailer and ask about the Volvo Overseas Delivery program or call (800)631-1667.
ARTISTRY & PATTERNS
Artistry and the joy of color were the keywords when I created this year’s saucy May collection, which offers a surprising and creative burst of patterns! You’ll find some real Gudrun favorites like the artist’s blouse and the double dress, as well as easy to wear pieces that are asymmetrically and innovatively cut. Of course you’ll also find our classic stripe, but in a new edition. Happy spring!
CERISE RED
Shop direct
www.gudrunsjoden.com Welcome to our flagship store: 50 Greene Street in Soho, New York Visit our webshop or call toll free 1-877-574-1486 | Free catalog, free shipping, fast delivery and 30 days return policy.
Stockholm | Est. 1976
Colorful “Moa-Li” dress, $98, over chevron patterned “Twigg” pants, $78